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 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 Akamba people, who live in Kenya, have a rich and diverse mythology
The Kamba or Akamba people are a Bantu ethnic group - or tribe - who live in the semi-arid formerly Eastern Province of Kenya stretching east from Nairobi to Tsavo and north up to Embu, Kenya.
The Akamba people, who live in Kenya, have a rich and diverse mythology that includes many different stories and legends. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Akamba mythology:
The creation myth:
The Akamba believe that the world was created by a god named Mulungu, who formed the earth and sky, the sun and moon, and all living things.
The myth of the first woman:
According to Akamba legend, the first woman, named Wambui, was created from a rib taken from the first man, named Kintu.
The myth of the first fire:
The Akamba believe that fire was brought to earth by a bird named Kibokolo, who stole it from the gods and gave it to humans.
The myth of the first fruit trees:
The Akamba believe that the first fruit trees were created by a goddess named Nzambi, who planted them in the garden of the first man and woman.
The myth of the first death:
The Akamba believe that death was brought to the world by a god named Kibuka, who punished humans for their disobedience.
The myth of the first rain:
The Akamba believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god named Kibuka, who punished humans for their disobedience.
Please note that this is just a small sample of the Akamba mythology stories, and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Akamba people.
The main theme of Persian mythology was the battle between good and evil.
Persian mythology are traditional tales and stories of ancient origin, all involving extraordinary or supernatural beings. Drawn from the legendary past of Iran, they reflect the attitudes of the society to which they first belonged - attitudes towards the confrontation of good and evil, the actions of the gods, yazats (lesser gods), and the exploits of heroes and fabulous creatures. Myths play a crucial part in Iranian culture and our understanding of them is increased when we consider them within the context of Iranian history.
Persian mythology, also known as Zoroastrianism, has a rich collection of myths and legends that have been passed down for thousands of years. Some of the most famous myths of Persian mythology include:
- The story of Zoroaster: This is the story of the prophet Zoroaster, who received a revelation from Ahura Mazda, the god of wisdom and goodness, and who taught the principles of the good religion.
- The Battle of the Gods: The Persian mythology tells of a great battle between the forces of good and evil, led by Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu respectively. This battle is said to have been fought to determine the fate of humanity and the world.
- The story of Yima: This is the story of the first man on earth, Yima, who was tasked by Ahura Mazda to create a paradise on earth and protect humanity from the forces of evil.
- The story of Fereydun and the dragon: This is the story of Fereydun, a Persian hero who fought and defeated a dragon to save his people.
- The story of Afrasiyab: Afrasiyab is the king of the demons and the archenemy of the Persian king, Iran. The story of Afrasiyab and Iran's battles is a recurrent theme in Persian mythology and literature.
- The story of Jamshid: Jamshid is a king of Persia who becomes arrogant and loses the favor of the gods and his kingdom.
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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 are part of the Zoroastrian religion, which was the dominant religion in Persia before the arrival of Islam. They were passed down through oral tradition and were later recorded in the sacred texts of the Avesta. They continue to be an important part of Persian culture and are still referenced in modern literature and art.
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:
These myths were an important part of Hittite religion and were often depicted in art and referenced in religious texts and rituals. They played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and worldview of the Hittite people. The Hittite myths were passed down through oral tradition, and many of them were recorded in the Hittite language on clay tablets. They are still studied today for their historical and cultural significance.
The Maasai mythology involves several beliefs of the Maasai people
The Maasai mythology involves several beliefs of the Maasai people, an ethnic group living in Kenya and Tanzania.
The Maasai people are a semi-nomadic ethnic group that lives in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania. They have a rich oral tradition that includes myths, legends, and stories that are passed down from generation to generation. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Maasai mythology:
The creation myth:
The Maasai believe that the world was created by Enkai, the god of the sky and rain. He created the first Maasai people and the animals, and he gave them all the land to live on.
The story of the rainbow:
The Maasai believe that the rainbow is a bridge between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The rainbow is said to be created by Enkai, and it is a sign that he is watching over the Maasai people.
The story of the baobab tree:
The Maasai believe that the baobab tree is sacred and that it was created by Enkai to provide food and shelter for the animals. They also believe that the tree is a source of wisdom and that it holds the secrets of the universe.
