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
The Lozi people, who live in what is now Zambia, have a rich and diverse mythology
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.
Perun is undoubtedly the highest god of the Slavic Pantheon.
Slavic paganism or Slavic religion define the religious beliefs, godlores and ritual practices of the Slavs before the formal Christianisation of their ruling elites.
Famous Myths of Slavic Mythology
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The myth of Perun
Perun is the god of thunder and lightning in Slavic mythology, he is often seen as the chief deity and protector of the tribe.
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The myth of Veles
Veles is the god of earth, waters, and the underworld in Slavic mythology, he is often associated with the power of magic and witchcraft.
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The myth of Svarog
Svarog is the god of fire, metalworking and fate in Slavic mythology, he was considered as the father of the gods and the creator of the world.
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The myth of Dazhbog
Dazhbog is the god of the sun, warmth and light in Slavic mythology, he was often associated with the power of fertility and agriculture.
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The myth of Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga is a witch-like figure in Slavic mythology, known for her supernatural powers and her ability to fly. She is sometimes seen as a helpful figure, while other times she is seen as a malevolent force.
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The myth of Kostroma
Kostroma is a goddess of fertility and love in Slavic mythology, she was often associated with the power of spring and renewal.
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.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The myth of Laran
Laran was the Etruscan god of war, and was often depicted as a fierce warrior, ready to defend his people.
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.
Mythological legends and deities
persian-mythology
Heroic figure in Persian folklore, who led a revolt against the tyrant Zahhak and helped liberate the people.
Greek-mythology
Munichus (or Munychus), Son of Panteucles
Munichus (or Munychus), the son of Panteucles, is a figure in Greek mythology about whom very little is known. His mention in the classical myths is minimal, and he does not feature prominently in the famous Greek legends.
Limited Information
The character of Munichus appears to be one of the many lesser-known figures in Greek mythology. Due to the loss of numerous ancient texts over time or the possibility that he was only mentioned in localized myths, detailed information about Munichus is scarce.
Character Significance
While Munichus does not play a major role in the well-known Greek myths, his mention suggests he was part of a family with some standing. Characters mentioned in Greek mythology often have connections to nobility, royalty, or significant societal status.
Exploring Obscure Mythological Figures
For those interested in the more obscure aspects of Greek mythology, Munichus represents the many characters who are part of the expansive family trees or local stories overshadowed by the more famous myths. Academic resources or specialized texts in classical studies may provide further insights into such lesser-known figures.
hindu-mythology
Vishnu is the second member of the Hindu Trinity. He maintains the order and harmony of the universe, which is periodically created by Brahma and periodically destroyed by Shiva to prepare for the next creation. Vishnu is worshipped in many forms and in several avatars (incarnations). Vishnu is an important, somewhat mysterious god. Less visible than nature gods that preside over elements (such as fire and rain), Vishnu is the pervader — the divine essence that pervades the universe. He is usually worshipped in the form of an avatar (see below).
hindu-mythology
Hanuman is featured in the great Hindu epic the Ramayana. He earned his path to deification by performing feats of strength, devotion, and courage while helping Rama (an avatar of Vishnu) in countless exciting incidents.
Slavic-mythology
A group of Slavic goddesses representing the Morning Star and Evening Star, guarding the gates to the celestial realm.
mesopotamian-mythology
Heroic king of Uruk, renowned for his adventures and quest for immortality. Central figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest surviving works of literature.
Norse-mythology
BÃdvar Bjarki (Old Norse: BÃðvar Bjarki), meaning 'Warlike Little-Bear', is the hero appearing in tales of Hrólf Kraki in the Saga of Hrólf Kraki, in the Latin epitome to the lost SkjÃdunga saga, and as Biarco in Saxo Grammaticus' Gesta Danorum.
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.
