Greek Mythology in Everyday Language

Ancient Words We Still Use Today

Dozens of common English words and phrases trace directly back to Greek mythology. We use them so naturally that most people have no idea they are invoking ancient gods and heroes every day.

The word chaos originally described the primordial void from which everything emerged — it only later came to mean disorder. An odyssey means a long, difficult journey, from Odysseus's ten-year struggle to get home. Something Herculean requires enormous strength or effort. A narcissist is obsessed with themselves, like Narcissus and his reflection. Panic comes from Pan, whose unexpected appearances caused terror. An echo repeats sound, like the nymph Echo cursed to repeat others' words. Something Promethean involves bold creativity or defiance of authority, from Prometheus stealing fire. A mentor is a wise guide, from Mentor, the friend Athena impersonated to guide Telemachus. The Achilles heel is a fatal weakness. A siren call is an irresistible but dangerous temptation. Tantalizing means tempting but out of reach, from Tantalus's punishment. A Trojan horse is a deceptive trick. The Midas touch turns everything to gold. Atlas carries the weight of the world. Chronology comes from Chronos, time itself.