CLAA06H3 Chapter 16: Chapter 16 (Theseus, Myths of Athens)
Document Summary
Theseus, myths of athens: latecomer, myths are confused and pale, theseus becomes their hero almost artificially. Cerops, erichthonius and the daughters of cecrops: three different versions of the origins of the athenians: Descended from athena (?) Autochthonous (from the earth itself) Philomela: and two sons. In revenge, they kill itys and serve him to tereus. In the end, they all turn into birds: fig. Philomela, procn and itys. The labors of theseus: fig. Theseus and the bull of marathon. Aegeus greets theseus in athens. Assembly: goes off in search of more adventure. Abducts the queen of the amazons: hippolyta or antiop : leads to an amazonomachy in athens. The areopagus: mythic homeland is north of the black sea (southern modern- day russia) Constructed the temple to artemis at ephesus: a purely myth invention. The world turned upside down: contrary to the ideal for the athenian woman. Always defeated by greek heroes: given political significance after the battle of marathon.