Greek Mythology and the Hebrew Bible Quiz

A Greek mythological tale about Bellerophon, a hero who is falsely accused of attempted seduction by King Proetus' wife, Anteia/Stheneboea.

In Greek mythology, Anteia/Stheneboea is the wife of King Proetus of Tiryns. She is known for falsely accusing Bellerophon of attempted seduction.

The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, contains a similar story to the Bellerophon myth. In this story, Joseph is falsely accused of seduction by Potiphar's wife.

The myth of Bellerophon and the story of Joseph in the Hebrew Bible share a common theme of false accusations and betrayal by jealous women.

A character in the myth of Theseus and Hippolytus, Phaedra also falsely accuses Hippolytus of trying to seduce her.

Pegasus, a winged horse in Greek mythology, is said to have been born from the blood of the slain Medusa. This is a prominent element in the Bellerophon myth.

Proetus, King of Tiryns, is the uncle of Perseus, and the husband of Anteia/Stheneboea. He is unjustly misled by his wife's accusations against Bellerophon.

The use of the name "Anteia" by Homer and "Stheneboea" by other sources for the same character highlights the inconsistency and potential for multiple versions within Greek mythology.

A monstrous hybrid creature with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail, known for breathing fire.

The winged horse given to Bellerophon by Athena and Poseidon, helping him fight the Chimaera.

Bellerophon uses his flying horse, Pegasus, to shoot arrows at the Chimaera while staying out of reach of its fire breath.

Excessive pride and arrogance, often leading to a downfall.

Bellerophon attempts to reach Mount Olympus on Pegasus, but is thrown off by Zeus for his hubris.

Bellerophon travels to central Asia Minor to fight the Solymoi and Amazons, displaying his exceptional skills as a warrior.

He is a god who played a significant role in the story of Bellerophon, helping him acquire Pegsus which he used to kill the Chimaera.

She is a goddess known for wisdom and strategy, who aided Bellerophon by supplying him with Pegasus.

Exaggerated pride or arrogance that often leads to downfall; a common theme in Greek mythology.

A mythical city in central Greece, the story of which explains the creation of the Greek alphabet.

A character in Greek mythology who traveled from Phoenicia to Greece, founded the city of Thebes, and introduced the Greek alphabet.

Another word for 'oracle', referring to a person or place believed to convey divine messages.

A Greek goddess who is known for her wisdom, skill in crafts, and protection of heroes.

The act of explaining the origin or the reason for something; can be a story or a myth.

A prince from the Phoenician city of Tyre, Cadmus is one of the few non-Greek heroes in Greek mythology.

The abduction of Europa by Zeus is a story that explains why Europe is named 'Europe'.

A group of mythical heroes often associated with epic quests and battles.

The myth of Jason and the Argonauts, the Seven against Thebes, and the expedition against Troy.

The hero Hercules, also known as Heracles or Herakles, is a celebrated figure in Greek mythology, renowned for his strength and exploits.

The name "Heracles" is derived from the Greek words Hēra (Hera, the goddess) and klēos (glory), signifying "glory of Hera".

Despite being named after Hera, the goddess was known to be hostile towards Heracles. This creates an interesting contrast in the myth.

The Etruscan people, known for their interest in Greek culture, adopted and adapted the name Heracles to "Hercules", creating a lasting impact on the hero's international appeal.

The Romans, even more enthusiastic about Greek culture, embraced "Hercules" as a prominent figure in their mythology and literature.

Hercules' enduring influence continues today, making him one of the most recognized figures in Western culture, with representations in various forms of art and literature.

Heracles experienced both incredible successes and devastating failures, making him a relatable and fascinating figure.

Heracles' personality is a mix of positive and negative traits, making him a complex and interesting character.

The Stoics saw Heracles' struggles as a perfect example of human resilience and willpower, which resonated with their philosophy.

Early Christians saw Heracles' suffering and ultimate triumph as a prefigurement of the story of Christ.

Heracles' status as both human and god makes him unique among Greek heroes, and allows for a unique connection with mortals.

Heracles' ability to access the heavens due to his dual nature made him a powerful intercessor for humans, allowing them to petition Zeus.

Heracles' stories are full of adventures and trials, creating a sense of excitement and entertainment for audiences.

Heracles' popularity stemmed from his relatable struggles, complex personality, and the unique connection he had with mortals due to his dual nature.

The Phoenician alphabet, which was brought to Greece by Cadmus, was adapted by Greeks to write their own language, though they continued to call it "Phoenician things."

Cadmus, a legendary king of Thebes, is credited with bringing the Phoenician alphabet to Greece. He is considered a 'civilizing hero' for this contribution, aligning with the archetype of heroes who introduce beneficial innovations to society.

Cadmus, after marrying the goddess Harmonia, eventually ascended to Elysium, a Greek concept of paradise or the afterlife, after death. This is a significant characteristic of Cadmus's life, highlighting his connection to the divine.

Meleager, a prince of Calydon, was a key figure in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. Despite several others having already wounded the boar, Meleager is credited with killing it with his spear.

Atalanta, a female hunter, is recognized for her participation in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. She is a memorable and influential figure due to her role as a skilled warrior and her unique position as a female hero in Greek mythology.

Meleager's killing of his maternal uncles after the Calydonian Boar Hunt raises questions about his motivations. While it is commonly assumed to be a result of self-defense, some interpretations suggest that Meleager's actions were driven by hubris, particularly due to his feelings for Atalanta. This ambiguity allows for different interpretations of the event and highlights the flexibility of Greek storytelling.

The concept of fate plays a significant role in Greek mythology. It emphasizes that individuals are subject to predetermined destiny, a concept that appears in the tragic death of Meleager. This idea of destiny, often linked to a prophecy or divine intervention, shapes the characters' journeys and ultimately influences their outcomes.

The 'external soul' motif, found in various legends worldwide, is also present in Greek mythology. In Meleager's story, his life is linked to a burning log, and his death occurs simultaneously with the fire's extinction. This narrative device creates a symbolic connection between an individual's life and a physical object, representing the concept of a metaphorical soul or life force.