Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the BEST term for the aboriginal Japanese mythology?
What is the BEST term for the aboriginal Japanese mythology?
Ainu
In a modern video game, fantasy novel, or similar story, what item or artifact would MOST likely be named in some way after Icarus?
In a modern video game, fantasy novel, or similar story, what item or artifact would MOST likely be named in some way after Icarus?
a pair of wings
Which Greek mythological figure was responsible for ending the terror caused by the Minotaur?
Which Greek mythological figure was responsible for ending the terror caused by the Minotaur?
Theseus
Which mythological character comes from the culture for which the term 'myth' itself originated?
Which mythological character comes from the culture for which the term 'myth' itself originated?
What element of the Greek myth explaining why we have seasons varies MOST depending on which version of the tale is being told?
What element of the Greek myth explaining why we have seasons varies MOST depending on which version of the tale is being told?
Vodou is a syncretic religion mixing which two cultures?
Vodou is a syncretic religion mixing which two cultures?
What description would make sense for the rainbow-colored Bifrost that appears in Thor?
What description would make sense for the rainbow-colored Bifrost that appears in Thor?
What term is most similar to the action of combining strawberry and cherry flavoring in a sno-cone?
What term is most similar to the action of combining strawberry and cherry flavoring in a sno-cone?
Which Greek mythological figure was imprisoned in a maze of his own design?
Which Greek mythological figure was imprisoned in a maze of his own design?
For which product would a brand name of 'Daedalus' make the MOST sense?
For which product would a brand name of 'Daedalus' make the MOST sense?
Why was Grimm's Fairy Tales controversial when it was originally released?
Why was Grimm's Fairy Tales controversial when it was originally released?
The Minotaur is a combination of which two animals?
The Minotaur is a combination of which two animals?
What was the magical element in the 'Bluebeard' fairy tale?
What was the magical element in the 'Bluebeard' fairy tale?
A fable is a type of folktale.
A fable is a type of folktale.
What is the primary characteristic a folktale must have in order to be considered a fable?
What is the primary characteristic a folktale must have in order to be considered a fable?
Which behavior would a mythological warrior be MOST likely to engage in?
Which behavior would a mythological warrior be MOST likely to engage in?
Which Greek group was an embodiment of vengeance itself and was referred to as the 'kindly ones'?
Which Greek group was an embodiment of vengeance itself and was referred to as the 'kindly ones'?
What elemental force is shared in both Sigrid's and Brynhild's legends?
What elemental force is shared in both Sigrid's and Brynhild's legends?
Which Christian holiday is MOST directly inspired by a West Germanic goddess?
Which Christian holiday is MOST directly inspired by a West Germanic goddess?
Much of Chinese legend is derived from the Sengoku or Warring States period.
Much of Chinese legend is derived from the Sengoku or Warring States period.
What popular shoe brand shares its name with the Greek goddess of victory?
What popular shoe brand shares its name with the Greek goddess of victory?
Which country's troops were responsible for the ultimate defeat of the Dahomey?
Which country's troops were responsible for the ultimate defeat of the Dahomey?
What was the MOST likely cause of the rebellion led by Boudica, Queen of the Iceni?
What was the MOST likely cause of the rebellion led by Boudica, Queen of the Iceni?
The very earliest Dahomey Amazons made their living through what practice?
The very earliest Dahomey Amazons made their living through what practice?
How does someone earn the right to go to Valhalla when they die?
How does someone earn the right to go to Valhalla when they die?
Which explorer makes the MOST sense to attribute as the first nonaboriginal person to explore North America?
Which explorer makes the MOST sense to attribute as the first nonaboriginal person to explore North America?
Which figure is known for being so ferocious that she single-handedly caused a native military group to flee?
Which figure is known for being so ferocious that she single-handedly caused a native military group to flee?
Which two mythical figures both have ties to death on the battlefield?
Which two mythical figures both have ties to death on the battlefield?
Which goddess's physical appearance is described MOST similar to the original Celtic goddesses' 'dual nature'?
Which goddess's physical appearance is described MOST similar to the original Celtic goddesses' 'dual nature'?
