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Myth and mythologies - Relish Folkore
Myth and Mythologies

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

Famous Myths
The Great Flood

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.

Creation Myths

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.

Epic cosmic battles

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.

The Atlantis Myth

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.

Resurrection

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.

Mythical Creatures

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.

The Hero’s Quest

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.

Underworld

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.

Apocalypse

Everything that begins has an end, and our ancient ancestors knew that as simply as we do. No surprise then that most cultures carry an End of Times myth to counter their creation story—a sort of consolation prize for those who won’t live to see the actual end (i.e. everyone).For Christians, this apocalypse is a gigantic epic that plays out over many, many years and involves so many disasters, wars, and calamities that it’s hard to keep track. Same with the Norse Ragnarok, which is a collection of disasters and battles that results in the Earth being drowned and recreated afresh. In Hinduism, it’s another epic battle followed by a rebooted universe, while Buddhism annihilates the world in a pyrotechnic fireworks display so amazing it deserves its own Michael Bay film.In other words, most humans throughout history have lived with their own personal vision of the end of everything, one that makes sense in the context of their lives and cultures. And that’s all these myths really are: ways for us humans to make sense of the world we live in, no matter when or where we are. It’s just an added bonus that some of them make absolutely awesome stories, too.

Mythology Facts

Learn a few fun facts

Mythology facts.

"Interesting facts on mythology"
Scarlet Woman

The red clothes worn by Hindu brides are associated with "scarlet women" in Christianity

Symbol of Purity

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.

Symbol of Virility

The goat, the symbol of virility that is sacrificed to the Hindu Goddess, is the symbol of the devil in the biblical worldview.

Yoginis

The yoginis of Hinduism, who are handmaidens of the Goddess and are wild erotic creatures, recall the witches coven of the Christian mythosphere.

Pentagram

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.

Dark drinker of the blood

'described in Western literature as the "dark drinker of blood" and is associated with witchcraft.

The Serpent

The serpent, which is associated with earth's fertility and occult wisdom in Hinduism, is considered a manifestation of the devil in biblical traditions.

Swastika

To the Western eye the swastika is the symbol of Hitler and the Holocaust. To Hindus it is associated with auspiciousness and fertility.

Demon

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

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

Akamba Mythology

The Akamba people, who live in Kenya, have a rich and diverse mythology

"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.

Bantu Mythology

The Bantu believe that fire was brought to earth by a god or goddess, who gave it to humans as a gift.

"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.

Egyptian mythology

Apophis was perhaps the only Egyptian god very powerful, was not worshiped but feared.

"Apophis was perhaps the only Egyptian god very powerful, was not worshiped but feared. "

Egyptian mythology is the collection of myths from ancient Egypt, which describe the actions of the Egyptian gods as a means of understanding the world. The beliefs that these myths express are an important part of ancient Egyptian religion. Myths appear frequently in Egyptian writings and art, particularly in short stories and in religious material such as hymns, ritual texts, funerary texts, and temple decoration. These sources rarely contain a complete account of a myth and often describe only brief fragments.

Some of the most famous myths of Egyptian mythology include the story of Ra and the creation of the world, the story of Osiris, Isis, and Horus, and the story of the god Anubis and the weighing of the heart.

The story of Ra and the creation of the world describes how the sun god Ra emerged from the chaos of Nun to create the world and the gods. The story of Osiris, Isis, and Horus tells of the murder of Osiris, the god of the underworld, by his brother Set, and how Osiris's wife Isis and son Horus sought to avenge his death and restore him to power.

The story of Anubis and the weighing of the heart is a myth that describes the judgement of the dead in the afterlife. It tells how the god Anubis would weigh the hearts of the deceased against the feather of Ma'at, the goddess of truth and justice, to determine whether they were worthy of entering the afterlife.

Other notable myths in Egyptian mythology include the story of the god Horus and his battles with his uncle Seth, the myth of the goddess Hathor, and the story of the god Ra and the serpent Apep.

