Greek and Roman mythology
A James Away guide to Greek and Roman mythology, written as clear stories first. Start with the myth, then follow the clues into temples, ruins, museums, islands and the occasional very poor decision.
Directory
Search by name, Roman version, symbol or place. The buttons are built from the JSON groups, so new categories appear automatically instead of disappearing like a badly supervised Greek hero.
Goddess of love and beauty. Also partly responsible for the Trojan War, because mythology never lets anything stay simple.
Aphrodite is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Goddess of love and beauty. Also partly responsible for the Trojan War, because mythology never lets anything stay simple. The main visual clues are Dove, shell, rose.
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God of music, prophecy, healing and the sun. An overachiever, but at least he brought a lyre.
Apollo is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of music, prophecy, healing and the sun. An overachiever, but at least he brought a lyre. The main visual clues are Lyre, laurel, bow.
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Greek god of war in its loud, messy form. The Romans upgraded him into Mars and made him much more respectable.
Ares is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Greek god of war in its loud, messy form. The Romans upgraded him into Mars and made him much more respectable. The main visual clues are Spear, shield, helmet.
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Goddess of the hunt, wild places and the moon. Not the sort of person to ignore boundary signs.
Artemis is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Goddess of the hunt, wild places and the moon. Not the sort of person to ignore boundary signs. The main visual clues are Bow, deer, moon.
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God of healing whose snake staff still turns up in medical symbols.
Asclepius is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of healing whose snake staff still turns up in medical symbols. The main visual clues are Serpent staff, healing temple, dog.
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Goddess of wisdom, strategy and craft. The rare Olympian who seems like she had an actual plan.
Athena is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Goddess of wisdom, strategy and craft. The rare Olympian who seems like she had an actual plan. The main visual clues are Owl, olive tree, helmet.
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Titan father of Zeus who solved parenting by swallowing his children. Not ideal.
Cronus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Titan father of Zeus who solved parenting by swallowing his children. Not ideal. The main visual clues are Sickle, harvest blade, old kingship.
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Goddess of grain and harvest. Not flashy, but everyone needs food, so she wins really.
Demeter is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Goddess of grain and harvest. Not flashy, but everyone needs food, so she wins really. The main visual clues are Wheat, torch, poppy.
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God of wine and theatre. Fun at parties, probably awful on group travel insurance.
Dionysus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of wine and theatre. Fun at parties, probably awful on group travel insurance. The main visual clues are Grapevine, wine cup, ivy.
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God of love. Sometimes a cosmic force, sometimes a winged troublemaker with arrows.
Eros is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of love. Sometimes a cosmic force, sometimes a winged troublemaker with arrows. The main visual clues are Bow, arrows, wings.
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Primordial Earth. Before Olympus had arguments, Gaia was already literally the ground.
Gaia is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Primordial Earth. Before Olympus had arguments, Gaia was already literally the ground. The main visual clues are Earth, fruit, serpent.
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God of the underworld. Not evil exactly, just running the least cheerful department in mythology.
Hades is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of the underworld. Not evil exactly, just running the least cheerful department in mythology. The main visual clues are Cerberus, bident, dark crown.
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Sun god who drives across the sky. Not originally the same as Apollo, despite later confusion.
Helios is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Sun god who drives across the sky. Not originally the same as Apollo, despite later confusion. The main visual clues are Sun chariot, horses, radiant crown.
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God of making useful things while everyone else on Olympus argues dramatically.
Hephaestus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of making useful things while everyone else on Olympus argues dramatically. The main visual clues are Hammer, anvil, tongs.
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Queen of the gods, goddess of marriage, and the person in mythology most likely to be absolutely done with Zeus.
Hera is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Queen of the gods, goddess of marriage, and the person in mythology most likely to be absolutely done with Zeus. The main visual clues are Peacock, crown, pomegranate.
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Messenger god, guide of travellers and patron of people who like moving quickly and talking their way out of trouble.
