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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

Arabian Mythology

Some say that Kaaba was built by the angels.

"Some say that Kaaba was built by the angels."

Religion in pre-Islamic Arabia was a mix of polytheism, Christianity, Judaism, and Iranian religions. Arab polytheism, the dominant form of religion in pre-Islamic Arabia, was based on veneration of deities and other rituals.

Famous Myths of Arabian Mythology

  • The myth of djinn

    The djinn are supernatural spirits in Arabian mythology that can be good or evil, they are often associated with fire and can take human form.

  • The myth of Al-Khidr

    Al-Khidr is a mysterious figure in Islamic mythology, also known as the "Green Man." He is believed to have knowledge of all things and is often associated with water and the afterlife.

  • The myth of Harut and Marut

    Harut and Marut were two angels in Islamic mythology who were sent to Earth to test the faith of the people. They were tempted by the devil and ultimately fell from grace.

  • The myth of Iblis

    Iblis is the Islamic equivalent of Satan. He was once an angel, but was cast out of heaven for his pride and refusal to bow to Adam.

  • The myth of the seven sleepers

    The seven sleepers is a story from Islamic tradition about seven young men who sought refuge in a cave to escape persecution. They fell asleep and awoke years later, to find that the world had changed.

  • The myth of Solomon

    Solomon is a prophet in Islamic and Jewish mythology, who is known for his wisdom and power. He is said to have had control over the djinn, birds, and the wind.

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.

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.

Bushongo Mythology

The people of the lightning / Sons of Bushongo

"The people of the lightning / Sons of Bushongo"

The Bushongo or Songora are an ethnic group from the Congo River and surrounding areas. The creation god(or chembe) in Bushongo mythology is called Bumba.

The Bushongo people, who live in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, have a rich and diverse mythology that includes many different stories and legends. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Bushongo mythology:

The creation myth:

The Bushongo believe that the world was created by a god named Mbidi Kiluwe, who formed the earth, sky, and all living things.

The myth of the first man:

According to Bushongo legend, the first man, named Kondi, was created by Mbidi Kiluwe and was given the task of populating the world.

The myth of the first woman:

The Bushongo believe that the first woman, named Luba, was created by Mbidi Kiluwe and was given the task of helping Kondi to populate the world.

The myth of the first fire:

The Bushongo believe that fire was brought to earth by a god named Lumona, who gave it to humans as a gift.

The myth of the first death:

The Bushongo believe that death was brought to the world by a god named Cagn, who punished humans for their disobedience.

The myth of the first rain:

The Bushongo believe that the first rain was brought to the world by a god named Cagn, who punished humans for their disobedience.

Please note that this is just a small sample of the Bushongo mythology stories, and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Bushongo people.

Gods and Goddesses

Mythological legends and deities

Shaushka

Hittite-Mythology

"shaushka"

Shaushka is the Hittite goddess of love and fertility, revered for her role in bringing forth life and prosperity. She is often depicted as a nurturing figure associated with the abundance of nature.

Hyacinth

Greek-mythology

"hyacinth"

In Greek mythology, Hyacinth was a very beautiful Spartan prince and lover of the god Apollo. Hyacinth was also admired by the West wind Zephyrus, the North wind Boreas and also by a mortal man named Thamyris. ... The couple indulged themselves in hunting and climbing steep, rough mountains around Sparta.

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.

Neptune (Poseidon)

Roman-Mythology

"neptune"

God of the sea, earthquakes, and horses. Brother of Jupiter and Pluto, often depicted with a trident and accompanied by sea creatures.

Achle

Etruscan-mythology

"achle"

A female deity associated with healing, often depicted with snakes and medicinal herbs.

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.

Koshchei the Deathless

Slavic-mythology

"koshchei"

An immortal villain in Slavic tales, often depicted as a skeletal figure who cannot be killed because his soul is hidden away.