These myths play a central role in Ancient Egyptian religion and were widely known among the ancient Egyptians. They were often depicted in art and were performed in temple rituals. They also played a significant role in shaping the culture, beliefs, and worldview of ancient Egyptians.

Greek Mythology

The Greek gods live in a cloud palace on Mount Olympus

"The Greek gods live in a cloud palace on Mount Olympus"

Greek mythology is the body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices.

Famous Myths of Greek Mythology

  • The myth of the Titans

    The Titans were the gods that preceded the Olympians, they were the children of the primordial deities Uranus and Gaia. The Titans were overthrown by Zeus and the Olympians in a ten-year war called the Titanomachy.

  • The myth of the Olympians

    The Olympians were the principal gods of the Greek pantheon, who lived on Mount Olympus. The most famous Olympians were Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes, Dionysus, and Hestia.

  • The myth of the Minotaur

    The Minotaur was a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, that was kept in the Labyrinth, a maze built by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete. The Minotaur was eventually killed by the Athenian hero Theseus.

  • The myth of the Labors of Hercules

    Hercules, also known as Heracles, was a demigod who performed twelve impossible tasks, known as the Labors of Hercules, as atonement for killing his family. These tasks included slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Erymanthian Boar, and cleaning the Augean Stables.

  • The myth of the Argonauts

    The Argonauts were a band of heroes who sailed with Jason on the ship Argo to retrieve the Golden Fleece, which was guarded by a dragon. The Argonauts included heroes such as Heracles, Orpheus, and Castor and Pollux.

  • The myth of the Trojan War

    The Trojan War was a legendary war fought between the city of Troy and the Greeks. It was said to have been sparked by the abduction of Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, by the Trojan prince Paris.

Greek Mythology Heritage Tree

This heritage tree represents some of the key figures in Greek mythology, particularly the Olympian gods and their ancestors.

  • Titan Cronus
    • Zeus
      • Athena
      • Apollo
      • Artemis
      • Hermes
      • Persephone (with Demeter)
      • Dionysus
    • Hera
      • Hephaestus
      • Ares
      • Hebe
    • Poseidon
      • Triton
      • Polyphemus
    • Hades

Tumbuka Mythology

The 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.

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological legends and deities

Illuyanka

Hittite-Mythology

"illuyanka"

Illuyanka is a serpent-like dragon in Hittite mythology, often depicted as a formidable adversary. He engaged in battles with the storm god Teshub.

Zorya

Slavic-mythology

"zorya"

A group of Slavic goddesses representing the Morning Star and Evening Star, guarding the gates to the celestial realm.

Arma

Hittite-Mythology

"arma"

Arma is the Hittite god of the moon, associated with night and darkness. He is often depicted as a mysterious and elusive deity.

Hervor

Norse-mythology

"hervor"

Hervor is the name of two female characters in the cycle of the magic sword Tyrfing, presented in Hervarar saga with parts found in the Poetic Edda. One, the viking Hervör, challenged her father Angantýr's ghost in his gravemound for his cursed sword Tyrfing, and bore Heithrek, father of the other Hervör, a commander killed in battle with her brother. The two are thought by some academics to be the same character, duplicated.[1] Additionally, Hervor is the name of a valkyrie married by Völund in the Poetic Edda poem Völundarkviða, see Hervör alvitr.

Phalanthus of Tarentum

Greek-mythology

"phalanthus_of_tarentum"

Phalanthus of Tarentum. In Greek mythology, Phalanthos is a divine hero, the leader of the Spartan Partheniae and the founder of Taranto. He is said to have been condemned to death by the ephors.

Faridun

persian-mythology

"faridun"

Heroic figure in Persian mythology, renowned for his justice and righteousness. Defeated the tyrant Zahhak and restored peace.

Theseus

Greek-mythology

"theseus"

Theseus was the mythical king and founder-hero of Athens. Like Perseus, Cadmus, or Heracles, Theseus battled and overcame foes that were identified with an archaic religious and social order. His role in history has been called "a major cultural transition, like the making of the new Olympia by Hercules"

Nüwa

chinese-mythology

"Nuwa"

Goddess of creation, often depicted as a woman with five faces

HEIMDAL

Norse-mythology

"heimdal"

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.