Hermes is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Messenger god, guide of travellers and patron of people who like moving quickly and talking their way out of trouble. The main visual clues are Winged sandals, caduceus, traveller’s hat.
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Quiet goddess of the hearth. Probably the only Olympian who would tidy up after herself.
Hestia is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Quiet goddess of the hearth. Probably the only Olympian who would tidy up after herself. The main visual clues are Hearth, flame, home.
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Goddess of retribution. Ancient mythology saying do not get too pleased with yourself.
Nemesis is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Goddess of retribution. Ancient mythology saying do not get too pleased with yourself. The main visual clues are Scales, wheel, sword.
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Goddess of victory. Also the reason ancient statues and trainers ended up sharing a name.
Nike is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Goddess of victory. Also the reason ancient statues and trainers ended up sharing a name. The main visual clues are Wings, wreath, palm branch.
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Wild god of shepherds and goats. Countryside energy with hooves.
Pan is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Wild god of shepherds and goats. Countryside energy with hooves. The main visual clues are Goat legs, pipes, shepherd crook.
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Queen of the underworld and goddess of spring growth. Cheerful flowers, dark throne, bit of a mixed calendar.
Persephone is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Queen of the underworld and goddess of spring growth. Cheerful flowers, dark throne, bit of a mixed calendar. The main visual clues are Pomegranate, spring flowers, torch.
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God of the sea, earthquakes and horses. Basically the reason ancient sailors had every right to be nervous.
Poseidon is best understood through the story rather than just the label. God of the sea, earthquakes and horses. Basically the reason ancient sailors had every right to be nervous. The main visual clues are Trident, horse, dolphin.
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Titan mother who saved Zeus by tricking Cronus with a stone. Fair play.
Rhea is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Titan mother who saved Zeus by tricking Cronus with a stone. Fair play. The main visual clues are Lion, drum, mother crown.
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Moon goddess riding through the night while everyone else gets blamed on Artemis.
Selene is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Moon goddess riding through the night while everyone else gets blamed on Artemis. The main visual clues are Moon, crescent, chariot.
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Three goddesses of destiny. They measure your life thread, which is not comforting.
The Fates is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Three goddesses of destiny. They measure your life thread, which is not comforting. The main visual clues are Thread, spindle, shears.
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Nine goddesses of memory, poetry, music, history and inspiration. Basically the ancient source folder for culture.
Nine goddesses of memory, poetry, music, history and inspiration. Basically the ancient source folder for culture.
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Primordial sky god, partner of Gaia and father of the Titans. His fall begins the pattern of divine overthrow.
Primordial sky god, partner of Gaia and father of the Titans. His fall begins the pattern of divine overthrow.
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King of the gods, ruler of sky, weather, law and order. Powerful, respected, and usually the source of several problems.
King of the gods, ruler of sky, weather, law and order. Powerful, respected, and usually the source of several problems.
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Greatest Greek warrior at Troy. Nearly invincible, apart from the famous small print.
Achilles is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Greatest Greek warrior at Troy. Nearly invincible, apart from the famous small print. The main visual clues are Shield, spear, armour.
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Trojan survivor who carries the story towards Rome. Less gap year, more destiny with luggage.
Aeneas is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Trojan survivor who carries the story towards Rome. Less gap year, more destiny with luggage. The main visual clues are Shield, household gods, ship.
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Leader of the Greek forces at Troy. Technically in charge, which explains several problems.
Agamemnon is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Leader of the Greek forces at Troy. Technically in charge, which explains several problems. The main visual clues are Sceptre, armour, sacrifice.
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Cretan princess who gave Theseus the thread, then got abandoned and upgraded to Dionysus.
Ariadne is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Cretan princess who gave Theseus the thread, then got abandoned and upgraded to Dionysus. The main visual clues are Thread, crown, labyrinth.
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Fast hunter and athlete who proves Greek myth had brilliant women, even if men kept causing paperwork.
Atalanta is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Fast hunter and athlete who proves Greek myth had brilliant women, even if men kept causing paperwork. The main visual clues are Bow, boar, running shoes.
