WorksheetsMythological Words Quiz
Total questions: 11
Worksheet time: 6mins
Many English words come from ancient mythological stories from cultures around the world. This quiz will explain some of these words to you.
A. okay
B. also okay
The word "Herculean" refers to something requiring great strength or effort. Which of the following best describes Hercules, the mythological figure this word is derived from?
A mortal who defeated the Minotaur in the labyrinth
A hero who performed 12 nearly impossible labors as penance
A demigod known for his wisdom and strategic thinking
A titan who held up the heavens on his shoulders
The term "Sisyphean" describes a task that is endless and futile. Which action best symbolizes the punishment of Sisyphus in Greek mythology?
Trying to fill a bottomless well with water
Rolling a massive boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down
Weaving a never-ending tapestry
Balancing a scale that can never be equalized
The phrase "Pandora's box" is often associated with a series of unexpected troubles or problems. In Greek mythology, what escaped when Pandora opened the jar (or box) entrusted to her?
The Titans and chaos
Diseases, misfortunes, and hope
The spirits of war and famine
The secrets of the gods
The term "janitor" comes from Janus, the Roman god. What was Janus the god of?
War and victory
Doors, beginnings, and transitions
Wisdom and strategy
Harvest and agriculture
The word "Odyssey" describes a long and eventful journey. In the epic poem that inspired this term, what obstacle did Odysseus NOT face?
A six-headed monster named Scylla
A whirlpool called Charybdis
A lion with an impenetrable hide
Enchantment by the sorceress Circe
The word "volcano" comes from Vulcan, the Roman god. What was Vulcan the god of?
The sun
The sea
Fire and metalworking
The underworld
The term "atlas" for a collection of maps is inspired by Atlas, a figure from Greek mythology. What was Atlas's punishment?
Supporting the heavens (a globe) on his shoulders
Guarding the gates of Tartarus
Carrying the deserts on his back
Being turned into a mountain
The word "maize" (corn) is tied to the mythology of the Taíno people of the Caribbean islands. According to their myths, how was maize first shared with humanity?
It was stolen from the gods by a trickster hero
It was discovered in a sacred cave and brought to Earth by a god
It grew from the tears of a goddess mourning her lost child
It sprouted after the first humans planted the bones of their ancestors
The term "narcissism," meaning self-obsession, comes from Narcissus, a figure from Greek mythology. What caused Narcissus's downfall?
His inability to resist looking at his reflection
His love for a goddess who betrayed him
His failure to sacrifice to the gods
His greed for golden apples
The word "Shangri-La," often used to describe a utopia (perfect place), originates from Tibetan mythology. What is Shangri-La said to be?
A golden city in the clouds
A mystical, harmonious valley
A mountain where the gods reside
A hidden underwater paradise