Juno (Hera)

Roman-Mythology

"juno"

Queen of the gods, wife and sister of Jupiter, and goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth. Known for her jealousy and vindictiveness.

Electryone

Greek-mythology

"electryone"

In Greek mythology, Electryone (Ancient Greek: Ἠλεκτρυώνην) 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.

Podalirius

Greek-mythology

"podalirius"

Podalirius in Greek Mythology

Podalirius is a lesser-known but significant figure in Greek mythology, renowned primarily for his skills in medicine. He was one of the sons of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and Epione, and the brother of Machaon.

Role in the Trojan War

Podalirius, along with his brother Machaon, played a crucial role in the Trojan War as a healer. They both were part of the Greek contingent, led by Agamemnon, and were instrumental in treating wounded soldiers. Their medical skills were highly revered, and they were often called upon to treat significant heroes injured in battle.

Skills and Contributions

As a son of Asclepius, Podalirius was endowed with exceptional healing abilities. He was skilled in surgery and the use of medicinal plants, making him an invaluable asset during the war.

Post-War Journey and Legacy

After the fall of Troy, Podalirius had adventures of his own. According to some legends, on his journey back home, he ended up in the city of Syrnos, where he healed the king's daughter, and as a reward, he received the kingdom and the princess's hand in marriage.

Podalirius' legacy in Greek mythology highlights the importance of medicine and healing in ancient Greek culture and warfare. He is often remembered as a symbol of the healing arts and their divine origins.

Mythology in pop culture

Movies inspired by Mythology

The Odyssey

An Epic Journey of Adventure and Discovery

"The Odyssey"

The warrior King Odysseus leaves his idyllic life in the kingdom of Ithaca to fight in the Trojan War. After winning the war, he now must endure a lengthy, ten-year journey to return, and with all his wits, Odysseus must overcome deadly monsters, powerful forces of nature, seductive enchantresses, and even journey into the bowels of the Underworld. Season: 1 Year: 1997

The Pyramid

You only enter once.

"The Pyramid"

A team of U.S. archaeologists unearths an ancient pyramid buried deep beneath the Egyptian desert. As they search the pyramid's depths, they become hopelessly lost in its dark and endless catacombs. Searching for a way out, they become desperate to seek daylight again. They come to realize they aren't just trapped, they are being hunted. Written by lemoviecritic An archaeological team attempts to unlock the secrets of a lost pyramid only to find themselves hunted by an insidious creature.

Troy

For Honor

"Troy"

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.

The Da Vinci Code

Seek The Truth

"The Da Vinci Code"

Dan Brown's controversial best-selling novel about a powerful secret that's been kept under wraps for thousands of years comes to the screen in this suspense thriller from Director Ron Howard. The stately silence of Paris' Louvre museum is broken when one of the gallery's leading curators is found dead on the grounds, with strange symbols carved into his body and left around the spot where he died. Hoping to learn the significance of the symbols, police bring in Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), a gifted cryptographer who is also the victim's granddaughter. Needing help, Sophie calls on Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), a leading symbolized from the United States. As Sophie and Robert dig deeper into the case, they discover the victim's involvement in the Priory of Sion, a secret society whose members have been privy to forbidden knowledge dating back to the birth of Christianity. In their search, Sophie and Robert happen upon evidence that could lead to the final resting place of the Holy Grail, while members of the priory and an underground Catholic society known as Opus Dei give chase, determined to prevent them from sharing their greatest secrets with the world. A murder inside the Louvre, and clues in Da Vinci paintings, lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years, which could shake the...

Clash of the Titans

An Epic Entertainment Spectacular!

"Clash of the Titans"

Perseus is the favored son of the god Zeus, but he has unwittingly ticked off the sea goddess Thetis. Just to make things worse, Perseus falls in love with the lovely Princess Andromeda, who used to be engaged to Thetis' son. Soon Perseus is off on one quest after another, with Zeus helping, Thetis hindering, and lots of innocent bystanders getting stabbed, drowned, and squished. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} Perseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.