Comments

• Whitney

  Well, at first he decides to be rude and ask all these questions such as Who are you and what are you doing here?? Then of not bad enough, after Zeus tells him who he is, an imortal god, Lycaon says to the almighty god himself something like, "Well we will see how imortal you are..." as if it isn't disrespectful enough to ask who the stranger is instead of if they are hungry... I mean if a guy came up to Me and said he was Ghandi, I wouldn't just stand there and Mock him with a, "yeah if you're Ghandi, then I am a rich French man!" no I would ask if he would like a nice meal!! So I think that Zues was treated with cruel, verbal abuse. If I was him, I would smite the fool!!

  9/14/2009 10:20:24 PM
• Haley

  I agree with Whitney, I think that if someone came up to me and said they were Ghandi, I would probably not automaticaly start making fun of the guy and abusing him. If I wasin ancient greece i would probably feed the man and ask him questions to try and figure out if he was actually Ghandi (But not in a obvious, mean kind of way). Also why would any one kill their grandsonas a sacrifice?

  9/15/2009 7:19:38 PM
• Justin Allison

  He still punishes Lycaon by turning him into a wolf so its all good. He also killed his entire family and destroyed his palace but it seems like he doesn't really care about any of that because he slits his own grandchild's throat or whatever.

  9/15/2009 7:29:58 PM
• Kyleigh

  Nicely put Whitney. I think that respect seems to be a large issue concerning the gods and godesses, in every story the basic point was respect and lisen to your elders (god/s). As far as I can tell, it pays off because those who disobeyed, disrespected or disregarded the words of the wise or the gods had dire concewuences... Mr. Cummings, is there a reason for this commen theme? Do you feel disrespected????
  

  9/15/2009 8:48:55 PM
• Cummings

  Kyleigh -
  
  Yes, what you are seeing is a common theme throughout Greek myth: disobeying the law of the gods / land / powers-that-be leads to punishment that often manifests itself in unforeseen (yet ironically appropriate) manners. Why a wolf in this story? Not another animal, a wolf. What do you (all) think?

  9/15/2009 10:54:37 PM
• Cummings

  Justin - Why would he kill the grandchild?

  9/15/2009 11:06:36 PM
• Shavanna

  I was very curious about why Zeus had changed Lycaon into a wolf. Why a wolf instead of another animal? I looked up the characteristics of a wolf and it says that they are apex predators. One of the things that an apex predator does is that if there is competition, specifically ecological, then what they tend to do to create stability is they prey upon both species. Isn't that what Lycaon did when he killed his grandchild? Didn't he do exactly what a wolf does when there is competition? Zeus was changing him into a wolf because that's what he truly was! It says, "Yet, in many ways, Lycaon had not changed at all." His figure changed, but his characteristics stayed the same. I'm not sure if this is just irony or if this is what the myth had really intended, but I thought it was interesting how the wolfs characteristics matched perfectly with Lycaon.

  9/16/2009 11:38:14 AM
• Jon B

  Haha i love you Justin...But no really he made him into a Wolf as a punishment because that's what he really is, an animal. But i mean he was just a little bit arrogant to start with so why would he care if his family died? Because at the beginning he just had his extended family in front of him and he was like "Hummmm...You are looking especially plump today...we'll eat you."

  9/16/2009 12:59:55 PM
• Cummings

  Great comment Shavanna!

  9/16/2009 1:21:21 PM
• Lexie Churan

  I think the reason for Zeus turning that man into a wolf is beacuse wolves are never trusted or belived(like in stories). Since the man had not trusted Zeus when Zeus had told him that he was a God, now he would know what it would be like to never be trusted or beleived in. Also, another reason for the choice being a wolf, is that when the man was a human he acted like an animal anyway, so if he was actualy turned into one, there wouldnt be much of a differance.

  9/16/2009 1:31:12 PM
• kayla

  Zeus goes around in disguise to see if the mortals are treating him with disrespect. This was very smart. But at first when I read that he told Lycaon that he was Zeus I didn't think that was very smart, I thought he should of just gone along with everything, but then I realized that he would get to hear Lycaon's response to Zeus being in his palace. Zeus really did find out that the mortals were treating him with desrepect.

  9/16/2009 3:18:41 PM
• Paige

  okay well i think that the relationship between man and God is really interesting. Man, the "bad" tribe(in this story), needs the gods to survive. The Gods provide them with good weather for food and shelter and all they need, but what do the Gods get out of it? Just to be praised ?? or have someone to look up to them? They get to punish the people that they created so shouldn't they really be punishing themselves for not creating them right?

  9/16/2009 3:19:27 PM
• Paige

  whitney, I kinda disagree. I mean sure it would be weird if someone came up to you and asked for food and said they were a God, but people used to knock on doors of houses when a car broke down or when they were traveling and needed a place to stay.... the world has changed and so i don't think it is right to disobey the Gods or elders like Kyleigh said

  9/16/2009 3:21:57 PM
• kayla

  that is a very good point Shavanna! I also thought it was very interesting that he turned into a wolf. It was Zeus telling him that he was indead a wolf and he didn't deserve to be human. That is what he got for be disrespectful to the Gods!!!!!!!!!

