Mythology Facts for Kids
Epic tales and facts from ancient myths
In Greek myths, hubris—excessive pride against the gods—was always punished severely.
The English word 'tantalizing' comes from the myth of Tantalus, who could see but not reach food and water.
The English word 'mentor' comes from Mentor, a character in the Odyssey who guided Odysseus's son.
The Romans used the phrase 'bread and circuses' (panem et circenses) to describe appeasing the public.
Ma'at was the Egyptian concept of truth, justice, and cosmic order, personified as a goddess with a feather.
In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh was considered a living god, specifically the earthly embodiment of Horus.
The Pyramid Texts from around 2400 BCE are among the oldest religious writings in the world.
The Enuma Elish is the Babylonian creation myth in which the god Marduk defeats the chaos monster Tiamat.
The Epic of Gilgamesh from ancient Mesopotamia is one of the oldest written hero stories in the world.
Stories of a great flood appear in dozens of cultures, including Mesopotamian, Greek, Hebrew, and Hindu traditions.