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
Janus as the god of all beginnings and believe that his association with doorways is derivative
Roman mythology is a collection of traditional stories, beliefs, and religious practices that ancient Romans used to explain the world around them and the natural phenomena they observed. The Roman myths are heavily influenced by the myths of the ancient Greeks, as the Romans adopted many of the Greek gods and goddesses and adapted them to their own culture. Here are some famous myths of Roman mythology:
Famous Myths of Roman Mythology
-
The myth of Romulus and Remus
This is the story of the twin brothers who were suckled by a she-wolf and went on to found the city of Rome.
-
The myth of Jupiter and his brothers
Jupiter, the king of the gods, overthrew his father Saturn and his brothers to become the ruler of the gods.
-
The myth of Apollo and Daphne
This is the story of the god of poetry and music, Apollo, who falls in love with the nymph Daphne, who turns into a laurel tree to escape him.
-
The myth of Venus and Adonis
This is the story of the goddess of love and beauty, Venus, who falls in love with the mortal Adonis.
-
The myth of Mars and Rhea Silvia
This is the story of the god of war, Mars, who impregnates Rhea Silvia, the Vestal Virgin, and the mother of the twins Romulus and Remus.
-
The myth of Mercury and Herse
This is the story of the messenger of the gods, Mercury, who seduces the mortal Herse, and the daughter of the king of Athens.
-
The myth of Saturn and Ops
This is the story of the god of agriculture and the ruler of the Golden Age, Saturn, who marries Ops, the goddess of fertility and abundance.
Most Indian myths and legends have been derived from two of its epic poems, Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as from the ancient Hindu texts, Puranas.
In India a different worldview evolved over four thousand years, with the concepts responding to various sociocultural phenomena and transforming with the words of wise men to satisfy the needs of the local population
There are many famous myths in Indian mythology, here are a few examples:
- The Ramayana, which tells the story of Prince Rama and his rescue of his wife, Sita, from the demon king, Ravana.
- The Mahabharata, which is one of the longest epic poems in the world and tells the story of a dynastic struggle for the throne of Hastinapura.
- The story of Lord Vishnu taking the form of a fish to save the world from a great flood.
- The story of Lord Shiva and his consort, Parvati, and their son, Lord Ganesha.
- The story of Lord Krishna, who is considered a supreme deity in Hinduism and is known for his wisdom and his role in the Mahabharata.
- The story of the Trimurti, which tells of the three main gods in Hinduism- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- The story of creation according to Hindu mythology is also an important one, which explains how the world and all living beings came into being.
Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva were the three main gods
Etruscan mythology comprises a set of stories, beliefs, and religious practices of the Etruscan civilization, originating in the 7th century BC from the preceding Iron Age Villanovan culture, with its influences in the mythology of ancient Greece and Phoenicia, and sharing similarities with concurrent Roman mythology.
The Etruscan civilization existed in ancient Italy from around the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE, and its myths and religious beliefs have been largely lost to time. However, some of the myths that have been reconstructed from the surviving evidence include:Famous Myths of Etruscan Mythology
-
The myth of Tages
Tages was a child-god who emerged from the plowed fields and taught the Etruscans divination and the art of reading the will of the gods.
-
The myth of Charun
Charun was the Etruscan god of death, and was often depicted as a fearsome figure with a hammer, ready to strike the souls of the dead.
-
The myth of Turms
Turms was the Etruscan equivalent of Hermes, the Greek messenger of the gods. He was known for his speed and agility and was often depicted with winged sandals.
-
The myth of Menrva
Menrva was the Etruscan goddess of wisdom, war, and the arts. She was often equated with the Greek Athena and the Roman Minerva.
-
The myth of Laran
Laran was the Etruscan god of war, and was often depicted as a fierce warrior, ready to defend his people.
The traditional religion and mythology of the San people
The Traditional Religion and Mythology of the San People
The Khoikhoi people, also known as the Khoisan, are a group of indigenous people who live in southern Africa. They have a rich and diverse mythology that reflects their culture and beliefs. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Khoikhoi mythology:
The Creation Myth
The Khoikhoi believe that the world was created by a god or gods, who formed the earth, sky, and all living things. Different Khoikhoi 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 Khoikhoi legend, the first human, named /Kaggen, was created by the god or gods. Different Khoikhoi 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 Khoikhoi believe that fire was brought to earth by a god or goddess, who gave it to humans as a gift. Different Khoikhoi 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 Khoikhoi believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god or goddess, who sent it to earth as a gift. Different Khoikhoi groups have different stories about how the first rain was brought to earth, but they often involve a god or goddess sending the rain to earth as a gift.
The myth of the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi
Japanese mythology encompasses the folk traditions of Japan and the Shinto religion. It is a collection of stories, beliefs, and customs that have been passed down through generations. The stories often revolve around the creation of the world, the deeds of the gods and goddesses, and the lives of heroes and monsters.