  9/16/2009 3:22:51 PM
• Andrea

  In some ways i agree with Whitney. Zeus wasn't treated with respect at all, but if someone came to your house and said "I am one of the deathless Olympian gods." wouldn't you want to find out if they were telling the truth? Lycaon could have asked Zeus questions, but i think the test that Lycaon gave Zeus was the easiest way for Lycaon to find out if that man was really Zeus. Maybe not the most respectful way but definitely the easiest way.

  9/16/2009 3:38:57 PM
• Austin V

  In response to the comments about why did he become a wolf, I think that you are right his characteristics stayed the same. "He" is still a killer. Not feeling remorse, just wanting blood.

  9/16/2009 5:50:47 PM
• Grace Riccobene

  I reseached Lycaon's name and it seems that he, his father, and many of his sons were responsible for collinizing many parts of madern day Pelasgia. Lycaon founded a mountain called Laycaon which was the birth place of Zues as well as werehe was educated. Therefore even though Lycaon is selfish and disrespectful he and his family played a big part in greek mythology.

  9/16/2009 6:25:57 PM
• Cummings

  Paige - you bring up an interesting point about how people used to knock on doors when they needed help. Do we not do this anymore? Why or why not?
  
  Also, how do we treat people (strangers even) that show up at our house unannounced?
  
  

  9/16/2009 6:26:09 PM
• Cummings

  Grace - perhaps this is a comment on humans and gods - even the most powerful are still subjected to tests and wrath?

  9/16/2009 6:28:15 PM
• Andrea

  Society now a days is very different than what it used to be. Yes sometimes people go and knock on doors for help, but you dont see it as much anymore. Back then you were supposed to let people in if they came to your door asking for help. Now a days people discourage that unless you know the person. Most people now a days would maybe help a stranger to an extent but i doubt they would let a stranger into their house. Ever since people were kids society has taught us not to trust strangers.

  9/16/2009 7:20:54 PM
• Cummings

  Andrea - the motif you and Paige are hinging at will be important in 'The Odyssey.' Make sure you watch for differences along the lines of accepting strangers into one's home.
  
  Also, we are taught not to talk to strangers. Why? What about our society encourages a fear of those people we do not know?

  9/16/2009 7:33:12 PM
• Yo Mama

  I agree with jon. Laycaon is disrespectful and full of hate. He kills his own grandchild and doenst feel remorse. He is like an animal and that is why his family is killed in front of him, but he doenst even take the time to warn his family he just books it and then gets turned in to a wolf.

  9/16/2009 8:35:02 PM
• Taylor

  Wow. What a weirdo. Who would sacrifice their own grandson? He truly was an animal, and Zeus's punishment just emphasized his animalistic qualities to the extreme. I think Zeus, in other stories, sort of seems like he doesn't really care about the human race. In this one, I think he disguised himself as a model of how he thought humans should behave. He wanted to get rid of the disrespectful and horrible people in the world so that other people could learn to be good. Kind of like in Noah's ark. Lycaon was put to the test in this story, as many gods and mortals are put to the test through out mythology.

  9/16/2009 8:49:07 PM
• Whitney

  See Hailey has a point! Why would you slit your own gdabdson's thoat??  Isn't it the whole excitement of even having a grandson to watch learn and play and grow?? I guess not though because here comes this unthankful jerk who decides that this  grandson isn't good enough to keep so he'll just do the dirty deed now and in his opinion, not have to kill someone of importance later... I'm not very happy with this because let's say he does it to save his own neck. Well he's creepy, old, and mean because he has lived his life! Why take a young man's over yours? If he was even a little piece of man, he would have said no to killing his grandson.

  9/16/2009 8:54:18 PM
• BEN SPENCER

  Zeus travels in disguise to see who is truly good and righteous, and who is like Lycaon. Lycaon treats Zeus the same, terrible way he treats everyone else and asks him rude questions like who are you and what are you doing here. This is not a respectful way in Greece to treat another man. In Greek Myths, morals play a key role in the stories, and in this story, it is the golden rule; treat others how you would like to be treated. in consequence Zeus turned Lycaon into a wolf because it has the same characteristics as Lycaon, a blood thirsty, mean, vicious being. Zeus does this so everyone can see who the real Lycaon is

  9/16/2009 8:54:50 PM
• Cummings

  Taylor - strong recognition that Zeus is giving an example to humans.

  9/16/2009 9:00:48 PM
• BEN SPENCER

  and mr. cummings.... your question towards paige. we used to let people into our homes because back then the world was "innocent". But now-a-days we have such awful terrible people living in the world, that we cant trust anyone at all. I think people used to be "good" and the story is telling us about how we should act towards not only gods, but everyone in need. And your last question... Even friends who show up to our houses unexpected, sometimes we don't treat them as kindly as we should because.... well it is considered "rude" to show up unannounced.