The story of the lion:
The Maasai believe that the lion is a sacred animal and that it is a symbol of strength and courage. They also believe that the lion is a messenger of Enkai and that it brings important messages to the Maasai people.
These myths, along with others, are used by the Maasai to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values.
Mythological legends and deities
Etruscan-mythology
A divine youth who could see the future and often accompanied the god of war, Tinia, in battles.
mesopotamian-mythology
Wild man created by the gods to humble Gilgamesh. Becomes Gilgamesh’s close companion and shares in his adventures.
Roman-Mythology
Queen of the gods, wife and sister of Jupiter, and goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth. Known for her jealousy and vindictiveness.
Greek-mythology
Jason. Jason, in Greek mythology, leader of the Argonauts and son of Aeson, king of Iolcos in Thessaly. His father's half-brother Pelias seized Iolcos, and thus for safety Jason was sent away to the Centaur Chiron.
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.
Etruscan-mythology
The god of plant life, happiness, and health, associated with wine and fertility.
Norse-mythology
Heimdal is another of the chief gods; according to report he was considered great and holy, and bore the appellation of the White God. He was born in a miraculous manner of nine Giant maidens, on the confines of the earth, in the morning of time; and he drew his sustenance from the earth. By some he was called Odin’s son. His teeth are of gold; by night or day his vision spans a hundred miles of space; he is able to hear the growing of grass upon the ground and of wool on the backs of sheep; therefore he is a fit watchman for the gods. He dwells near Bifrost, which he guards against the Giants. He has an immense horn, the Gjallar-Horn; when he blows it, the sound is heard in all the worlds. His dwelling at the brink of heaven is known as the Mount of Heaven (Himinbjorg). For the rest, report has little to say of Heimdal. He is also called Gullintanni, by reason of his golden teeth; another of his names is Hallinskidi.
mesopotamian-mythology
Chief god of Babylon, associated with water, vegetation, judgment, and magic. Known for his victory over the chaos goddess Tiamat.
persian-mythology
Legendary hero in Persian mythology, known for his strength and bravery. Central figure in the Shahnameh epic.
mesopotamian-mythology
God of the sun, justice, morality, and truth. Associated with law, order, and divine justice in Mesopotamian religion.
Slavic-mythology
A water nymph or mermaid in Slavic folklore, often associated with bodies of water and known for their enchanting songs.
Roman-Mythology
Twin brothers raised by a she-wolf who later founded the city of Rome. Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of Rome.
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,...
If adventure has a name... it must be Indiana Jones.
A prequel to Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) set in 1935, the year before, the professor, archaeologist and adventurer by the name of Indiana Jones is back in action in his latest adventure. This time he teams up with a nightclub singer named Wilhelmina "Willie" Scott and a twelve-year-old Chinese boy named Short Round. They end up in a small distressed village in India, where the people believe that evil spirits have taken all their children away after a sacred precious stone was stolen. They also discover the great mysterious terror surrounding a booby-trapped temple known as the Temple of Doom. Thuggee is beginning to attempt to rise once more, believing that with the power of all five Sankara stones they can rule the world. It's all up to Indiana to put an end to the Thuggee campaign, rescue the lost children, win the girl and conquer the Temple of Doom. Written by Anthony Pereyra In 1935, Indiana Jones arrives in India, still part of the British Empire, and is asked to find a mystical stone. He then stumbles upon a secret cult committing enslavement and human...
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...
Every man has a destiny
In Ancient Greece 1200 B.C., a queen succumbs to the lust of Zeus to bear a son promised to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the king and restore peace to a land in hardship. But this prince, Hercules, knows nothing of his real identity or his destiny. He desires only one thing: the love of Hebe, Princess of Crete, who has been promised to his own brother. When Hercules learns of his greater purpose, he must choose: to flee with his true love or to fulfill his destiny and become the true hero of his time. The story behind one of the greatest myths is revealed in this action-packed epic - a tale of love, sacrifice and the strength of the human spirit. Written by Millennium Entertainment The origin story of the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to...
An unsurpassed cast in one of the great plays of the ages -- now on the screen!
This classic (Greek) tale tells how a noble youth accidentally marries his own mother, kills his own father (deliberately) and ends up paying a terrible price for invoking the wrath of the Gods. Written by Steve Crook This classic (Greek) tale tells how a noble youth accidentally marries his own mother, kills his own father (deliberately) and ends up paying a terrible price for invoking the wrath of the...
