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Study Guide: Phthonus: The Personification of Jealousy and Envy in Greek Mythology

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Phthonus: The Personification of Jealousy and Envy in Greek Mythology Study Guide

Phthonus: Identity and Core Attributes

Phthonus is primarily known as the personification of romantic jealousy and envy, and is sometimes identified by the alternative name Zelus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phthonus is recognized as the personification of jealousy and envy, particularly in romantic matters, and is also known as Zelus.

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Phthonus's influence is limited to direct actions, as he does not subtly provoke emotions in other deities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus's influence extends beyond direct actions, as he subtly provokes insecurities and suspicions in other deities, such as Hera.

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Phthonus primarily embodies and instigates emotions of jealousy and envy, which he uses to create discord.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phthonus primarily embodies and instigates emotions of jealousy and envy, which he actively employs to create conflict and discord.

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Phthonus's jealousy and envy are most prominently focused on matters of political power.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus's jealousy and envy are most prominently focused on matters of romance, not political power.

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The term 'Zelus' when used for Phthonus signifies a connection to zealous rivalry or emulation, which is a form of envy.

Answer: True

Explanation: The term 'Zelus' as an alternative name for Phthonus signifies a personification associated with emulation or zealous rivalry, a form of envy.

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What is the primary identity of Phthonus in Greek mythology?

Answer: The personification of jealousy and envy, particularly in matters related to romance

Explanation: Phthonus is primarily identified as the personification of jealousy and envy, especially concerning romantic or sexual matters.

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What kind of emotions and actions does Phthonus primarily embody and instigate?

Answer: Jealousy and envy, leading to discord

Explanation: Phthonus primarily embodies and instigates emotions of jealousy and envy, which he actively employs to create conflict and discord.

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What is the primary focus of Phthonus's jealousy and envy, as explicitly stated in the text?

Answer: Matters of romance

Explanation: The text explicitly states that Phthonus's jealousy and envy are most prominently focused on matters of romance.

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What does the term 'Zelus' signify when used as an alternative name for Phthonus?

Answer: A personification closely associated with emulation or zealous rivalry, a form of envy.

Explanation: When Phthonus is referred to as Zelus, it signifies a personification closely associated with emulation or zealous rivalry, which can manifest as a form of envy.

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Phthonus's influence extends beyond direct action by subtly provoking which emotions in other deities?

Answer: Insecurities and suspicions

Explanation: Phthonus's influence extends beyond direct action by subtly provoking existing insecurities and suspicions in other deities, as seen with Hera.

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Literary Depictions and Actions

Phthonus is prominently featured in Nonnus's *Dionysiaca*, where he directly caused the death of Semele by attacking her.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Nonnus's *Dionysiaca*, Phthonus is indirectly responsible for Semele's death by informing Hera of Zeus's affair, rather than directly attacking her.

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In Callimachus's Hymn to Apollo, Phthonus is depicted as instigating an argument by goading the god Apollo.

Answer: True

Explanation: Callimachus's Hymn to Apollo indeed portrays Phthonus as instigating an argument by goading Apollo.

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Phthonus incited Athena's jealousy by showing her an image of Zeus clad in fake blood-drenched armor.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus incited Athena's jealousy by displaying an image of Ares, not Zeus, clad in fake blood-drenched armor.

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Phthonus provoked Hera's envy by making her suspect that Zeus would remain with Semele, leading Hera to consider seeking another celestial spouse.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phthonus indeed provoked Hera's envy by fostering suspicion that Zeus would remain with Semele, prompting Hera to consider a new celestial spouse.

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Phthonus consistently provoked Hera and Athena by reminding them of Zeus's past affairs and by predicting Dionysus's future heroic deeds.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phthonus persistently provoked Hera and Athena by recalling Zeus's various affairs and by foretelling the heroic feats that Dionysus would accomplish in the future.

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Semele's death is significant because Phthonus directly caused it by revealing Zeus's affair to Hera.

Answer: False

Explanation: Semele's death is attributed, by proxy, to Phthonus's actions of informing Hera, not a direct cause.

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The information about Phthonus's role in Semele's death and his provocations of Hera and Athena is found in Homer's *Odyssey*.

Answer: False

Explanation: The information regarding Phthonus's role in Semele's death and his provocations of Hera and Athena is sourced from Nonnus of Panopolis's *Dionysiaca*, not Homer's *Odyssey*.

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Phthonus used an image of Poseidon in fake blood-drenched armor to incite Athena's jealousy.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus incited Athena's jealousy by displaying an image of Ares, not Poseidon, clad in fake blood-drenched armor.

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Phthonus harbored envy towards Dionysus only after his birth, once his heroic feats became known.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus was already envious of Dionysus before his birth, not only after his heroic feats became known.

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Phthonus's actions in Nonnus's *Dionysiaca* include foretelling the heroic feats that Dionysus would accomplish in the future.

Answer: True

Explanation: In Nonnus's *Dionysiaca*, Phthonus's provocations included foretelling the heroic feats that Dionysus would accomplish.

