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

Multiple choice

In Homer's Iliad, Achilles is compared to what animal?

  1. A lion

  2. A bear

  3. A wolf

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

Achilles is compared to a lion several times in the Iliad, most notably in Book XX, where he is described as 'a lion leaping on his prey.'

Multiple choice

In Virgil's Aeneid, Aeneas is compared to what object?

  1. A rock

  2. A tree

  3. A ship

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

Aeneas is compared to a rock in Book VI of the Aeneid, where he is described as 'a rock that stands unmoved in the midst of the waves.'

Multiple choice

In Milton's Paradise Lost, Satan is compared to what?

  1. A serpent

  2. A lion

  3. A dragon

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

Satan is compared to a serpent several times in Paradise Lost, most notably in Book IX, where he is described as 'that old serpent, subtilest beast of all the field.'

Multiple choice

What is the name of the legendary Trojan warrior whose tragic love story with Helen of Troy sparked the Trojan War?

  1. Achilles

  2. Hector

  3. Paris

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

Paris, the son of King Priam of Troy, abducted Helen of Troy, leading to the Trojan War as the Greeks sought to reclaim her.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the mysterious creature said to be a half-human, half-horse hybrid, often depicted in Greek mythology and art?

  1. Centaur

  2. Minotaur

  3. Griffin

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

Centaurs are mythical creatures from Greek mythology, depicted as half-human, half-horse hybrids.

Multiple choice

According to Greek mythology, what was the name of the legendary flying horse that aided the hero Bellerophon in his quests?

  1. Pegasus

  2. Bucephalus

  3. Sleipnir

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

Pegasus, the winged horse, is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known for its role in aiding Bellerophon in his heroic adventures.

Multiple choice

In Egyptian mythology, what was the name of the divine boat that carried the sun god Ra across the sky each day?

  1. Sektet

  2. Mandjet

  3. Atet

  4. Neshmet
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Mandjet, the divine boat, is often depicted in Egyptian mythology as a celestial vessel that transports the sun god Ra during his daily journey across the sky.

Multiple choice

In Mayan mythology, what was the name of the god who was believed to have brought the gift of writing to humanity?

  1. Itzamna

  2. Kukulkan

  3. Hunab Ku

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

Itzamna, the Mayan god of wisdom and knowledge, is often credited with bringing the gift of writing to humanity.

Multiple choice

In Japanese mythology, what was the name of the legendary sword that was said to possess the power to control the wind?

  1. Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi

  2. Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi

  3. Ama-no-Habakiri

  4. Futsu-no-Mitama
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, also known as the Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven, is a legendary sword in Japanese mythology that is associated with the god Susanoo.

Multiple choice

In Aztec mythology, what was the name of the flying serpent that was believed to be a messenger of the gods?

  1. Quetzalcoatl

  2. Xiuhcoatl

  3. Mixcoatl

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

Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, is a prominent deity in Aztec mythology and is often associated with wisdom, knowledge, and creation.

Multiple choice

In Polynesian mythology, what was the name of the legendary canoe that was said to have carried the Polynesian people across the vast ocean?

  1. Hōkūleʻa

  2. Moana

  3. Te Arawa

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

Hōkūleʻa, the Polynesian voyaging canoe, is a replica of a traditional Polynesian sailing vessel and has been used to navigate the Pacific Ocean using traditional wayfinding techniques.

Multiple choice

In African mythology, what was the name of the legendary blacksmith who was said to have forged the first iron tools?

  1. Ogun

  2. Shango

  3. Oduduwa

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

Ogun, the Yoruba god of iron and war, is often associated with the invention of iron tools and is revered as the patron deity of blacksmiths.

Multiple choice

In Native American mythology, what was the name of the legendary trickster figure who was known for his cunning and mischievous nature?

  1. Coyote

  2. Raven

  3. Spider

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

Coyote, a prominent figure in Native American mythology, is often depicted as a trickster character who uses his cunning and mischievous nature to shape the world around him.

Multiple choice

In Aboriginal Australian mythology, what was the name of the legendary creator being who is responsible for shaping the land and its features?

  1. Bunjil

  2. Baiame

  3. Daramulan

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

Bunjil, the eaglehawk creator being, is a central figure in Aboriginal Australian mythology and is associated with the creation of the land, animals, and plants.

Multiple choice

In Mesopotamian mythology, what was the name of the legendary hero who is credited with slaying the monstrous Humbaba?

  1. Gilgamesh

  2. Enkidu

  3. Utnapishtim

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

Gilgamesh, the legendary king of Uruk, is renowned for his epic quest to find immortality and is often depicted as a heroic figure in Mesopotamian mythology.