1.
What was the name of one of Theseus' great ancestors?
Correct Answer
D. Pelops
Explanation
Pelops was one of Theseus' great ancestors. He was a legendary figure in Greek mythology and the son of Tantalus. Pelops was known for his beauty and was a famous charioteer. He participated in a chariot race against King Oenomaus and won by sabotaging the king's chariot. This victory allowed Pelops to marry Oenomaus' daughter, Hippodamia. Pelops went on to become the ancestor of many prominent Greek heroes and figures, including Theseus.
2.
Who was Theseus' father?
Correct Answer
C. Aegeus
Explanation
Aegeus is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the father of Theseus in Greek mythology. Aegeus was the king of Athens and had a son with Aethra, named Theseus. Aegeus plays a significant role in the story of Theseus, including leaving a sword and sandals under a rock for Theseus to find when he was old enough to claim his birthright.
3.
What did Aegeus do, the next morning he had an encounter with Aethra in Troezen, that was considered to be strange?
Correct Answer
C. He buried his sandals and sword under a mighty rock
4.
What was the name of the first bandit that Theseus encountered en route to Athens?
Correct Answer
D. PeripHetes
Explanation
Periphetes was the name of the first bandit that Theseus encountered en route to Athens. This is evident from the given options, where Periphetes is listed as one of the choices.
5.
What was Sciron's favorite way of killing his victims?
Correct Answer
D. He kicked them over the cliff into the waters
Explanation
Sciron's favorite way of killing his victims was by kicking them over the cliff into the waters.
6.
Who was said to be the father of Gercyon?
Correct Answer
C. Poseidon
Explanation
Poseidon is said to be the father of Gercyon. In Greek mythology, Gercyon was a giant and a champion wrestler. According to the myth, Gercyon's mother was a daughter of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. This makes Poseidon Gercyon's father.
7.
How did Theseus kill Procrustes?
Correct Answer
E. He tied him on his bed and tortured him to death
Explanation
Theseus killed Procrustes by tying him on his bed and torturing him to death. This method of killing is known as the "Procrustean bed" or "Procrustean torture." Procrustes was a bandit who had a bed that he would force his victims to fit on. If they were too short, he would stretch them to fit, and if they were too tall, he would cut off their limbs. Theseus turned the tables on Procrustes and used his own method of torture against him, ultimately causing his death.
8.
How did Aegeus recognize the identity of his son?
Correct Answer
C. Aegeus recognized the sword that Theseus was carrying
Explanation
Aegeus recognized the sword that Theseus was carrying because it was a symbol of his own. It was a sword that Aegeus had hidden under a rock and told Theseus about, so when Aegeus saw the sword, he knew that Theseus was his son.
9.
Why did king Minos of Crete launch a war against Athens in the past?
Correct Answer
B. He wanted to avenge the death of his son
Explanation
King Minos of Crete launched a war against Athens in the past to avenge the death of his son. This suggests that his motivation for going to war was driven by a personal vendetta rather than any political or strategic reasons.
10.
How did Theseus manage to find his way out of the labyrinth?
Correct Answer
C. He used a spool of thread
Explanation
Theseus managed to find his way out of the labyrinth by using a spool of thread. By tying one end of the thread to the entrance of the labyrinth and unwinding it as he moved through the maze, Theseus was able to retrace his steps and find his way back out by following the thread. This method allowed him to navigate the complex maze and ensure he did not get lost.
11.
How did Theseus' father die?
Correct Answer
C. He jumped over a cliff into the sea
Explanation
Theseus' father, Aegeus, died by jumping over a cliff into the sea. This event occurred when Aegeus mistakenly believed that Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur in the labyrinth. Aegeus had previously left a sword and a pair of sandals under a rock for Theseus to retrieve if he successfully defeated the Minotaur. However, Theseus forgot to change the black sails of his ship to white as a sign of his victory. Seeing the black sails, Aegeus assumed his son was dead and in despair, he leaped into the sea, ending his life.
12.
What did Theseus forget to do that caused his father's death?
Correct Answer
D. He forgot to change the ship sails
Explanation
Theseus forgot to change the ship sails, which caused his father's death. This implies that the ship's sails were black, which was a sign of mourning. Theseus had promised his father that if he was successful in his mission, he would change the sails to white as a sign of victory. However, Theseus forgot to do so, and when his father saw the black sails from afar, he believed that his son had died. The grief-stricken father then threw himself into the sea, resulting in his death.
13.
How did Theseus eventually die?
Correct Answer
D. He was pushed over a cliff into the sea
Explanation
Theseus eventually died by being pushed over a cliff into the sea. This is a well-known mythological story from Greek mythology. Theseus was a hero and the king of Athens, and he met his tragic end when he was pushed off a cliff by the god Poseidon. This event is often associated with Theseus' arrogance and his disrespect towards the gods, leading to his downfall.