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In which literary work is Phthonus prominently featured and indirectly responsible for Semele's death?

Answer: Nonnus's *Dionysiaca*

Explanation: Phthonus is prominently featured in Nonnus's *Dionysiaca*, where he is indirectly responsible for Semele's death.

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What action is attributed to Phthonus in Callimachus's Hymn to Apollo?

Answer: He instigated an argument by goading Apollo.

Explanation: In Callimachus's Hymn to Apollo, Phthonus is depicted as instigating an argument by goading the god Apollo.

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How did Phthonus specifically incite Athena's jealousy regarding Dionysus?

Answer: By displaying an image of Ares clad in fake blood-drenched armor.

Explanation: Phthonus incited Athena's jealousy by displaying an image of Ares clad in fake blood-drenched armor.

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What was Phthonus's strategy to provoke Hera's envy concerning Zeus and Semele?

Answer: He made Hera suspect Zeus would remain with Semele, leading her to consider a new celestial spouse.

Explanation: Phthonus provoked Hera's envy by fostering suspicion that Zeus would remain with Semele, prompting Hera to consider a new celestial spouse.

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What is the significance of Semele's death in relation to Phthonus's actions?

Answer: Semele's death is attributed, by proxy, to Phthonus's actions of informing Hera.

Explanation: Semele's death is significant because it is attributed, by proxy, to Phthonus's actions, as his informing Hera of Zeus's affair ultimately led to Semele's demise.

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From which literary source is the information regarding Phthonus's role in Semele's death and his provocations of Hera and Athena primarily drawn?

Answer: Nonnus of Panopolis's *Dionysiaca*

Explanation: The information regarding Phthonus's role in Semele's death and his provocations of Hera and Athena is primarily sourced from Nonnus of Panopolis's *Dionysiaca*.

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Before Dionysus's birth, what was Phthonus's disposition towards him?

Answer: He was already envious of him.

Explanation: Before Dionysus's birth, Phthonus was already envious of him, indicating a pre-existing negative sentiment.

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What was Phthonus's continued strategy to stir discord between Hera and Athena?

Answer: He recalled Zeus's various affairs and foretold Dionysus's heroic feats.

Explanation: Phthonus persistently provoked Hera and Athena by recalling Zeus's various affairs and by foretelling the heroic feats that Dionysus would accomplish in the future.

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What was one of Phthonus's methods to stir discord between Hera and Athena, as described in Nonnus's *Dionysiaca*?

Answer: He reminded them of Zeus's various affairs.

Explanation: Phthonus stirred discord between Hera and Athena by persistently recalling Zeus's various affairs.

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Mythological Relationships and Comparisons

Phthonus is often compared to Éris, the goddess of wisdom, due to their shared ability to create conflicts through manipulation.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus is compared to Éris, the goddess of chaos and discord, not wisdom, due to their shared role in creating conflicts through manipulation of negative emotions.

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Both Phthonus and Éris are classified as Daemons, which are divine beings associated with abstract concepts in Greek mythology.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phthonus and Éris are both classified as Daemons, a category of divine beings in Greek mythology that embody abstract concepts.

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Phthonus's female counterpart is Nemesis, who is the personification of violent retribution, while Phthonus focuses on romantic jealousy.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nemesis is identified as Phthonus's female counterpart, embodying violent retribution, distinct from Phthonus's focus on romantic jealousy.

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In the provided navigation, Phthonus is categorized under 'Personifications' and then specifically under 'Deities of Conflict'.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the provided navigation, Phthonus is categorized under 'Personifications' and then specifically under 'Others', not 'Deities of Conflict'.

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The general nature of a 'Daemon' for Phthonus and Éris is that they are considered divine beings embodying abstract concepts like jealousy and chaos.

Answer: True

Explanation: As Daemons, Phthonus and Éris are indeed considered divine beings or spirits embodying abstract concepts such as jealousy, envy, chaos, and discord.

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In the context of Phthonus, 'personification' means that an abstract quality like jealousy is represented as a distinct deity.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the context of Phthonus, 'personification' refers to the representation of an abstract quality or concept, such as jealousy and envy, as a distinct person or deity.

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The broader implication of Phthonus being linked to Éris is that both deities represent fundamental forces of discord and conflict.

Answer: True

Explanation: The linkage of Phthonus to Éris implies that both embody fundamental forces of discord and conflict, utilizing negative emotions to sow strife.

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Phthonus's domain is exclusively tied to violent retribution, distinguishing him from Nemesis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Phthonus's domain is primarily romantic and sexual jealousy, while Nemesis is the personification of violent retribution.

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Phthonus is listed under the broad category of 'Personifications' in the navigation for Ancient Greek deities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Phthonus is indeed listed under the broad category of 'Personifications' in the navigation for Ancient Greek deities.

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Phthonus is frequently compared and linked to which other Greek deity due to their similar effects of creating conflict through jealousy and envy?

