The final will consist of three question options, worth 50 points each. Students are to choose two of these options to answer in an essay format. Each question’s answer is to be a minimum of 500 words and no more than 750. Essays are to be a file upload, double-spaced, your name and date in the upper right corner on the first page only. Please specify the number of the question, proofread your work, and cite sources both in text and on a Works Cited page. Your essay must be supported by the judicious use of quotes and specific details.
Question 1:
When ancient Northern Europeans began to feel the influence of the Roman invasions in the first century AD, they tried to fit their gods into the Greco-Roman mythos, or vice-versa. They identified Thor with Hercules, or with Zeus, though clearly these two Greco-Roman gods had very different roles in the hierarchy of the gods and different mythic experiences. Discuss the ways in which Thor compares to these Greek deities, and the ways in which he differs from both. What gives Thor his unique position among the Northern Europeans?
The sources for this should be the Library of Greek Mythology by Apollodorus or a similar collection, Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman, and this site that gives more information about Thor: https://mythopedia.com/topics/thor You can use any of the material about heroes from the class as well.
Question 2:
Women play a prominent role in tragedy and in Greek myth. Develop an argument for EITHER the nobility and heroism of women OR their instability and danger. Choose only ONE of these positions and discuss how the women (pick three of them) you choose prove your claim. You can use mortal and immortal women for this discussion. The essay should be supported by clear and specific evidence that is cited to a source.
Question 3:
Your task is to pick only one character to focus on for this question set.
All of us throughout time have been a part of a culture where we both take and give from it. The idea of reciprocity, or behavior in which two people or groups of people give each other help and advantages, is one that ensures the survival of societies. Using a character from one of the dramas (plays), one of the epics (Homer’s works), or the Norse myths, explain this individual’s relationship with his or her larger society. How did the culture create or limit choices for the individual? How free was the individual to make their own choices?
