Even for experienced Dungeon Masters who have played hundreds of hours of D&D, finding inspiration for their next adventure or campaign can be a struggle. Looking back to classical mythology, which already inspired many aspects of Dungeons and Dragons, can be a good place to start.

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Delving into the mythology of ancient cultures is the perfect way to spark an idea for an adventure, and the classic myths of ancient Rome and Greece are some of the best places to start. Their popularity in modern culture makes them extremely accessible for anyone interested in researching that lore.

10 Pandora's Box Could Be An Epic End-Game Item

An adventurer opening a chest in Dungeons and Dragons

The legend of Pandora's Box is one of the many examples of Zeus's petty and jealous nature. Pandora was the first human woman, created by Hephaestus on the orders of Zeus as part of his revenge against the titan Prometheus for gifting the humans with his stolen fire. She was then given a box which, upon opening, would unleash a myriad of horrors upon the world.

Such an object could be the perfect inspiration for an artifact coveted by a D&D campaign's villain, one which the heroes must desperately prevent them from opening. Should it be opened just a crack, any number of terrifying monsters might be set loose upon the world.

9 The Minotaur's Labyrinth Would Make The Perfect Dungeon

A minotaur barbarian swinging a greataxe in DnD 5e

Perhaps one of the original dungeons to inspire the game of Dungeons and Dragons, the Labyrinth of King Minos of Crete and the monster that lurked within, the Minotaur, is a well-known tale that could easily be adapted into a D&D adventure.

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The Labyrinth would be especially well-suited for a low-level party, one where the threat of a single minotaur stalking the group through the twisting and darkened maze-like tunnels would make for both a frightening and memorable experience.

8 Perseus And The Medusa Is Fitting For A Mid-Level Quest

A Medusa turning a fighter to stone in DnD 5e

Another classic myth that has inspired an iconic monster in D&D is that of Perseus and Medusa. Not only does it feature a truly dangerous monster, but the way Perseus defeats Medusa is a perfect example of some clever problem-solving.

Exploring a dungeon full of petrified statues isn't new territory for Dungeons and Dragons, but there is a reason that these scenarios have made their way into popular culture. For many adventurers, the thought of turning to stone rather than facing a true death might add just that extra level of danger to a quest.

7 Hercules' Twelve Labors Could Inspire An Entire Set Of Quests

Dwayne Johnson Hercules header

The most well-known character from classical mythology, Hercules has inspired a huge number of TV shows, movies, games, and much more, and for good reason. This half-god's strength and bravery make him the perfect example of a legendary hero.

One of the most important parts of Hercules' story is the "Twelve Labors," where Hercules is tasked with performing twelve impressive feats, such as slaying the hydra and capturing the Golden Hind of Artemis. Having a group of adventurers perform a similar set of quests could make for a fun tie-in to the popular tale of this larger-than-life hero.

6 Pegasus Is A Mount Worthy Of A Great Hero

Pegasus from Magic: The Gathering

Many Dungeons and Dragons scenarios take the player characters on grand adventurers, traversing vast lands of forests, plains, deserts, and mountains. While walking is often feasible, obtaining mounts is often seen by the players as a step up in their adventuring game.

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What better mount then than one of legend, the legendary winged horse Pegasus? Already featured in the Monster Manual, the Pegasus would be a powerful ally for any player, as the ability to fly is perhaps one of the most coveted abilities in the game.

5 The Curse Of Midas Could Fuel A Dark Storyline

D&D Treasure Pile

Though not as popular as some of the other legends from ancient mythology, many people will be familiar with the name Midas and the touch that can turn any object into gold. A D&D adventure inspired by such a story could make for a very tragic tale.

Having the players travel to a kingdom only to find a palace full of golden statues would certainly be a memorable experience. A quest to find some way to end the curse afflicting the king and his people could be very fun. Having a slightly more greedy or selfish character in the group might make for some interesting roleplay as well.

4 The Players Might Embark Upon Their Own Odyssey

dragons dogma ethan cyclops

In essence, the voyage and adventurers of Odysseus, hero of the Trojan war, feel very much like the tale of someone's D&D campaign already. Full of exploration, danger, monsters, and an overarching goal, Dungeon Masters could easily adapt such a tale into their own game.

Undoubtedly the most fitting of the adventures inspired by the stories within Homer's Illiad and Odyssey would be that of Odysseus' encounter with the cyclops, the one-eyed monster that inspired the creature of the same name that is already used in many D&D games.

3 Explore The Seas With An Argonauts Inspired Adventure

Poster for Jason and the Argonauts

Having a ship-based adventure is something many Dungeon Masters have wanted to attempt, and the tale of Jason and the Argonauts would be the perfect place to start.

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Jason's quest to procure the famed Golden Fleece would be the perfect backdrop for a high-seas campaign. Perhaps the players start as part of a crew led by a famed hero like Jason, only to have them take over at a later point in the adventure.

2 The Trojan War Might Be The Backdrop For An Exciting Climax

City of Troy from the movie Troy

Having a part of a campaign set against the backdrop of a massive battle or war would make for an exciting adventure, especially one where many famous heroes fight on both sides of the conflict. The story of the Trojan War is the perfect place to take inspiration from for such a story.

Having the player characters take part in the battle could be a momentous occasion in their story, fighting alongside other heroes on one side and against enemy champions on the other. Giving them a quest such as infiltrating the city might lead to a very similar outcome to that of the infamous Trojan Horse, though whether they find success may depend on the outcome of a Deception roll instead.

1 Fighting Achilles Would Make A Truly Legendary Boss Battle

Achilles from the Troy movie

Of all the warriors that could make for a truly deadly enemy in D&D, the legendary fighter Achilles would perhaps be the best suited towards the role of a villain. His confidence and arrogance, matched with his near invulnerability, would be a perfect match for a group of adventures.

Testing the players against such a foe could make for an exciting finale, especially in a scenario based upon an epic battle like those seen in the Trojan War. Giving the characters a hint as to their enemy's weakness might also add to the thrill of the fight, as they try to take advantage of that while battling a truly deadly foe.

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