1.
How does Psyche betray Cupid?
Correct Answer
D. D) Seeing what he looked like
Explanation
Psyche betrays Cupid by going against his one request to not see what he looked like. She disobeys his warning and uses a lamp to see his face while he is asleep. This act of curiosity breaks the trust between them and ultimately leads to their separation.
2.
What is the name of Daedalus’s son?
Correct Answer
D. D) Icarus
Explanation
Daedalus's son is named Icarus.
3.
What does Theseus supposedly invent?
Correct Answer
A. A) Democracy
Explanation
Theseus is believed to have invented democracy. In ancient Greek mythology and history, Theseus was a legendary king of Athens who is credited with establishing democratic governance in the city-state. Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives. Theseus's role in the establishment of democracy is often attributed to his efforts to unite the various tribes and communities of Athens under a single government, giving equal rights and representation to all citizens.
4.
The myths served many functions for the Greeks. Which of the following purposes did they not serve?
Correct Answer
C. C) PropHecy, showing how the world will end
Explanation
The myths served many functions for the Greeks, including literature, functioning as entertainment and pure fantasy. They also served as a way to explain the mechanics of the physical world, functioning as science. Additionally, they played a role in religion, explaining the role of gods and morality in everyday life. However, they did not serve the purpose of prophecy, showing how the world will end.
5.
For what is Perseus most famous?
Correct Answer
B. B) Killing Medusa
Explanation
Perseus is most famous for killing Medusa. In Greek mythology, Medusa was a monstrous creature with snakes for hair whose gaze could turn people to stone. Perseus was tasked with killing her as part of a quest to save his mother from an unwanted marriage. With the help of the gods, Perseus was able to defeat Medusa by using a mirrored shield to avoid her gaze and ultimately beheaded her. This act of bravery and skill solidified Perseus' fame and established him as a hero in Greek mythology.
6.
What famous couple does the story of Pyramus and Thisbe most closely resemble?
Correct Answer
C. C) Romeo and Juliet
Explanation
The story of Pyramus and Thisbe closely resembles the story of Romeo and Juliet. Both stories involve two young lovers who come from feuding families and are forbidden to be together. They communicate secretly and plan to meet in a forbidden place. However, due to a series of misunderstandings and tragic events, they both end up dying for their love. The themes of forbidden love, secrecy, and tragic consequences are common to both stories, making Romeo and Juliet the most fitting couple to compare with Pyramus and Thisbe.
7.
What is the name of the second best Greek hero who lost out to Odysseus?
Correct Answer
C. C)Ajax
Explanation
Ajax is the second best Greek hero who lost out to Odysseus. In Greek mythology, Ajax was a brave warrior and a key figure in the Trojan War. He was known for his strength and courage, but he was ultimately defeated by Odysseus in a contest to determine who would receive the armor of the fallen hero Achilles. Despite his abilities, Ajax's pride and arrogance led to his downfall, as he was unable to control his anger and ended up committing suicide.
8.
How does Odysseus escape Polyphemus’s cave?
Correct Answer
B. B) Wine, a very sharp stick, and lots of rams
Explanation
Odysseus escapes Polyphemus's cave by getting him drunk with wine, then blinding him with a very sharp stick. He hides under the bellies of the rams to avoid detection as they leave the cave.
9.
In what practice do the flower myths of Hyacinth and Adonis probably have their roots?
Correct Answer
A. A) Human sacrifice
Explanation
The flower myths of Hyacinth and Adonis probably have their roots in the practice of human sacrifice. In ancient cultures, human sacrifice was a common ritualistic practice to appease gods or ensure fertility and abundance. The stories of Hyacinth and Adonis both involve tragic deaths and the transformation of their blood into flowers, which could be seen as symbolic of the sacrifice and rebirth associated with human sacrifice rituals. This explanation aligns with the historical context and symbolism often found in ancient myths and religious practices.
10.
Without whose help would Jason not have gotten the Golden Fleece?
Correct Answer
A. A) Hercules’
Explanation
Jason would not have been able to obtain the Golden Fleece without the help of Hercules. This suggests that Hercules played a crucial role in assisting Jason in his quest.
11.
In Greek mythology, who created woman?
Correct Answer
B. B)HepHaestus
Explanation
Hephaestus is the correct answer because in Greek mythology, he is often credited with creating women. According to the myth, Hephaestus crafted the first woman, Pandora, out of clay and brought her to life. This creation of woman by Hephaestus is a significant part of Greek mythology and is often associated with the story of Pandora's box.
12.
Which category best fits Prometheus?
Correct Answer
D. D)Titan
Explanation
Prometheus is best categorized as a Titan because in Greek mythology, Titans were a race of powerful and immortal beings who ruled during the Golden Age. Prometheus was a Titan who defied the gods by stealing fire and giving it to humanity, an act that led to his punishment. He is often associated with his role as a benefactor to mankind and his rebellious nature, which aligns with the characteristics of the Titans in Greek mythology.
13.
After the Trojan War, which Greek was killed by his wife?
Correct Answer
A. A)Agamemnon, killed by Clytemnestra
Explanation
After the Trojan War, Agamemnon, the Greek king and leader of the Greek forces, was killed by his wife Clytemnestra. This act of revenge was motivated by Clytemnestra's anger towards Agamemnon for sacrificing their daughter Iphigenia and for his infidelity during the war. Clytemnestra, along with her lover Aegisthus, plotted and executed the murder of Agamemnon upon his return home. This event is a significant part of Greek mythology and is depicted in various ancient Greek plays and literature.
14.
How does Theseus cause his father’s death?
Correct Answer
C. C) Forgetting to change his ship’s sail
Explanation
Theseus causes his father's death by forgetting to change his ship's sail. This is a reference to the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. Theseus had promised his father, King Aegeus, that if he was successful in killing the Minotaur, he would change the black sails of his ship to white as a sign of victory. However, in his excitement, Theseus forgets to change the sails, and when King Aegeus sees the black sails approaching, he believes his son has been killed and throws himself into the sea in despair.
15.
Why did the Trojans take the gigantic wooden horse within the city’s walls?
Correct Answer
B. B) The Greeks expected them to leave it outside the gates, which would offend Athena.
Explanation
The Trojans took the gigantic wooden horse within the city's walls because the Greeks expected them to leave it outside the gates, which would offend Athena. This answer suggests that the Trojans were tricked by the Greeks into bringing the horse inside the city, leading to their downfall in the Trojan War.