Birds of Myth Trivia Quiz

Answer: Phoenix

Phoenix is the capital of the US state of Arizona and is one of the largest cities in the country. It was named after the mythical bird phoenix as the city was built at a site that previously housed a Native American settlement.

The mythical phoenix originated in Greek folklore. According to legend, the phoenix burst into flames at the end of its life and a new phoenix was born from its ashes. This rebirth aspect has also led to the bird being associated with Christ, drawing parallels with Jesus' resurrection from death.

Answer: Thoth

Thoth is an Ancient Egyptian deity, often depicted with the head of the ibis, though sometimes shown with the head of a baboon instead. Thoth was an important god in the Egyptian pantheon ruling over wisdom, writing, science, art and magic, to name a few.

He gave his name to the first month of the Ancient Egyptian calendar. It typically fell between September and October of the Gregorian calendar and marked the period when the Nile flooded the plains.

Answer: Griffin

The griffin, also spelled as griffon or gryphon, is a legendary creature described as being part lion and part eagle. Griffins were described in mythology of various regions ranging from the ancient Greeks to the Persians where the creature was called shirdal, meaning lion-eagle. Columns with statues of griffins are found among the ruins of Persepolis, capital of the former Achaemenid Empire, now a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iran.

In H. G. Wells' novel, "The Invisible Man", the titular character is a scientist called Griffin. His work focused on research of optics and light rays to devise a way for a person to become invisible. While he does find success, unfortunately he is unable to make the process two-way and finds himself stuck being invisible, a situation which ultimately drives him insane and forces him to commit various crimes.

Answer: Huma

The Huma bird is found in various Persian legends. According to myth, it never comes to rest, flying high in the sky for its entire life. Some legends also ascribe phoenix-like characteristics to it - burning itself and then rising from its ashes. References to the bird are also found in the myths of neighbouring cultures like that of the Turkish, erstwhile Mughal, and Sindhi.

The national emblem of Uzbekistan has the huma bird in the centre with its wings stretched on either side. A cotton plant and wheat sheaf complete the outer circle of the emblem, a nod to the two main agricultural products of the country.

Answer: Thunderbird

The thunderbird is part of the mythology of the indigenous peoples of North America. As can be deduced from its name, it is believed to cause thunder by the flapping of its wings. Algonquian culture holds the thunderbird as being in charge of the heavens or the upper world.

The air demonstration squadron of the United States Air Force is known as the "Thunderbirds". Formed in 1953, they are among the oldest such squads in the world. They routinely perform at air shows globally.

Answer: Siren

Siren is a genus of aquatic salamanders. Among the existing species within this genus are the greater siren, lesser siren, and the leopard eel. In Greek myth, sirens were dangerous creatures who lured sailors to their death with their melodious voices. Sirens were depicted as a combination of birds and humans.

Answer: Horus

Horus is often considered to be one of the chief deities of the Ancient Egyptian pantheon. He is depicted as a falcon or a man with a falcon head. Given Horus' status as a chief god, the Eye of Horus was used as a symbol of protection. It was even used to create funerary amulets to protect the deceased in the afterlife.

Answer: Ziz

The Ziz is a phoenix-like bird from Jewish mythology. It is described as having a wingspan so wide as to be able to completely block out the sun. The river Ziz bears no connection with the mythical bird. It originates in the Atlas Mountains and flows through the southern parts of Morocco and Algeria, before emptying out into the Sahara Desert.

Answer: Firebird

The firebird comes to us from Slavic folklore. It gets its name from its plumage which has various hues of orange, yellow, and red. It can bring both blessings and curses to one who captures it. This legendary bird is the inspiration for the ballet named after it. In it, a prince named Ivan manages to capture the firebird and is given one of its feathers as a gift for releasing it.

Answer: Garuda

The garuda is a mythical bird found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In Hinduism, it is considered to be the mount or vehicle of god Vishnu. Described as the king of birds, in iconography it can be depicted in bird form or human form with birdlike characteristics.

The garuda is one of the national symbols of Indonesia and the country's national airline is named Garuda. The garuda is also the symbol of the Indian Air Force.