Classical

Mythology
Common Literary Allusions
Question we will answer today:

What are
What What are
some common
is classical literary
classical
mythology? allusions?
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-references 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.
 Scylla and Charybdis
The Greek myth of Scylla and Charybdis is related to the journey of Odysseus.
While trying to sail home, Odysseus had to choose which trial to face. Scylla
was a sea monster with multiple heads who would eat whatever crossed her
path. Charybdis was a creature that created a whirlpool that would sink any
ship that tried to sail through it.

The meaning behind "caught between

Scylla and Charybdis" is alluding to
choosing between two bad options. It is
similar to the statement, "Stuck between a
rock and a hard place."
 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.