Greek myths are hiding all around you! Have you heard of Nike sneakers? Nike was the Greek goddess of victory. The Amazon river and a famous website are named after the Amazons, mythical warrior women. Even the month names and many star groups come from these old stories.
Words from myths live in our language too. A long journey is called an odyssey, after Odysseus's ten-year trip home. A person's weak spot is an 'Achilles' heel,' named for the hero Achilles, who could only be hurt on his heel!
Movies, cartoons, and books still retell Greek myths — stories about Hercules, Medusa, and the gods of Olympus. Why do these stories last thousands of years? Because they are about things we all know: courage, cleverness, mistakes, and adventure.
1. Who was Nike in Greek myths?
2. What does the word 'odyssey' mean today?
3. Why do you think Greek myths have lasted so long?
Draw a line or write the letter to match each myth name to where we see it today: A = sneaker brand, B = a very long journey, C = a weak spot, D = warrior women / big river.
| From the myths | Today (A–D) |
|---|---|
| Nike, goddess of victory | |
| Odysseus's long trip | |
| Achilles' heel | |
| The Amazons |
Write T for true or F for false in each circle.
Go on a myth hunt with a grown-up! Look around your house, your books, or ask family members.
Can you find 2 things named after Greek myths? (Hints: shoe brands, planet names like Neptune's Greek twin Poseidon, book characters, games.) Write what you find below.
1. Myth things I found today:
2. If a company named a product after a Greek god, which god would be a good fit for a race car? Why?