by ejceasar
Myth and Mythologies. Myths can be classified as origin myths, cultural myths and political myths and mythology is a collection of myths belong to a time period, region or religion
A flood myth also known as deluge myth is a narrative in which great flood, usually sent by a deity or deities to destroy civilizations as an act of divine retribution. Flood myths are common across a wide range of cultures, extending back to Bronze Age and Neolithic prehistory.
Every mythology has its own version of creation myths, or other wise commonly known as how the world came in to existence. In Egyptian Mythology, the creation myth starts with an egg in the ocean. There was a single egg floating in the ocean and the egg hatched and the son of Ra was born. According to the Indian Mythology, the universe was created by Lord Brahma out of himself.
The idea of an unimaginable war that threatens to tear apart the cosmos connects with us so deeply that it still powers our epic stories. The Lord of the Rings, Avengers, Hobbits, and countless others all feature this age-old trope. It can be found in the legends of almost every ancient culture.
We all know the myth of Atlantis: a utopian city wiped out in a single night thanks to an unearthly cataclysm. But Atlantis is only the most famous of mythical lost cities. Near-identical stories crop up with such regularity that it’s tempting to think they must be somehow related.Take Iram (also known as Ubar). A fabled city in the deserts of modern Saudi Arabia, Iram is said to have been wiped out in a single night when Allah buried it under a flood of sand. In other words, it’s the Atlantis myth translated to a world without water. Then you have Ys off the coast of France, which was supposedly flooded around the 5th century by a mythical warrior king. And that’s before we get onto the story of Sodom and Gomorrah and the Hindu myth of Tripura, which both involve gods wiping out immoral cities in a rain of fire.In short, the idea of a city obliterated overnight is so powerful it seems to show up everywhere. Are these half-remembered tragedies with some basis in fact (like Pompeii) or just stories that play to the apocalyptic fantasist in all of us? We’ll leave it to you to decide.
Jesus’s resurrection is the big selling point of Christianity, a unique moment that established Christ as the one true savior. At least that’s the idea. In reality, the idea of a dying deity or important human who is later resurrected has been around for millennia.Most famously, this includes the story of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god whose birth was heralded by a star, who was betrayed by a friend, was murdered, and was later resurrected. But there are less explicit versions too. The Greek cult of Dionysus had their figurehead killed off every two years, only to rise again at a later date. Persephone also died regularly, and many pagan traditions from Scandinavia to Central America involved gods dying and returning to life or men dying and coming back as deities.Perhaps most interestingly of all, a historical tablet known as “Gabriel’s Revelation” allegedly tells the story of a Jewish rebel known as Simon who was killed by the Romans, only to be resurrected three days later. The catch? It was written in 4 BC, over 30 years before Jesus allegedly pulled off the same trick. Either it’s a mistranslation, or the Son of God was building on centuries of groundwork by other deities.
Dragons are likely the most traveled creature in all of mythology. Even more than vampires, they have a habit of turning up in societies and cultures so far apart in time and space you’d think it was impossible. There are ancient Sumerian tablets that record the act of dragon-slaying, Greek tales of dragons cavorting with other monsters, and an entire science built around the uses of their bones in China. In Central America, the Mayans worshipped the feathered snake Quetzalcóatl, while both Norse and Christian mythologies specifically mention dragons.As late as 1886, Victorian scientists still held that dragons had once existed but had gone extinct. Not until dinosaurs became firmly established in the public mind did people see the probable link between ancient fossils and dragon myths. Currently, our best guess is that various cultures all stumbled over dino bones at some point and translated them into gigantic mythological beasts.
