We're the Monsters! Quiz | Literature

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Most of the time I look like an ordinary human. But when the full moon rises, so does my ferocity. I grow claws and fangs, and fur all over my body. If you want to stand in my way you better bring along some silver weapons. What am I?

Answer: Werewolf

The werewolf (lycanthrope, loup-garou) is seen regularly in modern fantasy works.

In the World of Darkness White Wolf has published the roleplaying game settings 'Werewolf: the Wild West' as well as 'Werewolf: the Apocalypse' honoring this monster. Consider reading these works if you need more information on werewolves.

You can also see the werewolf, for example, in the 'Underworld' movie series or in the 2004 movie 'Van Helsing' starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckinsale. One of the more charming versions of the werewolf can be seen in the 1985 movie 'Teen Wolf' with Michael J. Fox.

Please excuse me for not referring to Meyer's 'Twilight' series. I tried to but I really couldn't do it.

2. I am thickly covered in fur and I walk on two legs which end in hooves. I am taller than a human, more powerful. I can attack you with either my muscular arms or with the bull's horns protruding from my head. What am I?

Answer: Minotaur

The Minotaur has its origin in Greek mythology, appearing as half bull / half man which lived in a maze on the Greek island of Crete. It was slain by Theseus, the mythical founder of Athens.

One of the more prominent members of this race may be Kaz, friend and comrade-in-arms of Huma Dragonbane, first Knight of Solamnia, in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting 'Dragonlance'. His story can be read in Richard Knaak's 'The Legend of Huma' and 'Kaz the Minotaur' (1988 & 1990).

If you are interested in these monsters you may also consider reading Dante's 'Inferno'.

The minotaur is not often used in the modern fantasy genre, but it can still be found in the 'Warhammer' system, including the 'Blood Bowl' fantasy football game where it may be employed as a Star Player for the Chaos team.

3. I have a massive body, borne by four powerful legs. I can easily fight several enemies at once, as I have several heads which will attack with snake-like agility. Be careful when trying to decapitate me, for my heads will grow back quickly when severed! What am I?

Answer: Hydra

The hydra hails from Greek mythology where it originally was known as the Lernean Hydra. It was said to be the grandchild of the earth goddess Gaia, and in the end was defeated and killed by Hercules as the second of his Twelve Great Labours.

In modern fantasy it is usually pictured as a scaly creature with anything between three and twelve heads which will grow back when not attacked with a weapon of fire. The hydra likes to have its lair in warm and wet climate, preferably in swamps.

If you want to see a hydra in action you may consider playing Dungeons & Dragons or the computer game series 'Heroes of Might and Magic'.

4. When you look at me from a distance you will see only an old man. But as I draw near, you will realize that my skin is drawn tightly upon my bones, as if my flesh has been burnt away. Within my deep-set eyes an unholy red glow hints at my vast power of undeath. What am I?

Answer: Lich

The lich is a more uncommon and infrequently seen fantasy monster.
Very powerful wizards can use their magic in unholy rituals to defy time and death. Defeating their mortality they transform themselves into powerful undead creatures of vile darkness.

Two of the better known liches may be Szass Tam, Zulkir of Necromancy, on the Dungeons & Dragons world 'Forgotten Realms' and (my personal favourite) Firan Zal'honan, probably better known as Azalin Rex, Domainlord of Darkon on the Demiplane of Dread 'Ravenloft'. For more information I highly recommend reading the 1998 novel from P. N. Elrod: 'I, Strahd: The War Against Azalin'.

5. I look like the bigger and fiercer brother of a lion, and indeed, I am much more dangerous. Using the wings on my back I swoop down on my prey and attack with razor-sharp fangs and claws - even my long, scorpion-like tail is a formidable weapon in itself. Whenever it strikes you, you may well be instantly paralysed. What am I?

Answer: Manticore

The manticore originates in Persian mythology. It first appeared at about 500 B.C. During the medieval ages the manticore became a symbol of tyranny and the embodiment of evil.

After its adaption into the modern fantasy genre it is now at home in the world of 'Warhammer' and the computer game 'Heroes of Might and Magic'.

If you want to see a real manticore then you should really spend a couple of coins and visit Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival in the 1982 animated movie 'The Last Unicorn'. If you keep hearing Saruman, don't despair: The great Christopher Lee has lent his voice to King Haggard.

6. I am an incorporeal undead, often clad in dark robes. My appearance begets terror in mortals. My mere touch will drain your courage, your strength, your life. What am I?

