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Word Origins From Mythology Trivia Quiz

Some mythical characters have worked their way into everyday language

A multiple-choice quiz by robert362. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
robert362

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
29,589

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
8 / 10

Plays
3946

Last 3 plays: MissHollyB (7/10), tiye (10/10), stephedm (10/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. A 'midas touch' refers to ...? Hint

Great wisdom

Unusual strength

Profound courage

Ability to make money

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Question 2 of 10

2. The word 'narcissism' implies ...? Hint

Excessive self-admiration

Easygoing friendliness

Deep piety

A pledge of poverty

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Question 3 of 10

3. A 'herculean' task is one that is ...? Hint

Of a noble nature

Performed before a huge audience

Extremely difficult to perform

Performed while blindfolded

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Question 4 of 10

4. Something that is 'mercurial' is ... ? Hint

Deceptive or difficult to understand

Inexpensive or cheap

Changeable or volatile

Opulent or gaudy

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Question 5 of 10

5. In 'The Raven', Poe refers to a 'plutonian' shore. To what is he referring? Hint

Opium fantasies

The world of dreams

The underworld

The distant future

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Question 6 of 10

6. A person who is described as a Gorgon is ...? Hint

Of advanced age

All-seeing and all-knowing

Extremely ugly and frightening

Incapable of cowardice

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Question 7 of 10

7. A 'cassandra' is a person who ...? Hint

Enjoys the waging of war

Is irresistible to the opposite sex

Has the power of prophecy, but is never believed

Is incapable of sleep

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Question 8 of 10

8. Someone who is a 'Janus' or 'Janus-faced' is ...? Hint

Reckless

Invisible

Deceitful

Miserly

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Question 9 of 10

9. 'Procrustean' tactics are those that ...? Hint

Employ subtlety and seduction

Rely on the goodwill of others

Compel compliance by using force

Cause others to feel guilty

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Question 10 of 10

10. The description of a person as 'protean' suggests someone who is ...? Hint

Changeable and varied

Constantly hungry

Greedy and superficial

Perpetually lost

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Most Recent Scores

Sep 12 2025 : MissHollyB: 7/10
Sep 06 2025 : tiye: 10/10
Sep 02 2025 : stephedm: 10/10
Sep 02 2025 : Guest 69: 0/10
Aug 20 2025 : DizWiz: 10/10
Aug 15 2025 : Guest 97: 3/10
Aug 07 2025 : Guest 64: 6/10
Jul 28 2025 : creekerjess: 10/10

Score Distribution

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Referenced Topics

Humanities Languages Vocabulary Etymology Related Words Pluto Mercury

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