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
Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism
Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and into the Scandinavian folklore of the modern period.
Norse mythology is the traditional belief system of the people of Scandinavia, which includes the myths, legends, and religious beliefs of the ancient Norse. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Norse mythology:
- The story of the creation of the world: According to Norse mythology, the world was created by the god, Odin, Vili and Ve. They created the world from the body of the giant Ymir.
- The story of Thor: Thor is the god of thunder and is known for his strength and courage. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior, wielding a powerful hammer.
- The story of Odin: Odin is the chief of the gods and is known as the All-Father. He is the god of wisdom, poetry, and war, and is often depicted as a one-eyed old man.
- The story of Loki: Loki is the trickster god of Norse mythology and is known for his cunning and wit. He is often depicted as a shape-shifter and is considered a bringer of chaos and mischief.
- The story of Ragnarok: Ragnarok is the end of the world in Norse mythology, where gods, giants and monsters will fight in a great battle that will ultimately lead to the death of many gods and the destruction of the world.
These myths, along with others, are used by the Norse people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. Norse mythology is polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and it was an important aspect of the Norse religion.
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
Tumbuka MythologyThe Tumbuka people are an ethnic group that live primarily in northern Malawi
"The Tumbuka people are an ethnic group that live primarily in northern Malawi" Tumbuka has many myths that constitute part of the Tumbuka cultural heritage.
These myths, told around fires at night, often to the accompaniment of drumming and choral responses, aim to teach children moral behavior and to entertain. The Tumbuka people are an ethnic group that live primarily in northern Malawi and eastern Zambia. Tumbuka mythology is rich with stories, myths and legends which are passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition. Some of the famous myths from Tumbuka mythology include:
The story of Mbulu:
Mbulu is the supreme being and creator of the Tumbuka people. He is often depicted as a powerful and benevolent god who watches over the Tumbuka people.
The story of Mwali:
Mwali is the god of war and is known for his strength and bravery. He is often invoked in times of conflict and is considered a protector of the Tumbuka people.
The story of Mlengi:
Mlengi is the god of fertility and is responsible for the abundance of crops and the growth of the Tumbuka people.
The story of Chaminuka:
Chaminuka is a powerful and wise ancestor who is considered to be the founder of the Tumbuka people. He is often invoked for guidance and wisdom.
The story of Mpherere:
Mpherere is the god of thunder and lightning and is known for his power and fury. He is often invoked to bring rain and is considered a protector of the Tumbuka people.
These myths, along with others, are used by the Tumbuka people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. Tumbuka people have a strong belief in traditional religion, ancestor worship and animism.
Bambuti MythologyMbuti (Bambuti) mythology is the mythology of the African Mbuti (also known as Bambuti) Pygmies of Congo.
"Mbuti (Bambuti) mythology is the mythology of the African Mbuti (also known as Bambuti) Pygmies of Congo." Mbuti (Bambuti) mythology is the mythology of the African Mbuti (also known as Bambuti) Pygmies of Congo. The Bambuti people, also known as the Pygmies, are a group of indigenous people who live in the Ituri rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They have a rich and diverse mythology that reflects their culture and beliefs. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Bambuti mythology:
- The creation myth: The Bambuti believe that the world was created by a god named Nkuba, who formed the earth, sky, and all living things. They also believe that Nkuba created the first man and woman, and gave them the task of populating the world.
- The myth of the first fire: The Bambuti believe that fire was brought to earth by a trickster figure named Mokèlé-mbèmbé, who stole it from the gods and gave it to humans.
- The myth of the first hunting: The Bambuti believe that hunting was taught to humans by a god named Woot, who also taught them how to make arrows, spears, and traps.
- The myth of the first death: The Bambuti believe that death was brought to the world by a god named Nkondi, who punished humans for their disobedience.
- The myth of the first rain: The Bambuti believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god named Nkondi, who punished humans for their disobedience.
- The myth of the afterlife: The Bambuti 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.
Please note that this is just a small sample of the Bambuti mythology stories, and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Bambuti people.
Celtic MythologyCeltic mythology refers to the polytheistic religious beliefs of the Celts
"Celtic mythology refers to the polytheistic religious beliefs of the Celts" Celtic mythology is the mythology of Celtic polytheism, the religion of the Iron Age Celts.Like other Iron Age Europeans, the early Celts maintained a polytheistic mythology and religious structure.
Celts were one of the most feared and admired peoples of ancient Europe. Ireland was a rich and fertile land with ancient and sophisticated culture. The monks of Ireland became famous scribes who wrote down native Irish stories of gods and goddesses battling for the control of island in epic wars, heroes engaged in endless combat to win undying glory, to voyage across the sea to magical islands. Divine women with the gift of their sexuality could control the power of kings.
Famous Myths of Celtic Mythology
-
The myth of Cuchulainn
Cuchulainn is a legendary warrior of Irish mythology, known for his superhuman strength and courage.
-
The myth of The Children of Lir
A tragic tale of a king who turned his children into swans for 900 years, as punishment for his stepmother's cruelty towards them.
-
The myth of The Tuatha Dé Danann
The Tuatha Dé Danann are a race of powerful and magical beings in Irish mythology, who were said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts.
-
The myth of The Loch Ness Monster
The Loch Ness Monster is a mythical creature that is said to reside in Loch Ness in Scotland, it's a creature of legend, described as giant serpent or dragon-like beast.
-
The myth of King Arthur
King Arthur is a legendary figure in British mythology, who is said to have led the defense of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.