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Hero who rode Pegasus and killed the Chimera, then pushed his luck.
Bellerophon is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Hero who rode Pegasus and killed the Chimera, then pushed his luck. The main visual clues are Pegasus, spear, Chimera.
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Troy greatest defender and probably the most decent person in the war, so naturally doomed.
Hector is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Troy greatest defender and probably the most decent person in the war, so naturally doomed. The main visual clues are Helmet, spear, city walls.
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The face that launched a thousand ships, although blaming one woman feels convenient.
Helen of Troy is best understood through the story rather than just the label. The face that launched a thousand ships, although blaming one woman feels convenient. The main visual clues are Veil, beauty, ship.
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The strongest Greek hero, famous for twelve labours and for making most gym memberships look pointless.
Heracles is best understood through the story rather than just the label. The strongest Greek hero, famous for twelve labours and for making most gym memberships look pointless. The main visual clues are Lion skin, club, bow.
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Leader of the Argonauts, hunter of the Golden Fleece and poor relationship manager.
Jason is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Leader of the Argonauts, hunter of the Golden Fleece and poor relationship manager. The main visual clues are Golden Fleece, ship Argo, sandal.
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Powerful sorceress who helped Jason, then became the reason betraying clever people is unwise.
Medea is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Powerful sorceress who helped Jason, then became the reason betraying clever people is unwise. The main visual clues are Magic, herbs, dragon.
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Clever king of Ithaca who took ten years to get home, which is extreme even by delayed ferry standards.
Odysseus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Clever king of Ithaca who took ten years to get home, which is extreme even by delayed ferry standards. The main visual clues are Ship, bow, olive tree.
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Musician so good he nearly talked death into changing its policy. Nearly.
Orpheus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Musician so good he nearly talked death into changing its policy. Nearly. The main visual clues are Lyre, music, underworld path.
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Trojan prince who judged a divine beauty contest and somehow did not foresee trouble.
Paris is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Trojan prince who judged a divine beauty contest and somehow did not foresee trouble. The main visual clues are Apple, bow, shepherd staff.
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Odysseus wife, famous for patience and clever delay tactics. Queen of not replying yet.
Penelope is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Odysseus wife, famous for patience and clever delay tactics. Queen of not replying yet. The main visual clues are Loom, shroud, bow.
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Hero who killed Medusa using a shiny shield, which is basically mythological problem solving with accessories.
Perseus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Hero who killed Medusa using a shiny shield, which is basically mythological problem solving with accessories. The main visual clues are Winged sandals, mirrored shield, Medusa head.
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Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur and then forgot to change the sails. Admin matters.
Theseus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Athenian hero who killed the Minotaur and then forgot to change the sails. Admin matters. The main visual clues are Sword, sandals, thread.
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Half-human, half-horse beings. Some wise, many drunk, so again a range.
Centaurs is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Half-human, half-horse beings. Some wise, many drunk, so again a range. The main visual clues are Horse body, human torso, bow.
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The guard dog of the underworld. Like airport security, but with more heads and less patience.
Cerberus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. The guard dog of the underworld. Like airport security, but with more heads and less patience. The main visual clues are Three-headed dog, underworld gates.
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Deadly whirlpool opposite Scylla. Not technically a creature you can punch.
Charybdis is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Deadly whirlpool opposite Scylla. Not technically a creature you can punch. The main visual clues are Whirlpool, sea mouth, waves.
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Fire-breathing monster made from several animals, because one nightmare was not enough.
Chimera is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Fire-breathing monster made from several animals, because one nightmare was not enough. The main visual clues are Lion head, goat body, serpent tail.
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One-eyed giants. Some make thunderbolts, some eat guests. Quite a range.
Cyclopes is best understood through the story rather than just the label. One-eyed giants. Some make thunderbolts, some eat guests. Quite a range. The main visual clues are One eye, giant body, forge or shepherd imagery.
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Mother of monsters. A title nobody wants on a business card.