Thanks to the occasional self-indulgent movie adaptation, most of us probably have a vague knowledge of the poems of Homer. Considered the earliest examples of Western literature, his Iliad and Odyssey are epic myths of tortured heroes fighting their way across oceans and continents in search of metaphorical salvation—and they appear in near-identical form in almost every culture.It’s called the “hero’s journey,” and just about all epic stories throughout history have followed the specific model. Famously, George Lucas deliberately based the first Star Wars on it, and you can find its influence in The Lord of the Rings, the Oz books, and even Harry Potter. But this archetypal myth was around even before fancy-pants anthropologists handed it over to lazy scriptwriters.The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh, the story of Sinbad the Sailor in the 1,001 Nights, the legend of King Arthur, the tale of the Argonauts . . . all of these and plenty more fit the structure of the hero’s journey just like Homer’s awesome poems above. In fact, nearly every single culture in recorded history has myths that fall into this category. Even Moses’s epic wanderings in the Bible fit this model. We as a species truly are lazy storytellers.
Cultural myths don’t just entertain us and record historical events. They also serve to explain why the world is the way it is. Hence the prevalence of stories designed to give a reason for some mystery of existence.In the Bible, we have the Tower of Babel, which explains why we have different languages. God’s speech prior to expelling Adam and Eve from Eden is another example, giving a reason for both the agony of childbirth and why ancient man had to toil all day in the fields. Wander across traditions into the stories of the Ancient Greeks and the legend of Prometheus demonstrates why fire is so valuable, while the story of Pandora gives a reason for the existence of disease and suffering.Start looking for them and you’ll find these explanatory myths scattered across every culture in history. There are myths that explain why rhinoceroses have no hairs, why incest is forbidden, and how medicine came into existence. Anything you can think of has some poetic explanation somewhere. In an unscientific age, poetry was often all we had.
Everything that begins has an end, and our ancient ancestors knew that as simply as we do. No surprise then that most cultures carry an End of Times myth to counter their creation story—a sort of consolation prize for those who won’t live to see the actual end (i.e. everyone).For Christians, this apocalypse is a gigantic epic that plays out over many, many years and involves so many disasters, wars, and calamities that it’s hard to keep track. Same with the Norse Ragnarok, which is a collection of disasters and battles that results in the Earth being drowned and recreated afresh. In Hinduism, it’s another epic battle followed by a rebooted universe, while Buddhism annihilates the world in a pyrotechnic fireworks display so amazing it deserves its own Michael Bay film.In other words, most humans throughout history have lived with their own personal vision of the end of everything, one that makes sense in the context of their lives and cultures. And that’s all these myths really are: ways for us humans to make sense of the world we live in, no matter when or where we are. It’s just an added bonus that some of them make absolutely awesome stories, too.
Learn a few fun facts
The red clothes worn by Hindu brides are associated with "scarlet women" in Christianity
The white clothes that represent virginity and purity in the Christian mythosphere are associated with spirituality and otherworldliness in the Hindu mythosphere; are restricted to monks, priests, and widows; and do not form part of household rituals.
The goat, the symbol of virility that is sacrificed to the Hindu Goddess, is the symbol of the devil in the biblical worldview.
The yoginis of Hinduism, who are handmaidens of the Goddess and are wild erotic creatures, recall the witches coven of the Christian mythosphere.
The pentagram is the symbol of Lakshmi, Hindu goddess of wealth, and Shukra, guru of demons, and is associated with Venus, wealth, fertility, creativity, and erotic power in Hindu astrology, but is considered the mark of the devil in Christianity.
'described in Western literature as the "dark drinker of blood" and is associated with witchcraft.
The serpent, which is associated with earth's fertility and occult wisdom in Hinduism, is considered a manifestation of the devil in biblical traditions.
To the Western eye the swastika is the symbol of Hitler and the Holocaust. To Hindus it is associated with auspiciousness and fertility.
Demon in Judeo-Christian-Islamic Paradigm is Evil being who opposes God but in Hindu Paradigm Demon is a Being who lives under-ground in bejeweled cities, fights gods, and possess the secret of rejuvenation
Gods in Judeo-Christian-Islamic Paradigm False deities worshipped by nonbelievers and pagans whereas in Hindu Paradigm Celestial beings who live above ground or in the skies, fight demons, and have consumed the elixir of immortality
Apophis was perhaps the only Egyptian god very powerful, was not worshiped but feared.
