History · Social Science
World Mythology
4,373 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
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Pericles
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Hercules
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Androcles
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Jonnicles
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Hercules (Heracles) was driven mad by Hera, causing him to kill his wife Megara and their children. As penance, the Oracle at Delphi commanded him to serve King Eurystheus and complete 12 labors. Pericles was an Athenian statesman, Androcles is known for the lion fable, and Jonnicles is not a mythological figure.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Aaron was Moses' older brother and served as his spokesman. While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron yielded to the people's demands and fashioned (or allowed) the golden calf for them to worship. Noah built the ark, Seth was Adam's son, and Jacob was Isaac's son (Moses' ancestor).
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Behind the moon
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The underworld
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In the sea
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In a cave
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In Greek mythology, Helios (the sun god) would drive his chariot across the sky each day and return home to sleep in the western ocean (often called the "Ocean stream" or "west sea"). Eos is actually the goddess of dawn (not his brother - that's an error in the question), and she emerged from the ocean each morning. The other options are not part of Helios mythology.
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Jesus
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Messia
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King of Judah
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Jehovah
D
Correct answer
Explanation
In the Old Testament, God is referred to as Yahweh or Jehovah from the Hebrew Tetragrammaton YHWH. Jesus is a New Testament figure, Messiah is a title meaning anointed one, and King of Judah is not a divine name.
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Moses
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Noah
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Jesus
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Methuselah
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Methuselah is recorded in Genesis 5:27 as living 969 years, making him the oldest person in the Bible. He was Enoch's son and Noah's grandfather, living in the generations before the great flood.
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Brothers, who fatally quarreled after glimpsing the goddess Aphrodite
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Herbs with medicinal and/or poisonous properties
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The three Fates who control the span of mortal lives
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The wives of King Midas, whom he accidentally turns to gold
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In Greek mythology, Atropos, Clotho, and Lachesis are the three Fates (Moirai). Clotho spins the thread of life, Lachesis measures it, and Atropos cuts it. They control the lifespan of mortals.
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Dryads
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Fates
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Graces
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Muses
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In Greek mythology, Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer) are the three Graces (Charites). They are goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity.
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Magical beings in Shakespeare’s The Tempest
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Miniature roses
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Moons of Saturn
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Muses of comedy, tragedy and song
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Mimas, Telesto, and Thrym are all moons of Saturn. Mimas is a mid-sized moon, Telesto is a small Trojan moon, and Thrym (discovered in 2000) is one of Saturn's irregular satellites.
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Pelagon
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Athena
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Achilles
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Hercules
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In Greek mythology, Achilles was invulnerable except for his heel, which was his only weakness - leading to the phrase 'Achilles heel'. His mother Thetis dipped him in the River Styx, holding him by his heel, which remained unprotected. Pelagon, Athena, and Hercules are other Greek mythological figures but not the one associated with this specific vulnerability.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. She is the Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, while Julia and Mary are not Roman goddesses.
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Hercules
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Odysseus
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Jason
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Thesus
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Jason is the Greek hero who led the Argonauts on their quest to find the Golden Fleece in Colchis. Hercules joined the expedition temporarily but was not the leader. Odysseus is famous for the Trojan War and his journey home in the Odyssey, while Theseus is known for the Minotaur and the Labyrinth.
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Jason
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Hercules
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Odysseus
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Thesus
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Jason
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Hercules
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Odysseus
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Theseus
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Theseus, the founder-king of Athens, volunteered as one of the fourteen Athenian youths to be sacrificed to the Minotaur and successfully slew the monster in the Labyrinth with help from Ariadne's thread to navigate back out.
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Jason
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Ajax
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Theseus
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Achilles
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Jason
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Hercules
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Odysseus
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Theseus
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Odysseus (also known as Ulysses in Roman mythology) is the Greek hero famous for his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War, as recounted in Homer's Odyssey. He is also credited with devising the Trojan Horse strategy that allowed the Greeks to finally enter Troy and win the war. Jason is known for the Golden Fleece quest, Hercules for his twelve labors, and Theseus for defeating the Minotaur.