Greek Mythology, Historical Figures, and Cultural Proverbs

Who was Achilles in Greek mythology?

A hero of the Trojan War, central character in Homer's 'The Iliad', known for his unmatched strength and wrath.

What is the significance of Achilles' heel?

It refers to a fatal weakness, as Achilles was dipped in the River Styx except for his heel.

What led to Achilles' rage in 'The Iliad'?

The death of his companion Patroclus, which prompted him to kill Hector.

How did Achilles die?

He was slain by an arrow to his heel shot by Paris, guided by Apollo.

What themes does Achilles symbolize?

Glory, mortality, and hubris, embodying the tragic hero archetype.

Who was Adonis in Greek mythology?

A handsome youth symbolizing beauty and the cycle of vegetation, loved by Aphrodite and Persephone.

What event led to Adonis' death?

He was gored by a boar, possibly sent by Ares, and his blood created the anemone flower.

What does Adonis represent in culture?

Male beauty and the themes of death and rebirth, influencing art and literature.

Who is Aeneas in mythology?

A Trojan hero, son of Anchises and Aphrodite, who escaped Troy and founded the lineage leading to Rome.

What epic details Aeneas' journey?

Virgil's 'Aeneid', which covers his trials and founding of Rome.

What does Aeneas symbolize?

Piety, duty, and resilience, representing Roman imperial destiny.

What is ambrosia in Greek mythology?

The food or drink of the gods, granting immortality and eternal youth.

What are the consequences of mortals consuming ambrosia?

They faced dire consequences, as seen in myths like Tantalus' theft.

What is the Apple of Discord?

A golden apple inscribed 'To the Fairest' thrown by Eris, sparking rivalry among goddesses and leading to the Trojan War.

What does the Apple of Discord symbolize?

The catalyst for conflict, embodying vanity and jealousy.

Who were Adam and Eve?

The first humans created by God in Abrahamic religions, symbolizing humanity's origin and temptation.

What led to the Fall of Adam and Eve?

Their temptation by the serpent to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, resulting in original sin.

What is the significance of Abraham and Isaac's story?

It explores themes of faith and obedience, with Abraham tested by God's command to sacrifice Isaac.

What does the term 'Apocalypse' refer to?

A cataclysmic end-times scenario, often associated with the Book of Revelation in Christianity.

Who is the Antichrist in Christian eschatology?

A figure opposing Christ before the Second Coming, embodying ultimate evil.

What is Armageddon?

The final battle between good and evil, symbolizing apocalyptic conflict.

What does the proverb 'Actions speak louder than words' mean?

It emphasizes the importance of deeds over promises.

What does 'All roads lead to Rome' signify?

It means multiple paths can lead to the same goal, symbolizing centrality of power.

What is the meaning of 'All's well that ends well'?

A positive outcome justifies difficulties faced along the way.

What does 'April showers bring May flowers' teach?

Patience through hardship yields rewards.

What does 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' suggest?

Separation can increase affection.

What does the proverb 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder' suggest?

Separation increases affection.

What is the origin of the idiom 'Ace in the hole'?

It comes from poker, referring to a hidden advantage.

What does the Latin phrase 'ad nauseam' mean?

Endlessly repetitive, to the point of boredom.

What does the idiom 'All thumbs' imply?

Clumsiness, as if having thumbs instead of fingers.

What is the meaning of the idiom 'Apple of one's eye'?

A cherished person or thing.

What does 'As the crow flies' refer to?

Straight-line distance.

Who is Aesop and what is he known for?

An ancient Greek fabulist credited with moral tales like 'The Tortoise and the Hare'.

What is the 'Aeneid' and who wrote it?

An epic poem by Virgil narrating Aeneas' journey from Troy to Italy.

What was Plato's Academy?

A philosophical school founded by Plato in Athens around 387 BCE.

Who is Ali Baba and what story is he associated with?

The protagonist in 'Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves' from 'One Thousand and One Nights'.

What does 'Allah' mean in Arabic?

God, the monotheistic deity in Islam.

Who was Aristotle and what did he contribute?

A Greek philosopher who founded the Lyceum and made significant contributions to various fields of knowledge.

What is the significance of the phrase 'All the World's a Stage'?

A metaphor for life as theater, from Shakespeare's 'As You Like It'.

What does the slogan 'All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others' critique?

It critiques Soviet communism and the hypocrisy of power.

What does 'Arthurian' refer to?

Legends relating to King Arthur and medieval British folklore.

What is 'American Gothic' and who created it?

An iconic painting by Grant Wood depicting a stern Iowa farmer and daughter.

What is the meaning of 'Auld Lang Syne'?

A Scottish song meaning 'old long since', traditionally sung at New Year's Eve.

Who was Alexander the Great?

A Macedonian king known for conquering the Persian Empire.

Who was Atilla the Hun?

A Hunnic ruler known as the 'Scourge of God' who invaded the Roman Empire.

What was the abolitionism movement?

A movement aimed at ending slavery, prominent in the 19th century.

What was the significance of the Alamo in 1836?

A pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution, symbolizing heroism.

What is anarchism?

A political philosophy rejecting hierarchy in favor of voluntary cooperation.

What is anti-Semitism?

Prejudice against Jews, with historical roots and modern implications.

What does apartheid refer to?

A policy of racial segregation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

What is appeasement in a historical context?

A policy of making concessions to aggressors, notably associated with Neville Chamberlain's Munich Agreement.

What does aristocracy mean?

Rule by elite nobility, historically opposed to democracy.

What is an A-bomb?

An atomic bomb, the first nuclear weapon developed during World War II.

What is AC/DC in the context of electricity?

Alternating Current (AC) reverses direction, while Direct Current (DC) flows one way.

What is Al Qaeda?

An Islamist terrorist group founded by Osama bin Laden in 1988.

What are the Arabian Nights?

A collection of Middle Eastern folk tales, framed by Scheherazade's storytelling.

What is 'Absalom, Absalom' about?

A novel by William Faulkner exploring themes of racism and legacy in the antebellum South.