Riddles With Answers

Which Olympic event would most likely be performed by a toxophilite?

Fencing
Archery
Shooting
Weightlifting

Fact: A toxophilite is a person who loves or practices archery, a term derived from the Greek words toxon (bow) and philos (loving). In ancient and classical usage, it specifically referred to an archer or someone devoted to the bow and arrow. Among Olympic events, archery is the discipline most directly associated with this skill, involving precision shooting with a bow at fixed targets. While events like javelin throw or shooting also involve projectile accuracy, archery is the only Olympic sport that perfectly aligns with the definition of a toxophilite.

Correct Answer: Archery

Which mammal has the greatest number of teeth?

Giant anteater
Hippopotamus
African elephant
Giant armadillo

Fact: The giant armadillo holds the record for the most teeth of any mammal, with up to about 100 teeth lining its long, narrow jaws. Unlike the sharp canines or flat grinding molars seen in many other mammals, its teeth are small, peg-like, and completely lack enamel—an adaptation well suited to its insect-based diet, particularly ants and termites that require little chewing. While some non-mammals, such as snails, far exceed this number overall, the giant armadillo clearly stands alone among mammals as the undisputed tooth-count champion in the animal kingdom.

Correct Answer: Giant armadillo

Which man was NOT one of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Vice Presidents?

Harry S. Truman
Henry A. Wallace
Herbert Hoover
John Nance Garner

Fact: Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected President of the United States four times (1932, 1936, 1940, 1944) and became a central figure in world events during the first half of the 20th century. FDR, as he was often called, had three Vice-Presidents during his four terms in office: John Nance Garner of Texas (March 4, 1933 – January 20, 1941), Henry Agard Wallace of Iowa (January 20, 1941 – January 20, 1945), and Harry S. Truman of Missouri (January 20, 1945 – April 12, 1945). Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States and never served as Vice President.

Correct Answer: Herbert Hoover

Which ruler ascended to the throne at just six days old, making her one of the youngest monarchs in recorded history?

Queen Victoria
Elizabeth I
Catherine the Great
Mary, Queen of Scots

Fact: Mary, Queen of Scots became Queen of Scotland in 1542 when she was only six days old, following the sudden and unexpected death of her father, King James V. Because she was an infant, Scotland was governed by a series of regents throughout her childhood, while powerful nobles competed for power and influence. Her reign is remembered not only for its extraordinary beginning, but also for the political intrigue and dramatic power struggles that surrounded her rule—forces that ultimately shaped her turbulent life and historical legacy.

Correct Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots

Which pioneering rock ’n’ roll artist wrote the 1955 hit “Tutti Frutti”?

Chuck Berry
Little Richard
Elvis Presley
Jerry Lee Lewis

Fact: Little Richard wrote and recorded “Tutti Frutti” in 1955, delivering a raw, high-energy performance that helped define the sound, spirit, and rebellious attitude of early rock ’n’ roll. With its pounding piano, ecstatic vocals, and infectious rhythm, the song broke sharply from mainstream musical norms and influenced countless artists who followed. “Tutti Frutti” is widely credited as a foundational rock recording, cementing Little Richard’s reputation as one of the genre’s most important and groundbreaking figures.

Correct Answer: Little Richard

Which movie holds the record for the biggest box office loss ever?

Waterworld
The Flash
John Carter
Mars Needs Moms

Fact: Disney’s “John Carter” is widely considered the biggest box office bomb of all time. With a production budget of around $263 million—before global marketing costs—the film brought in just $284 million globally, resulting in a loss of up to $250 million for the studio. Based on a century-old sci-fi novel, the movie struggled to connect with audiences, partly due to confusing marketing and a vague title. It was meant to launch a major franchise, but its underwhelming box office performance killed that dream instantly.

Correct Answer: John Carter

Which professional wrestling icon appeared in the 1987 fantasy film “The Princess Bride”?

Hulk Hogan
John Cena
Ric Flair
André the Giant

Fact: The role of Fezzik, the gentle, soft-spoken giant in The Princess Bride, was played by André the Giant, one of the most legendary figures in professional wrestling history. Standing over seven feet tall and weighing more than 500 pounds during his career, André was already a global wrestling superstar when he took on the role. His performance became one of the film’s most beloved, iconic elements, helping turn the movie into a lasting, enduring cult classic and introducing André to audiences far beyond the wrestling ring worldwide.

Correct Answer: André the Giant

What fashion designer directed an Oscar-nominated feature film?

Ralph Lauren
Tom Ford
Donna Karan
Vera Wang

Fact: Tom Ford is a fashion designer and filmmaker. He launched his luxury brand in 2006, having previously served as the creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent. In March 2005, Ford announced the launch of his film production company, Fade to Black. Ford directed the films A Single Man (2009) and Nocturnal Animals (2016), both films were Oscar-nominated. His directorial debut A Single Man is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Isherwood. The film starred Colin Firth who was nominated for an Academy Award.

Correct Answer: Tom Ford

Which U.S. river is widely known for flowing backward?

Chicago River
Hudson River
Colorado River
Mississippi River

Fact: The Chicago River is renowned for flowing “backwards” after a landmark engineering project completed in 1900 reversed its natural direction. Originally draining into Lake Michigan, the river was redirected away from the lake through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to protect the city’s drinking water from sewage contamination. The reversed flow now carries water toward the Des Plaines River and ultimately into the Mississippi River system, making the Chicago River the most famous example of an intentionally reversed river in U.S. history.

Correct Answer: Chicago River

What is the highest military rank in U.S. history that has been held by only three individuals?

General of the Army
Five-Star General
General of the Armies
Supreme Allied Commander

Fact: The rank of General of the Armies is the highest possible military rank and has been conferred only three times in U.S. history. John J. Pershing first received the title in 1919 for his leadership during World War I. George Washington was posthumously promoted to the rank in 1976 to ensure he would forever remain the nation’s most senior military officer. Ulysses S. Grant was posthumously granted the rank in 2022, recognizing his role as the Union’s top commander during the Civil War. Unlike the five-star rank of “General of the Army,” the designation “General of the Armies” stands above all others.

Correct Answer: General of the Armies