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.

Mythology 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

Somali Mythology

Somali mythology covers the beliefs, myths, legends and folk tales circulating in Somali society that were passed down to new generations in a timeline spanning several millennia.

Somali mythology includes a diverse set of stories and legends that reflect the culture and beliefs of the Somali people. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Somali mythology:

The Creation Myth

The Somali believe that the world was created by God (Waaq), who created the first human beings, the first animals, and the first plants.

The Myth of the First Woman

According to Somali legend, the first woman, named Hawo, was created from a rib taken from the first man, named Adaan.

The Myth of the First Fire

The Somali believe that fire was brought to earth by a bird named Shimbir, who stole it from the gods and gave it to humans.

The Myth of the First Ancestor

The Somali believe that the first ancestor, named Samaale, was the progenitor of all Somali clans.

The Myth of the First Death

The Somali believe that death was brought to the world by a god named Ebla, who punished humans for their disobedience.

The Myth of the First Rain

The Somali believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god named Ebla, who punished humans for their disobedience.

Please note that these are just a few examples and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Somali people, as Somali mythology is vast and diverse. Also, It's worth mentioning that a lot of the oral tradition was lost through the years.

The Lugbara people are an ethnic group living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. They have a rich mythology that has been passed down through generations, and their stories are a source of pride and identity for the Lugbara people.

The Lugbara people believe in a single creator, called Woot, who is responsible for the creation of the world and all its inhabitants. They also believe in a pantheon of lesser gods, each with their own sphere of influence. For example, Nyambe is the god of rain, and there is also a god of war, a god of the hunt, and a god of love.

The Lugbara people also believe in a number of supernatural beings, such as spirits and ghosts. These beings can be benevolent or malevolent, and they often take the form of animals or other creatures. It is believed that these beings can influence the lives of humans, either for good or for ill.

The Lugbara people have a number of stories and legends about their gods and supernatural creatures. One of the most famous is the story of Nyambe and the Great Snake. According to the story, Nyambe was out hunting one day when he encountered a giant snake. Nyambe managed to defeat the snake, and as a reward, the gods gave him the power to control the weather and the seasons.

The stories and legends of the Lugbara people are an important part of their culture, and they are still told and retold to this day. They provide a fascinating insight into the beliefs and values of the Lugbara people, and offer a unique window into their history and mythology.

Dinka mythology refers to the traditional religion and folk tales of the Dinka, or Muonyjang, ethnic group of South Sudan.

The supreme, creator god, Nhialic, is the god of the sky and rain, and the ruler of all the other gods and spirits. He is generally seen as distant from humans. Nhialic is also known as Jaak, Juong or Dyokin by other Nilotic groups such as the Nuer and Shilluk. Nhialac created ex-nihilo and rarely involves itself with the affairs of humans.

There are several versions of the Dinka creation myth which mainly concerns itself with the creation of humans. The first humans are Garang and Abuk. In some cases Nhialac created humans by blowing them out of its nose, other accounts say humans originated from the sky and were placed in the river where they came as fully formed adults. Other accounts say that humans were molded as clay figures and placed to mature in pots. Garang and Abuk were made out of the clay of Sudan.

Nhialac told them to multiply and that their children would die but would come back to life within 15 days. Garang protested that if nobody dies permanently then there would not be enough food. Nhialac then introduced permanent death. Nhialac commanded them to only plant one seed of grain a day or gave them one grain to eat a day. Being hungry everyday Abuk made a paste with the grain to make the food last longer. However, when Abuk disobeyed and planted more Nhialac cut the rope that connected Heaven and Earth.

Lozi mythology gives legitimacy to the Lozi kingdom's foundations, by linking the monarchy and the people to a creator god, whom the Lozi call Nyambe.

The Lozi people, who live in what is now Zambia, have a rich and diverse mythology that reflects their culture and beliefs. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Lozi mythology:

The creation myth

The Lozi believe that the world was created by a god named Nyambe, who formed the earth, sky, and all living things. They also believe that Nyambe created the first man and woman, and gave them the task of populating the world.

The myth of the first fire

The Lozi believe that fire was brought to earth by a god named Mwali, who gave it to humans as a gift.

The myth of the first death

The Lozi believe that death was brought to the world by a god named Mwali, who punished humans for their disobedience.

The myth of the first rain

The Lozi believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god named Mwali, who punished humans for their disobedience.

The myth of the afterlife

The Lozi believe that the souls of the dead go to the land of the ancestors, which is a place similar to the earth but more beautiful and peaceful. They also believe that the souls of the wicked go to a place of punishment.

The myth of the floods

The Lozi believe that the floods in the Barotse floodplain, where they live, are caused by the god Mwali's tears, which he shed when he was angry with people for their misdeeds.

Please note that this is just a small sample of the Lozi mythology stories, and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Lozi people.

Mesopotamian Religion

Mesopotamian religion refers to the religious beliefs and practices of the civilizations of ancient Mesopotamia, particularly Sumer, Akkad, Assyria and Babylonia between circa 3500 BC and 400 AD, after which they largely gave way to Syriac Christianity.

Some of the most famous myths of Mesopotamian mythology include the creation myth Enuma Elish, the epic of Gilgamesh, and the story of Inanna's descent to the underworld. Enuma Elish describes the creation of the world and the gods by the god Marduk, while the epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of a king's quest for immortality. The story of Inanna's descent to the underworld tells of the goddess's journey to the land of the dead and her eventual return to the world of the living. Other notable myths include the story of the god Enki and the goddess Ninhursag, the myth of Ishtar's descent to the underworld, and the story of the god Dumuzid and his sister Geshtinanna.

