Greek Mythology Vocabulary

endlessly laborious and futile

“The Sisyphean task of inbox zero never ends.”

Origin: From Sisyphus, condemned to roll a boulder uphill forever in Hades

a victory that comes at devastating cost

“Winning the lawsuit was a Pyrrhic victory that bankrupted him.”

Origin: From King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who suffered irreplaceable losses defeating Rome

a fatal weakness despite overall strength

“His temper was his Achilles' heel.”

Origin: From Achilles, invulnerable except where his mother held him when dipping in the Styx

requiring tremendous strength or effort

“Cleaning the flooded basement was a Herculean task.”

Origin: From Hercules (Heracles), who performed twelve impossible labors

daringly creative or innovative, often at great risk

“The Promethean ambition of AI researchers draws both admiration and fear.”

Origin: From Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods for humanity

a long, eventful journey or experience

“Her odyssey from refugee to CEO inspired millions.”

Origin: From Homer's Odyssey, Odysseus's ten-year journey home from Troy

something that appears benign but contains hidden danger

“The free software was a Trojan horse for malware.”

Origin: From the wooden horse Greeks used to infiltrate Troy

the ability to make money from anything

“Every business he starts turns profitable—he has the Midas touch.”

Origin: From King Midas, whose touch turned everything to gold

excessive self-love and admiration

“His narcissism made collaboration impossible.”

Origin: From Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection

a source of many unforeseen troubles

“The investigation opened a Pandora's box of scandals.”

Origin: From Pandora, whose curiosity released all evils into the world

majestic, superior, or godlike

“She maintained an Olympian calm during the crisis.”

Origin: From Mount Olympus, home of the Greek gods

wild, ecstatic, and uninhibited

“The festival had a Dionysian energy.”

Origin: From Dionysus, god of wine and ecstasy