Echidna is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Mother of monsters. A title nobody wants on a business card. The main visual clues are Serpent body, cave, mother of monsters.
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Eagle-lion guardian creature, often linked with gold. Fancy security system.
Griffin is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Eagle-lion guardian creature, often linked with gold. Fancy security system. The main visual clues are Eagle head, lion body, wings.
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Snatching storm spirits with claws. Not birds you want near your picnic.
Harpies is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Snatching storm spirits with claws. Not birds you want near your picnic. The main visual clues are Wings, claws, storm winds.
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Many-headed swamp monster. Cutting one head off made things worse, which feels familiar.
Hydra is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Many-headed swamp monster. Cutting one head off made things worse, which feels familiar. The main visual clues are Many heads, poison blood, swamp.
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The famous Gorgon whose look could turn people to stone. Avoid eye contact, basically.
Medusa is best understood through the story rather than just the label. The famous Gorgon whose look could turn people to stone. Avoid eye contact, basically. The main visual clues are Snake hair, petrifying gaze.
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Half-man, half-bull, kept in the Labyrinth. Not a great advert for palace basement planning.
Minotaur is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Half-man, half-bull, kept in the Labyrinth. Not a great advert for palace basement planning. The main visual clues are Bull head, labyrinth.
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Invulnerable lion killed by Heracles, then worn as a cloak. Bit rude, but iconic.
Nemean Lion is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Invulnerable lion killed by Heracles, then worn as a cloak. Bit rude, but iconic. The main visual clues are Lion skin, claws, invulnerable hide.
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Winged horse born from Medusa. A dramatic origin story for something that looks great on posters.
Pegasus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Winged horse born from Medusa. A dramatic origin story for something that looks great on posters. The main visual clues are Winged horse, spring, bridle.
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Wild followers of Dionysus. Festival extras who should not be given the room key.
Satyrs is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Wild followers of Dionysus. Festival extras who should not be given the room key. The main visual clues are Goat legs, tail, pipes.
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Sea monster on one side of the strait. The other side was also awful.
Scylla is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Sea monster on one side of the strait. The other side was also awful. The main visual clues are Many heads, dogs, cliff.
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Deadly singers who lure sailors onto rocks. Ancient version of clicking the wrong advert.
Sirens is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Deadly singers who lure sailors onto rocks. Ancient version of clicking the wrong advert. The main visual clues are Song, wings, rocks.
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Riddle monster of Thebes. Answer correctly or have a very short city break.
Sphinx is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Riddle monster of Thebes. Answer correctly or have a very short city break. The main visual clues are Lion body, human head, wings.
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Giant monster who challenged Zeus. Basically the final boss of Greek mythology.
Typhon is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Giant monster who challenged Zeus. Basically the final boss of Greek mythology. The main visual clues are Serpent legs, wings, storm.
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Trojan princess cursed to tell the truth and never be believed. Every ignored warning email ever.
Cassandra is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Trojan princess cursed to tell the truth and never be believed. Every ignored warning email ever. The main visual clues are Laurel, torch, ruined city.
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Ferryman of the dead. Pay the fare or enjoy awkward afterlife logistics.
Charon is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Ferryman of the dead. Pay the fare or enjoy awkward afterlife logistics. The main visual clues are Boat, coin, oar.
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Sorceress who turns men into pigs, which in some myths feels like accurate assessment.
Circe is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Sorceress who turns men into pigs, which in some myths feels like accurate assessment. The main visual clues are Wand, cup, pigs.
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Queen of Mycenae who kills Agamemnon. Villain, avenger or both.
Clytemnestra is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Queen of Mycenae who kills Agamemnon. Villain, avenger or both. The main visual clues are Axe, net, crown.
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Master inventor who built the Labyrinth and escaped using wings. Good engineer, risky project.
Daedalus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Master inventor who built the Labyrinth and escaped using wings. Good engineer, risky project. The main visual clues are Wings, tools, maze.
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Queen of Carthage who shelters Aeneas, then gets flattened by Roman destiny.
