Mainstream Greek Mythology Flashcards
(36 cards)
Who was the king of the gods in Greek mythology?
Zeus, who ruled over Mount Olympus and controlled thunder and lightning.
Who was the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare?
Athena, born fully grown from Zeus’s head and the protector of Athens.
What caused the Trojan War according to mythology?
The abduction of Helen by Paris, after he awarded Aphrodite the golden apple for being the fairest.
What was the Trojan Horse?
A giant wooden horse used by the Greeks to secretly infiltrate and defeat the Trojans.
Who completed twelve labors as punishment and redemption?
Heracles (Hercules), known for his immense strength and heroic feats.
What was Pandora’s Box?
A container given to Pandora, which unleashed all the world’s evils when opened—only hope remained inside.
Who flew too close to the sun with wax wings?
Icarus, who ignored his father Daedalus’s warnings and fell into the sea when his wings melted.
What guarded the Underworld in Greek mythology?
Cerberus, the three-headed dog who kept souls from escaping Hades.
Who was the ruler of the Underworld?
Hades, brother of Zeus and Poseidon, and husband of Persephone.
How did Persephone become Queen of the Underworld?
She was abducted by Hades and later agreed to spend part of the year with him, explaining the seasons.
Who is the Greek god of the sea?
Poseidon, who wields a trident and causes earthquakes and storms.
Who is the god of music, prophecy, and the sun?
Apollo, twin brother of Artemis and patron of the Oracle at Delphi.
Who is the goddess of the hunt and the moon?
Artemis, known for her chastity and protection of wild animals and young women.
Who is the god of wine, theatre, and ecstasy?
Dionysus, who was born from Zeus’s thigh and symbolized freedom and divine madness.
What does the myth of Narcissus warn against?
It warns of self-obsession—Narcissus fell in love with his reflection and wasted away.
What happened to Echo in mythology?
She was cursed to only repeat others’ words and faded into just a voice after falling in love with Narcissus.
What did the Fates control?
The destiny of mortals, spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life.
What was the punishment of Sisyphus?
He was condemned to eternally roll a boulder uphill, only for it to roll back down.
What was the punishment of Tantalus?
He stood in a pool beneath fruit-laden trees, unable to eat or drink for eternity.
What is the significance of the Oracle at Delphi?
It was the most important prophetic shrine, where Apollo’s priestess delivered cryptic visions.
Who killed Medusa and how?
Perseus, using a mirrored shield to avoid her petrifying gaze and beheading her with a sword.
What sprang from Medusa’s blood?
Pegasus, the winged horse, and the giant Chrysaor.
Who was the first woman in Greek mythology?
Pandora, created by the gods to punish mankind after Prometheus stole fire.
Why was Prometheus punished?
He gave fire to humanity and was chained to a rock where an eagle ate his liver daily.