The Epic of Gilgamesh

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one of the most famous and important works of ancient Mesopotamian literature. It is an epic poem that tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his quest for immortality. The poem is thought to have been written around 2100 BCE, in the Sumerian language, but it was later translated into Akkadian.

The epic tells the story of Gilgamesh's adventures, including his friendship with the wild man Enkidu and their journey to the Cedar Forest to fight the monster Humbaba. After Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh becomes obsessed with the fear of his own mortality and sets out on a journey to find the secret of immortality. He eventually meets Utnapishtim, the only human who has been granted immortality by the gods, and learns the secret of eternal life but fails to achieve it.

The epic also explores themes of friendship, loss, and the human condition, and it is considered one of the earliest known works of literature in world history. The poem was widely read in ancient Mesopotamia and had a significant influence on later literature in the region. The epic of Gilgamesh is still widely read and studied today, both for its historical and literary significance.

Legendary hero in Persian mythology, known for his strength and bravery. Central figure in the Shahnameh epic.

A deity in Bantu mythology, associated with rain, water, and fertility, worshipped for agricultural abundance and protection against drought.

God of the sun, justice, morality, and truth. Associated with law, order, and divine justice in Mesopotamian religion.

Falcon-headed god of the sky, protector of pharaohs and king of gods

The son of Odin and Frigg is Balder, the god of innocence and piety. He is so bright and fair that light shines from his features; he is also wise, eloquent, gentle, and lenient, and righteous to such a degree that his judgments stand always unshaken. His home and stronghold is called Breidablik; 4 there nothing impure may find lodgment. His wife is the faithful Nanna, daughter of Nep. His son is the righteous Forseti. Balder was killed by his brother Hod, but after the destruction of the universe he will return again. 1 The cult of Balder is mentioned only in the late, unhistorical Fridthjof’s Saga; from this source we learn that he had a great sanctuary, Baldershagi, somewhere in Sogn. 2

God of thunder, sometimes depicted with a drum in one hand and hammer in the other

Egil is a legendary hero of the Völundarkviða and the Thidreks saga. The name is from Proto-Germanic *Agilaz[1] and the same legend is reflected in Old English Ægil [æɡiɫ] of the Franks Casket and Alamannic Aigil of the Pforzen buckle. The Proto-Germanic form of the legend may only be guessed at, but it appears likely that Egil was a renowned archer who defended a keep together with his wife Aliruna, against numerous attackers. The testimony of the Pforzen buckle is uncertain beyond naming Aigil and Ailrun, possibly adding that they fought a battle at the Ilz river. Similar to Heracles and Athena fighting off the giants from Olympus in the Gigantomachy the Franks Casket shows the scene of Aegil and his wife enclosed in the keep, with Aegil shooting arrows against attacking troops of giants.

Messenger of the gods, god of trade, thieves, travelers, and guide to the underworld. Known for his speed and cunning.

A legendary queen and storyteller in Arabian Nights, known for her ability to captivate a king with her tales and thereby saving her own life.

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.

Kumarbi is a primordial god in Hittite mythology, associated with chaos. He is the father of the storm god Teshub and engaged in a struggle for power with him.

A divine child who emerged from a plowed field and taught the Etruscans the art of divination.

Mayabazar (1957) is a classic Indian fantasy film directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy. The film is based on the folk tale of Bhakta Prahlada and is set in the backdrop of a traditional village. It stars N.T. Rama Rao, A.N.R, Savitri, and S.V. Ranga Rao in the lead roles. The story revolves around Ghatotkacha (N.T. Rama Rao) and his father, King Hiranyakashyapu (S.V. Ranga Rao). Ghatotkacha, a demon son of the King, is in love with the princess of the Mayabazar (Savitri). However, the King wants his daughter to marry a human prince. Ghatotkacha's only hope is to obtain the magical parijat flower from Lord Vishnu, who is in disguise as a saint. With the help of Lord Vishnu, Ghatotkacha manages to save the princess and their love is eventually accepted by the King. The film is known for its iconic song "Koluvaiyunu Kalla Regindi" and its highly imaginative visual effects. It was one of the first South Indian films to use special effects and its innovative use of colour established it as a classic in Indian cinema.

A kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin vies for the love of the beautiful princess Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah. When he finds a magic lamp, he uses the genie's magic power to make himself a prince in order to marry her. He's also on a mission to stop the powerful Jafar who plots to steal the magic lamp that could make his deepest wishes come true

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 American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself traveling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King. Written by Anonymous A discovery made by a kung fu obsessed American teen sends him on an adventure to China, where he joins up with a band of martial arts warriors in order to free the imprisoned Monkey King.

An Inca legend says the Inca Empire was destroyed by the gods when a gold and jeweled star burst was stolen from the Temple of the Sun centuries ago, and the ancient civilization will spring anew when the treasure is returned. The natives want it but so does Harry Steele, an American adventurer of slightly-shady ways who wants it for personal gain, as does his adversary, a grizzled old man even more into skulduggery than Steele. The latter teams up with Elena Antonescu, an Iron Curtain refugee fleeing from the MKVD. She can help him get a plane and he can help her escape Peru for the relative safety of Mexico.Is there a chance they will end up in a bickering love-hate relationship?... Is there a chance an American archaeologist, Dr. Stanley Moorehead, will come along as one corner of a romantic triangle?... Is there a chance that Yma Sumac (billed third on the posters and ads and special billed in the film), who can't act but can sing, will sing a few songs?... Is there a chance that these trite-sounding questions will develop into a film that is far from trite and vastly entertaining? Dang right, there is. Check it out. Written by Les Adams An adventurer searchers for hidden treasure in the Peruvian jungles.