A World Full of Myths Trivia Quiz

Answer: Bunyip

The Australian Aboriginals considered the bunyip an evil creature that lived in waterways, swamps, lakes and the like. The bunyip made terrible, frightening howls and would lay in wait for humans and animals to come too close to the water and then they would jump out and eat them.

The Aboriginals avoided any water place where they thought a bunyip might be. There is some evidence that these creatures may have existed but most Australians believe it to be a myth.

Answer: Selkies

The myth is that if you catch a female selkie and remove her skin she will take human form and must marry the man who captured her. If she ever finds her skin she will immediately return to the sea. Karan Casey, an Irish singer, released an album called "Seal Maiden: A Celtic Musical".

Answer: Skywoman

The Iroquois believe that the world at the beginning was dark, completely covered with water, with no humans and only water creatures and birds. When Skywoman fell from the sky to earth, she was saved by birds that placed her on a turtle's back. The giant turtle turned into the land and sun could shine through the hole in the sky, thus creating the earth.

Answer: Hinduism

The Hindus believe that there are seven higher worlds, with earth being the last of the higher worlds, ruled by Brahma. The seven higher worlds, except earth, and the seven lower worlds are where a soul obtains a body (from where it enters). At death in one of the worlds the soul is reborn to a life form on earth.

Answer: Nian

In Chinese mythology it was believed that the Nian lived under the sea or in the mountains, which once a year would attack the villagers, especially the children. To stop this happening the villagers thought that loud noises and the colour red would deter the Nian from attacking them. This tradition continues today.

Answer: Jaguar

The jaguar was the master of fire and was a great hunter with bows and arrows. The jaguar was a powerful creature who took pity on humans. The jaguar taught man how to use bows and arrows and how to make fire. In return man killed the jaguar's wife and stole his fire. As a result of this the jaguar now hides in the jungle waiting for his revenge.

Answer: Hog god

The legend is that the Hog God, Kama Pua'a, was a shape-shifter who could control water and rain. The God came across the fire goddess, Kalua Pele, and after much to-ing and fro-ing they married. Unfortunately too much of the hog habits came out during the marriage and they split.

The arguments between the two escalated and Pele summoned the sulphur and lava to spew out, whilst Kama summoned the seas to rise. The battle ensued until finally Pele won causing Kama to change himself into a fish to escape.

Answer: Tattoo

The myth follows the story of a man, Mataora, who falls in love with an underworld princess, Niwareka, and they marry. One day Mataora beats his wife causing her to flee back to her underworld home. Mataora was remorseful and spends years searching for his wife, and finally finds her at her home.

When he finds her, he is completely dirty and disheveled, and his face paint is smudged. He apologies and Niwarka accepts the apology and in return Niwareka's father teaches him how to tattoo and to Taniko.

Answer: Finland

Ukko, similar to Thor, has either an axe, hammer or sword. Ukko creates thunder by driving into the clouds in the sky with his chariot.

Answer: Indonesia and Thailand

The Garuda is used as transport for Lord Vishnu and in India is used as a symbol for the Indian army and airforce. Garuda is Indonesia's national airline and in Thailand it is a symbol for the royal family.