If you are looking for the beginning of the study for Tales of the Greek Heroes then you can go HERE for a brief introduction. At the bottom of the introduction you will find the links to each section of the study guide as it becomes available. Enjoy!
Grammar Questions: (The Information of the Text)
From what age of man did the Ethiopians come? (pg. 45-46)
What does Zeus propose to Hermes that they should do? (pg. 46)
Of what great evil is the king of Arcadia, Lycaon, guilty? (pg. 47)
What punishment does Lycaon receive for his wickedness? (pg. 48)
What kind of welcome do Zeus and Hermes receive from the elderly couple? (pg. 49)
What reward does the couple receive for their kindness and virtuous living? (pg. 50-51)
Zeus decided not to completely destroy man but to mostly destroy man. What does he use to bring about this destruction? (pg. 52-53)
How is the population of mankind restored afterwards? (pg. 53)
How did some people survive the calamity even though they weren’t with Deucalion and Pyrrha? (pg. 54)
From whence did the “Heroes” come? (pg. 54)
What mistake did Zeus make? (pg. 55)
Logic Questions: (The Interpretation/Comparison of the Text)
Situational irony involves the reversal of expectations in a story. How do we see situational irony in this story?
If we were to charge Zeus with hypocrisy in this story under what basis might we do this?
Why are the people in the “Age of Heroes” stronger and more beautiful than in past ages? (pg. 54)
In this story Zeus brings about things he does not intend by commanding the Earth to “Bring forth Animals!” (pg. 55) What does this tell us about Zeus?
Rhetoric Questions: (The Analysis of Ideas in the Text)
How should we think about ancient texts which record stories with notable similarities to those found in Scripture? Should this be an occasion which causes us trouble or increases our faith? Explain your answer with reason.
How important are the concepts of virtue and vice in this story? What is the consequence of each?
Theological Analysis: (Sola Scriptura)
Read Genesis 6:5-8 and then also Genesis 11:1-9. What are some similarities and differences between these passages and the current story of Zeus and Hermes? What is different?
Read Genesis 18:22-33. How might we relate this interaction between Abraham and Yahweh to the discussion between Zeus and Hermes about whether or not to destroy mankind?
After departing from King Lycaon Zeus is ready to destroy humanity but Hermes pleads with him to “Remember your promise.” (pg. 48) Read Exodus 32:11-14. Compare and contrast these two texts.
Consider the flood story involving Deucalion and Pyrrha on pages 51-53. How is this similar to, and different from, the true account of the flood in Genesis 6-9?
Virtues/Vices/Great Ideas: (Find them in the Text)
Deevolution, Resurrection, Appearance vs. Reality, Hospitality, Transformation, Love