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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

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.

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.

Lozi Mythology

The Lozi people, who live in what is now Zambia, have a rich and diverse mythology

"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.

Akan Mythology

Akan mythology is the traditional belief system of the Akan people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.

"Akan mythology is the traditional belief system of the Akan people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire."

Akan mythology is the traditional belief system of the Akan people of Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Akan mythology:

The story of Nyame

Nyame is the supreme god in Akan mythology and is believed to be the creator of the universe. He is often depicted as an old man with a white beard and is associated with wisdom, justice and the sky.

The story of Onyame and Asase Ya

Onyame is the god of the sky and the father of all gods and Asase Ya is the goddess of the earth and the mother of all living things. Together they are the parents of the other gods and goddesses in the Akan pantheon.

The story of Anansi

Anansi is a trickster figure in Akan mythology and is known for his cunning and wit. He is often depicted as a spider and is considered a bringer of wisdom and culture to the Akan people.

The story of Odomankoma

Odomankoma is the god of fate and destiny, who controls the fate of individuals, and also the god of wisdom, who is responsible for the knowledge and skills of the Akan people.

The story of Osrane

Osrane is the god of death and the afterlife. He is responsible for taking the souls of the dead to the afterlife.

These myths, along with others, are used by the Akan people to explain the origins of the world, the customs and traditions of the Akan people and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. The Akan people's traditional religion is based on ancestor worship, and the belief in a supreme being who created the universe.

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.

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological legends and deities

Amazonius

Greek-mythology

"amazonius"

A surname of Apollo, under which he was worshiped, and had a temple at Pyrrhichus in Laconia. The name was derived either from the belief that the Amazons had penetrated into the Peloponnese as far as Pyrrhichus, or that they had founded the temple there. He was represented by a wooden image, dedicated by the women from Thermodon.

Aruns

Etruscan-mythology

"aruns"

A divine youth who could see the future and often accompanied the god of war, Tinia, in battles.

Ghoul

Arabian-mythology

"ghoul"

Malevolent spirits or demons in Arabian folklore, known for inhabiting graveyards and consuming human flesh.

Camulos - The God of War

Celtic-mythology

"camulos_the_god_of_war"

ather than being counted among the core Celtic gods, Camulos was possibly more of a Romano-Celtic deity, often associated with Mars (or Greek Ares), and thus was perceived as a god of war. However, his origins lie as the tribal god of the Remi, a Belgic tribe that dominated north-eastern Gaul (comprising modern-day Belgium and parts of both Netherlands and Germany).

Euphorbus

Greek-mythology

"euphorbus"

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

Leucon

Greek-mythology

"leucon"

In Greek mythology, the name Leucon may refer to: Leucon, a son of Themisto by either Athamas or Poseidon. His children were Erythras, Pisidice and Euippe (mother of Eteocles by Andreus). He was said to have died of a sickness.

Frey

Norse-Mythology

"frey"

Njordâ's son is Frey, who is fair to look upon, mightier and more valorous than even his own father. He governs weather and tillage; in his hand lie prosperity, joy, and peace. Like Njord, Frey is called Scion of the Vanir, the Vanir-God; also, God of the Seasons and Giver of Riches. He holds sway over Alfheim and the Bright-Elves. Frey has certain priceless talismans that cunning Dwarfs have made for him. First of these is the ship Skidbladnir, which sails over land and sea alike; when its sails are hoisted the winds always favor its course, and it is so devised that it can be folded together and kept in a pocket till the time for its use has come. He has also a marvelous boar, named Gullinbusti or Slidrugtanni, that races through the air and over the sea, throwing beams of light from his golden bristles; Frey often hitches the boar to his chariot when he wishes to drive abroad. Frey is wedded to Gerd, fair daughter of the Giant Gymir. Her he caught sight of one day as he had taken his seat in Lidskjalf to gaze out upon all the worlds; far to the north he saw her walking across her father’s farmyard; air and sea shone with brightness as she raised her white arm to close the door. Frey fell in love with her, and for sorrow could neither sleep nor drink. His father Njord sent Skirnir, Frey’s servant, to learn what was amiss with him; then Frey confessed his longing and commanded Skirnir to run his errand and pay court on his behalf.

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.

Domovoi

Slavic-mythology

"domovoi"

A household spirit in Slavic mythology believed to protect the home and family, but also capable of causing mischief.

Hahhimas

Hittite-Mythology

"hahhimas"

Hahhimas is the Hittite god of wisdom and magic, revered for his knowledge and mystical powers. He is often invoked for guidance and protection.

Aladdin

Arabian-mythology

"aladdin"

A poor young man who finds a magical lamp containing a genie in Arabian Nights, leading to adventures and riches.

Dagda The Cheerful Chief of Gods

Celtic-mythology

"dagda_the_cheerful_chief_of_gods"

ince we delved into the Gaelic pantheon in the first entry, the most important father-figure deity within the scope of Irish Celtic gods pertained to the Dagda (An Dagda – ‘the Good God’). Revered as the leader of the Tuatha Dé Danann tribe of gods, he was usually associated with fertility, agriculture, weather, and masculine strength, while also embodying the aspects of magic, wisdom, knowledge, and Druidry. These facets do explain his renown and veneration among the Celtic druids. Many of the aspects also bear striking similarities to the divine characteristics of Odin, the chieftain of the Æsir tribe of ancient Norse gods.

Mythology in pop culture

Movies inspired by Mythology

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.

Mayabazar

An Epic Tale of Love and Magic

"Mayabazar"

Mayabazar (1957) is a classic Indian fantasy film directed by Kadiri Venkata Reddy. The film is based on the folk tale of Bhakta Prahlada and is set in the backdrop of a traditional village. It stars N.T. Rama Rao, A.N.R, Savitri, and S.V. Ranga Rao in the lead roles. The story revolves around Ghatotkacha (N.T. Rama Rao) and his father, King Hiranyakashyapu (S.V. Ranga Rao). Ghatotkacha, a demon son of the King, is in love with the princess of the Mayabazar (Savitri). However, the King wants his daughter to marry a human prince. Ghatotkacha's only hope is to obtain the magical parijat flower from Lord Vishnu, who is in disguise as a saint. With the help of Lord Vishnu, Ghatotkacha manages to save the princess and their love is eventually accepted by the King. The film is known for its iconic song "Koluvaiyunu Kalla Regindi" and its highly imaginative visual effects. It was one of the first South Indian films to use special effects and its innovative use of colour established it as a classic in Indian cinema.

Thor

Two worlds. One hero.

"Thor"

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.

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...

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre

Storming to a New High in High Adventure !

"The Treasure of the Sierra Madre"

Fred C. Dobbs and Bob Curtin, both down on their luck in Tampico, Mexico in 1925, meet up with a grizzled prospector named Howard and decide to join with him in search of gold in the wilds of central Mexico. Through enormous difficulties, they eventually succeed in finding gold, but bandits, the elements, and most especially greed threaten to turn their success into disaster. Written by Jim Beaver Two Americans searching for work in Mexico convince an old prospector to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains.