Mythology Quiz Topics

Vocabulary flashcards for the myths listed in Page 1 notes (the quiz topics).

Daedalus and Icarus

Daedalus’ wings escape from Crete; Icarus flies too close to the sun, the wax wings melt, and he falls into the sea.

The Labors of Heracles

Heracles’ twelve penance tasks, including the Nemean Lion, Hydra, Augean Stables, among others.

Echo and Narcissus

Echo, cursed to repeat others’ words; Narcissus pines for his own reflection; he dies or becomes a flower; myth of unrequited love.

Cupid and Psyche

Psyche and Cupid’s love, trials and jealousy; Psyche completes tasks; they are made immortal and united.

Jason and the Argonauts

Jason leads the Argonauts to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis; aided by Medea.

Deucalion and Pyrrha

Survivors of a great flood who repopulate the earth by throwing stones over their shoulders; stones become humans.

Odysseus

King of Ithaca and hero of the Odyssey; famed for cleverness and a long voyage home from the Trojan War, facing many trials.

Pegasus and Bellerophon

Bellerophon tames Pegasus; defeats the Chimera; hubris leads him to seek Olympus; Zeus sends a gadfly and he falls.

Atalanta

A famed swift huntress known for her footraces; aided by golden apples; marries Melanion.

Theseus and the Minotaur

Theseus defeats the Minotaur in the Labyrinth with Ariadne’s thread.

Demeter and Persephone

Demeter’s grief over Persephone’s abduction causes winter; Persephone’s return brings spring; explains the seasons.

Pygmalion and Galatea

Pygmalion, a sculptor, falls in love with a statue Galatea; Aphrodite brings the statue to life.

Midas

King granted the golden touch by Dionysus; everything he touches turns to gold; later reverses the gift.

Perseus and Medusa

Perseus slays Medusa using a reflective shield and gifts from the gods; decapitates Medusa.

Pandora

Pandora opens a box (jar) releasing evils into the world; hope remains.

Orpheus and Eurydice

Orpheus descends to the underworld to retrieve Eurydice; must not look back; he does and she is lost.

The Trojan War

Greco-Roman war between Greeks and Trojans; causes include Paris’ judgment; includes the Trojan Horse and many heroes.

Prometheus

Titan who stole fire for humans; punished by Zeus; chained to a rock with an eagle eating his liver daily; later freed.