Classical

Mythology
Common Literary Allusions
 Question we will answer today:

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some common
is classical literary
classical allusions?
mythology? allusions?
 classical Mythology
Classical mythology refers specifically to myths from ancient Greece and Rome.
The myths center around many gods and goddesses interacting with mortals.
Some of the topics explored are abstract concepts (love, war, wisdom) as well as
natural forces (lighting, floods, volcanic eruptions). These stories entertained
Greeks and Romans and taught them about the human experience.

Although we will be focusing on classical mythology today, there are myths from
all around the world. Ancient Egyptian, Norse, Hindu, African, Japanese, and
Native American cultures have their own rich traditions including myths.
 Literary Allusions
and Classical Mythology
Literary allusions are references to other well-known works.
Allusions can be references to plots, characters, or symbols.
Authors use allusions to create depth to their writing and
connect their writing to a larger literary tradition.

Classical mythology is commonly referenced in western literature. Because of this, it is

important for readers to have general knowledge about these myths to recognize their
cultural significance and better understand an author's meaning.
 Commonly-referenced Myths
Achilles Heel Odyssey

Cupid Pandora's Box

Hercules Prometheus

Midas Touch Scylla and Charybdis

Nemesis Trojan Horse

 Achilles Heel
In this Greek myth, Achilles received a prophecy that he would
become the best warrior but die young. After hearing this, his
mother, Thetis, dipped him in the River Styx to make his body
invulnerable. She held him by the heel, making that the only part of
his body not protected. A During the Trojan War, Achilles did
become one of the strongest and most-feared warriors, but he was
hit by a poisoned arrow in the heel and died.

The meaning of this myth shows that everyone has a vulnerability,

even if it does not seem like it. To say someone has an Achilles heel
means they have a flaw or weakness that could bring about their
downfall.
 Cupid
In Roman mythology, Cupid is the god of love and desire. When
people are hit by his arrow, it causes them to fall deeply in love. Cupid
is often referenced on Valentine's Day and is called Eros in Greek
mythology.

When someone is called Cupid that means they are a messenger of love
or a matchmaker. If someone is said to be a victim of Cupid, that
means they are helplessly in love with someone.
 Hercules
Hercules is the Roman version of Heracles. Hercules is the more
commonly-known name. He was the son of Zeus and a mortal
woman. He is known for his god-like strength, although he was
not one. He also completed twelve tasks called the Labors of
Heracles.

Often references to Hercules are to comment on someone

completing a task that is difficult or seems to exceed human
capabilities, sometimes called a "Herculean" effort or
accomplishment.
 Midas Touch
In Greek mythology, King Midas was granted a wish by Dionysus. Midas
wished that everything he touched turned to gold. He soon realized that he
could no longer eat or drink. He could not even hug his daughter without her
turning to gold. King Midas asked to get rid of the golden touch and was
instructed to wash away in the river Pactolus, which he did.

Although the story is a lesson about greed, having the Midas touch typically
implies the person has an ability to succeed in everything they attempt.
 Nemesis
In Greek mythology, Nemesis was the goddess of retribution and
justice. She was responsible for creating balance by inflicting loss
and tragedy for those committing acts of hubris or other sins. Visits
from Nemesis were feared because it meant retribution was on the
way.

Now, the term nemesis means enemy or long-

standing rival. Although this is not quite
connected to balance or justice, it still creates a
similar dread that one may have about seeing their
enemy.
 Odyssey
Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey" is where this term originates. The
poem is the story of a hero, Odysseus, trying to return home after the
Trojan War. Throughout his nine-year journey home, he faces many
trials and dangers along the way.

The term odyssey now means a long, adventurous journey. It can be a

literal journey or a metaphorical one.
 Pandora's Box
Pandora is from Greek mythology. She was made by Zeus to be a wife for Epimethius.
Zeus presented Pandora with a sealed box and told her not to open it. Pandora did not
realize that Zeus had filled the box with curses that would harm mankind once freed.
When Pandora opened the box, she unleashed death, illness, and other evils.

Allusions to Pandora's box relates to inviting unforeseen

trouble. It can also be a comment on the dangers of curiosity or
a curse disguised as a gift.
 Prometheus
Prometheus is one of the most notable names from Greek mythology. He stole fire from the gods
and gave it to humans, leading to civilization. This angered Zeus, who punished Prometheus with
eternal torture.

Some myths credit Prometheus for creating mankind with clay.

Both of these stories relate to humanity and their striving for
knowledge and progress. Allusions to Prometheus often
highlight the consequence of creation and progress.
 Classical
Mythology
Common Literary Allusions
 Trojan Horse
During the Trojan War, Odysseus devised a plan to build a
wooden horse and hide the best warriors inside. The
Trojans were tricked into thinking it was a gift and wheeled
it into their city. The Greeks broke out of the horse,
destroyed the city, and won the war.

Allusions to the Trojan horse often implies a trick or trap

created by an enemy.
Understanding allusions to classical
myths will help you analyze
literature in a more in-depth way as
well as provide you with cultural
literary that can be applied many
different situations and disciplines.
 Works Cited
Hesiod. Theogony. Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; New York :Oxford

University Press, 1988.

Homer. The Iliad & The Odyssey. Translated by Samuel Butler,

Fingerprint! Publishing Classics, 2018.