Riddle Me This - Mythology and Legends Quiz

Answer: Mordred

The first line is obvious: we're talking about a legendary character here. In most versions of the story, Morgause deceived Arthur about the fact that she was his sister. Traditionally, Mordred had four older brothers: Gawain, Agravaine, Gaheris, and Gareth. Gawain was known for his physical prowess and undying sense of honor. Agravaine, in many versions, killed a unicorn, which was considered to be an ill-omen. Both Gaheris and Gareth were killed by Lancelot in the knight's ill attempt at rescuing Guinevere. All the brothers were knights. And though Mordred was King Arthur's son, his father did not treat him as one.

Answer: Achilles

Achilles' mother was Thetis, a minor goddess and Achilles is known for his anger, which is actually the subject of the first stanza of 'The Iliad'. Achilles slew countless enemies. Phoenix was a paternal figure for him; phoenixes are said to five hundred years and then come back to life on their funeral pyres. 'Achaean' is a term referring to the Greeks, and Achilles was famed for his might and strength.

When given the knowledge that he could either leave the battle and live to die in peace from age or fight the Trojans and die, Achilles chose the latter.

However, in Hades he lamented the choice, saying it would have been better to live and be a servant for a poor farmer than to rule over all whom death had crushed.

Answer: Romulus and Remus

According to legend, Romulus and Remus were twins abandoned at birth and raised by a she-wolf. However, when they returned to civilization and founded a city, they argued over whom to name the city after. Thus, they fought a duel to the death over the matter. Romulus won. Otherwise, the city would be Reme instead of Rome, which doesn't sound as good.

Answer: Beowulf

Beowulf was a warrior-king, and slew three monsters: Grendel, Grendel's mommy (who was even nastier than her beastly offspring), and a dragon. He was also a member of the Geat tribe, the son of Ecgtheow (and no, I can't pronounce it either). Grendel was called both 'God-cursed brute' and 'Prowler through the dark' in various places of the poem.

At one point in the story, Beowulf proclaims that 'My flesh is not for feasting on'.

Answer: Robin Hood

He robbed the rich and gave the money to the poor. He had a bounty on his head and could be killed on sight, thus, was a wolfhead. A robin, of course, is a red bird, and it is believed that in actuality, Robin Hood was a highway-robber. In many versions of the legend he was a lord's son.

Answer: King Arthur

King Arthur was high king of all Britain, known for his laws of chivalry. His standard was a red passant dragon, which is still used today on the Welsh flag. Arthur was a beacon, or light, of hope and civilization (Remember "I am a civilized man' from 'Camelot'). For himself however, light often seemed very far away.

The name Arthur means 'bear' in Welsh. The last line refers to Guinevere, whom he lost both figuratively when she had the affair with Lancelot and literally when she left Camelot. The first element in her name means 'white' or 'pure'.

The poem is an acrostic for Camelot.

Answer: Odysseus

The Trojan War lasted ten long years, and the voyage home lasted another ten. The whole time, Odysseus wished to get home and see his wife and son, who had been an infant when he left. Known for his tactical expertise, Odysseus was always able to overcome his enemies, whether through physical might or, more often, through his intellectual prowess.

At one point, he and his men are captured by a Cyclops who happened to be the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. They were able to escape, but angered Poseidon in the process, who then used every method he could think of to prevent the Greeks from returning home.

Answer: Merlin

According to some stories, King Vortigern was building a tower, but the foundations kept falling apart. He was told he needed the blood of a fatherless child, which Merlin was said to be (Merlin was fathered by a demon). However, upon being brought to the tower, Merlin explained that the reason the foundations kept breaking was because two dragons were fighting beneath them. Merlin was also known for shape-shifting, alternating appearing to be an old man, young boy, a giant, and once, even appearing before Julius Caesar as a stag. Aside from being Arthur's advisor, Merlin was also a prophet, though in later stories this element was often played down. Finally, Merlin was locked in, depending on the version, a cave or tree or tower, by Nimue. Unfortunately, though Merlin loved her, Nimue didn't return the favor.

Answer: Elektra

The name Elektra means 'amber'. Elektra's father, Agamemnon, was murdered by his wife and her lover when he returned from fighting the Trojans. Years later, when Elektra's brother, Orestes, was a man, they decided to exact revenge for the crime. However, after they had carried out their goal, Orestes is tormented by the Furies, who punished those who committed crimes against family. For some reason, the Furies left Elektra alone. Finally, when Orestes is put on trial for killing his mother, the vote is tied. Athena breaks the tie by voting in favor of acquittal.

Answer: Lancelot

Lancelot was known for being the best knight of all, and King Arthur's closest friend. Until, that is, his disloyalty was discovered. Then both he and Guinevere were sentenced to death.