Dido is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Queen of Carthage who shelters Aeneas, then gets flattened by Roman destiny. The main visual clues are Ship, pyre, Carthage.
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Phoenician princess carried to Crete by Zeus as a bull. Worst ferry alternative.
Europa is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Phoenician princess carried to Crete by Zeus as a bull. Worst ferry alternative. The main visual clues are Bull, flowers, sea crossing.
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The boy who flew too high. School assemblies have been dining out on this for centuries.
Icarus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. The boy who flew too high. School assemblies have been dining out on this for centuries. The main visual clues are Wings, wax, sun.
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Legendary king of Crete. Built sea power, annoyed Poseidon, and gained a monster problem.
King Minos is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Legendary king of Crete. Built sea power, annoyed Poseidon, and gained a monster problem. The main visual clues are Crown, bull, labyrinth.
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Solved the Sphinx riddle, became king, then discovered the universe had set him up horribly.
Oedipus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Solved the Sphinx riddle, became king, then discovered the universe had set him up horribly. The main visual clues are Riddle, staff, crossroads.
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The priestess who delivered Apollo prophecies, usually vague enough to survive history.
Oracle of Delphi is best understood through the story rather than just the label. The priestess who delivered Apollo prophecies, usually vague enough to survive history. The main visual clues are Tripod, laurel, vapour.
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Queen of Crete and key figure in one of mythology strangest royal scandals.
Pasiphae is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Queen of Crete and key figure in one of mythology strangest royal scandals. The main visual clues are Bull, crown, magic herbs.
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Old king of Troy, father of far too many children and one of the Iliad most heartbreaking scenes.
Priam is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Old king of Troy, father of far too many children and one of the Iliad most heartbreaking scenes. The main visual clues are Crown, staff, city walls.
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Twin brother of Romulus. Proof that founding cities with siblings can get awkward.
Remus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Twin brother of Romulus. Proof that founding cities with siblings can get awkward. The main visual clues are Wolf, hill, boundary.
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Founder of Rome, raised by a wolf and involved in a terrible sibling rivalry.
Romulus is best understood through the story rather than just the label. Founder of Rome, raised by a wolf and involved in a terrible sibling rivalry. The main visual clues are Wolf, spear, city walls.
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The city of Athena, with the Acropolis standing above it like history refusing to be subtle.
Athens and the Acropolis is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: The city of Athena, with the Acropolis standing above it like history refusing to be subtle. Look for Parthenon, olive tree, owl when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Clifftop Temple of Poseidon looking over the Aegean. Very dramatic, as sea gods tend to be.
Cape Sounion is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Clifftop Temple of Poseidon looking over the Aegean. Very dramatic, as sea gods tend to be. Look for Temple, trident, sea cliffs when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Dido city and Aeneas great detour. Rome origin story needed emotional damage.
Carthage is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Dido city and Aeneas great detour. Rome origin story needed emotional damage. Look for Harbour, queen, pyre when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Home of the Cumaean Sibyl, where Aeneas gets guidance before the underworld. Casual day out.
Cumae is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Home of the Cumaean Sibyl, where Aeneas gets guidance before the underworld. Casual day out. Look for Cave, Sibyl, underworld when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Sacred island where Apollo and Artemis were born. Small island, huge mythological CV.
Delos is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Sacred island where Apollo and Artemis were born. Small island, huge mythological CV. Look for Birthplace, palm tree, harbour when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Ancient oracle of Apollo, where people asked big questions and got answers vague enough to survive history.
Delphi is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Ancient oracle of Apollo, where people asked big questions and got answers vague enough to survive history. Look for Oracle, laurel, omphalos stone when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Sacred place of Demeter and Persephone, home to mysteries people took seriously and kept secret.
Eleusis is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Sacred place of Demeter and Persephone, home to mysteries people took seriously and kept secret. Look for Torch, grain, mystery rites when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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The nicer part of the afterlife. Finally somewhere that does not sound awful.