Famous Myths of Japanese Mythology
-
The myth of the creation of Japan
According to Japanese mythology, the god Izanagi and goddess Izanami were responsible for the creation of the Japanese islands. They stood on the bridge between heaven and earth and dipped a spear into the water, creating the first island of Onogoro.
-
The myth of Amaterasu
Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the ancestor of the Imperial Family of Japan. She is said to have been offended by her brother's behavior and retreated into a cave, causing the world to become dark. Her eventual return to the world brought light and warmth back to the land.
-
The myth of Susano-o
Susano-o is the god of sea and storms, as well as brother of Amaterasu. He is known for his reckless and impulsive behavior, which often causes trouble for the other gods.
-
The myth of the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi
Yamata no Orochi is a giant serpent with eight heads and eight tails, who terrorized an ancient province in Japan. He was eventually defeated by the god Susano-o, who saved a maiden and her brothers from the serpent's attacks.
-
The myth of the Tengu
Tengu are supernatural creatures that are half-human
Mythological legends and deities
Greek-mythology
In Greek mythology, the Amazons were a tribe of warrior women believed to live in Asia Minor. Apollonius Rhodius, in his Argonautica, mentions that the Amazons were the daughters of Ares and Harmonia, that they were brutal and aggressive, and their main concern in life was war.
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.
Greek-mythology
In Greek mythology, Euphorbus (Ancient Greek: or Euforbo) was a Trojan hero during the Trojan War.
Hittite-Mythology
Wurusemu is the Hittite sun goddess, symbolizing light and warmth. She is often depicted as a radiant figure bringing life to the world.
Norse-mythology
In Norse mythology, the einherjar (Old Norse literally "army of one", "those who fight alone"[1][2]) are those who have died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by valkyries. In Valhalla, the einherjar eat their fill of the nightly-resurrecting beast SæhrÃmnir, and valkyries bring them mead (which comes from the udder of the goat Heiðrún). The einherjar prepare daily for the events of Ragnarök, when they will advance for an immense battle at the field of VÃgrÃðr. The einherjar are attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, the poem Hákonarmál (by the 10th century skald Eyvindr skáldaspillir) as collected in Heimskringla, and a stanza of an anonymous 10th century poem commemorating the death of Eric Bloodaxe known as EirÃksmál as compiled in Fagrskinna. An etymological connection exists between the einherjar and the Harii (a Germanic people or figures form early Germanic folklore attested in the 1st century AD), and scholars have connected the einherjar to the eternal battle of HjaðningavÃg and the Wild Hunt. The einherjar have been the subject of works of art and poetry.
Greek-mythology
In Greek mythology, Electryone (Ancient Greek: ἨλεκτÏυώνην) or Alectrona (Doric form) was a daughter of Helios and Rhodos, and sister to the Heliadae. She died a virgin and was worshipped as a heroine on the island of Rhodes. She was possibly a goddess of the sunrise, or of man's waking sense.
Norse-mythology
Halga, Helgi, Helghe or Helgo was a legendary Danish king living in the early 6th century.[1] His name would in his own language (Proto-Norse) have been *Hailaga[2] (dedicated to the gods). Scholars generally agree that he appears in both Anglo-Saxon (Beowulf) and Scandinavian tradition (Norse sagas and Danish chronicles).[3] In both traditions, he was a Scylding, the son of Healfdene and the brother of Hroðgar. In Beowulf, his relationship to Hroðulf is not explained, but if he was not his father, as in the Scandinavian tradition, he was at least his uncle. Both traditions also mention his family's feud with Froda and Ingeld. Whereas, not much is said about Halga in Anglo-Saxon sources, much more is said in Scandinavian ones, all of them containing a version of the story of his incestuous relationship with his own daughter Yrsa. This liaison resulted in Halga's son Hroðulf.
Celtic-mythology
While widely known as one of the major gods of Gaul during Roman times, the origins of Taranis probably harked back to far older (and ancient) Celtic traditions. As we mentioned before, according to Lucan, Taranis formed a triad of Celtic gods (along with Toutatis and Esus), and as such, he was regarded as the god of thunder, thus drawing obvious comparisons to Roman Jupiter (and Greek Zeus). Even in the visual scale, the god was portrayed with a lightning bolt, thus bearing more similarity to Zeus. However, literally, on the other hand, Taranis was also depicted with a solar wheel – one of the most prevalent symbols found on Celtic artifacts, which suggests his eminence in the related pantheon.
