Allusions Test #3 - AP Lit

Achilles’ Heel

Origin: Greek Mythology origin, Achilles was dipped into the River Styx by his mom to make him immortal, but his heel (where she held) was the only part untouched. He died when a poison arrow was shot into his heel during the Trojan War.

“Definition”: A term referring to a specific area of (most) vulnerability or weakness.

Example: Kevin was a well-rounded businessman, but his Achilles’ Heel came to negotiations when his short temper would cause conflict with potential partners.

Adonis

Origin: In Greek Mythology, he was the mortal lover of Aphrodite but was killed by a boar and reborn as a flower, symbolizing death and rebirth and also the changing seasons.

“Definition”: A handsome, young man.

Example: Jacob was a modern Adonis with his charming smile and sharp jawline.

Aeolian

Origin: The Aeolians were one of four major Greek tribes that settled parts of Asia Minor and the Aegean islands. Aeolus was the God/Keeper of the winds.

“Definition”: Anything pertaining to wind, such as processes in geology (wind-blown sand) or music (the natural minor scale, or an aeolian harp).

Example: Researchers are studying aerolion erosion patterns on Mars to understand how wind shapes the planet’s surface.

Apollo

Origin: A major God in ancient Greek and Roman religion - known as the god of music, prophecy, healing, light, and the sun. He was one of the 12 Olympian Gods, the son of Zeus and Leto, twin brother to Artemis. Linked with symbols like the lyre and bow and arrow.

“Definition”: A physically perfect male 

Example: Ajax was an incredible soccer player, many considered him an Apollo on the field.

Argus-eyed

Origin: Argus Panoptes in Greek mythology who had 100 eyes and tasked by the goddess Hera to protect Lo, Zeus’s mistress, but is eventually killed by Hermes. Hera honored him by placing one of his eyes on the tail of a peacock.

“Definition”: omniscient, all-seeing, extremely observant, and sharp-sighted, may notice things others miss. 

Example: The Argus-eyed teacher noticed and reprimanded every student cheating on the test, no matter how creative they were in their cheating.

Athena/Minerva

Origin: Goddess of Wisdom, the city, warfare, arts, and the Patron Goddess of Athens. She sprang from the head of her father, Zeus, fully grown and in armor. She’s known for her intelligence and logic.

“Definition”: Goddess of wisdom and war, and is key to rational judgement.

Example: Sherryl’s strategic mind and wisdom made her the Athena of the classroom.

Atlantean

Origin: Atlas was a Titan in Greek Mythology who was punished by Zeus to hold up the sky for eternity after the Titans lost the Titanomachy war against the Olympian gods. His myth links him to astronomy, navigation, and kinship. Atlanteans are the people of Atlantis, a civilization described by Plato.

“Definition”: strong like Atlas or relating to Atlantis

Example: He walked with his head bowed, as if he were carrying Atlas’ burden.

Aurora

Origin: The Roman Goddess of dawn who rides in a chariot across the sky, bringing the light of day, and is often depicted with a purple mantle, roses, and wings. She is considered the mother of the winds and the morning star, Lucifer.

“Definition”: early morning or sunrise, the dawn

Example: The sunrise painted the sky with vibrant hues, as if Aurora herself was the painter.

Bacchanal

Origin: Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, revelry, and ecstasy; the equivalent of the Greek God Dionysus. He was known as both a bringer of joy and a vengeful, madness-inducing deity when crossed. He was the son of the god Jupiter and the mortal Semele, and (as a twice-born god) is associated with themes of death and resurrection. 

“Definition”: an occasion of wild and drunken revelry; a priest, worshipper, or follower of Bacchus (the Roman God of wine, revelry, and ecstasy)

Bacchanalian

Origin: originates from the ancient Roman festivals known as the Bacchanalia to honor Bacchus, the God of Wine. These parties evolved from a secretive women-only gathering into wild celebrations that involved ecstatic, unrestrained revelry. The term has since come to describe any drunken, wild, or debauched party. 

“Definition”: pertaining to a wild, drunken party or celebration from the God of wine

Calliope

Origin: One of the nine Muses and the goddess of eloquence and epic poetry. Her name comes from the Greek words kallos ("beauty") and ops ("voice"), meaning "beautiful-voiced".

“Definition”: a series of whistles; circus organ; produces sound by forcing steam through a series of pipes; known to be loud and shrill

Cassandra

Origin: Greek Mythology - The daughter of a Trojan king, Cassandra, was loved by Apollo and he gave her the gift of prophecy. Later, when she angered him, he altered the gift so that although her prophecies were true, they wouldn't be believed. Consequently, when she warned the Trojans and was disregarded, they were led to disaster.

"Definition": Someone who predicts disaster/negative results, especially when that someone's predictions are disregarded.

Example: He was a modern-day Cassandra, warning the city council of danger, only to be disregarded until years later where people finally realized he was right

Centaur

Origin: Greek Mythology monster that has the upper body of a man, and the lower half of a horse. Their origin story frequently involves Ixion, king of the Lapiths, and Nephele, a cloud formed in the image of Hera. 

“Definition”: represents the duality of human nature, specifically the conflicts between civilized intellect (human half) and untamed, animalistic instincts and passions (horse half).They are a powerful symbol for the struggle between order and chaos, or barbarism and civilization. 

Chimera

Origin: A fire-breathing hybrid monster in Greek Mythology, it has a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. In modern times, it's an organism containing cells from two or more genetically distinct individuals, existing naturally.

“Definition”: An absurd or impossible idea, a wild fancy

Cupidity

Origin: Roman God of Love Cupid (In Greek Mythology, his name is Eros), also Latin ‘cupiditas’ meaning “desire” or “longing”

“Definition”: Eager “desire” to possess something; longing; greed or avarice