Lesson 26
Why would you hear hisses from a gorgon?
What were the Argonauts seeking?
Why would a Cyclops tend to turn his head more than a normal being?
Were the Harpies vicious creatures or lovers of refined music?
Is a paean a peasant, a song, or a serious injury?
- antaean
- argonaut
- calliope
- cyclopean
- gorgon
- harpy
- Homeric
- myrmidon
- oracular
- paean
- Plutonian
- Promethean
- stygian
- terpsichorean
- thespian
Vocabulary Definitions
Antaean
Antaean refers to something that is immense or powerful, often inspired by the giant Antaeus from Greek mythology who drew strength from the earth.
- The antaean forces of nature can be both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
- His antaean presence in the room commanded the attention of everyone present.
- The novel’s protagonist was depicted as an antaean figure, overcoming insurmountable challenges.
Argonaut
Argonaut refers to a member of the band of heroes in Greek mythology who sailed with Jason to retrieve the Golden Fleece.
- The argonauts faced numerous trials during their adventurous journey.
- She felt like an argonaut, embarking on a quest for knowledge and discovery.
- The film depicted a modern-day argonaut searching for treasure in the depths of the ocean.
Calliope
Calliope is the muse of epic poetry in Greek mythology, often associated with eloquence and beautiful speech.
- The poet invoked Calliope’s name before beginning his recitation.
- Her calliope-like voice captivated the audience during the performance.
- He aspired to write with the inspiration of Calliope, aiming for greatness in his work.
Cyclopean
Cyclopean describes something massive or enormous, resembling the work of the Cyclopes in mythology known for their colossal structures.
- The cyclopean walls of the ancient city loomed over the landscape.
- The architect admired the cyclopean design of the cathedral, marveling at its grandeur.
- His cyclopean imagination allowed him to create larger-than-life sculptures.
Gorgon
Gorgon refers to a creature in Greek mythology, typically depicted as a woman with snakes for hair who could turn people to stone.
- The gorgon’s terrifying visage was enough to instill fear in anyone who beheld her.
- In her art, she explored the theme of the gorgon, symbolizing female rage and power.
- The ancient tale of Perseus and the gorgon is a classic story of heroism.
Harpy
Harpy refers to a mythical creature that is part woman and part bird, often depicted as a wind spirit or a personification of stormy weather.
- The harpy’s screeches echoed through the mountains, warning travelers of impending danger.
- In literature, the harpy can symbolize the destructive forces of nature.
- The film featured a harpy-like character who brought chaos wherever she went.
Homeric
Homeric describes something that is epic or grand in scale, often relating to the works of the ancient poet Homer, such as the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey.”
- The battle was nothing short of Homeric, with heroes clashing in a spectacular display.
- She wrote a Homeric tale of love and loss that captivated her readers.
- The event had a Homeric quality, filled with drama and larger-than-life characters.
Myrmidon
Myrmidon refers to a loyal follower or subordinate, often associated with the fierce warriors who followed Achilles in Greek mythology.
- He acted like a myrmidon, carrying out the orders of his superior without question.
- The myrmidons of the king were known for their unwavering loyalty and bravery.
- Throughout history, many leaders have relied on myrmidons to execute their plans.
Oracular
Oracular describes something prophetic or mysterious, often associated with the pronouncements of oracles in ancient times.
- Her oracular visions often left her with more questions than answers.
- The oracular nature of the text suggested hidden meanings waiting to be uncovered.
- He spoke in oracular tones, as if imparting wisdom from a higher power.
Paean
Paean refers to a song of praise or triumph, often celebrating victory or joy.
- The choir sang a paean to celebrate the team’s victory.
- His article was a paean to the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation.
- They raised their glasses in a paean to friendship and camaraderie.
Plutonian
Plutonian pertains to the underworld or the realm of the dead, derived from Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld.
- The story had a Plutonian quality, exploring themes of death and the afterlife.
- Her Plutonian fascination with the occult led her to study ancient burial rituals.
- The landscape appeared Plutonian, shrouded in darkness and mystery.
Promethean
Promethean describes something that is daringly creative or innovative, inspired by Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity.
- The artist’s Promethean spirit drove her to challenge traditional boundaries.
- His Promethean ideas revolutionized the industry and inspired others to think differently.
- The work displayed a Promethean flair, merging technology with artistry.
Stygian
Stygian refers to something that is dark, gloomy, or related to the River Styx in Greek mythology, which separates the living from the dead.
- The stygian depths of the cave were filled with an eerie silence.
- Her stygian thoughts reflected her despair during the difficult times.
- The film’s atmosphere had a stygian quality, enveloping viewers in its haunting narrative.
Terpsichorean
Terpsichorean relates to dance and the art of dancing, named after Terpsichore, the Greek muse of dance.
- The terpsichorean performance captivated the audience with its grace and artistry.
- She took terpsichorean lessons to refine her skills for the upcoming ballet.
- The festival featured terpsichorean displays from various cultures around the world.
Thespian
Thespian refers to an actor or actress, derived from Thespis, who is often regarded as the first actor in ancient Greek drama.
- The thespian delivered a powerful monologue that left the audience in tears.
- She aspired to be a thespian, drawn to the allure of the stage.
- The thespian community came together to support local theater productions.