Halga

Norse-mythology

"halga"

Halga, Helgi, Helghe or Helgo was a legendary Danish king living in the early 6th century.[1] His name would in his own language (Proto-Norse) have been *Hailaga[2] (dedicated to the gods). Scholars generally agree that he appears in both Anglo-Saxon (Beowulf) and Scandinavian tradition (Norse sagas and Danish chronicles).[3] In both traditions, he was a Scylding, the son of Healfdene and the brother of Hroðgar. In Beowulf, his relationship to Hroðulf is not explained, but if he was not his father, as in the Scandinavian tradition, he was at least his uncle. Both traditions also mention his family's feud with Froda and Ingeld. Whereas, not much is said about Halga in Anglo-Saxon sources, much more is said in Scandinavian ones, all of them containing a version of the story of his incestuous relationship with his own daughter Yrsa. This liaison resulted in Halga's son Hroðulf.

BÃdvar Bjarki

Norse-mythology

"bdvar_bjarki"

BÃdvar Bjarki (Old Norse: BÃðvar Bjarki), meaning 'Warlike Little-Bear', is the hero appearing in tales of Hrólf Kraki in the Saga of Hrólf Kraki, in the Latin epitome to the lost SkjÃdunga saga, and as Biarco in Saxo Grammaticus' Gesta Danorum.

Brigid - The Triple - Goddess of Healing

Celtic-mythology

"brigid_the_triple_goddess_of_healing_"

n contrast to the brooding aspects of Morrigan, Brigid, in pre-Christianity Ireland, was regarded as the Celtic goddess of healing, spring season, and even smithcraft. In the mythical narrative, she is the daughter of the Dagda and thus a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Curiously enough, in Lebor Gabála Ãrenn (The Book of the Taking of Ireland collection of poems compiled in the 11th century AD), she is mentioned to have a quite a few domesticated animals, ranging from oxen, the king of boars, to sheep – and these critters used to cry out as a warning to the goddess.

Angantyr HÃfundsson

Norse-mythology

"angantyr_hfundsson"

Angantyr's daughter Hervor married Höfund of Glæsisvellir and they had the sons Heidrek and Angantyr. Angantyr would be the next of Tyrfing's victims. Angantyr's brother Heidrek had made himself impossible at home and was banished by his father. Angantyr wanted to follow his brother for a while on the road to say farewell, but then he asked to see the sword Tyrfing which Heidrek had got from their mother Hervor. Heidrek kindly showed his brother the weapon, but since Tyrfing could not be unsheathed without slaying a man, Angantyr became its next victim.

Osiris

egyptian-mythology

"Osiris"

God of the underworld and the afterlife who was killed and resurrected

Mythology in pop culture

Movies inspired by Mythology

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.

Timeline

They had to travel into the past to save the future

"Timeline"

Timeline is based on Medieval mythology. The film follows a group of scientists as they travel back in time to 14th century France in order to save a friend. Along the way they face danger and discover the power of faith. A group of archaeologists and combat experts led by Paul Walker and Frances O'Connor use a "3-D fax machine" (so much for technobabble!) to time-travel back to France in 1357, in hopes of retrieving Walker's father and returning safely to the present. No such luck. Fending for themselves against marauding hordes of medieval French warriors at war with the invading British, these semi-intrepid travelers find their body count rising, and the deadline for their return home is rapidly approaching. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} A group of archaeologists become trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve a friend. The group must survive in 14th century France before they can escape back to the 21st Century.

Oedipus the King

An unsurpassed cast in one of the great plays of the ages -- now on the screen!

"Oedipus the King"

This classic (Greek) tale tells how a noble youth accidentally marries his own mother, kills his own father (deliberately) and ends up paying a terrible price for invoking the wrath of the Gods. Written by Steve Crook This classic (Greek) tale tells how a noble youth accidentally marries his own mother, kills his own father (deliberately) and ends up paying a terrible price for invoking the wrath of the...

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...

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

He's back in an all new adventure. Memorial Day 1989.

"Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade"

An art collector appeals to Indiana Jones to embark on a search for the Holy Grail. He learns that another archaeologist has disappeared while searching for the precious goblet, and the missing man is his own father, Dr. Henry Jones. The artifact is much harder to find than they expected, and its powers are too much for those impure of heart. Written by Jwelch5742 In 1938, after his father Professor Henry Jones, Sr. goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Professor Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. finds himself up against Adolf Hitler's Nazis again to...