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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

Masai Mythology

The Maasai mythology involves several beliefs of the Maasai people

"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.

Chinese mythology

Sun Wukong - the monkey king. The most famous chinese myth

"Sun Wukong - the monkey king. The most famous chinese myth"

Chinese mythology refers to those myths found in the historical geographic area of China: these include myths in Chinese and other languages, as transmitted by Han Chinese and other ethnic groups, which have their own languages and myths.

Chinese mythology is a collection of myths, legends, and traditional stories that have been passed down over the centuries in China. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Chinese mythology:

  • The story of the Jade Emperor: The Jade Emperor is the highest god in Chinese mythology and is known as the ruler of all gods and spirits. He is often depicted as a wise and benevolent ruler who governs the universe with fairness and justice.
  • The story of the Four Symbols: The Four Symbols are four powerful creatures in Chinese mythology, each representing a different season and cardinal direction. They are the Black Tortoise, the White Tiger, the Blue Dragon, and the Red Phoenix.
  • The story of Nüwa: Nüwa is a goddess in Chinese mythology and is known as the mother of mankind. She is often depicted as the creator of the world and the one who mends the sky after natural disasters.
  • The story of Sun Wukong: Sun Wukong is a monkey king and a powerful figure in Chinese mythology. He is known for his intelligence, strength, and his ability to shape-shift. He is one of the most important characters in the classic novel "Journey to the West"
  • The story of the Eight Immortals: The story of the Eight Immortals in Chinese mythology is a popular legend that tells of a group of eight legendary figures who possess supernatural powers and are able to achieve immortality. Each of the eight immortals has their own unique abilities and stories, but they are all united by their quest for enlightenment and their desire to help the people.

Celtic Mythology

Celtic 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.

Slavic Mythology

Perun is undoubtedly the highest god of the Slavic Pantheon.

"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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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.

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological legends and deities

Mukasa

Bantu-mythology

"mukasa"

A deity in Bantu mythology, associated with rain, water, and fertility, worshipped for agricultural abundance and protection against drought.

Kintu

Bantu-mythology, Buganda-mythology

"kintu"

A legendary figure in Buganda mythology, believed to be the first human being and the ancestor of the Baganda people.

Roc

Arabian-mythology

"roc"

A giant mythical bird of prey in Arabian mythology, said to be able to carry off elephants and other large animals.

Njord

Norse-mythology

"njord"

jord (Njorðr, originally Nerpuz) guides the course of the winds and governs sea and fire; he grants to those who call upon him good fortune at sea and in the chase, and he dispenses wealth, whether of lands or of chattels. Of old he came from Vanaheim. 3 It so befell that when the Æsir and the Vanir were engaged in concluding a treaty of peace, each race gave hostages to the other, the Æsir designating Hœnir and the Vanir, Njord; they all spat in a crock, and from the spittle they made a man, the sapient Kvasir. From that time forth Njord was reckoned among the Æsir and took rank with the foremost of them. His dwelling, called Noatun, is near the sea; outside the walls swim swans and water fowl of all sorts. Njord’s children are the god Frey and the goddess Freyja; his wife, their stepmother, is Skadi, a Giantess.

Surya, the sun

hindu-mythology

"surya_the_sun"

Surya (or Soorya) is a golden warrior arriving on a chariot pulled by seven white horses.

Castor and Pollux

Greek-mythology

"castor_and_pollux"

Castor and Pollux (or in Greek, Polydeuces) were twin half-brothers in Greek and Roman mythology, known together as the Dioscuri. ... Pollux asked Zeus to let him share his own immortality with his twin to keep them together, and they were transformed into the constellation Gemini.

Mbombo

Bantu-mythology

"mbombo"

The creator god in Bantu mythology, believed to have vomited out the sun, moon, stars, and the first living creatures.

Oedipus

Greek-mythology

"oedipus"

Oedipus, in Greek mythology, the king of Thebes who unwittingly killed his father and married his mother. Homer related that Oedipus's wife and mother hanged herself when the truth of their relationship became known, though Oedipus apparently continued to rule at Thebes until his death.

