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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

Persian mythology

The main theme of Persian mythology was the battle between good and evil.

"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.
  • 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.

    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.

    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.

    Etruscan Mythology

    Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva were the three main gods

    "Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva were the three main gods"

    Etruscan mythology comprises a set of stories, beliefs, and religious practices of the Etruscan civilization, originating in the 7th century BC from the preceding Iron Age Villanovan culture, with its influences in the mythology of ancient Greece and Phoenicia, and sharing similarities with concurrent Roman mythology.

    The Etruscan civilization existed in ancient Italy from around the 8th century BCE to the 3rd century BCE, and its myths and religious beliefs have been largely lost to time. However, some of the myths that have been reconstructed from the surviving evidence include:Famous Myths of Etruscan Mythology

    • The myth of Tages

      Tages was a child-god who emerged from the plowed fields and taught the Etruscans divination and the art of reading the will of the gods.

    • The myth of Charun

      Charun was the Etruscan god of death, and was often depicted as a fearsome figure with a hammer, ready to strike the souls of the dead.

    • The myth of Turms

      Turms was the Etruscan equivalent of Hermes, the Greek messenger of the gods. He was known for his speed and agility and was often depicted with winged sandals.

    • The myth of Menrva

      Menrva was the Etruscan goddess of wisdom, war, and the arts. She was often equated with the Greek Athena and the Roman Minerva.

    • The myth of Laran

      Laran was the Etruscan god of war, and was often depicted as a fierce warrior, ready to defend his people.

    Norse Mythology

    Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism

    "Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism"

    Norse mythology is the body of myths of the North Germanic peoples, stemming from Norse paganism and continuing after the Christianization of Scandinavia, and into the Scandinavian folklore of the modern period.

    Norse mythology is the traditional belief system of the people of Scandinavia, which includes the myths, legends, and religious beliefs of the ancient Norse. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Norse mythology:

    • The story of the creation of the world: According to Norse mythology, the world was created by the god, Odin, Vili and Ve. They created the world from the body of the giant Ymir.
    • The story of Thor: Thor is the god of thunder and is known for his strength and courage. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior, wielding a powerful hammer.
    • The story of Odin: Odin is the chief of the gods and is known as the All-Father. He is the god of wisdom, poetry, and war, and is often depicted as a one-eyed old man.
    • The story of Loki: Loki is the trickster god of Norse mythology and is known for his cunning and wit. He is often depicted as a shape-shifter and is considered a bringer of chaos and mischief.
    • The story of Ragnarok: Ragnarok is the end of the world in Norse mythology, where gods, giants and monsters will fight in a great battle that will ultimately lead to the death of many gods and the destruction of the world.

    These myths, along with others, are used by the Norse people to explain the origins of their people and their customs and to reinforce their traditional beliefs and values. Norse mythology is polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and it was an important aspect of the Norse religion.

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological legends and deities

Hippothoon

Greek-mythology

"hippothoon"

Hippothoon in Greek Mythology

Hippothoon was an Attic hero in Greek mythology, known for his distinguished lineage as the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Alope, daughter of King Cercyon.

Lineage and Background

As a son of Poseidon, Hippothoon had a divine heritage. His mother, Alope, was a mortal princess, making Hippothoon a demigod. The story of Alope, his mother, is one marked by tragedy and divine intervention, which ultimately led to the birth of Hippothoon.

The Tale of Hippothoon

The tale of Hippothoon's birth is interwoven with the story of his mother, Alope, who was seduced by Poseidon. Alope's father, King Cercyon, was enraged upon discovering her pregnancy and ordered the newborn baby to be exposed. The child was saved and nourished by a mare, which is sometimes said to have contributed to his name.

Significance in Attic Legend

Hippothoon's legacy is significant in Attic legend. He was considered an eponymous hero in the region of Attica, with the tribe Hippothoontis named after him. This reflects the ancient Greek practice of attributing tribal names to legendary heroes.

Hippothoon's story, while not as widely known as those of other demigods, is an example of the rich and diverse tapestry of characters that populate Greek mythology, each contributing to the cultural and legendary history of ancient Greece.

Surya, the sun

hindu-mythology

"surya_the_sun"

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

Zarex

Greek-mythology

"zarex"

Zarex (Ancient Greek: ) is the name of a hero of Ancient Greek mythology, son of Carystus or Carycus, grandson of Chiron. He married Rhoeo and became the father of Anius. In some accounts, Zarex adopted his wife's son, Anius who been raised by his divine father Apollo.