Egyptian mythology is the collection of myths from ancient Egypt, which describe the actions of the Egyptian gods as a means of understanding the world. The beliefs that these myths express are an important part of ancient Egyptian religion. Myths appear frequently in Egyptian writings and art, particularly in short stories and in religious material such as hymns, ritual texts, funerary texts, and temple decoration. These sources rarely contain a complete account of a myth and often describe only brief fragments.
Some of the most famous myths of Egyptian mythology include the story of Ra and the creation of the world, the story of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, and the story of the god Anubis and the weighing of the heart.
The story of Ra and the creation of the world describes how the sun god Ra emerged from the chaos of Nun to create the world and the gods. The story of Osiris, Isis, and Horus tells of the murder of Osiris, the god of the underworld, by his brother Set, and how Osiris's wife Isis and son Horus sought to avenge his death and restore him to power.
The story of Anubis and the weighing of the heart is a myth that describes the judgement of the dead in the afterlife. It tells how the god Anubis would weigh the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice, to determine whether they were worthy of entering the afterlife.
Other notable myths in Egyptian mythology include the story of the god Horus and his battles with his uncle Seth, the myth of the goddess Hathor, and the story of the god Ra and the serpent Apep.
These myths play a central role in Ancient Egyptian religion and were widely known among the ancient Egyptians. They were often depicted in art and were performed in temple rituals. They also played a significant role in shaping the culture, beliefs, and worldview of ancient Egyptians.The Bantu believe that fire was brought to earth by a god or goddess, who gave it to humans as a gift.
The Bantu Mythology
The Bantu mythology is the system of myths and legends of the Bantu peoples of Africa. Although Bantu peoples account for several hundred different ethnic groups, there is a high degree of homogeneity in Bantu cultures and mythologies, just as in Bantu languages.
The Bantu people, who live in many parts of Africa, have a rich and diverse mythology that includes many different stories and legends. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Bantu mythology: The Creation Myth
The Bantu believe that the world was created by a god or gods, who formed the earth, sky, and all living things. Different Bantu groups have different creation stories, but they often involve the god or gods creating the world out of chaos or darkness.
The Myth of the First Human
According to Bantu legend, the first human, named Likumbi, was created by the god or gods. Different Bantu groups have different stories about how the first human was created, but they often involve the god or gods fashioning the first human out of clay or dust.
The Myth of the First Fire
The Bantu believe that fire was brought to earth by a god or goddess, who gave it to humans as a gift. Different Bantu groups have different stories about how fire was brought to earth, but they often involve a trickster figure stealing fire from the gods or a god or goddess giving fire to humans as a reward for good behavior.
The Myth of the First Rain
The Bantu believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god or goddess, who sent it to earth as a gift. Different Bantu groups have different stories about how rain was brought to earth, but they often involve a god or goddess opening up the sky to let the rain fall or sending a messenger to earth to bring the rain.
The Myth of the Afterlife
The Bantu people have different beliefs about the afterlife, but some of the most common are a belief in a heaven and hell, a belief that the dead go to the land of the ancestors or a belief that the soul is reincarnated.
The Maasai mythology involves several beliefs of the Maasai people
The Kintu, Kaikuzi, Warumbe mythology involves several beliefs of the Maasai people, an ethnic group living in Kenya and Tanzania
Kintu is a figure in the traditional mythology of the Ganda people of Uganda. According to the Ganda's traditional story, Kintu was the first human being created by the god, Ggulu. The story of Kintu is an important part of Ganda mythology, and it is used to explain the origins of the Ganda people and their customs.
The Kintu Myth Explained
The Kintu Myth explains how the first human came to be, how the first human was given a wife by the creator god, Ggulu, and how they were given the ability to procreate. The myth goes on to describe how Kintu and his wife, Nambi, had children, and how those children went on to become the ancestors of the Ganda people.
