Famous Failures That Worked
Which famous soft drink was originally created as a headache remedy and became a global beverage?
Coca-Cola
What number is often avoided in hotels and elevators because it’s considered unlucky?
13
Which mythical creature breathes fire and is often shown guarding treasure?
Dragons
What famous ship sank in 1912 and was later found on the ocean floor in 1985?
The Titanic
What frozen treat was invented by mistake when a soda mixture was left out overnight with a stick in it?
Popsicle
What should you knock on after saying something positive to avoid “jinxing” yourself?
Wood
What half-human, half-fish creature is featured in many sea legends?
Mermaid
Which ancient city, buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD, was rediscovered in the 18th century?
Pompeii
Which adhesive product was invented by accident while trying to make a super-strong glue?
Post-it Notes
What happens if you break a mirror, according to superstition?
Seven years of bad luck
What winged horse from Greek mythology sprang from the blood of Medusa?
Pegasus
Which famous painting was stolen from the Louvre in 1911 and recovered two years later?
Mona Lisa
Which popular toy was discovered when a naval engineer accidentally dropped a tension spring?
Slinky
What day of the week is often considered unlucky in Western superstition?
Friday the 13th
Which giant bird from Native American mythology is said to cause thunder with its wings?
Thunderbird
What ancient wonder of the world was said to have stood in Babylon but has never been found?
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Which iconic chocolate chip cookie recipe came from a baker who ran out of baking chocolate and used chunks of a candy bar instead?
Toll House Cookies
In theater tradition, why do actors say “break a leg” instead of “good luck”?
To avoid jinxing the performance by saying “good luck” directly
What horned animal is often a symbol of purity and magic?
Unicorn
Which priceless collection of Russian art treasures vanished during World War II and has never been recovered?
The Amber Room
What was the original purpose of bubble wrap before it became a packing material?
Wallpaper
In some cultures, what does an itchy right palm mean?
You’ll receive money (an itchy left palm means you’ll lose money)
What sea creature in Norse mythology is so large it encircles the world?
Jörmungandr (the Midgard Serpent)
What lost manuscript by William Shakespeare is believed to have existed but has never been found?
The History of Cardenio
What medical discovery came from mold accidentally growing on a petri dish?
Penicillin
What is said to happen if you step on a crack in the sidewalk?
You’ll break your mother’s back
What creature from Greek mythology is part lion, part goat, and part serpent?
Chimera
Which missing royal heir’s remains were discovered in 2012 beneath a parking lot in England?
King Richard III