World Mythology Practice Questions
20 free World Mythology practice questions for the Static GK. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
In Greek mythology, who is the god of the underworld and the ruler of the dead?
- A Zeus
- B Poseidon
- C Hades
- D Hermes
Correct answer: Hades
Hades is the eldest son of Cronus and Rhea. He rules the underworld, which is often also referred to by his name, alongside his consort Persephone.
In Norse mythology, what is the name of the majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin?
- A Midgard
- B Jotunheim
- C Valhalla
- D Helheim
Correct answer: Valhalla
Valhalla is the hall of the slain where heroes who die in battle are led by Valkyries. There, they prepare to aid Odin during the events of Ragnarok.
In Egyptian mythology, which deity is depicted with the head of a jackal and is associated with mummification and the afterlife?
- A Osiris
- B Horus
- C Anubis
- D Ra
Correct answer: Anubis
Anubis was the ancient Egyptian god of the dead who supervised the embalming process. He also performed the 'Weighting of the Heart' ceremony to determine if a soul could enter the afterlife.
The 'Epic of Gilgamesh', one of the oldest known pieces of literature, belongs to which ancient civilization's mythology?
- A Roman Empire
- B Mesopotamian
- C Egyptian
- D Aztec Empire
Correct answer: Mesopotamian
The Epic of Gilgamesh originated in ancient Sumer/Mesopotamia. It follows the adventures of the King of Uruk and his quest for immortality.
In Hindu mythology, which god is known as the 'Remover of Obstacles' and is depicted with an elephant head?
- A Shiva
- B Vishnu
- C Ganesh
- D Brahma
Correct answer: Ganesh
Ganesha is one of the best-known and most worshipped deities in the Hindu pantheon. He is traditionally worshipped at the beginning of any new venture or journey.
Which creature in Greek mythology has the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and a tail that ends with a snake's head?
- A Hydra
- B Chimera
- C Centaur
- D Griffin
Correct answer: Chimera
The Chimera was a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid creature from Lycia. It was eventually defeated by the hero Bellerophon riding the winged horse Pegasus.
In Japanese mythology, Amaterasu is the goddess of which celestial body?
- A The Moon
- B The Sun
- C Mars
- D Venus
Correct answer: The Sun
Amaterasu is the Sun Goddess and the most important deity of the Shinto religion. The Japanese Emperors are traditionally said to be direct descendants of her.
What is the name of the hammer wielded by the Norse god Thor, which always returns to his hand when thrown?
- A Gungnir
- B Mjolnir
- C Excalibur
- D Aegis
Correct answer: Mjolnir
Mjolnir is one of the most powerful weapons in Norse mythology, capable of leveling mountains. It was forged by the dwarven brothers Sindri and Brokkr.
In Roman mythology, Diana is the goddess of the hunt and the moon. Who is her Greek equivalent?
- A Athena
- B Artemis
- C Aphrodite
- D Hera
Correct answer: Artemis
Artemis is the Greek goddess of the wilderness, childbirth, and the hunt. The Romans adopted many of her attributes for their goddess Diana.
The 'Feathered Serpent' deity, known as Quetzalcoatl, belongs to which mythological tradition?
- A Inca
- B Aztec
- C Maya
- D Celtic
Correct answer: Aztec
Quetzalcoatl is a prominent deity in Mesoamerican culture, particularly among the Aztecs. He was considered the god of wind, Venus, and the patron of arts and knowledge.
In Egyptian mythology, what was the 'Hall of Ma'at' used for?
- A Crowning new Pharaohs of Egypt
- B Storing grain for the temple
- C Worshipping the Sun god Ra
- D Judging the souls of the dead
Correct answer: Judging the souls of the dead
In the Hall of Ma'at, the heart of the deceased was weighed against the feather of truth. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was allowed to pass into the Reed Fields.
In Chinese mythology, which legendary figure is credited with creating humanity from yellow clay and repairing the pillars of heaven?
- A Fuxi
- B Jade Emperor
- C Chang'e
- D Nüwa
Correct answer: Nüwa
Nüwa is a mother goddess in Chinese mythology. She is often depicted with the upper body of a woman and the lower body of a dragon or serpent.
Which Irish mythological cycle features the hero Cú Chulainn and the 'Táin Bó Cúailnge' (Cattle Raid of Cooley)?
- A The Mythological Cycle
- B The Fenian Cycle
- C The Historical Cycle
- D The Ulster Cycle
Correct answer: The Ulster Cycle
The Ulster Cycle is a body of medieval Irish heroic legends. It centers on the heroes of the kingdom of Ulaid during the reign of King Conchobar mac Nessa.
In Norse mythology, Fenrir is a monstrous creature in the form of a:
- A Serpent
- B Bear
- C Dragon
- D Wolf
Correct answer: Wolf
Fenrir is the son of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. He is a giant wolf prophesied to kill Odin during the battle of Ragnarok.
Who was the Greek hero known for his 'Twelve Labors', which included killing the Nemean Lion?
- A Perseus
- B Theseus
- C Heracles
- D Achilles
Correct answer: Heracles
Heracles (Hercules in Roman mythology) performed these labors as penance for a crime. His strength and endurance made him the greatest of the Greek heroes.
In Aztec mythology, Huitzilopochtli was the god of:
- A Rain and Growth
- B Death and Souls
- C Wisdom and Arts
- D War and the Sun
Correct answer: War and the Sun
Huitzilopochtli was the primary patron deity of the Mexica people of Tenochtitlan. He was believed to require human sacrifice to ensure the sun would rise each day.
In Polynesian mythology, particularly Maori, who is the god of the forests and birds?
- A Tangaroa
- B Tu
- C Rongo
- D Tane
Correct answer: Tane
Tane is the son of Rangi (the sky) and Papa (the earth). He is famous for separating his parents to bring light and space into the world.
In Greek mythology, what was the name of the ship used by Jason and the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece?
- A The Odyssey
- B The Titan
- C The Argo
- D Nautilus
Correct answer: The Argo
The Argo was built by the shipwright Argus with the help of the goddess Athena. It was unique because it featured a magical piece of oak that could speak.
According to Roman legend, who were the twin brothers raised by a she-wolf who founded the city of Rome?
- A Castor and Pollux
- B Romulus and Remus
- C Cain and Abel
- D Apollo and Artemis
Correct answer: Romulus and Remus
Romulus and Remus were the sons of Rhea Silvia and the god Mars. After a dispute over where to build the city, Romulus killed Remus and named the city Rome after himself.
In Persian mythology, who is the benevolent deity representing light and truth, opposing the evil spirit Ahriman?
- A Mithra
- B Ahura Mazda
- C Zarathustra
- D Anahita
Correct answer: Ahura Mazda
Ahura Mazda is the creator god and the highest deity in Zoroastrianism. He represents Asha (truth/order) in the eternal cosmic struggle against Druj (lies/chaos).