Which classical character are you?

The many and varied characters of classical mythology played such a large role in the cultural identity of Ancient Greece and Rome that tales of their exploits have endured and have been incorporated into literature and language worldwide. The names of the characters themselves are often listed in dictionaries and are frequently associated with particular character traits or certain predicaments. Herculean, for example, can be used to describe a feat of great difficulty comparable to The Twelve Labours, but can also portray the great physical strength of an individual. A beautiful woman can be a modern-day Helen of Troy, which, though an enviable attribute, could be described as your Achilles’ heel when it sparks a war!

To celebrate the publication of the new edition of The Oxford Classical Dictionary we’re giving you the chance to discover how you would fit into this fascinating world of ancient myth and legend.

Divine or mortal? Good or evil? Hero or zero? Find out which classical character you are with our interactive quiz…

Which classical character are you?

Please choose which version of the quiz you would like to take:

Which male classical character are you?

Which classical character are you?

You are Achilles. You are the definition of physical perfection and the ultimate warrior. Everyone wants you on their side. You are also a loyal friend but have a tendency to hold a grudge. Some say you’re not the sharpest spear in the rack…

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Find out which female classical character you are

Which classical character are you?

You are Aeneas. You’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders but sometimes you just need to focus on the task at hand and stop moaning! Sometimes your relentless drive can make you seem cold-hearted but you are compassionate and a selfless leader.

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Find out which female classical character you are

Which classical character are you?

You are Odysseus. You are renowned for your cunning wiles and fantastic plans. You’ve always got a trick up your sleeve. You are also a home-loving type and will do anything to protect your family.

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Find out which female classical character you are

Which classical character are you?

You are Orpheus. You are a poet and don’t you know it! Artistic, creative, and a bit of a dreamer – you can charm everyone with your musical skills. However, your impatience can cost you dearly and some say you are a bit self-involved …

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You and your men have been lost at sea for many weeks. How do you boost morale?

A Remind them of their destiny to reach the promised fatherland.

B Entertain them with tales of your cunning exploits.

C Impress them with your famous one-handed press-ups.

D Play them something catchy on your trusty lyre.

How would people describe your look?

A They generally just gape at your fantastic physique.

B A strong, silent type. Nobody does a pensive look quite like you.

C Dreamy – everyone loves an artistic type.

D You’re not as young as you used to be… but once a hero, always a hero.

You’ve been called up to take part in an important war. How do you feel about it?

A Thrilled. No-one can beat you in hand-to-hand combat and you know you look dashing in those greaves.

B Depressed. War is a terrible thing but you’ll do your duty.

C Annoyed. You don’t really want to leave home. Maybe you’ll think of a cunning plan to get out of it.

D Scared. Fighting isn’t really your thing.

You are on an important journey but get delayed en route. A beautiful woman attracts your attention – should you stay with her or carry on?

A Duty calls. You’ve got more important things to do.

B You stay with her but feel guilty about your wife back home.

C A civilian life never suited you. You keep going.

D Why not stay for a bit? She could be your muse.

A local hero is organizing a quest. What skills would you tell him you could bring to the expedition?

A You’ve got lots of loyal followers.

B Your wit and cunning is bound to be an asset.

C Doesn’t he know who you are? You’re the best warrior in the land!

D You can keep the men entertained and charm any enemies with your wonderful singing.

If your house was set on fire by angry barbarians what would you rescue first?

A Your parents. You’re a dutiful son.

B Your beloved wife and son. You’re a family man at heart.

C Your battle trophies.

D Your book of poetry.

During a trip to the underworld who are you most looking forward to seeing?

A All the enemies you’ve killed. Nothing like a bit of gloating.

B Maybe someone can explain your destiny.

C Loved ones you’ve lost.

D You’d rather just go home.

What’s your biggest weakness?

A Weakness? What weakness?

B A tendency to get distracted from the task in hand.

C Sometimes you can overreact.

D Your impatience can ruin everything.

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Which female classical character are you?

Which classical character are you?

You are Penelope. Loyal and patient you tend to avoid conflict. Everyone admires your restraint and elegance but sometimes you can be a bit of a doormat – but you never give up on someone you believe in.

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Which classical character are you?

You are Medea. Passionate and hot-tempered you’ll do anything to get what you want and to punish those who’ve done you wrong. You are cunning with a powerful grasp of the dark arts. Beware anyone that gets in your way!

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Find out which male classical character you are

Which classical character are you?

You are Venus. Goddess of love and beauty – no-one can resist your charms and your power is feared by all. You might be the life and soul of the party but your manipulative nature makes you many enemies – particularly the wives of your lovers!

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Which classical character are you?

You are Dido. A strong woman, you can achieve almost anything if you put your mind to it. You inspire loyalty and confidence in others and are generous to those in need. However, you can be overly sensitive and find rejection difficult to handle.

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Your husband has been away at war for over twenty years. Is it time to move on?

A You moved on ages ago. Why not? You’re irresistible after all.

B You are busy plotting your revenge. How dare he insult you like this!

C You’re happy to wait – you’re a loyal wife and he’s the only one for you.

D You remain loyal but there’s no point just sitting around. Perhaps you could found a new city…

You discover that everyone has been invited to a wedding except you. How do you react?

A Don’t get angry. Get even. Sneak in and poison the punch. That’ll teach ‘em!

B Turn up anyway. You know you’ll be the most beautiful woman in the room.

C Stay at home and tell all your woes to your closest confidante.

D It must have been a mistake. Send a messenger to the host to ask if your invite got lost.

What’s your idea of a good time?

A A good day’s hunting. If it rains, you can always shelter in a nearby cave…

B Spending quality time with people – generally other people’s husbands.

C Just curling up with a good book – a spell book that is!

D There’s nothing like a bit of quiet weaving to pass the time.

Your family don’t approve of your engagement. What do you do?

A Talk them round. Maybe they’ll see your point of view.

B You can’t decide. You’re torn between your love and your duty to your family. What a dilemma!

C Find someone new. There are plenty more fish in the wine dark sea.

D Elope and if anyone gets in your way, kill them!

It looks like war is looming and your menfolk have to go into battle. What can you do?

A You want to stop it – you have friends in high places.

B Cook up a little something for the enemy King.

C Go along. Your people look to you as their leader.

D Stay at home and weep. There’s not much you can do.

A local hero volunteers to slay a monster that has been bothering the locals. How do you offer to help?

A Slay it yourself – you’re a dab hand with a bow and you’ve got lots of armed men.

B Offer to put the beast to sleep with a useful potion.

C You’re not fond of violence but you will offer him hospitality.

D You know where to get him some very nice armour.

Your son has offended an important goddess and she’s causing all sorts of problems for you and your family. What would you do to appease her?

A Nothing. Just add it to your long list of woes.

B Play her at her own game. Draw on some powerful resources of your own.

C Sacrifice the boy to the goddess. Serves him right for causing you all such a headache.

D Order your whole family and household to do penance.

How would your friends describe you?

A A loyal and faithful friend.

B Simply divine.

C They’ll say whatever you want to hear if they want to live (mwahahahaha!)

D A formidable woman, but you do let men get the better of you sometimes.

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Posted on: April 19 2012 | Categories: Competitions and quizzes, Interactive features | Tags: Achilles, classical characters, interactive, mythology, Oxford Classical Dictionary, quiz, Venus