Ancient Myths: Early Explanations in Vocabulary

1. Myths – Early Explanations Vocabulary

2. Chaos – (noun) the disordered, formless matter supposed to have existed beforetheordered universe. • At first there was Chaos- a vast, seething confusion. • writhing – (verb) to twist the body about, or squirm, as in pain, or with violent effort. • From his blood sprang, too, the Furies, whose hair was writhing serpents. • cunningly – (adv.) skill employed in a smart or sneaky manner, as in deceiving;  • Rhea cunningly substituted a stone in place of the infant. • scorched – (verb) to burn or shrivel with heat • The forest burst into flames, the rivers boiled, the very skies were scorched. • strife – (noun) vigorous or bitter conflict, a struggle • They dwelt always in a kindly out-of-doors, and knew neither strife nor poverty. • feeble – (adj.) physically weak, as from age or sickness • Yet these men were feebler than the men of the two preceding ages. • afflict – (verb) tocause suffering or unhappiness  • Acloud of evils flew forth—all the diseases and troubles and worries that still afflict mankind. • unflinchingly – (adv.)not shrinking or avoiding danger or difficulty,  • So he bore his torments unflinchingly. • prosperity – (noun) successful, wealthy; having good fortune • To every mortal he assigned his earthly share of sorrow and of prosperity. • encumbering – (verb) to block, try to prevent or to weigh down • Neptune struck the earth with his trident and from it in a moment sprang a beautiful horse, struggling with its hind legs to throw off the encumbering earth. Myths – Early Explanations - Vocabulary