Kintu as the First Ancestor
In this story, Kintu is considered as the first ancestor of the Ganda people, and his children are considered as the founders of different Ganda tribes and clans. The story of Kintu is also used to explain the customs and traditions of the Ganda people, such as the importance of ancestor worship and the role of the clan in Ganda society.
Kintu as the Ancestor of the Buganda Kingdom
It is also believed that Kintu is the ancestor of the Buganda kingdom which is the largest kingdom in present day Uganda.
Hittite sun goddess, the principal deity and patron of the Hittite empire and monarchy.
Hittite mythology and Hittite religion were the religious beliefs and practices of the Hittites, who created an empire centered in what is now Turkey from c. 1600 BC to 1180 BC.
Hittite mythology
Hittite mythology is the set of myths and religious beliefs of the ancient Hittites, an Indo-European people who lived in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from around 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE. Some of the most famous myths of Hittite mythology include:
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The story of Kumarbi
This is the Hittite version of the "cosmogonic cycle" which tells the story of the god Kumarbi, who overthrows his father Anu and becomes the ruler of the gods. Kumarbi also impregnates the mother goddess and gives birth to the storm god Teshub and other deities.
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The story of Teshub and the dragon
The god Teshub fought and defeated the dragon Illuyanka, a symbol of chaos and destructive forces.
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The story of Telipinu
This is the story of the god Telipinu, who is responsible for the fertility of the land and the well-being of the people. Telipinu goes into a rage and causes a drought, but he is eventually placated and returns to bring fertility back to the land.
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The story of the Sun-goddess of Arinna
This is the story of the Sun-goddess of Arinna, one of the most important deities of the Hittite pantheon. She is the goddess of the sun, and her daily journey across the sky was seen as a representation of the cycle of life and death.
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The story of the god of the underworld
The god of the underworld, known as Allani or "the god of the land of the dead" is an important figure in Hittite mythology. He is responsible for the afterlife and the fate of the souls of the dead.
These myths were an important part of Hittite religion and were often depicted in art and referenced in religious texts and rituals. They played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and worldview of the Hittite people. The Hittite myths were passed down through oral tradition, and many of them were recorded in the Hittite language on clay tablets. They are still studied today for their historical and cultural significance.
The Lotuko are an ethnic group from South Sudan.
The Lotuko people are an ethnic group that live primarily in the Eastern Equatoria state of South Sudan. I couldn't find enough information about their mythology. However, the Lotuko people have a rich oral tradition that includes stories, fables, proverbs, and riddles, which are passed down from generation to generation. These stories often involve animals and spirits, and they are used to teach moral lessons and explain the origins of the Lotuko people and their customs. Lotuko people have a strong belief in traditional religion, ancestor worship and animism.
Top myths of Lotuko mythology
The Creation of the World
This myth tells the story of how the world was created by the god Akuji. He created the earth and the sky, and then filled the world with plants and animals. This myth teaches the Lotuko people the importance of respecting nature.
The Origin of the Crocodile
This myth tells of how a crocodile came to be. It is said that the god Akuji created the crocodile from a piece of wood. He then gave it the power to protect the people and their land.
The Great Flood
This myth tells of a great flood that wiped out all of humanity. It is said that the god Akuji sent the flood to punish mankind for their sins. The Lotuko people use this story to teach their children the importance of obedience and respect.
The Battle of the Sun and Moon
This myth tells of a battle between the sun and moon. The sun and moon fought for many days, until the sun was victorious. The Lotuko people believe that this story symbolizes the constant struggle between good and evil.
The Story of the First Man and Woman
This myth tells the story of the first man and woman. It is said that the god Akuji created the first man and woman from a piece of wood. This myth teaches the Lotuko people the importance of family and the value of human life.
The Origin of Death
This myth tells of the origin of death. It is said that the god Akuji created death in order to keep balance in the world. This story is used to remind the Lotuko people of the importance of living life to the fullest.
