Exploring Greek Mythology in Modern Language
Discover how Greek mythology influences modern language with references to Hercules, Titans, and Achilles. Learn about Herculean efforts, Titanic beings, and Achilles' heel through everyday phrases and their mythological origins.
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Many modern words and phrases make reference to people or events in Greek mythology.
Make a Herculean effort Example: Climbing to the summit of Mt. Everest is a Herculean effort. Based on this sentence, what can you infer about Hercules? Can you think of another example of a Herculean effort?
Herculean effort: mythology connection Heracles (Hercules) was the son of Zeus. Had immense strength and courage Ordered to complete twelve labors (very difficult tasks) and completed them all
Make a Herculean effort Definition: requiring an enormous amount of ________, ________, or _______ strength work courage
Titanic Example: The blue whale is a titanic sea creature compared to the tiny seahorse. Based on this sentence, what can you infer about the Titans? Can you think of another example of something that can be described as titanic?
Titanic Mythology Connection Titans were a family of giants, who wanted to rule heaven, but were overthrown by Zeus. Atlas was a Titan who was condemned to carry the sky on his shoulders.
Titanic Definition: an adjective meaning enormous ________, ________, or _______ strength size power
To have an Achilles heel Example: His love for fast food will someday be his Achilles heel because his health will suffer. Based on this sentence, what can you infer about Achilles? Can you think of something else that could be considered an Achilles heel?
Achilles heel mythology connection Achilles- Greek warrior Hero of the Trojan War It was predicted that he would die young, so his mother dipped him in the River Styx to make him immortal. She held him by the heel, so that became a weak area. He died by a poisoned arrow to the heel.
To have an Achilles heel Modern definition: a __________ that can lead to your ________________ downfall weakness
Narcissistic Nar-si-sis-tick Narcissus- white flower in the daffodil family Example: The narcissistic princess did not think any prince in the kingdom was good enough to marry. Based on this sentence, what can you infer about Narcissus? Can you think of another example of someone being narcissistic?
Narcissistic mythology connection Narcissus was the son of a river god. He was very good-looking. He was told that he would live a long life if he never looked at himself. He rejected the love of Echo, which angered the gods. He looked into the water, saw his reflection, and fell in love with himself. He gazed at himself until he died. The flower that grew on that spot is called a narcissus.
Narcissistic Modern definition: vanity, ____________with yourself, _____-centered self fascination
To have the Midas touch Example: Justin Bieber seems to have the Midas touch in the music Industry. Based on this sentence, what can you infer about King Midas? Can you think of another example of someone with the Midas touch ?
Midas touch mythology connection King Midas was very greedy. One day an old friend of the god Dionysus came to King Midas castle. Dionysus was pleased and in return, offered to grant King Midas one wish. The king wished that all he touched would turn to gold. This turned into a problem when he tried to eat or drink. Midas wanted rid of the spell. Dionysus told him the only way to do this was to wash in the river Pactolus. The golden touch was gone, and now the soil along the riverbank has a golden gleam.
To have the Midas touch Modern definition: refers to someone who makes _______ easily or has a lot of _______ money luck
To open Pandoras box Example: The boy had no idea of the Pandora s box he opened by bringing a weapon to school. Based on this sentence, what can you infer about Pandora? Can you think of another example of opening Pandora s box?
Zeus gave Pandora a little box with a big heavy lock on it. He made her promise never to open the box. One day, Pandora stole the key and opened the box. Out flew every kind of disease and sickness, hate and envy, and all the bad things that people had never experienced before. Pandora slammed the lid closed, but it was too late. All the bad things were already out of the box. They flew away, out into the world.
To open Pandoras box Modern definition: to do something that may have unforeseen and unpleasant _________________ consequences
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN! You will see allusions in music, poetry, and literature. If you are familiar with the allusions, you will better understand what you are hearing and reading.
