Roman and Greek Gods
Places and Monsters
Characters
Around the World
Pandora's Box
100

Nemesis

(bonus)

A long-standing rival or arch-enemy. 

Nemesis - God of retribution who hunted those who committed the sin of hubris (arrogance before the gods). 

100

Harpy's screech

  • Definition: A loud and unpleasant noise.
  • Etymology: From Greek mythology, where Harpies are winged spirits known for their shrill cries.
100

Achilles' heel

A weakness or vulnerable point.

Etymology: From the Greek myth of Achilles, who was dipped into the river Styx by his mother Thetis to make him invulnerable, except for the heel by which she held him. The term was first used in English in the 19th century

100

Eye of Ra

  • Definition: A powerful and watchful presence.
  • Etymology: From Egyptian mythology, where the Eye of Ra is a symbol of protection and royal power.
100

Icarian flight

Meaning: An ambitious but reckless endeavor.

Origin: From Greek mythology, referring to Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with wings made of feathers and wax.

200

Martial

(bonus)

Relating to war or combat


(From Mars - God of War)

200

Basilisk gaze

Definition: A deadly or destructive look.

Etymology: From European mythology, where the Basilisk is a serpent or dragon whose gaze could kill.

200

Odyssey

(bonus: writer)

Definition: A long and eventful journey or experience.

Etymology: From Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey," which recounts the adventures of Odysseus.

200

Nüwa's repair

  • Definition: A monumental effort to fix something.
  • Etymology: From the Chinese myth of Nüwa, who repaired the sky after it was damaged.
200

Lotus Flower (Symbol)

  • Definition: A symbol of purity and enlightenment.
  • Sample Sentence: "Her mind was as serene as a lotus flower, untouched by the chaos around her."
  • Etymology: From various mythologies, including Egyptian and Hindu, the lotus flower symbolizes purity and spiritual enlightenment.
300

Mercurial

Quick and changeable in temperament.

300

Djinn's wish

  • Definition: A granted desire that comes with unforeseen consequences.
  • Etymology: From the djinn (or genie), a supernatural being in Arabian mythology that grants wishes.
300

Sisyphean task

(bonus)

Definition: A task that is endless and ineffective.

Etymology: From the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill only for it to roll back down each time he neared the top

300

Maui's fishhook

  • Definition: A tool or method that brings great results.
  • Etymology: From Polynesian mythology, where the demigod Maui used his fishhook to pull islands from the sea.
300

Midas' touch

Meaning: The ability to turn any venture into a success.

Origin: From Greek mythology, referring to King Midas, who could turn everything he touched into gold.

400

Saturnine (mood)

Gloomy or morose

(From Roman God Saturn)

400

lethargy (noun) lethargic (adj)

Bonus

"sluggish or lacking in energy"

Lethe (pronounced: lee-thee) is one of the five rivers in Hades, the underworld in Greek mythology. In classic Greek, Lethe means oblivion, forgetfulness or concealment.

400

Promethean

(bonus)

Definition: Boldly creative or defiantly original.

Etymology: From the Greek myth of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods for humanity.

400

Anansi's web

  • Definition: A complex and cunning plan.
  • Etymology: From the African folktales of Anansi the spider, known for his cleverness and trickery.
400

narcissist (bonus)

a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves

From Narcissus, a character in Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection.  

500

Plutocratic

Relating to the rule or power of wealth. 

Plutocracy is system where the wealthy rule directly or indirectly


500

Chimera's illusion

  • Meaning: A fanciful or unrealistic idea.
  • Origin: From Greek mythology, referring to the Chimera, a mythical creature with parts from various animals.
500

Pygmalion effect

 (bonus: double)

Definition: The phenomenon where higher expectations lead to an increase in performance.

Etymology: From the Greek myth of Pygmalion, who fell in love with a statue he had carved.

500

Faustian bargain 

(Bonus: Double)

A deal where one sacrifices something of supreme moral or spiritual importance for some worldly or material benefit.

the legend of Faust (or Faustus, or Doctor Faustus), a character in German folklore and literature, who agrees to surrender his soul to an evil spirit after a certain period of time in exchange for otherwise unattainable knowledge and magical powers

500

Cornucopia

Definition: A symbol of abundance and nourishment.

Sample Sentence: "The feast prepared was a true cornucopia, overflowing with food and joy."

Etymology: From Greek mythology, the cornucopia is a horn of plenty that provides endless food and drink.