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.

Bragi

Norse-Mythology

"bragi"

Bragi, son of Odin, is the god of eloquence and the art of poetry. Our forefathers thought of him as a venerable man with a long beard. After him, according to Snorri, all manner of minstrelsy is given the title bragr. Idun is his wife; to her belong the marvelous apples which restore youth to the sods when old age comes upon them.

Gilgamesh

mesopotamian-mythology

"gilgamesh"

Heroic king of Uruk, renowned for his adventures and quest for immortality. Central figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest surviving works of literature.

Chernobog

Slavic-mythology

"chernobog"

A dark deity representing darkness, evil, and chaos in Slavic mythology, often depicted as a sinister figure.

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.

Sostratus of Dyme

Greek-mythology

"sostratus_of_dyme"

Sostratus of Dyme was a Greek philosopher, who lived in the 4th century BC. He is best known for his work on the philosophy of the soul. He is believed to have been a student of Plato and possibly a teacher of Aristotle.

Sostratus is credited with being the first philosopher to introduce the idea of the soul being composed of three parts: the rational, the appetitive and the emotional. He argued that these three elements interacted in order to create a unified whole. He also suggested that the soul was capable of regulating itself, and that it could be trained to pursue virtue and wisdom. This idea was later adopted by Aristotle.

Sostratus of Dyme's work was highly influential in the development of later philosophical thought, particularly concerning the nature of the soul. His ideas are still studied and discussed today.

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.

Ghoul

Arabian-mythology

"ghoul"

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

Vetis

Etruscan-mythology

"vetis"

A malevolent deity associated with chaos and destruction, often depicted as a monstrous figure.

Mythology in pop culture

Movies inspired by Mythology

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.

The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines

New Continent. New Adventure. Still No Clue.

"The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines"

After retrieving the Crystal Skull in Utah, Flynn Carsen receives a map in the mail with the secret location of King Solomon's Mines. When the scroll is stolen, Judson explains the power of the Key of Solomon's book and assigns Flynn to retrieve the map. The map is useless without the legend piece to decipher it, which is located in Volubilis near the Roman ruins in Morocco. Flynn heads to Casablanca to the ruins where he is chased by a group of mercenaries leaded by General Samir. They too want to find the location of King Solomon's mines. Flynn teams-up with Professor Emily Davenport working in the dig and they escape from General Samir and his men. While traveling to Gedi, they save the local Jomo from death and the trio faces a dangerous journey through the wild Africa. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Librarian-turned-adventurer Flynn Carsen endeavors to find King Solomon's mines.

The Forbidden Kingdom

The path is unsafe. The place is unknown. The journey is unbelievable.

"The Forbidden Kingdom"

An American teenager who is obsessed with Hong Kong cinema and kung-fu classics makes an extraordinary discovery in a Chinatown pawnshop: the legendary stick weapon of the Chinese sage and warrior, the Monkey King. With the lost relic in hand, the teenager unexpectedly finds himself traveling back to ancient China to join a crew of warriors from martial arts lore on a dangerous quest to free the imprisoned Monkey King. Written by Anonymous A discovery made by a kung fu obsessed American teen sends him on an adventure to China, where he joins up with a band of martial arts warriors in order to free the imprisoned Monkey King.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Worlds collide.

"Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief"

When his lightning bolt is stolen, Zeus accuses Poseidon's son Percy Jackson and gives Poseidon's son fourteen days to return it, otherwise he will initiate a war amongst the gods. Meanwhile the teenager, Percy, who is dyslexic and has ADHD is visiting The Museum of Metropolitan of Art and is attacked by a Fury disguised in his teacher. His physically handicapped best friend Grover reveals that Percy is a demigod and that he is his protector and his teacher Mr Brunner gives him a pen telling him that it is a powerful weapon. They go to Percy's house and together with his mother Sally they drive to the Camp Half-Blood. However Sally is attacked by a Minotaur and vanishes before Percy can help her. In the camp, Percy befriends the gorgeous Annabeth; when they are attacked by Hades who wants the lighting bolt for himself, Percy discovers that his mother is in the Underworld with Hades. Percy decides to travel on a dangerous quest to retrieve the lightning bolt and save his mother. Grover and Annabeth join him and Luke gives a powerful shield of his own to protect Percy. Will they be able to succeed? Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil A teenager discovers he's the descendant of a Greek god and sets out on an adventure to settle an on-going battle between the gods.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

In May, the adventure continues.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull"

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...