Answer: Éris, the goddess of chaos and discord

Explanation: Phthonus is frequently compared to Éris, the goddess of chaos and discord, due to their shared role in generating conflict through jealousy and envy.

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What shared classification do Phthonus and Éris hold within Greek mythology?

Answer: Daemons

Explanation: Both Phthonus and Éris are classified as Daemons, divine beings associated with abstract concepts in Greek mythology.

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Who is identified as Phthonus's female counterpart, and what is her primary domain?

Answer: Nemesis, the personification of revenge

Explanation: Nemesis is identified as Phthonus's female counterpart, whose primary domain is violent retribution, contrasting with Phthonus's focus on romantic jealousy.

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Under which broad category is Phthonus listed in the navigation section for Ancient Greek deities?

Answer: Personifications

Explanation: Phthonus is listed under the broad category of 'Personifications' in the navigation section for Ancient Greek deities.

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What is the general meaning of 'personification' in the context of Phthonus?

Answer: An abstract quality or concept represented as a distinct person or deity.

Explanation: In the context of Phthonus, 'personification' refers to the representation of an abstract quality or concept, such as jealousy and envy, as a distinct person or deity within a mythological narrative.

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What is the broader implication of Phthonus being linked to Éris?

Answer: They represent fundamental forces of discord and conflict, utilizing negative emotions.

Explanation: The broader implication of Phthonus being linked to Éris is that both deities represent fundamental forces of discord and conflict, utilizing negative emotions to sow strife.

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What is the general nature of a 'Daemon' as it applies to Phthonus and Éris?

Answer: They are divine beings or spirits embodying specific abstract concepts or forces.

Explanation: As Daemons, Phthonus and Éris are considered divine beings or spirits in Greek mythology, embodying specific abstract concepts or forces.

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Which sub-category does Phthonus belong to within the 'Personifications' group in the navigation?

Answer: Others

Explanation: Within the 'Personifications' group, Phthonus is categorized under the sub-category labeled 'Others'.

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Etymology, Iconography, and Gnostic Lore

The Ancient Greek spelling of Phthonus is *Phthónos*, and its English phonetic pronunciation is /θoʊnəs/.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ancient Greek spelling of Phthonus is Φθόνος, while *Phthónos* represents its pronunciation. The English phonetic pronunciation is indeed /θoʊnəs/.

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An ancient Roman fresco from 375-350 BC provides a visual depiction of Phthonus.

Answer: False

Explanation: The visual depiction of Phthonus mentioned is an Armento vase painting, not a Roman fresco, and it dates from 375-350 BC.

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According to Plato, Gnostics believed Phthonus was conceived by the first angel and Authadia, along with several siblings.

Answer: False

Explanation: According to Irenaeus, Gnostics believed Phthonus was conceived by the first angel and Authadia, not Plato.

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The Gnostic belief about Phthonus's origin suggests he was conceived by the first angel and Authadia.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to Irenaeus, Gnostics believed Phthonus was conceived by the first angel and Authadia.

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The Armento vase painting depicting Phthonus dates back to the 5th century BC.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Armento vase painting depicting Phthonus dates between 375 and 350 BC, which is the late 4th century BC, not the 5th century BC.

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How is the name Phthonus written in Ancient Greek?

Answer: Φθόνος

Explanation: The name Phthonus is written as Φθόνος in Ancient Greek.

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Which ancient artifact is mentioned as depicting the figure of Phthonus?

Answer: An Armento vase painting created between 375 and 350 BC

Explanation: An Armento vase painting, dated between 375 and 350 BC, depicts the figure of Phthonus.

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According to Irenaeus, what Gnostic belief exists regarding Phthonus's origin?

Answer: He was conceived by the first angel and Authadia.

Explanation: According to Irenaeus, Gnostics believed that Phthonus was conceived by the first angel and Authadia.

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Which of Phthonus's siblings, according to Gnostic belief cited by Irenaeus, represents 'wickedness'?

Answer: Kakia

Explanation: According to Irenaeus, Gnostics believed Phthonus's siblings included Kakia, representing wickedness.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a sibling of Phthonus in the Gnostic belief cited by Irenaeus?

Answer: Nemesis (revenge)

Explanation: According to Irenaeus, Phthonus's siblings include Kakia, Zelos, Erinnys, and Epithymia. Nemesis is identified as Phthonus's female counterpart, but not as a sibling in this Gnostic context.

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What is the English phonetic pronunciation of Phthonus mentioned in the source?

Answer: /θoʊnəs/

Explanation: The English phonetic pronunciation of Phthonus is /θoʊnəs/.

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The Armento vase painting depicting Phthonus was created during which period?

Answer: Between 375 and 350 BC

Explanation: The Armento vase painting depicting Phthonus was created between 375 and 350 BC.

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General Context and Scholarly Notes

The 'stub' note at the end of the article indicates that the content is complete and requires no further contributions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'stub' note indicates that the content is considered incomplete and is open for expansion by contributors, not that it is complete.

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