Mythological legends and deities
Hittite-Mythology
Hebat is the Hittite earth goddess, associated with fertility and motherhood. She is depicted as a nurturing figure bringing abundance to the land.
egyptian-mythology
God of the underworld and the afterlife who was killed and resurrected
mesopotamian-mythology
Goddess of love, beauty, sex, desire, fertility, war, and justice. Associated with the planet Venus and known for her descent into the underworld.
Greek-mythology
Messene in Greek Legendary History
Messene is a figure from Greek legendary history, recognized chiefly as the daughter of Triopas. She is not a central figure in the mainstream myths but plays a role in the legendary history and lineage of certain regions in ancient Greece.
Background
Messene was the daughter of Triopas, a king in Thessaly. In some accounts, Triopas is noted for his impiety and for having torn down a temple to Demeter to use its materials to build his palace. Messene's story is largely overshadowed by the deeds and reputation of her father.
Legacy
The most notable aspect of Messene's legacy is her association with the region of Messenia in the Peloponnese. According to some traditions, the region was named after her, highlighting the common practice in ancient times of eponymous naming - naming places after legendary or mythological figures.
Messene's role in Greek legendary history, while not as prominent as other mythological figures, reflects the rich tapestry of stories and characters that form the backdrop of ancient Greek culture and tradition.
Arabian-mythology
Malevolent spirits or demons in Arabian folklore, known for inhabiting graveyards and consuming human flesh.
Bantu-mythology
A heroic figure in Bantu mythology, known for his adventures and battles against supernatural forces to protect his people.
Greek-mythology
In Greek mythology, Alcyoneus or Alkyoneus (/ælˈsaɪəˌnuËs/; Ancient Greek: ἈλκυονεÏÏ‚ Alkuoneus) was a traditional opponent of the hero Heracles. He was usually considered to be one of the Gigantes (Giants), the offspring of Gaia born from the blood of the castrated Uranus.
Etruscan-mythology
A female deity associated with healing, often depicted with snakes and medicinal herbs.
Greek-mythology
Trophonius was a figure in Greek mythology associated with the Oracle of Delphi. He was the son of the god Apollo and a mortal woman, and was believed to have been the founder of two shrines at the site of Delphi. Legend states that Trophonius was a skilled architect, and he was responsible for the construction of a temple to Apollo at Delphi. He was also said to have built a temple to the goddess Demeter at Lebadea. It was believed that Trophonius could foretell the future and provide advice to those seeking it from the Oracle of Delphi. He was also said to have been a great healer and an advisor to kings.
hindu-mythology
Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is the Supreme Being within Shaivism, one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism. Shiva is known as "The Destroyer" within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. In Shaivism tradition, Shiva is one of the supreme beings who creates, protects and transforms the universe.
Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of Lingam. Worshippers of Shiva are called "Shaivites" or "Shaivas". Shaivas believe that Shiva is All and in all, the creator, preserver, destroyer, revealer and concealer of all that is.
Shiva has many benevolent and fearsome depictions. In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash, as well as a householder with wife Parvati and his two children, Ganesha and Kartikeya. In his fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons.
Shiva is also regarded as the patron god of yoga and arts. The iconographical attributes of Shiva are the serpent around his neck, the adorning crescent moon, the holy river Ganga flowing from his matted hair, the third eye on his forehead, the trishula or trident, as his weapon, and the damaru drum. He is usually worshipped in the aniconic form of Lingam.
Norse-mythology
Angantyr's daughter Hervor married Höfund of Glæsisvellir and they had the sons Heidrek and Angantyr. Angantyr would be the next of Tyrfing's victims. Angantyr's brother Heidrek had made himself impossible at home and was banished by his father. Angantyr wanted to follow his brother for a while on the road to say farewell, but then he asked to see the sword Tyrfing which Heidrek had got from their mother Hervor. Heidrek kindly showed his brother the weapon, but since Tyrfing could not be unsheathed without slaying a man, Angantyr became its next victim.
chinese-mythology
Dragon god of rain, known for its ability to control the weather
Movies inspired by Mythology
Two worlds. One hero.
