Which goddess is noted for eating Tantalus' shoulder?

Explore the Certamen Mythology Exam. Prepare with tailored flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Get ready to master your test material!

The goddess noted for eating Tantalus' shoulder is Demeter. In Greek mythology, Tantalus was a figure who was condemned to eternal punishment in the Underworld, where he stood forever hungry and thirsty. According to one version of the myth, Tantalus invited the gods to a feast and served them the flesh of his own son, Pelops, to test their omniscience. The gods were horrified and did not touch the meal, except for Demeter, who was distracted and took a bite from Pelops' shoulder. This act led to important consequences, including the restoration of Pelops to life, but it underscores Demeter's role in the myth as a deity associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

In contrast, Artemis, Aphrodite, and Juno do not have significant associations with this particular story regarding Tantalus. Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, is not connected to the tale of Tantalus in the same way that Demeter is. Similarly, while Aphrodite is the goddess of love and beauty and Juno is the queen of the gods in Roman mythology, neither plays a role in the myth involving Tantalus and the consumption of his son's shoulder.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy