WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL MYTHOLOGY EXAMS?
The National Mythology Exams consist of the Pegasus Mythology Exam, which is intended for students in grades 3-8, and the Medusa Mythology Exam, which is intended for students in grades 9-12. The National Mythology Exams are given annually to over 9,000 students in approximately 400 schools nationally and internationally. The National Mythology Exams welcome all students of classical mythology.
Founded in 1998, the Medusa Mythology Exam allows students worldwide the opportunity to demonstrate their enthusiasm and excellence in the field of Greco-Roman mythology and to be recognized accordingly for them; to encourage students pursuing the study of mythology; and to enable students to better understand the contemporary world through a richer knowledge of the ancient world. While the exam content varies each year in accordance with a changing theme, it consistently showcases a broad range of ancient Greco-Roman mythological themes and characters that meaningfully reflect the cultural narratives of classical antiquity, including those that have historically been under-represented (e.g., the stories of mythological women).
Check the FAQ page for guidelines.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To order the PRINT version of the exam, log in to your account or create one. Order information is on your Profile page
To order and pay for the online version, follow this order link.
For any issues with registration for the digital version contact help@quia.com.
WHAT IS THE COST?
Registration and shipping fee is $15 - Each test is an additional $5 ($4.00 for current ACL Members).
WHAT RESOURCES CAN BE USED TO PREPARE?
The Pegasus Mythology Exam bibliography lists all required readings. Some resources from the bibliography are available from the American Classical League's Resources for Developing Excellence in Instruction.
The Medusa Mythology Exam syllabus lists all required readings.
Since no standard translation is being recommended for the test, a list of classical spellings that will be used on the test can be found here.
Additionally, ETC has available for purchase an activity packet with printable activities designed to reinforce the concepts and information covered by the tests. Follow this link to see available resources: https://etclassics.org/Resources/NME-Study-Materials
You can find prior MEDUSA exams to use a preparation guide here.
WHAT ABOUT AWARDS?
Awards are distributed proportionally based upon the annual, national averages for the exam.
- Perfect paper: Certificate + gold medal
- Summa cum laude: gold medal + printable certificate
- Maxima cum laude: silver medal + printable certificate
- Magna cum laude: (listed as bronze on results report) ribbon + printable certificate
- Cum laude: printable certificate
Answer Key for the 2021 Medusa Mythology Exam
Answer Key for the 2021 Pegasus Mythology Exam
Print your own Certificates for MEDUSA in COLOR or BLACK AND WHITE for all of your students. PERFECT PAPER certificates will be printed and shipped in the awards package.
Print your own Certificates for PEGASUS in COLOR or BLACK AND WHITE for all of your students. PERFECT PAPER certificates will be printed and shipped in the awards package. 2021-2022 Pegasus cut off scores are now available for the Pegasus
WHAT ELSE?
This year, the NME is excited to bring back the historical Medusa Essay Contest. Students who win the summa cum laude award (gold medal) are invited to submit a creative writing piece related to the annual NME theme. More information will be made available later this year.
WHAT DATES SHOULD I KNOW?
Exam Registration: September 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023
Medusa Exam Administration: March 18, 2024 - April 5, 2024
Pegasus Exam Administration: February 14, 2023 - March 4, 2023
Exam results mailed: early-to-mid May, 2023
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact the National Mythology Coordinator with any questions: nmechair@etclassics.org