Lecture Notes: Inside Family Guy and Greek Mythology

Inside Family Guy

Behind the Scenes of Family Guy

• James Woods hosts a behind-the-scenes look at Family Guy.
• Explores the production week of a Family Guy episode.
• Focus on how Peter Griffin is fired and later rehired.

Production Details

• Rehearsals involve using helium balloons for Peter to rehearse.
• Writers' table discussions and script readings.
• Peter Griffin's diva behavior on set leads to his firing.
• A replacement actor, David Spade, is introduced.

Story Development

• Fake scripts are used to manage Peter's behavior.
• The real script is shot after Peter returns.
• The show's typical production week involves Peter's antics and eventual apology.

Greek Mythology

The Trojan War and Zeus' Influence

The Role of Zeus in Fate

• Zeus as the ultimate arbiter of fate in Greek mythology.
• Omens sent by Zeus guide Mortal and Immortal destinies.
• The fate of Troy is predetermined by Zeus.

Key Omens in the Trojan War

• The Judgment of Paris – Sparked the war by awarding the golden apple to Aphrodite.
• The Eagle of Zeus – Signified Troy's eventual destruction.
• Scales of Fate – Predetermined Hector’s death at the hands of Achilles.

The Fall of Troy

• The Greek deception of the Trojan Horse.
• Misinterpretation of omens led to Troy's downfall.

Helen of Troy: Beauty and Destruction

Origins and Role

• Daughter of Zeus and Leda, destined for pivotal conflict.
• Her beauty led to the Trojan War.
• Helen's abduction by Paris sparked the Greek retaliation.

The Impact of Her Beauty

• Symbol of love, desire, and destruction.
• Her abduction became the face of the Trojan War.

Paris of Troy: Heart vs. Mind

The Judgment of Paris

• Chose Aphrodite over Hera and Athena, leading to the war.
• Decision based on desire rather than logic.

Consequences of His Actions

• Abduction of Helen led to the Greek invasion.
• Paris's choices were driven by passion, ignoring political consequences.

Children of the Trojan War

The Fate of War's Offspring

• Anax: Hector's son, tragically killed.
• Ascanius: Aeneas's son, founded Albalonga, linking Troy to Rome.

Legacy and Survival

• Neoptolemus: Achilles' son, symbolizes war's brutality.
• War's offspring faced challenges of exile and survival.

The Strategy of Odysseus

Master Strategist

• Known for intellect and strategic prowess.
• Notable for the Trojan Horse deception.

Key Contributions

• The Trojan Horse: Greek cunning over brute force.
• The theft of the Palladium: weakened Troy's defenses.

Cassandra's Curse: Ignored Prophecies

The Curse by Apollo

• Cassandra could foresee the future, but no one believed her.

Warnings During the War

• Predicted Troy's fall and warned against the Trojan Horse.
• Her prophecies were dismissed, leading to disaster.

Metaphorical Significance

• Symbolizes the danger of ignoring inconvenient truths.

The Mighty Warriors of the Trojan War

Greek Heroes

• Achilles: Icon of unmatched strength and the tragic hero.
• Odysseus: Embodied strategy and cleverness.
• Agamemnon: Symbol of Greek unity against Troy.

Trojan Defenders

• Hector: Noble protector of Troy.
• Paris: Sparked the war, motivated by love.
• Priam: Tragic king witnessing Troy's fall.

Achilles: The Tragic Hero

Prophecy and Early Life

• Destined for a short life of glory.
• Vulnerable heel as his single point of weakness.

Role in the War

• Achievements and rage in battle.
• Death of Patroclus drove him back to battle.

Achilles' Demise

• Heel struck by Paris's arrow, leading to death.

Conclusion

• The Trojan War is an enduring myth of love, betrayal, and heroism.
• Stories of its heroes and tragedies continue to captivate.