Animals and Deities Trivia Quiz

Answer: Reptile

Apophis, also known as Apep, was a deity in ancient Egyptian mythology who represented chaos, darkness and destruction. Depicted as a giant serpent or snake, Apophis was believed to reside in the underworld and was an enemy of Ra, the sun god. According to Egyptian belief, Apophis would attempt to swallow the sun each night as it passed through the underworld, bringing darkness and chaos. Rituals and prayers were performed to protect Ra and ensure the sun's safe passage. Apophis symbolised the forces of disorder that threatened cosmic order, and defeating him each night was essential to maintaining harmony and balance in the universe.

Answer: Reptile

Jormungandr, also known as the Midgard Serpent, is a prominent figure in Norse mythology. Described as a giant sea serpent, Jormungandr is one of the children of the trickster god Loki and the giantess Angrboša. Legend has it that Odin, the chief of the gods, threw Jormungandr into the sea surrounding Midgard, the realm of men, where the serpent grew so large that it encircled the entire world, clutching its own tail. Jormungandr's presence symbolises chaos and the unpredictable forces of nature.

In Norse mythology, Jormungandr is destined to fight Thor, the god of thunder, during Ragnarok, the cataclysmic event that marks the end of the world.

Answer: Reptile

Vasuki is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Puranas and epics such as the Mahabharata. In Hindu cosmology, Vasuki is depicted as a large serpent, often referred to as the King of Snakes or Nagas. Vasuki played a crucial role in several mythological stories, including the creation of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), where he served as the rope wrapped around Mount Mandara to churn the ocean. According to Hindu mythology, Vasuki's cooperation in this cosmic endeavour was essential to the creation of the universe and the retrieval of the elixir of immortality (Amrita). Vasuki is also known for its association with Lord Shiva and is often depicted as an ornament around Shiva's neck or used as a garland.

Answer: Reptile

Sobek is an ancient Egyptian deity associated with the Nile, fertility and crocodiles. Depicted as a crocodile-headed man or as a crocodile, Sobek was both feared and worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. He was believed to control the waters of the Nile, protecting people from its dangers, but also capable of unleashing destructive floods. Sobek was also associated with military prowess and protection, and was often invoked by soldiers and pharaohs.

In Egyptian mythology he played a role in the afterlife, where he was believed to help souls on their journey. Temples dedicated to Sobek were built throughout ancient Egypt, the most famous being at Kom Ombo and Crocodilopolis (modern-day Faiyum).

Answer: Bird

Horus is one of the most important ancient Egyptian deities, often depicted as a falcon-headed god or as a falcon. He was associated with kingship, the sky and protection. Believed to be the son of Osiris and Isis, Horus was worshipped as a symbol of divine kingship and the power of the pharaoh.

In Egyptian mythology, he played a crucial role in the struggle between good and evil, particularly in his battle with Set, the god of chaos. The Eye of Horus, an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, health and royal power, remains iconic in Egyptian culture. Horus was also closely associated with the sun god Ra, with whom he was sometimes fused in the form of Ra-Horakhty, the "Horus of the Two Horizons".

Answer: Bird

Garuda is a legendary bird-like creature in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology. In Hinduism, Garuda is the mount (vahana) of the god Vishnu and is depicted as a golden eagle or large bird with a human-like face. He is often portrayed as a fierce warrior and is revered as a symbol of strength, power and protection from evil. According to Hindu mythology, Garuda is the sworn enemy of snakes and is said to have fought several battles against them.

He is also considered the king of birds and is associated with the sun and the sky.

In Buddhist mythology, Garuda is sometimes described as a compassionate and gentle creature who carries devotees to enlightenment.

Answer: Bird

The Simurgh is a mythical bird in Persian mythology, often depicted as a majestic and benevolent creature with the body of a bird and the head of a man. He is revered as a symbol of wisdom, compassion and protection. The Simurgh is said to possess immense knowledge and healing powers, and is sometimes seen as a guardian spirit or divine guide.

In Persian literature, particularly in the epic poem "The Conference of the Birds" by Farid ud-Din Attar, the Simurgh is portrayed as a wise and compassionate leader who leads a group of birds on a spiritual journey of self-discovery.

The image of the Simurgh is widely used in Persian art and literature as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and transcendence.

Answer: Bird

Yatagarasu is a mythical three-legged crow in Japanese mythology, often depicted as a divine messenger or symbol of guidance. The name "Yatagarasu" means "eight-legged crow" in Japanese, referring to its immense size. According to legend, Yatagarasu descended from the heavens to guide Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan, on his journey to establish his rule.

He is regarded as a symbol of divine intervention, providence and good fortune. In Shinto belief, Yatagarasu is associated with the sun goddess Amaterasu and is sometimes shown as her messenger or as a manifestation of her divine will. Images of Yatagarasu can be found in many aspects of Japanese culture, including art, folklore and religious rituals.

Answer: Mammal

Sekhmet is an ancient Egyptian deity often depicted as a lioness or with a lion's head. She is a powerful goddess associated with war, destruction and healing. In Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet was believed to be the daughter of the sun god Ra and a fierce protector of Pharaoh and the Egyptian people.

She was also associated with the desert and believed to have the power to bring plagues and epidemics, as well as to cure disease. Sekhmet's name translates as "the powerful" or "the mighty", emphasising her role as a formidable and influential deity in Egyptian religious beliefs.

Answer: Mammal

Narasimha, a major deity in Hinduism, is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the major gods in the Hindu pantheon. Depicted with the head of a lion and the body of a man, Narasimha is often portrayed as a fierce and formidable figure. The name "Narasimha" translates to "man-lion" in Sanskrit, emphasising his unique form. According to Hindu mythology, Narasimha appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada from his tyrannical father Hiranyakashipu who had been granted immunity from death. Narasimha represents the triumph of good over evil and the protection of justice.

He is worshipped by millions of devotees for his courage, strength and divine protection.

Answer: Mammal

Ganesha, also known as Ganapati or Vinayaka, is a Hindu deity worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings, wisdom and intelligence. Depicted with an elephant's head and a human body, Ganesha is one of the most worshipped gods in Hinduism and is often invoked before starting any new venture or undertaking.

He is also associated with intellect and learning, making him a patron of the arts and sciences. Ganesha is usually shown with four arms, each holding symbolic objects such as a lotus, an axe, a rope and a modak (a sweet dumpling), representing different aspects of his divine attributes and blessings.

Answer: Mammal

Tezcatlipoca was a prominent deity in Aztec mythology, often regarded as one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in their pantheon. His name, which means "Smoking Mirror" in Nahuatl, reflects his association with mirrors and divination. Tezcatlipoca was considered a god of many facets, representing various aspects of life and the cosmos, including destiny, sorcery, rulership and war.

He was often depicted with jaguar attributes, such as jaguar skin clothing and jaguar-inspired features, symbolising his power, ferocity and connection to the natural world.