The warrior Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard by his father Odin (Sir Anthony Hopkins) for his arrogance and sent to Earth to live amongst humans. Falling in love with scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) teaches Thor much-needed lessons, and his new-found strength comes into play as a villain from his homeland sends dark forces toward Earth. The powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.
A Comedy of Epic Proportions
Hercules, son of the Greek God, Zeus, is turned into a half-god, half-mortal by evil Hades, God of the Underworld, who plans to overthrow Zeus. Hercules is raised on Earth and retains his god-like strength, but when he discovers his immortal heritage Zeus tells him that to return to Mount Olympus he must become a true hero. Hercules becomes a famous hero with the help of his friend Pegasus and his personal trainer, Phil the satyr. Hercules battles monsters, Hades and the Titans, but it is his self-sacrifice to rescue his love Meg which makes him a true hero. Written by Kristi Connolly The son of Zeus and Hera is stripped of his immortality as an infant and must become a true hero in order to reclaim it.
An Epic Entertainment Spectacular!
Perseus is the favored son of the god Zeus, but he has unwittingly ticked off the sea goddess Thetis. Just to make things worse, Perseus falls in love with the lovely Princess Andromeda, who used to be engaged to Thetis' son. Soon Perseus is off on one quest after another, with Zeus helping, Thetis hindering, and lots of innocent bystanders getting stabbed, drowned, and squished. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} Perseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.
The hunt for the ultimate power begins
While Ben Gates is presenting new information about John Wilkes Booth and the 18 pages missing from Booth's diary, a man by the name of Mitch Wilkinson stands up and presents a missing page of John Wilkes Booth's diary. Thomas Gates, Ben's great-grandfather, is mentioned on the page. It shows that Ben's great-grandfather was a co-conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's murder. When doing more research, the conspiracy takes Ben, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole to Buckingham Palace (which they break into). They discover a plank that has early Native American writing on it. The plank has only one symbol that Patrick Gates can identify. The symbol is Cibola (see-bowl-uh) meaning the City of Gold. In order to define the rest they have to go to Ben's mother, Patrick's divorced wife. After 32 years it brings back old arguments. After that the other clue is in the President's desk in the Oval Office in the White House (which Ben and Abigail sneak into) to discover that the clue lies in The President's Book. But in order to see the book, their choice is either get elected president or kidnap the President of the United States. Which do they choose? It's obvious. With Wilkinson close on their tail, they find the book in the Library of Congress. The conspiracy then crosses to Mount Rushmore where the clue was on the hills, but (according to the Book) President Calvin Coolidge had the faces carved in so no one can find the City of Gold. When they get there they find out that they must work with Wilkinson since he has some clues of his own. Who will claim Cibola? And will the name of Gates be known as murder? Written by mviedirctr354 Benjamin Gates must follow a clue left in John Wilkes Booth's diary to prove his ancestor's innocence in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
A New Evil Awakens.
Centuries ago, the evil Emperor Han was cursed by the sorceress Zi Yuan who transformed him and his army into mummies. In 1946, the explorer Rick O'Connell and his wife Evelyn O'Connell are invited by the British government to take a relic, the diamond "The Eye of Shangri-La" to China. The ancient stone is capable of resurrecting the Emperor Han and of pointing the way to Shangri-La and the eternal pool of life. When the couple reaches China, they meet their son Alex O'Connell, who has discovered the tomb of Han, and Evelyn's brother Jonathan Carnahan. The O'Connells are betrayed by their friend Prof. Roger Wilson, who is associated with General Yang. Yang wants to serve Emperor Han, so he resurrects the mummy and they head for Shangri-La. The guardian of Han's tomb (and Zi's daughter) Lin tells them that the only ways to destroy Han are to prevent him from reaching Shangri-La or by stabbing his heart with a cursed dagger. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil In the Far East, Alex O'Connell, the son of famed mummy fighters Rick and Evy O'Connell, unearths the mummy of the first Emperor of Qin -- a shape-shifting entity cursed by a witch centuries...
