“When will we ever use _____?” is often said when students learn things in school, but thinking back to studying Greek and Roman history, everyone actually uses some of the information learned in their everyday lives. Surprisingly, many brands and products are named after Greek and Roman Gods.
   Some common examples of this connection include Ajax, the household cleaner. Ajax is coincidently the name of a Greek warrior who was known for “cleaning up” while in battle.
The Apollo Theater, a famous music hall in New York City, is named after Apollo, the God of music.
   The atlas (the map you use to “support” you on road trips) is named after a god who was doomed to support the heavens on his shoulders.
Medusa the goddess who can turn you into stone by looking at her is modernly known as Medusa Cement Company.
   “The Midas touch” tune known for Midas’s “golden” touch on brakes and mufflers. Midas was the king with the golden touch who transformed everything he touched into gold. Midas resembles more of a modern day Rumplestiltskin.
One that most high school students can relate to would be Trident. Trident was the three-pronged spear of Poseidon who was the god of the seas. Trident is also the very well known gum brand.
   “The Good Year symbol with the winged sandal represents Hermes the god of commerce, the fastest of all gods,” said Miss Kate Scarbrough, SHS mythology teacher.
Make the connections; the creator’s obviously put some thought into naming their products so well.
   Who knew so many items throughout life relate to what is learned in school.
   “Mythology makes you curious about your world. Mythology connecting past and present helps us understand the world around us. An example would be when the Greeks first saw lightning. They said it came from Zeus. So when Zeus was mad it always ‘lightninged.’ Now when we see lights we can’t explain, we call them UFO’s,” said Miss Scarbrough.