Dodekaímeron – the Quest [en], 2025

Question 1

It is whispered that one of the first portals opening during the Dodekaimeron lies at the split rock on Little Lykavittos Hill, a place we recently explored during our guided tours in central Athens.
To reach this hidden passage, you must climb the steep hills of the Kolonaki area. Today, this district is known for its elegant shops and luxurious cafés, but once upon a time, it looked very different.

Hint: Explore the link above to uncover the answer.

#1. What was the area of Kolonaki called before modern development took place?

Question 2

You have now ventured deep into the secret passages of the Dodekaimeron. Faint tones of a hymn echo in the distance, slowly growing stronger. Soon, a procession passes by, their steps resonating through the darkness. Their song seems to carry a secret – watch and listen closely to the video below for further clues.
Video: https://youtu.be/ODK3SongTGE?si=ztI0GsXX2xH1nInc

Hint: Read in the video-description to get the name revealed

#2. What was the name of the “King of Shadows” mentioned in the Homeric Hymn to Demeter?

Question 3

You find yourself on a beach, the night lit only by the faint shimmer of the stars. No moon graces the sky, and the waves roll gently towards the shore.
Far away, you notice a solitary figure on the beach. Their silhouette stands out against the horizon, and a melody—soft yet irresistible—reaches your ears. As you approach, you hear a bouzouki playing so enchantingly it seems to speak directly to your soul. You pause, listen, and let the music guide you onward.

Hint: Watch this video

#3. What is a taximi/Ταξίμι?

Question 4

You continue your wondrous journey through the magical realms of midwinter. Suddenly a booming voice echoes. The words cut through the air: ”You will eat wood.” Is it a threat, a command, a warning – or something else entirely?

Hint: The answer hides behind this link

#4. What does the Greek expression “You will eat wood” mean

Question 5

You have arrived at a flourishing meadow, surrounded by verdant hills and a clear blue spring sky. The breeze carries delightful scents of herbs and wildflowers spreading across the landscape. Your gaze lands on a herb with slender leaves and an alluring fragrance. Your curiosity is piqued as you pick it and let its aroma fill your senses.
You take out your phone, snap a photo, and search online to identify the plant. Among the results, one name keeps appearing—a figure from antiquity who seems to have documented and studied the secrets of herbs long ago. But who is it?

Hint: Discover the answer in this insightful article about Greece’s superfoods.

#5. Who frequently appears in literature about herbs and leafy greens, often referred to as the father of herbs or the founder of botany?

Question 6
You are now led into a crowded dance hall. Spotlights pulse in time with the music, and the floor vibrates beneath your feet. The room is filled with energy—people are dancing wildly, lost in the rhythm. Suddenly, the iconic sound of a song fills the space: an electric guitar, an irresistible drive. It’s Dick Dale’s version of “Misirlou,” famous from the movie Pulp Fiction.
You’ve known the song for years. Amid this swirling euphoria, the question pops into your head: What does “Misirlou” actually mean?
Hint: You’ll quickly find the answer about the girl who conquered the world here >>

#6. What does ”Misirlou” mean?

Question 7

From a remote mountaintop, at a safe distance, you witness the violent battle between the gods for dominion over the cosmos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2FQWm86ayI

The shock of this cosmic struggle leaves you in awe, and amid the chaos, a thought suddenly strikes you: one of these gods, in their greedy desire for power, swallowed their children at birth. But who was it?

Hint: The answer is hidden behind a link in the description of the video above. Follow the trail.

#7. Which ancient Greek god swallowed his children?

Question 8

Like stepping into a time machine, you are transported back to 1980s Greece. You’re aboard a ferry heading to the Cyclades. The deck is full of young island hoppers. Music, laughter, and conversations fill the air, and the sense of camaraderie is magical.
Suddenly, a message crackles through the speakers: “May I have your attention, please… In a few minutes, we will arrive at the port on the island of…”
When you hear the island’s name, you realize you’ve ended up in the wrong place—you were heading to Amorgos, in the Small Cyclades, but this is not the right island! However, new adventures surely await here as well. You prepare to disembark…”

Hint: if you’re unsure of the correct answer, explore the link under the section “Island-hopping with Skopelitis” in this article

#8. Which of the following islands does NOT belong to the Small Cyclades?

Question 9

You suddenly find yourself before an old, dusty gate that slowly opens to reveal a dilapidated yet beautiful hall filled with scattered instruments and other objects.
On the floor, you spot an old vinyl record. The name Domna Samiou is written on it. You recall recently reading about this legendary voice in Greek folk music in a Wikipedia article. You also remember that her parents were forced to leave Smyrna in Asia Minor during the great population exchange of 1922–1923. But what is the city’s name today?

Hint: If unsure, read about Domna Samiou and her connection to Smyrna on Wikipedia: Domna Samiou – Wikipedia.

#9. What is the modern name of the city of Smyrna?

Question 10

”Ladera” refers to a category of Greek dishes made with vegetables cooked in olive oil, typically without meat. These recipes highlight the Mediterranean tradition of making simple ingredients shine. Among the most iconic ”Ladera” dishes is ”İmam Bayıldı,” a savory eggplant-based creation.

The name ”İmam Bayıldı” translates to ”The Imam who Fainted.” The origin of this name is surrounded by intriguing tales, with several possible explanations passed down through tradition.

Hint: Start by exploring the world of ”Ladera” here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ladera. You might uncover the story of this iconic dish along the way.

#10. Which of the following explanations for the Imam’s fainting is NOT considered likely?

Question 11

You have wandered far through the Greek landscapes and now find yourself in charming Nemea, in the Peloponnese. You stop at a vineyard, where the grapes hang heavy, ripening in the sun. The ancient vines wind through the fertile soil, and the scent of grapes fills the air.
The workers tending the vines urge you to take a bunch and taste. “This is Nemea!” they say with wide smiles. The dark red, almost black grapes burst in your mouth with an intense flavor reminiscent of the sun’s warmth and the earth’s richness. With the taste still lingering, you wonder: what grape variety do these belong to?

Hint: Learn more about Nemea’s wine traditions and grape varieties in our article here >>

#11. Which grape variety is the region of Nemea most famous for?

Question 12

Summer is in full bloom, and the heat hangs heavy in the air. You arrive at a small coastal village where the entire community prepares for a grand celebration. Flags flutter in the breeze, and the scent of food mingles with the sound of laughter and conversation. The church is beautifully adorned, and the villagers move with a sense of reverence and anticipation for the evening’s festivities.
A friendly local tells you that this is one of Greece’s most significant holidays – a day to honor something sacred and profoundly meaningful.

Hint 1: To learn more about this holiday, read our article here >>

#12. What is celebrated on the 15th of August, one of Greece’s most significant holidays?