Euphorbus

Greek-mythology

"euphorbus"

In Greek mythology, Euphorbus (Ancient Greek: or Euforbo) was a Trojan hero during the Trojan War.

TYR

Greek-Mythology

"tyr"

Tyr, Odin's son with the daughter 2 of the Giant Hymir, is bold and courageous; men call upon him in battle, and he gives them courage and heroism. Therefore Tyr is the true god of war; he takes pleasure in bringing about strife, and he does nothing whatever for the promotion of concord. Captains and princes are designated after him, Kinsmen of Tyr. No small number of places in the North (mostly in Denmark) commemorate his name; and yet, few traditions connected with him have survived. He has but one hand; the other was bitten off by the Fenris Wolf.

Ra

egyptian-mythology

"Ra"

The sun god who created the world and sailed through the sky in a boat

Minerva (Athena)

Roman-Mythology

"minerva"

Goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, and handicrafts. Associated with knowledge, reason, and strategic skill.

Mythology in pop culture

Movies inspired by Mythology

Immortals

The Gods Need a Hero

"Immortals"

Eons after the Gods won their mythic struggle against the Titans, a new evil threatens the land. Mad with power, King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) has declared war against humanity. Amassing a bloodthirsty army of soldiers disfigured by his own hand, Hyperion has scorched Greece in search of the legendary Epirus Bow, a weapon of unimaginable power forged in the heavens by Ares (Daniel Sharman). Only he who possesses this bow can unleash the Titans, who have been imprisoned deep within the walls of Mount Tartaros since the dawn of time and thirst for revenge. In the King's hands, the bow would rain destruction upon mankind and annihilate the Gods. But ancient law dictates the Gods must not intervene in man's conflict. They remain powerless to stop Hyperion, until a peasant named Theseus (Henry Cavill) comes forth as their only hope. Secretly chosen by Zeus (Luke Evans), Theseus must save his people from Hyperion and his hordes. Rallying a band of fellow outsiders, including visionary Priestess Phaedra (Freida Pinto) and cunning slave Stavros (Stephen Dorff), one hero will lead the uprising, or watch his homeland fall into ruin and his Gods vanish into legend. Theseus is a mortal man chosen by Zeus to lead the fight against the ruthless King Hyperion, who is on a rampage across Greece to obtain a weapon that can destroy humanity.

The Legend of Hercules

Every man has a destiny

"The Legend of Hercules"

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...

Thor: The Dark World

There was darkness.

"Thor: The Dark World"

Thousands of years ago, a race of beings known as Dark Elves tried to send the universe into darkness by using a weapon known as the Aether. Warriors from Asgard stopped them, but their leader Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) escaped to wait for another opportunity. The warriors find the Aether, and since it cannot be destroyed, they try to hide it. In the present day, Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) awaits the return of Thor (Chris Hemsworth), although it has been two years since they last saw once another. In the meantime, Thor has been trying to bring peace to the nine realms. Jane discovers an anomaly similar to the one that brought Thor to Earth. She goes to investigate, finds a wormhole, and is sucked into it. Back on Asgard, Thor wishes to return to Earth, but his father, Odin (Sir Anthony Hopkins), refuses to let him. Thor learns from Heimdall (Idris Elba), who can see into all of the realms, that Jane disappeared. Thor then returns to Earth just as Jane reappears. However, when some Policemen try to arrest her, an unknown energy repulses them. Thor then brings Jane to Asgard to find out what happened to her. When the energy is released again, they discover that when Jane disappeared, she crossed paths with the Aether and it entered her. Malekith, upon sensing that the time to strike is now, seeks out the Aether. He attacks Asgard and Thor's mother Frigga (Rene Russo) is killed protecting Jane. Odin wants to keep Jane on Asgard so that Malekith will come. Thor disagrees with his plan, so with his cohorts, he decides to take Jane away. He enlists the aid of his brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Unfortunately, Loki's motivations remain unknown. Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com When the Dark Elves attempt to plunge the universe into darkness, Thor must embark on a perilous and personal journey that will reunite him with doctor Jane Foster.

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.