History ยท Social Science

World Mythology

4,316 Questions

Review the deities, legendary figures, and ancient epics from Greek, Roman, Norse, and Egyptian mythology. This topic traces classical literature origins and ancient religious beliefs. Such history and culture questions are commonly found in the general awareness sections of state and central government exams.

Greek and Roman deitiesNorse gods and goddessesAncient epics and literatureAztec and Egyptian mythology

World Mythology Questions

Multiple choice

In the myth of Io, what did Zeus transform her into?

  1. A cow

  2. A horse

  3. A bird

  4. A tree
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Io was a priestess of Hera. Zeus fell in love with her and transformed her into a cow to hide her from Hera.

Multiple choice

In the story of Actaeon, what did Artemis transform him into?

  1. A stag

  2. A wolf

  3. A bear

  4. A lion
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Actaeon was a hunter who accidentally saw Artemis bathing. Artemis was angered by this and transformed him into a stag, which was then hunted and killed by his own dogs.

Multiple choice

In the myth of Philomela, what did Tereus transform her into?

  1. A nightingale

  2. A swallow

  3. A lark

  4. A sparrow
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Philomela was a princess who was raped by her brother-in-law, Tereus. Tereus then cut out her tongue to prevent her from telling anyone. Philomela was transformed into a nightingale, which sings a beautiful song to express her sorrow.

Multiple choice

In the myth of Narcissus, what did he transform into?

  1. A flower

  2. A tree

  3. A river

  4. A rock
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Narcissus was a beautiful young man who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. He became so obsessed with his reflection that he forgot to eat and drink, and eventually died. He was transformed into a flower, the narcissus, which symbolizes self-love.

Multiple choice

In the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, what did Orpheus transform into?

  1. A tree

  2. A bird

  3. A river

  4. A rock
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Orpheus was a musician who journeyed to the underworld to rescue his wife, Eurydice. He played his music so beautifully that he charmed the gods of the underworld, who agreed to let Eurydice go with him. However, Orpheus was not allowed to look back at Eurydice until they had reached the surface of the earth. Orpheus couldn't resist the temptation to look back, and Eurydice was lost to him forever. Orpheus was transformed into a tree, which symbolizes his grief.

Multiple choice

In the myth of Prometheus, what did he transform into?

  1. A bird

  2. A tree

  3. A rock

  4. A river
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Prometheus was a Titan who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans. Zeus punished Prometheus by chaining him to a rock and having an eagle eat his liver every day. Prometheus was eventually rescued by Hercules.

Multiple choice

In the myth of Tantalus, what did he transform into?

  1. A tree

  2. A rock

  3. A bird

  4. A river
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Tantalus was a king who was punished by Zeus to stand in a pool of water with fruit trees hanging above his head. He was always hungry and thirsty, but he could never reach the food or water. Tantalus was transformed into a tree, symbolizing his eternal hunger and thirst.

Multiple choice

In the myth of Europa, what did Zeus transform into?

  1. A bull

  2. A horse

  3. A lion

  4. A wolf
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Zeus fell in love with Europa, a Phoenician princess. He transformed himself into a beautiful white bull and seduced her. Europa rode on the bull's back, and Zeus carried her across the sea to Crete, where he made her his queen.

Multiple choice

In Greek mythology, what is the name of the shape-shifting sea god who can assume the form of any animal or human?

  1. Proteus

  2. Poseidon

  3. Zeus

  4. Hades
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Proteus is a sea god in Greek mythology known for his ability to change his shape at will.

Multiple choice

In Greek mythology, which god was associated with magic and prophecy?

  1. Zeus

  2. Apollo

  3. Hermes

  4. Dionysus
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Hermes was the Greek god of trade, travel, and communication, and he was also associated with magic and prophecy.

Multiple choice

In Egyptian mythology, what was the name of the god of magic and wisdom?

  1. Thoth

  2. Anubis

  3. Osiris

  4. Ra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Thoth was the Egyptian god of magic and wisdom, and he was also associated with writing and the arts.

Multiple choice

In Japanese mythology, what was the name of the magical fox that could shapeshift?

  1. Kitsune

  2. Tengu

  3. Kappa

  4. Oni
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Kitsune are magical foxes that can shapeshift, and they are often associated with trickery and deception.

Multiple choice

In Native American mythology, what was the name of the magical bird that could bring good luck?

  1. Thunderbird

  2. Eagle

  3. Hawk

  4. Owl
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Thunderbird is a magical bird that is associated with thunder and lightning, and it is said to bring good luck.

Multiple choice

In African mythology, what was the name of the magical creature that could grant wishes?

  1. Djinn

  2. Genie

  3. Ifrit

  4. Marid
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Djinns are magical creatures that can grant wishes, and they are often associated with fire and air.

Multiple choice

In Polynesian mythology, what was the name of the magical goddess who created the world?

  1. Pele

  2. Hina

  3. Kane

  4. Lono
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Pele is the Polynesian goddess of fire and volcanoes, and she is said to have created the world.