Lesson plan
Maniae
red-figure calyx krater by Asteas, c. 350–340 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Madrid In Ancient Greek mythology, the Maniae or Maniai ( ; sg. ) are the spirit or spirits of madness. Later poets also used the singular form (Mania), considering her an independent personification of insanity, madness, and frenzied delusion, symbolizing various forms of mental disturbance such as hysteria, delirium, delusion, obsession, and possession. The Maniae are also associated with the Erinyes, the three fearsome goddesses of vengeance. They are sometimes said—perhaps in jest, or as a metaphor for love’s often cruel and maddening nature—to have been the nurses of the god Eros. Mania is mentioned in Iliad by Homer, as one of Ares' companions in war, alongside Lyssa (Rage) and Penthos (Grief).
Article summary
red-figure calyx krater by Asteas, c. 350–340 BC, National Archaeological Museum of Madrid In Ancient Greek mythology, the Maniae or Maniai ( ; sg. ) are the spirit or spirits of madness. Later poets also used the singular form (Mania), considering her an independent personification of insanity, madness, and frenzied delusion, symbolizing various forms of mental disturbance such as hysteria, delirium, delusion, obsession, and possession. The Maniae are also associated with the Erinyes, the three fearsome goddesses of vengeance. They are sometimes said—perhaps in jest, or as a metaphor for love’s often cruel and maddening nature—to have been the nurses of the god Eros. Mania is mentioned in Iliad by Homer, as one of Ares' companions in war, alongside Lyssa (Rage) and Penthos (Grief).
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
Bibliography
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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.