  9/16/2009 9:01:11 PM
• Cummings

  interesting ben - watch how this idea plays out in 'The Odyssey.'

  9/16/2009 9:02:23 PM
• Grace Riccobene

  To answer the question you gave me yes they do but its usually not against humans because humans are not as powerful as gods. Gods test are against other gods who are just as powerful as they are so that it actually is a challenge. i mean if a human tried to fight with a god its just like in the story of Arachne even if we can beat them they are still stronger and will show there dominence in other ways such as beating us over the head. Ben makes a good point but for there time period Lycaon didnt responed how most people responed.

  9/16/2009 9:43:44 PM
• Jon S.

  We are taught not to talk to strangers because of fear of the unknown, and the large majority of the media shows a negative view of people and the world today, instead of focusing on the good that people do. I think that society today teaches us that if we don't know something or someone its not safe, instead of us getting to know that something or someone first and then making our own decisions.

  9/16/2009 9:47:39 PM
• Kyleigh Rivera

  The word Lycaon it's self means "African Wild Dog" (via definition.com)
  

  9/16/2009 9:58:36 PM
• michael hart

  I agree with ben. but also if some one came to my door and told me they were a god i would definatly not let them in. i mean and if i did i would try to test him some how.

  9/16/2009 10:25:42 PM
• Cummings

  No one likes werewolf movies?

  9/16/2009 10:44:30 PM
• Justin Helman

  I DO! werewolf movies are awesome

  9/17/2009 11:39:47 AM
• Abby

  Zeus travels around in disguise because he needs the honest reaction of man. If he were to go to Lycaon's castle as himself, than Lycaon would surely treat him differently. Becasue Zeus went as a mortal humble man he can see both Lycaons loyalty to his gods and how he treats strangers. This myth makes a connection to Prometheus with the cow. This inforces again how gods don't eat the organs, and guts of the cow, proving that Zeus is who he says he is.

  9/17/2009 3:55:02 PM
• Timothy "Mit" Edwards

  In response to mostly earlier comments, I think a wolf because a wolf is known to be a very savage feared animal. This might be because of like what Jon S. said that the wolf is just personified as a savage animal.

  9/17/2009 6:34:05 PM
• Justin Allison

  nice comment justin haha.... Why are Gods not supposed to like even touch the organs?

  9/17/2009 7:17:41 PM
• Cummings

  Justin -
  Go back and read 'The Myth of Prometheus' - check out how he tricks the gods in terms of sacrifices. That might answer your question.

  9/17/2009 7:49:16 PM
• Olivia

  I really love the concept of turning these brutish men into Wolfs.

  9/17/2009 9:10:54 PM
• Rand

  I think that king Lycoan is like exactly like a wolf. He eats a mixture of meat, he's smart and sketchy.

  9/17/2009 9:34:31 PM
• Rand

  I agree with Jon andMicheal I definitely wouldn't let a guy named Zues in my house. It was different back then because they didn't have hotels. Now adays travelers stay in hotels.

  9/17/2009 9:40:07 PM
• Rand

  Maybe lycoans grandson did something wrong and deserved to be punished. Or used for sacrafice

  9/17/2009 9:44:15 PM
• Paige

  Ben i totally agree with your answers to those questions. The innoccence is gone, so going back to what other people said about it being normal for people to treat strangers with respect it is not right for the bad humans to treat Zues in a bad way considering the time of innoccence that is in the setting of the story

  9/17/2009 9:45:47 PM
• Victoria

  Lycaon is really stupid. He should have just belived him. Zues was pretty much testing lycaon, like all gods test peole alot. THis just shows that many people only treat things superior to them well because they fear them. So... ya Lycaon is heartless, and doesnt treat his guests well unless he knows that they are superior to him.

  9/17/2009 9:56:08 PM
• Lawrence R

  ok, so i have a problem with the whole concept of the myth. Zeus is the king of the gods. and aren't gods omniscient? if this is true then why did he have to lover himself to the level of a mortal when all he has to do is snap his fingers and all the people not living the way he wanted them to would die. is there a reason for this?

  9/17/2009 10:00:51 PM
• Cummings

  Victoria brings up an interesting point about fear, and Lawrence, remember that the idea of omniscience in a god is not a Greek belief - that comes much later in history. Also, look back at the selections from Genesis we discussed in class. Hoe does the role of God in that selection address omniscience?

  9/17/2009 10:39:25 PM
• Emily G

  I think that He[Zues](sp?) came in a duiscize because he wanted to see how the people really acted around other well people.... Once he knew that leval then he took off his mask persay and wanted to see if they still treated him the same way... almost if they still had respect for him i guess.....=) I dont think i am really getting the sacrifise of the baby/ child.... that is just bizare....

  9/17/2009 11:30:34 PM
• Daniel Malvin

  I think that Zeus went down to earth from olympia disquised as a human because he wanted to get a reaction. The whole point of Zeus going to earth was to find out how arrogant humans were and becoming a poor old man would either bring out the best or worst in the family.

  9/18/2009 1:42:26 PM