Which wartime leader won several successive battles before a crushing defeat?
Which wartime leader won several successive battles before a crushing defeat?
Which scholar was MOST directly influenced by Jung's ideas?
Which scholar was MOST directly influenced by Jung's ideas?
In many modern retellings of the story of King Arthur, which monomythic archetype does Merlin MOST fit?
In many modern retellings of the story of King Arthur, which monomythic archetype does Merlin MOST fit?
Who is the hero of the world's oldest known epic myth?
Who is the hero of the world's oldest known epic myth?
Each archetype in the heroic monomyth is exemplified by different entities representing the culture the myth originated from.
Each archetype in the heroic monomyth is exemplified by different entities representing the culture the myth originated from.
In a saga or epic, which event is MOST likely to occur before a hero is born?
In a saga or epic, which event is MOST likely to occur before a hero is born?
Which sentence is an example of a story that MOST represents a narrative form?
Which sentence is an example of a story that MOST represents a narrative form?
The trickster archetype is known for their malice and hatred toward the hero.
The trickster archetype is known for their malice and hatred toward the hero.
Which stage in the 12-stage version of the heroic monomyth is generally the final stage?
Which stage in the 12-stage version of the heroic monomyth is generally the final stage?
What elements should Amelia add as the hero enters adulthood?
What elements should Amelia add as the hero enters adulthood?
In Greek mythology, what archetype does Cerberus MOST fulfill?
In Greek mythology, what archetype does Cerberus MOST fulfill?
What do psychologists and folklorists mean when they refer to a collective unconsciousness?
What do psychologists and folklorists mean when they refer to a collective unconsciousness?
Which description of the current times would be MOST expected during the birth of a hero?
Which description of the current times would be MOST expected during the birth of a hero?
What character flaw was common to both Beowulf and Odysseus?
What character flaw was common to both Beowulf and Odysseus?
A story about Johnny Appleseed's life would be MOST likely considered:
A story about Johnny Appleseed's life would be MOST likely considered:
What is the point of the Refusal of the Call stage of the heroic monomyth?
What is the point of the Refusal of the Call stage of the heroic monomyth?
In American mythology and folklore, what animal is often a trickster?
In American mythology and folklore, what animal is often a trickster?
If a video game designer wants to create a massive aerial fight between two giant flying creatures, what would be MOST thematically appropriate for inspiration?
If a video game designer wants to create a massive aerial fight between two giant flying creatures, what would be MOST thematically appropriate for inspiration?
What type of animals are the garuda, peng, and Ziz?
What type of animals are the garuda, peng, and Ziz?
What was the role of the mythological creature that is represented in the following image?
What was the role of the mythological creature that is represented in the following image?
Which Greek deity was well-known for transforming himself into animals to seduce?
Which Greek deity was well-known for transforming himself into animals to seduce?
Given the meanings of Qinlong, Fucanglong, and Tianlong in Chinese mythology, what would the word 'tian' translate to in English?
Given the meanings of Qinlong, Fucanglong, and Tianlong in Chinese mythology, what would the word 'tian' translate to in English?
In which world region did Brer Rabbit stories originate?
In which world region did Brer Rabbit stories originate?
For myths that explain the creation of the world as being caused by an animal, there's a wide variety of animal types responsible.
For myths that explain the creation of the world as being caused by an animal, there's a wide variety of animal types responsible.
What mythological creature is known both for its humongous size and its role as a mediator?
What mythological creature is known both for its humongous size and its role as a mediator?
Arachnophobia is associated with the Greek myth about Arachne. What is arachnophobia a fear of?
Arachnophobia is associated with the Greek myth about Arachne. What is arachnophobia a fear of?
What would be the MOST likely role for a peacock in mythology, given the common way peacocks are personified?
What would be the MOST likely role for a peacock in mythology, given the common way peacocks are personified?
What determined the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac?
What determined the order of the animals in the Chinese zodiac?
The bat is an almost universal symbol of bad luck, death, and evil.
The bat is an almost universal symbol of bad luck, death, and evil.
What is the association between the depictions of most major Egyptian gods and goddesses and animals?
