History ยท 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
-
Titanic
-
Poseidon
-
Intrepid
-
Jupiter
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Poseidon is the Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. As the brother of Zeus and Hades, he ruled over the oceans and all bodies of water. In Roman mythology, he is known as Neptune. Poseidon's domain was primarily the sea, where he lived in an underwater palace and controlled storms, waves, and sea creatures.
-
Aphrodite
-
Athena
-
Hera
-
Demeter
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Hera was Zeus's wife and the goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and the home - making 'goddess of home' an accurate description. As the queen of the Olympian gods, she was both sister and wife to Zeus. Hera is known for her jealousy toward Zeus's many lovers and children, and she was worshipped as the protector of marriage and family life.
-
Hercules
-
Perseus
-
Artemis
-
Achillies
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Hercules freed Prometheus from his punishment. Prometheus had been chained to a rock as punishment from Zeus for giving fire to humanity. An eagle would eat his liver daily, only for it to regenerate. During his travels, Hercules killed the eagle and freed Prometheus, who later advised Hercules on his quest for the Golden Apples of the Hesperides.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Artemis turned Actaeon into a stag as punishment. According to myth, Actaeon accidentally saw Artemis bathing while she was hunting. Furious at this violation of her chastity, Artemis transformed him into a stag. Actaeon was then hunted and killed by his own dogs, who did not recognize their master in his new form.
-
Achillies
-
Hades
-
Apollo
-
Hercules
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Hercules (Heracles) was indeed the son of Zeus and the mortal woman Alcmene, making him a demigod. He is one of the most famous heroes in Greek mythology, known for his Twelve Labors and incredible strength. Achilles was also a great hero but was the son of Peleus and Thetis, not Zeus.
-
He wished to the gods
-
Bathed in the river Styx
-
Ate the siver apple
-
Recived as a gift from artmis
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Achilles became invulnerable when his mother Thetis dipped him into the River Styx, holding him by his heel. The waters made his entire body immortal except for the spot where she held him - his famous Achilles' heel. This is why he was nearly unbeatable in battle except for that one vulnerable point.
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Megara was Hercules' first wife, whom he married after completing his labors. In a tragic fit of madness induced by Hera, Hercules killed their children. As penance, he was forced to serve King Eurystheus and perform his famous Twelve Labors. Hebe became his wife much later after he achieved immortality.
-
A potter
-
A goddess of the sea
-
The Hero who fought a cyclops
-
The Hero who killed Medusa
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Perseus is the Greek hero best known for slaying the Gorgon Medusa. He used a reflective shield to view her reflection (avoiding her petrifying gaze) and cut off her head with a sickle given to him by Hermes. The hero who fought a cyclops was Odysseus (in the Odyssey), not Perseus.
-
Hera
-
Selene
-
Hecate
-
Artemis
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Hecate is the Greek goddess associated with crossroads, entrance-ways, magic, witchcraft, the night, moon, ghosts and necromancy. She is often depicted in triple form and represents the dark side of the moon. Selene is the moon goddess, Artemis is the huntress, and Hera is the queen of gods - none of whom are specifically associated with crossroads.
-
Zeus
-
Uranus
-
Ares
-
Hephaeptus
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage, women, childbirth, and family. As the wife of Zeus and queen of the Olympian gods, she is specifically the protector of marriage and married women. Artemis is the huntress, Venus is the Roman name for Aphrodite, and Hades is the god of the underworld.
-
Zeus
-
Hercules
-
Atlas
-
Hades
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Zoe Nightshade is from the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan, where she is a lieutenant of the Huntress Artemis and the daughter of Atlas, the Titan condemned to hold up the sky. Hercules is a demigod (son of Zeus), not a Titan. Zeus and Hades are gods, not Titans.
D
Correct answer
Explanation
In Greek mythology, Hera persecuted Artemis's mother Leto during pregnancy and continued to be antagonistic toward Artemis and Apollo throughout their lives. Hera's jealousy and wrath made her the primary enemy of Artemis among the Olympian gods. Apollo and Leto were Artemis's twin brother and mother respectively, while Zeus was her father - none were her enemies.
-
fire
-
water
-
trident
-
lighting bolt
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses, wielded a trident as his primary weapon and symbol of power. The trident was a three-pronged spear capable of causing earthquakes, stirring up storms, and controlling the waters. While Poseidon controlled water, water itself was not his weapon - the trident was the tool through which he exerted his power over the seas.
-
Illiad
-
Hesiod
-
Odyssey
-
Works and Days