Mythological legends and deities
Celtic-mythology
The son of the Dagda and river goddess Bionn, Aengus (or Aonghus) – meaning ‘true vigor’, was the Celtic deity of love, youth, and even poetic inspiration. In the mythical narrative, to cover up his illicit affair and consequent pregnancy of Bionn, the Dagda (who was the leader of the Celtic gods and could magically control the weather) made the sun stand still for nine months, which resulted in Aengus being birthed in just a single day. In any case, Aengus turned out to be a lively man with a charming (if somewhat whimsical) character who always had four birds hovering and chirping around his head.
Etruscan-mythology
A female deity associated with healing, often depicted with snakes and medicinal herbs.
Greek-mythology
In Greek mythology, Odysseus was the son of Laertes and Antikleia (or Anticlea) and the King of Ithaca, leader of the Kephallenians. Married to Penelope, he also had a son, Telemachos (or Telemachus). The hero was also fortunate enough to regularly receive the special aid and protection of the goddess Athena.
Slavic-mythology
A forest spirit in Slavic folklore who protects animals and forests, but can also lead travelers astray.
hindu-mythology
Rama is a major deity of Hinduism, and a central character in the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana. He is the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu and is known as the perfect human being, an ideal son, husband, and king. He is one of the most popular and widely worshipped Hindu gods, and is usually depicted with his wife Sita, brother Lakshmana, and devotee Hanuman. Rama's story tells of his exile from his kingdom, his journey to defeat the demon king Ravana, and his return to his kingdom with Sita. He is seen as an example of truth, courage, compassion, and self-control, and is a symbol of dharma, or righteous living.
Bantu-mythology, Malagasy-mythology
The supreme creator god in Malagasy mythology, responsible for the creation of the world and all living things.
Arabian-mythology
A giant fish or whale that supports the earth in Arabian mythology, sometimes depicted as a giant serpent.
Greek-mythology
Menelaus, in Greek mythology, king of Sparta and younger son of Atreus, king of Mycenae; the abduction of his wife, Helen, led to the Trojan War. During the war Menelaus served under his elder brother Agamemnon, the commander in chief of the Greek forces.
Greek-mythology
Heracles, Greek Herakles, Roman Hercules, one of the most famous Greco-Roman legendary heroes. Traditionally, Heracles was the son of Zeus and Alcmene (see Amphitryon), granddaughter of Perseus. Zeus swore that the next son born of the Perseid house should become ruler of Greece, but—by a trick of Zeus’s jealous wife, Hera—another child, the sickly Eurystheus, was born first and became king. When Heracles grew up, he had to serve Eurystheus and also suffer the vengeful persecution of Hera; his first exploit was the strangling of two serpents that she had sent to kill him in his cradle
Norse-mythology
Arngrim was a berserker, who figures in Hervarar saga, Gesta Danorum, Lay of Hyndla, a number of Faroese ballads and Orvar-Odd's saga in Norse mythology.
Greek-mythology
In Greek mythology, Academus (also known as Hekademos or Akademos) is not a widely known figure, but he holds significance, particularly in relation to the history of Athens and the famous Academy of Plato. Academus is best known for his association with a sacred grove in ancient Athens. According to legend, he revealed to the Dioscuri (Castor and Pollux) the location where Theseus had hidden Helen of Troy. In gratitude, when the Spartans under their king, Castor and Pollux, attacked Athens to rescue Helen, they spared the land owned by Academus. The grove of Academus eventually became the site of Plato's Academy, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world. The name "Academy" actually derives from Academus. Plato's Academy, established around 387 BC, was a gathering place for philosophical discussion and teaching, and it continued to function for about 900 years. It was here that Plato developed many of his ideas and taught his student Aristotle, among others. Because of this connection, the name Academus is often associated with learning and philosophical inquiry. However, beyond this association, there is little detailed information about him in the mythological tradition. He seems to be more of a legendary figure than a character featured in specific mythological stories or epics.
Roman-Mythology
Goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and childbirth. Associated with the moon, nature, and wild animals.
Movies inspired by Mythology
Unraveling the secrets of an Ancient Curse.
Thousands of years ago, the great Child King Tutankhamen ruled. Few know the details of his life no one knows the secrets of his death. But all is about to change. In 1922 Cairo, free-spirited archaeologist Danny Fremont is certain that if found, King Tut's Emerald Tablet would hold the ultimate power to control the world. But unfortunately, the only person who believes Fremont is his ruthless archaeologist nemesis Morgan Sinclair, a member of a secret society who wants the tablet to harness unspeakable evil on the world and will stop at nothing to get it and then extend their world domination. But with the help of a crackerjack team adventurers that includes the doubting egyptologist Dr. Azelia Barakat, Fremont ventures through the Valley of the Kings, toward Tut's tomb, near the portal to the underworld, and getting closer to the truth behind a mystery that will change the world forever or end it. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} Thousands of years ago, the great Child King Tutankhamen ruled. Few know the details of his life no one knows the secrets of his death. But all is about to change. In 1922 Cairo,...
He didn't want to be a hero. He only wanted a job.
Flynn, an over 30 "professional student," is banned from more classes, since he already has 22 degrees. Unexpectedly hired by a mysterious library, he's soon pursuing a stolen artifact from the library, a pursuit taking him to far-off lands. Written by trivwhiz A bookworm becomes the librarian. Same night a magical spear gets stolen and he's off to get some real life experience around the globe on his quest for the spear - starting with being...
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.
No Hammer. No Problem.
Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is imprisoned on the other side of the universe and finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, the ruthless Hela (Cate Blanchett). Written by ahmetkozan Imprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela.
The Battle for a Legendary City
Based loosely on Homers ancient Greek epic poem 'Iliad', Troy: Fall of a City tells the story of the 10 year siege of the ancient city of Troy by the Greeks, after Paris, the young prince of Troy falls in love with the wife of a Greek king and elopes with her. Written by ol-raptis Season: 1 Year: 2018