What is the association between the depictions of most major Egyptian gods and goddesses and animals?
Which myth's central story involves an animal that is entirely antagonistic toward the hero?
Which myth's central story involves an animal that is entirely antagonistic toward the hero?
What did the Nuremberg Chronicle include in its illustrated history?
What did the Nuremberg Chronicle include in its illustrated history?
What is the term for Japanese folklore studies?
What is the term for Japanese folklore studies?
The Western practice of folkloristics has only existed for about 50 years.
The Western practice of folkloristics has only existed for about 50 years.
What did the three treasures of the Japanese emperor represent?
What did the three treasures of the Japanese emperor represent?
Where did the sun and the moon come from in Aztec mythology?
Where did the sun and the moon come from in Aztec mythology?
Which goddess was believed to live in Mt. Fuji?
Which goddess was believed to live in Mt. Fuji?
Based on the nure-onago and harionago of Japanese folklore, what does 'onago' indicate?
Based on the nure-onago and harionago of Japanese folklore, what does 'onago' indicate?
In the I Ching, what trait is associated with the Mountain?
In the I Ching, what trait is associated with the Mountain?
What is one of the major powers represented by the I Ching?
What is one of the major powers represented by the I Ching?
What type of myth would Alexander Eliot consider stories of Buddha's transcendence?
What type of myth would Alexander Eliot consider stories of Buddha's transcendence?
The Norse and Egyptian religions are classified as which type?
The Norse and Egyptian religions are classified as which type?
According to Dante, which sin is most heinous?
According to Dante, which sin is most heinous?
The sun was worshipped in almost every ancient culture.
The sun was worshipped in almost every ancient culture.
What is one limitation of Alexander Eliot's classification system regarding sacred myths?
What is one limitation of Alexander Eliot's classification system regarding sacred myths?
What was the food and drink of the Greek gods?
What was the food and drink of the Greek gods?
The first two beings in Greek mythology were Chaos and Nyx.
The first two beings in Greek mythology were Chaos and Nyx.
Which god or goddess would be MOST likely to have been worshipped at the Parthenon?
Which god or goddess would be MOST likely to have been worshipped at the Parthenon?
What is the Anglicized term for the ritual battles the Aztecs called xochiyaoyotl?
What is the Anglicized term for the ritual battles the Aztecs called xochiyaoyotl?
Which Mesopotamian god or goddess is MOST associated with pure villainy and evil in modern culture?
Which Mesopotamian god or goddess is MOST associated with pure villainy and evil in modern culture?
Who is considered the most important god of the Egyptian pantheon, responsible for creation?
Who is considered the most important god of the Egyptian pantheon, responsible for creation?
What was the universe created from according to Aztec mythology?
What was the universe created from according to Aztec mythology?
What is the purpose of a Norse kenning?
What is the purpose of a Norse kenning?
What term could be MOST accurately applied to Mesopotamian myth?
What term could be MOST accurately applied to Mesopotamian myth?
On what surface was the oldest book known to anthropologists composed?
On what surface was the oldest book known to anthropologists composed?
Which civilization is the BEST example of a culture formed directly as part of a cradle of civilization?
Which civilization is the BEST example of a culture formed directly as part of a cradle of civilization?
What was one responsibility of the Aztec goddess known as 'obsidian butterfly'?
What was one responsibility of the Aztec goddess known as 'obsidian butterfly'?
Which god was at the top of the Aztec hierarchy?
Which god was at the top of the Aztec hierarchy?
In Aztec mythology, what is the sun created from?
In Aztec mythology, what is the sun created from?
What precious stone was MOST associated with the Aztec goddess of water and childbirth?
What precious stone was MOST associated with the Aztec goddess of water and childbirth?
What form of writing would an anthropologist need to understand to MOST be able to interpret written stories of Mesopotamia?
What form of writing would an anthropologist need to understand to MOST be able to interpret written stories of Mesopotamia?
What type of tree is Yggdrasil?
What type of tree is Yggdrasil?
Which society utilized a logo-syllabic writing script?
Which society utilized a logo-syllabic writing script?