Elysium is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: The nicer part of the afterlife. Finally somewhere that does not sound awful. Look for Meadow, light, heroes when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders. Serious goddess budget.
Ephesus is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders. Serious goddess budget. Look for Temple, columns, Artemis when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Sanctuary of Asclepius and theatre with acoustics good enough to annoy modern venues.
Epidaurus is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Sanctuary of Asclepius and theatre with acoustics good enough to annoy modern venues. Look for Theatre, healing staff, sanctuary when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Odysseus island home. The whole Odyssey is basically a difficult return journey review.
Ithaca is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Odysseus island home. The whole Odyssey is basically a difficult return journey review. Look for Ship, olive tree, bow when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Home of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Nice island, questionable maze management.
Knossos and Crete is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Home of King Minos, the Labyrinth and the Minotaur. Nice island, questionable maze management. Look for Labyrinth, bull, palace when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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The mythical home of the Olympian gods and still a very real mountain in Greece.
Mount Olympus is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: The mythical home of the Olympian gods and still a very real mountain in Greece. Look for Mountain, clouds, throne of the gods when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Mountain above Delphi, linked with Apollo, the Muses and staged prophecy.
Mount Parnassus is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Mountain above Delphi, linked with Apollo, the Muses and staged prophecy. Look for Mountain, laurel, Muses when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Bronze Age powerhouse linked with Agamemnon, Perseus and walls that feel underbuilt by humans.
Mycenae is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Bronze Age powerhouse linked with Agamemnon, Perseus and walls that feel underbuilt by humans. Look for Lion Gate, palace, gold masks when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Island where Ariadne is abandoned, then found by Dionysus. Bad breakup, decent upgrade.
Naxos is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Island where Ariadne is abandoned, then found by Dionysus. Bad breakup, decent upgrade. Look for Vine, crown, island when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Home of the ancient Olympic Games. Sport, religion and bragging rights in one place.
Olympia is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Home of the ancient Olympic Games. Sport, religion and bragging rights in one place. Look for Stadium, temple, olive wreath when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Aphrodite country: sea, sanctuary and love goddess branding for thousands of years.
Paphos and Cyprus is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Aphrodite country: sea, sanctuary and love goddess branding for thousands of years. Look for Shell, sea foam, sanctuary when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Rome mythic starting point, with enough ruins to make your feet give up.
Rome and the Palatine Hill is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Rome mythic starting point, with enough ruins to make your feet give up. Look for Wolf, city walls, forum when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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Home of Helen and Menelaus, later famous for military discipline. Not exactly a spa break.
Sparta is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: Home of Helen and Menelaus, later famous for military discipline. Not exactly a spa break. Look for Shield, spear, Helen when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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The deep abyss below the underworld. Mythology locked basement.
Tartarus is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: The deep abyss below the underworld. Mythology locked basement. Look for Abyss, chains, darkness when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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City of Oedipus, Dionysus and the Sphinx. Lovely if you enjoy inherited curses.
Thebes is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: City of Oedipus, Dionysus and the Sphinx. Lovely if you enjoy inherited curses. Look for Sphinx, city walls, seven gates when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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The legendary city of the Trojan War, wooden horse included, because apparently nobody checked deliveries properly.
Troy is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: The legendary city of the Trojan War, wooden horse included, because apparently nobody checked deliveries properly. Look for Horse, walls, helmet when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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The realm of the dead. Not hell exactly, more like bleak border control.
Underworld is a real place with myth attached to it. The useful thing to know first is this: The realm of the dead. Not hell exactly, more like bleak border control. Look for River Styx, gates, darkness when reading signs, captions or guidebooks.
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The long war between the Greeks and Troy, triggered by Helen’s departure with Paris and powered by pride, oaths and divine interference.
The long war between the Greeks and Troy, triggered by Helen’s departure with Paris and powered by pride, oaths and divine interference.
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Homer’s epic about Achilles’ anger near the end of the Trojan War, not a full beginning-to-end account of the war.
Homer’s epic about Achilles’ anger near the end of the Trojan War, not a full beginning-to-end account of the war.
