Exploring the Myth of Mestra and Erysichthon's Curse

Mestra, Princess of Thessaly, is sold by her father, King Erysichthon, to save himself from ruin. Erysichthon disrespects Demeter by cutting down her sacred grove, prompting Demeter to seek revenge through Hunger, the goddess of famine. Erysichthon becomes insatiably hungry, selling everything, including Mestra, to satisfy his appetite. Mestra, aided by Poseidon, gains the power to shape-shift and escapes her captor. Despite her freedom, Erysichthon exploits her abilities for food. Eventually, Erysichthon's hunger leads to his demise, and Mestra is finally free from his greed and the wrath of the gods.

What did King Erysichthon sell to save himself?

• His palace

• His horse

• His daughter, Mestra

• His crown

Which goddess's sacred grove did Erysichthon disrespect?

• Hera

• Athena

• Demeter

• Aphrodite

Who did Demeter send to enlist the help of Hunger?

• A forest nymph

• A mountain nymph

• A river nymph

• A sea nymph

What was the result of Hunger's curse on Erysichthon?

• He was forever hungry

• He became extremely wealthy

• He fell into a deep sleep

• He turned into a tree

What did Erysichthon do when he ran out of resources?

• He planted a garden

• He sold his daughter

• He went on a journey to find more food

• He sought forgiveness from the gods

What power did Poseidon grant Mestra?

• To control the seas

• To become invisible

• To fly

• To change her shape at will

How did Mestra escape from her captor?

• By pleading for mercy

• By transforming into a fisherman

• By turning into a bird

• By swimming away

How did Mestra's father exploit her new powers?

• By hiding her from the gods

• By making her a queen

• By using her as a spy

• By selling her multiple times

What ultimately happened to King Erysichthon?

• He became a god

• He was forgiven by the gods

• He was turned into a tree

• He consumed his own limbs

How did Mestra feel after her father's death?

• Angry

• Sad

• Confused

• Relieved