Mythology and Allusion Flashcards

Grade 8 · English · Flashcards

Master key terms from mythology and learn the common allusions embedded in everyday English.

Flashcards

Allusion: A brief, indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.
Mythology: Traditional stories explaining nature, human behavior, and moral truths; often involving gods and heroes.
Hubris: Excessive pride in Greek tragedy — it blinds heroes to their flaws and causes their downfall.
Archetype: A universal pattern — character type, symbol, or situation — found across many different cultures' stories.
Pantheon: The full collection of gods in a particular mythology or religion.
Achilles heel: A fatal weak point in an otherwise strong person or system (from the Greek hero Achilles).
Narcissism: Excessive self-admiration; named after Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection.
Pandora's box: An action that unleashes a wave of uncontrollable problems that cannot be undone.
Herculean: Requiring extraordinary strength or effort (from Hercules' legendary labors).
Pyrrhic victory: A win so costly in losses it is barely worth the effort (from King Pyrrhus of Epirus).
Odyssey: A long, adventurous journey full of challenges (from Odysseus's 10-year voyage home).
Midas touch: The ability to make everything successful (from King Midas, whose touch turned things to gold).