Mythology has not only given us captivating stories but also a plethora of words in the English language that are peppered throughout our daily conversations, literature, and academic discourse. These words often have deep roots in the tales and characters of ancient myths.

Achilles’ heel
The term Achilles’ heel refers to a person’s point of weakness, despite overall strength. Originating from Greek mythology, the name comes from the story of Achilles, whose mother, Thetis, dipped him in the River Styx to make him invulnerable. However, she held him by his heel, which remained his one vulnerable spot, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Despite his intellectual prowess, John’s inability to speak in public was his Achilles’ heel.

Titanic
Remembered from Greek mythology as the race of gods that preceded the Olympians, Titanic now describes anything of great size or strength, symbolizing the legacy of the Titans themselves.
The construction of the new skyscraper was a titanic undertaking that required a massive workforce.

Nemesis
Originally the Greek goddess of divine retribution against those who succumb to arrogance, Nemesis is now used to refer to a long-standing rival or an arch-enemy who is seemingly unbeatable.
Ever since the championship, Serena has viewed her opponent as her nemesis on the tennis court.

Atlas
In mythology, Atlas was the Titan condemned to hold up the celestial heavens. Nowadays, the word Atlas is used to describe a collection of maps, indicating the burden of carrying the world that Atlas symbolized.
On their cross-country road trip, they relied on an old atlas to navigate through unknown territories.

Pandora’s box
Derived from the Greek myth where Pandora opens a forbidden box, releasing all evils into the world, Pandora’s box refers to an action that creates numerous unexpected problems.
By tampering with the old manuscript, they opened a Pandora’s box of historical discrepancies.

Odyssey
From Homer’s epic poem about Odysseus’ 10-year-long journey home from the Trojan War, Odyssey describes any long, eventful journey or series of experiences.
Her graduation trip turned into an odyssey through several countries, filled with unforgettable adventures.

Midass touch
King Midas, in Greek mythology, could turn anything he touched into gold. The phrase Midas touch refers to the ability to easily turn any venture into a success.
With her consistent flair for profitable investments, people joked that she had the Midas touch.

Muse
The Muses were the goddesses of inspiration in the arts, and now a muse is anyone who serves as an inspiration for creative work.
The enigmatic woman at the café became the artist’s muse for his most famous painting.

Amazon
The Amazons were a tribe of warrior women, and the term Amazon is often used nowadays to describe a tall, strong, and formidable woman.
Her prowess in basketball and imposing figure led her classmates to call her the team’s Amazon.

Chimera
Originally a creature in Greek mythology composed of parts of different animals, Chimera represents a thing that is hoped or wished for but is, in fact, illusory or impossible to achieve.
The idea of designing a faultless computer system seemed like chasing a chimera.

In conclusion, these examples of words from mythology in English usage highlight the enduring influence of classical stories on our language. They connect us with ancient tales while enriching our vocabulary with nuanced meanings that continue to evolve over time.