Norse-mythology
Hagbard (Old Norse Hagbarðr), the brother of Haki and son of Hamund, was a famous Scandinavian sea-king in Norse mythology. He is mentioned in Skáldskaparmál, Ynglinga saga, Nafnaþulur, Völsunga saga and Gesta Danorum. The heroes' connections with other legendary characters place the events in the 5th century AD. Hagbard remained well-known until recent times in the legend of Hagbard and Signy. This famous legend tells that Hagbard fell in love with Signy, the daughter of king Sigar, the nephew of king Siggeir (of the Völsunga saga), a love affair which ended in their deaths, when Sigar wanted to have Hagbard hanged. This legend is told most fully in Gesta Danorum (book 7). However, most legends surrounding Hagbard are probably lost. In the Völsunga saga, Gudrun and Brynhild have a discussion on the "greatest of men" referring to a legend now lost, where Hagbard is mentioned together with Haki's sons, who have not yet avenged their sisters by killing the evil Sigar (the feud with Sigar is still going on and Hagbard not yet hanged):
Norse-mythology
BjÃrn Ironside was a historical Norse Viking chief and Scandinavian king. According to the 12th- and 13th-century Scandinavian histories, he was the son of the notorious Viking king Ragnar Lodbrok and himself a legendary king of Sweden. He lived in the 9th century, being securely dated between 855 and 858.BjÃrn Ironside is said to have been the first ruler of the Swedish Munsà dynasty. In the early 18th century, a barrow on the island of Munsà was claimed by antiquarians to be BjÃrn Järnsidas hÃg or BjÃrn Ironside's barrow. Medieval sources refer to BjÃrn Ironside's potential sons and grandsons, including Erik BjÃrnsson and BjÃrn at Haugi. His descendants in the male line supposedly ruled over the Swedes until c. 1060.
Hittite-Mythology
Illuyanka is a serpent-like dragon in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a formidable adversary. He engaged in battles with the storm god Teshub.
Greek-mythology
Bellerophon was a famous Greek hero, mostly known for defeating Chimera, a fire-breathing mythical monster. He was also recognised by riding white Pegasus which was a sort of a gift from Athena for his devotion to the goddess. Bellerophon was, according to Homer's Iliad, a son of Glaucus and Eurymede of Corinth.
Movies inspired by Mythology
Greatest Odyssey Of The Ages - for the first time on the screen
Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly. When he saves Pelias from drowning, but does not recognize him as the man who had earlier killed his father, Pelias tells Jason to travel to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. Jason follows his advice and assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. They are under the protection of Hera, queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen. Written by Rick Gregory The legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece.
In May, the adventure continues.
During the Cold War, Soviet Agents watch Professor Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. (Harrison Ford), when a young man brings him a coded message from an aged, demented colleague, Professor Harold Oxley (Sir John Hurt). Led by the brilliant Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), the Soviets tail Jones and the young man, Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf), to Peru. With Oxley's code, they find a legendary skull made of a single piece of quartz. If Jones can deliver the skull to its rightful place, all may be well. But if Irina takes it to its origin, she'll gain powers that could endanger the West. Aging professor and young buck join forces with a woman from Jones' past, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), to face the dangers of the jungle, Russia, and the supernatural. Written by In 1957, archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. is called back into action and becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known...
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.
For Honor
It is the year 1250 B.C. during the late Bronze age. Two emerging nations begin to clash after Paris, the Trojan prince, convinces Helen, Queen of Sparta, to leave her husband, Menelaus, and sail with him back to Troy. After Menelaus finds out that his wife was taken by the Trojans, he asks his brother Agamemnon to help him get her back. Agamemnon sees this as an opportunity for power. So they set off with 1,000 ships holding 50,000 Greeks to Troy. With the help of Achilles, the Greeks are able to fight the never before defeated Trojans. But they come to a stop by Hector, Prince of Troy. The whole movie shows their battle struggles and the foreshadowing of fate in this remake by Wolfgang Petersen of Homer's "The Iliad." Written by Mensur Gjonbalaj An adaptation of Homer's great epic, the film follows the assault on Troy by the united Greek forces and chronicles the fates of the men involved.