Answer: Wraith

The wraith has made frequent appearances in many fantasy publications although admittedly not always under that name.

You may encounter wraiths, for example, in Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' (1954) where they are known as Nazgul or in Terry Brooks' 'The Sword of Shannara' (1977) where they are called Skull Bearers. It is maybe also possible to compare Rowling's Dementors to the wraiths. (This is not exactly correct, I know. But I think that it is quite a convenient lie.)

White Wolf has honored these legendary monsters with the World of Darkness rules setting 'Wraith: the Ascension'.

7. My upper body is that of a woman, my lower body that of a serpent. When I have a bad-hair-day, snakes may bite my comb. When I look at you, quickly lower your eyes, lest my gaze will instantly petrify you. Nevertheless, I can be killed, unlike my immortal sisters. What am I?

Answer: Medusa

The Medusa hails from Greek mythology. She was one of the three Gorgons and the only one of the sisters whose nature was mortal. She was defeated and beheaded by the hero Perseus.

The medusa has not often been used in modern day fantasy, but still can be found in several computer games as well as in the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game.

If you want to see a rather pretty-faced medusa, you can take a (careful!) look at Uma Thurman in the 2010 fantasy movie 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief'.

8. I am dead and entombed, but that doesn't stop me. Wrapped in linen I restlessly prowl through my burial site. I may move slowly, but when I get you my touch alone will bring disease and death. What am I?

Answer: Mummy

One of the more classic fantasy monsters, the mummy is used frequently in books, movies and games.

The curse of the mummy's touch was born in the 1920's, when several archaeologists fell sick and died after opening Tutankhamun's tomb in Egypt. Later it turned out that the dead pharaoh was not responsible for the deaths. Instead, a rare kind of fungus which grew in the pyramid had infected the breathing systems of the archaeologists and had caused their tragic deaths.

If you want to experience a good horror sensation involving the mummy, I suggest reading Bram Stoker's 'The Jewel of Seven Stars' (1903 - the original version) about the reviving of the Egyptian queen Tera.

You can (among many others, of course) also see the mummy in action in the 1932 classic horror movie 'The Mummy' with Boris Karloff or in the modern comedy adaption from 1999 with Brendan Fraser, also called 'The Mummy'.

9. I am a rather pale creature since sunlight burns me to ashes. If you really want to fight me, you better bring along some stakes. My diet preferably consists of the blood of young maidens. What am I?

Answer: Vampire

The vampire may be one of the most classic monsters in the fantasy genre.

Made widely known in 1897 by Bram Stoker's must-read 'Dracula', it has made regular appearances in almost all fantasy publications. Among the many noteworthy examples I would like to include the classic German movies 'Dance of the Vampires' from 1967, and 'Nosferatu' from 1922.

The roleplaying games 'Vampire: Masquerade' and 'Vampire: The Dark Ages' offer much information for those who are further interested in these fine monsters.

Again I wish to apologize for not mentioning Meyer's 'Twilight' series. Even vampires should be allowed to keep their dignity.
Instead I would like to mention Rice's works, beginning with 'Interview With The Vampire' (1976).
If you are in for a real horror jewel, consider reading Richard Laymon's 'The Stake' (1991).

10. I am at the top of the fantasy food chain. Protected by solid scales, armed with teeth and talons and a breath like death I swoop down on my prey. During the millenia of my life I collect vast treasures upon which I like to sleep. What am I?

Answer: Dragon

The dragon is the crown jewel of fantasy creation.

It is at home in nearly every major and minor fantasy publications. Its already extraordinary combat abilities with teeth, claws, tail and wings are accompanied by its devastating breath weapon and powerful sorcery and spellcraft. Its fearsome strength may be equalled only by its cunning and pride.

Among the best known dragons is probably Smaug, as encountered in Tolkien's 1937 novel 'The Hobbit'.
Dragons appear frequently in the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting 'Dragonlance' (Not really a surprise, there...) - highly recommendable are the books from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman: 'The Dragonlance Chronicles', 'The Dragonlance Legends' and 'Dragons of Summer Flame' (1984, 1986, 1995).

The dragon at its best is also featured in the 8th Discworld novel 'Guards! Guards!' by Sir Terry Pratchett.

Source: Author Siggi

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor looney_tunes before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

We're the Monsters! Trivia Quiz

Blessings upon thee and thy journey through this monster-infested realm!

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