What myth is likely partially responsible for Western culture's disdain toward reptiles?
What myth is likely partially responsible for Western culture's disdain toward reptiles?
In folklorist studies, what perspective was most popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries?
In folklorist studies, what perspective was most popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries?
Where were the Naacal believed to have lived?
Where were the Naacal believed to have lived?
What seminal tale did Dr. Jamie Tehrani trace, finding 35 different versions and a common ancestor over 2,600 years old?
What seminal tale did Dr. Jamie Tehrani trace, finding 35 different versions and a common ancestor over 2,600 years old?
Approximately how many languages are listed in the Ethnologue?
Approximately how many languages are listed in the Ethnologue?
What type of creatures guards the World Trees in Greek, Hindu, and Chinese mythology?
What type of creatures guards the World Trees in Greek, Hindu, and Chinese mythology?
What did the Rosetta Stone offer anthropologists great insight into?
What did the Rosetta Stone offer anthropologists great insight into?
In the original story of Beauty and the Beast, what theme does this version of the story try to tell?
In the original story of Beauty and the Beast, what theme does this version of the story try to tell?
Study Notes
Japanese and Other Mythologies
- Ainu is the term for aboriginal Japanese mythology.
- In modern storytelling, an item potentially named after Icarus is typically a pair of wings.
Greek Mythology
- Theseus is the Greek hero who defeated the Minotaur, halting its reign of terror.
- Pelops, a character from Greek mythology, is linked to the term "myth."
- A variation in the myth of seasons involves whether Hades tricked Persephone into eating a pomegranate seed.
- Daedalus is known for designing the Labyrinth as a prison for the Minotaur.
Mythological Concepts
- Vodou combines African and Catholic elements as a syncretic religion.
- Erinyes, known as the "kindly ones," embody vengeance in Greek mythology.
- An archetypal figure in storytelling is the mentor, exemplified by Merlin in the Arthurian legends.
Folktales and Fables
- Grimm's Fairy Tales were controversial due to their violent content.
- A fable must teach a clear moral lesson.
Norse Mythology
- The Bifrost serves as a bridge between worlds in the Thor comics and movies.
- To gain entrance to Valhalla, one must die valorously on the battlefield.
Historical Figures and Events
- Boudica, the Iceni queen, led a rebellion driven by misrule and enslavement of her people.
- Erik the Red is recognized as one of the first nonaboriginal explorers of North America.
- Freydis Eiriksdottir is noted for her ferocity, causing a military group to flee.
Psychological and Cultural Concepts
- The collective unconsciousness refers to shared universal ideas within humanity.
- Pride is a common character flaw shared by both Beowulf and Odysseus.
Animals in Mythology
- Nike, a popular shoe brand, is named after the Greek goddess of victory.
- In various myths, animals like the garuda, peng, and Ziz are depicted as giant birds.
- The cunning rabbit or hare often serves as a trickster in American folklore.
Ancient Civilizations and Culture
- The Aztec sun was created from the sacrifice of Tecuciztecatl and Nanahuatzin.
- Ra is deemed the chief god of the Egyptian pantheon and associated with creation.
- The Olmecs exemplify an ancient cradle of civilization.
Myths and Legends
- Ambrosia and nectar were the food and drink of the Greek gods.
- In the context of creation myths, various animals symbolize different elements, reinforcing diverse cultural narratives.
- The Buffalo Woman mediates between the heavens, humans, and the earth, showcasing the duality found in mythological creatures.
Additional Mythological Insights
- Konohana, the goddess of flowering trees, is associated with Mt. Fuji.
- Women's duality in Celtic mythology is reflected in the character of Hel.
- Cuneiform writing is essential for interpreting Mesopotamian myths.
Key Themes
- The Garden of Eden myth has influenced Western perceptions of reptiles negatively.
- Beauty and the Beast's original story emphasizes looking beyond surface appearances to understand true character.
Anthropological Contributions
- The Rosetta Stone significantly advanced the comprehension of ancient writing systems.
- Dr. Jamie Tehrani traced numerous versions of Little Red Riding Hood, revealing its enduring nature across cultures.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