Norse-mythology
Angantyr's father Arngrim had given him the magic sword Tyrfing, which cut through anything as if through cloth, and which killed a man every time it was unsheathed. He was the tallest of the twelve sons of the berserker Arngrim, and he and his eleven brothers spread fear and destruction through the North. One Yule, they were back home on Bolmsö when the next eldest son Hjörvard, swore that he would win Ingeborg, the daughter of Yngve, the king of Sweden. The twelve brothers departed for Uppsala and Hjorvard proposed to Ingeborg. However then Hjalmar, one of the Swedish king's champions, stepped forth and claimed he deserved the princess rather than a berserker. The Swedish king, who feared opposing twelve uncontrollable and infamous berserkers in his hall, suggested that Ingeborg herself should decide. Naturally, she chose Hjalmar, and Hjorvard was besides himself with rage. He challenged Hjalmar to a duel on Samsø and declared that Hjalmar would lose his honour if he did not turn up. When the twelve brothers arrived on Samsø, they started to go berserk. They bit their shields, screamed loud and coarsely and let themselves loose on Hjalmar and Orvar-Odd's crewmen and began to cut them to pieces. Hjalmar and Orvar-Odd arrived to the scene to find their crew slain and Orvar-Odd, with only his club, slew Angantyr's eleven brothers. After the melee, he found Angantyr dead and Hjalmar mortally wounded by the cursed sword, Tyrfing. Orvar-Odd buried the twelve brothers in barrows on Samsø together with the cursed sword, so that it would no longer cause any harm. However Angantyr's daughter Hervor would later return and claim Tyrfing as her own. This event is known as "the waking of Angantyr", as recorded in the poem The Waking of Angantyr.
Etruscan-mythology
The god of the forest and wildlife, often depicted with a bow and accompanied by woodland creatures.
Hittite-Mythology
Shaushka is the Hittite goddess of love and fertility, revered for her role in bringing forth life and prosperity. She is often depicted as a nurturing figure associated with the abundance of nature.
mesopotamian-mythology
Wild man created by the gods to humble Gilgamesh. Becomes Gilgamesh’s close companion and shares in his adventures.
Movies inspired by Mythology
An Epic Adventure of Mythic Proportions
A Persian sailor named Sinbad is on a quest to find the magical legendary Book of Peace, a mysterious artifact that Eris, the Greek wicked goddess of chaos, has ultimately framed him for stealing! If he fails on this quest, his childhood friend Prince Proteus of Syracuse will take Sindbad's death penalty, while Eris gains a desired foothold of power in the world of mortals. Written by Anthony Pereyra (hypersonic91yahoo.com) The sailor of legend is framed by the goddess Eris for the theft of the Book of Peace, and must travel to her realm at the end of the world to retrieve it and save the life of his childhood...
The Gods Need a Hero
Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity. Amassing a bloodthirsty army of soldiers disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares (Daniel Sharman). Only he who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the King's hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man's conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion, until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus (Luke Evans), Theseus must save his people from Hyperion and his hordes. Rallying a band of fellow outsiders, including visionary Priestess Phaedra (Freida Pinto) and cunning slave Stavros (Stephen Dorff), one hero will lead the uprising, or watch his homeland fall into ruin and his Gods vanish into legend. Theseus is a mortal man chosen by Zeus to lead the fight against the ruthless King Hyperion, who is on a rampage across Greece to obtain a weapon that can destroy humanity.
The world's most unlikely hero is back for his biggest adventure.
After retrieving the philosopher's stone at an auction but losing his girlfriend, The Librarian Flynn Carsen has a breakdown. Charlene and Judson ask him to spend some time on vacation. Flynn travels to New Orleans and he has a crush on a French singer (Simone Renoir). However he discloses that she is the guardian of a key to access the Judas Chalice that is capable to resurrect vampires. Meanwhile the former Russian Minister of Defense Sergei Kubichek is seeking the chalice to revive Vlad the vampire with the support of Professor Lazlo. Also to raise an army of undead to bring Russia back to the top of the world. When Simone reveals that she is a vampire, Flynn question whether she is not using him to reach the chalice and increase her power. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Losing his girlfriend because he was at an auction dramatically getting the magical philosopher's stone instead of a date, he needs a vacation - New Orleans but finds himself busy saving...
Where there are gods there are monsters.
In this retelling of Rick Riordans book, "The Sea of Monsters", Percy Jackson, accompanied by his friends Annabeth Chase, Clarisse La Rue and Tyson, his half brother, goes on a journey to the Sea of Monsters to retrieve the Golden Fleece and save Camp Half-Blood. Written by Michelle Stone In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters, to find the mythical Golden Fleece, all the while trying to stop an...
The power of Pandora's Box is in her hands
Off the coast of the volcanic island of Santorini, the intrepid archaeologist, Lara Croft, makes the unexpected discovery of a throbbing golden orb able to guide its holder to the mythical Pandora's Box. As the legendary artefact contains ancient mysteries of unfathomable power, Lara needs to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands, especially the unscrupulous former Nobel Prize winner and now a bio-weapons dealer, Jonathan Reiss. With the aid of the former agent, Terry Sheridan, the fearless adventurer travels the world in pursuit of the precious item; however, can she retrieve it in time to save the day? Written by Nick Riganas Adventurer Lara Croft goes on a quest to save the mythical Pandora's Box, before an evil scientist finds it, and recruits a former Marine turned mercenary to assist her.