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Homer’s epic of Odysseus trying to get home to Ithaca after Troy, with monsters, temptation and terrible route planning.
Homer’s epic of Odysseus trying to get home to Ithaca after Troy, with monsters, temptation and terrible route planning.
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The famous punishment tasks of Heracles, mixing monsters, impossible chores and a long road towards redemption.
The famous punishment tasks of Heracles, mixing monsters, impossible chores and a long road towards redemption.
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The sea quest for the Golden Fleece, led by Jason and made possible by a crew of heroes and Medea’s help.
The sea quest for the Golden Fleece, led by Jason and made possible by a crew of heroes and Medea’s help.
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The Cretan maze built to hold the Minotaur, and the story of Theseus, Ariadne and a very useful thread.
The Cretan maze built to hold the Minotaur, and the story of Theseus, Ariadne and a very useful thread.
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The divine beauty contest that gives Paris Helen and helps trigger the Trojan War.
The divine beauty contest that gives Paris Helen and helps trigger the Trojan War.
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The myth explaining seasonal change through Persephone’s time between the upper world and the underworld.
The myth explaining seasonal change through Persephone’s time between the upper world and the underworld.
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Rome’s origin myth, centred on Romulus, Remus, Mars, the she-wolf and the violent start of the city.
Rome’s origin myth, centred on Romulus, Remus, Mars, the she-wolf and the violent start of the city.
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The Trojan survivor’s route from fallen Troy to Italy, where Roman destiny begins to take shape.
The Trojan survivor’s route from fallen Troy to Italy, where Roman destiny begins to take shape.
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A Roman-era love story about trust, secrecy, impossible tasks and Psyche’s journey towards immortality.
A Roman-era love story about trust, secrecy, impossible tasks and Psyche’s journey towards immortality.
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The tragic underworld story of music, love and one fatal backward glance.
The tragic underworld story of music, love and one fatal backward glance.
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Zeus’ weapon and the clearest sign of sky power, kingship and punishment.
Zeus’ weapon and the clearest sign of sky power, kingship and punishment.
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Poseidon’s three-pronged weapon, linked with the sea, earthquakes and unstable journeys.
Poseidon’s three-pronged weapon, linked with the sea, earthquakes and unstable journeys.
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Hermes’ herald staff, linked with messages, trade, travel and crossing boundaries.
Hermes’ herald staff, linked with messages, trade, travel and crossing boundaries.
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The one-serpent staff of Asclepius, linked with healing and medicine.
The one-serpent staff of Asclepius, linked with healing and medicine.
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The magical ram’s fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts in Colchis.
The magical ram’s fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts in Colchis.
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The wooden horse used to smuggle Greek warriors into Troy and end the war.
The wooden horse used to smuggle Greek warriors into Troy and end the war.
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The protective divine shield or breastplate linked with Zeus and Athena, often bearing the Gorgon’s head.
The protective divine shield or breastplate linked with Zeus and Athena, often bearing the Gorgon’s head.
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Apollo’s sacred plant and a symbol of victory, poetry and honour.
Apollo’s sacred plant and a symbol of victory, poetry and honour.
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The fruit that ties Persephone to the underworld and helps explain seasonal return.
The fruit that ties Persephone to the underworld and helps explain seasonal return.
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The divine food and drink of the gods, linked with immortality and Olympian life.
The divine food and drink of the gods, linked with immortality and Olympian life.
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The eagle standard of Rome, linked with Jupiter, military power and imperial identity.
The eagle standard of Rome, linked with Jupiter, military power and imperial identity.
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The holy flame of Vesta, guarded by the Vestal Virgins and tied to Rome’s safety.
The holy flame of Vesta, guarded by the Vestal Virgins and tied to Rome’s safety.
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Knowing the myths means Athens is not just “nice columns”, Cyprus is not just “warm island”, and Troy is not just “horse drama”. It gives the places context, which is useful when you are wandering around pretending this was the plan all along.