In this unit, we will review some eponymous words
having their origins in Greek and Roman mythology.
[MUSIC]
Adonis is used to refer to a handsome,
sexually attractive man; Adonis was a
handsome young man loved by Aphrodite and Persephone
aegis means 'with the protection or backing
of someone'; In Greek mythology,
aegis was a goatskin shield wielded by Zeus
Albion is also the oldest name given to the
Island of Great Britain; Albion is the son of
Poseidon who was killed by Heracles in a battle
ambrosia refers to any food that is delectable
and pleasing to taste and smell;
In Greek mythology, ambrosia is the
food of the gods that makes them immortal
antaean means possessing having super-human strength;
Antaean was the gigantic son of Greek gods
Gaea and Poseidon who possessed invincible strength
as long as he was in contact with earth
Heracles killed him by lifting him in the air
Arachnid is a zoological term that refers to
anthropods like spiders and scorpions;
Arachne was a master weaver who challenged
the goddess Athena and was cursed to become a spider
Arcadia is a mountainous region in Greece
which was popularized by poets for its serene surroundings;
In Greek mythology, Arcas is the son of
Zeus and Castillo who grew up
to rule the region of Arcadia
argonaut refers to an adventurer who takes risks;
Argonauts were Greek mythological heroes
who sailed the seas in search of the Golden Fleece
Argus-eyed means a person who scrutinizes
people's actions very closely to the extent of
discomfort; In Greek mythology,
Argus Panoptes was giant
who had a hundred eyes
Atlanta is the capital city of the US state of Georgia;
Atlanta or Atalanta was a swift-footed virgin
huntress born to King Iasus and Clymene
Atlas is used to refer to a person who
bears a heavy burden; Atlas was a Greek
titan who was cursed by Zeus to carry the
weight of the world on his shoulders.
calypso is a popular Carribean song style;
Origin:Calypso was a a nymph in Greek mythology
who seduced Odysseus and kept him away from his wife
on the island of Ogygia for seven years
Cassandra as a rhetorical device refers to a
 prophet of disaster; Origin: Cassandra or Alexandra
was a Trojan prophetess in Greek mythology
who was cursed by Apollo that nobody would
believe her prophecies
Chaos means disorder and confusion;
Origin: In Greek mythology, Chaos is the
primordial void from which everything originated
chimera is a delusionary fantasy that is
impossible to achieve; Origin: Chimera
 is a Greek mythological creature with the head of a goat,
tail of a snake's head, and body of a lion
Circe means an Enchantress,
Origin :  In Greek mythology, Circe was a sorceress
who turns Odysseus' men into swine
Odysseus later forces her to turn them back
to their original form.
Cornucopia indicates an endless supply of something;
Origin :  In Greek mythology, cornucopia was a
magical horn-shaped receptacle
that was a symbol of abundance
It was the horn of the goat Amalthea
Cyclopean is a huge and massive monster
with one eye; Origin :  Cyclops were lawless
one-eyed monsters
The chief among cyclopes was the man-eating
monster Polyphemus which was blinded Odysseus
Cynosure means something or someone that is so
brilliant that it becomes the center of attraction
Origin :  Cynosura was a nymph
who nursed the young Zeus
Zeus honored her by placing her in the sky
Damoclean indicates a life-threatening situation;
Origin :  In fourth century BC,
Damocles was a courtier in the
court of Dionysus II
After pandering to the king,
Damocles was made to sit on the throne,
but with a sword hanging above him
which was held with a single hair from a horse
Delphic means ambiguous and obscure;
Origin :  In ancient Greece, the oracle of
Delphi was a divine sanctuary to which people flocked
for oracles and advice
Europe  is the name of continent and Europa
 is the name of one of the moons of Jupiter;
Origin :  Europa was a Phoenician princess
who was abducted by Zeus who
came in the guise of a bull.
Fauna  indicates the animal life in a
particular region or time; Origin :  In Roman mythology,
Fauna is a minor goddess associated
with wildlife and forests
Flora indicates the plant life in a particular region
or time; Origin :  In Roman mythology,
Flora was the goddess of flowering
plants and springtime
Ganymede refers to a beautiful young man;
Origin :  Ganymede was a beautiful shepherd
boy from Troy
Zeus was so captivated by his beauty that Zeus
abducted him and made him the cupbearer
to the gods
Gorgon is a repulsive looking woman;
Origin :  In Greek mythology, the Gorgons were
three snake-haired sisters - Stheno,
 Euryale, and Medusa
and was considered one of the greatest
heros of the Trojan War
He was killed by Achilles.
Harpy is an unpleasant, spiteful woman;
Origin :  In Greek and Roman mythologies,
and Homeric poems, Harpies were
ravenous monsters with the head of a woman
and the body of a bird
Hector is to verbally bully;
Origin :  In Greek mythology, Hector
was the husband of Andromache
and was considered one the greatest heroes
of the Trojan war. He was killed by Achilles.
