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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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 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

Hittite mythology and Hittite religion were the religious beliefs and practices of the Hittites, who created an empire centered in what is now Turkey from c. 1600 BC to 1180 BC.

Hittite mythology

Hittite mythology is the set of myths and religious beliefs of the ancient Hittites, an Indo-European people who lived in Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) from around 1600 BCE to 1200 BCE. Some of the most famous myths of Hittite mythology include:

• The story of Kumarbi

  This is the Hittite version of the "cosmogonic cycle" which tells the story of the god Kumarbi, who overthrows his father Anu and becomes the ruler of the gods. Kumarbi also impregnates the mother goddess and gives birth to the storm god Teshub and other deities.

• The story of Teshub and the dragon

  The god Teshub fought and defeated the dragon Illuyanka, a symbol of chaos and destructive forces.

• The story of Telipinu

  This is the story of the god Telipinu, who is responsible for the fertility of the land and the well-being of the people. Telipinu goes into a rage and causes a drought, but he is eventually placated and returns to bring fertility back to the land.

• The story of the Sun-goddess of Arinna

  This is the story of the Sun-goddess of Arinna, one of the most important deities of the Hittite pantheon. She is the goddess of the sun, and her daily journey across the sky was seen as a representation of the cycle of life and death.

• The story of the god of the underworld

  The god of the underworld, known as Allani or "the god of the land of the dead" is an important figure in Hittite mythology. He is responsible for the afterlife and the fate of the souls of the dead.

These myths were an important part of Hittite religion and were often depicted in art and referenced in religious texts and rituals. They played a significant role in shaping the beliefs and worldview of the Hittite people. The Hittite myths were passed down through oral tradition, and many of them were recorded in the Hittite language on clay tablets. They are still studied today for their historical and cultural significance.

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.

The Lotuko people are an ethnic group that live primarily in the Eastern Equatoria state of South Sudan. I couldn't find enough information about their mythology. However, the Lotuko people have a rich oral tradition that includes stories, fables, proverbs, and riddles, which are passed down from generation to generation. These stories often involve animals and spirits, and they are used to teach moral lessons and explain the origins of the Lotuko people and their customs. Lotuko people have a strong belief in traditional religion, ancestor worship and animism.

Top myths of Lotuko mythology

The Creation of the World

This myth tells the story of how the world was created by the god Akuji. He created the earth and the sky, and then filled the world with plants and animals. This myth teaches the Lotuko people the importance of respecting nature.

The Origin of the Crocodile

This myth tells of how a crocodile came to be. It is said that the god Akuji created the crocodile from a piece of wood. He then gave it the power to protect the people and their land.

The Great Flood

This myth tells of a great flood that wiped out all of humanity. It is said that the god Akuji sent the flood to punish mankind for their sins. The Lotuko people use this story to teach their children the importance of obedience and respect.

The Battle of the Sun and Moon

This myth tells of a battle between the sun and moon. The sun and moon fought for many days, until the sun was victorious. The Lotuko people believe that this story symbolizes the constant struggle between good and evil.

The Story of the First Man and Woman

This myth tells the story of the first man and woman. It is said that the god Akuji created the first man and woman from a piece of wood. This myth teaches the Lotuko people the importance of family and the value of human life.

The Origin of Death

This myth tells of the origin of death. It is said that the god Akuji created death in order to keep balance in the world. This story is used to remind the Lotuko people of the importance of living life to the fullest.

Somali Mythology

Somali mythology covers the beliefs, myths, legends and folk tales circulating in Somali society that were passed down to new generations in a timeline spanning several millennia.

Somali mythology includes a diverse set of stories and legends that reflect the culture and beliefs of the Somali people. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Somali mythology:

The Creation Myth

The Somali believe that the world was created by God (Waaq), who created the first human beings, the first animals, and the first plants.

The Myth of the First Woman

According to Somali legend, the first woman, named Hawo, was created from a rib taken from the first man, named Adaan.

The Myth of the First Fire

The Somali believe that fire was brought to earth by a bird named Shimbir, who stole it from the gods and gave it to humans.

The Myth of the First Ancestor

The Somali believe that the first ancestor, named Samaale, was the progenitor of all Somali clans.

The Myth of the First Death

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

The Myth of the First Rain

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

Please note that these are just a few examples and there are many more myths and legends that are important to the Somali people, as Somali mythology is vast and diverse. Also, It's worth mentioning that a lot of the oral tradition was lost through the years.

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.

Beowulf is actually not part of Norse mythology but rather an epic poem from Anglo-Saxon (Old English) literature. While it is true that the poem features themes, characters, and settings that are reminiscent of Norse and Germanic folklore, it is distinct from the mythological traditions of the Norse, such as those found in the Eddas or sagas. "Beowulf" is considered one of the most important works of Old English literature. It's an epic narrative poem composed by an unknown author, estimated to have been written between the 8th and early 11th centuries. The poem consists of 3,182 alliterative lines, and it is set in Scandinavia. The story revolves around the eponymous hero, Beowulf, a warrior of the Geats (a North Germanic tribe inhabiting what is now Sweden). The poem is divided into three parts: Beowulf's Battle with Grendel: Beowulf comes to the aid of Hrothgar, the king of the Danes, whose mead hall has been under attack by a monster known as Grendel. Beowulf slays Grendel barehanded, thereby saving Hrothgar's kingdom. Beowulf's Battle with Grendel's Mother: Grendel's mother seeks revenge for her son's death, and Beowulf ventures into her underwater lair to confront her. He defeats her with the aid of a magical sword found in her hoard. Beowulf's Final Battle and Death: The last part of the poem jumps forward many years, showing Beowulf as a wise and aged king of the Geats. He faces his final challenge in the form of a dragon guarding a treasure hoard. Beowulf slays the dragon but is mortally wounded in the battle. The poem concludes with his funeral rites and a lament for the fallen hero. While "Beowulf" shares some thematic elements with Norse mythology — such as the focus on heroism, the supernatural, and the notion of fate — it remains a distinct and separate work, deeply rooted in the Anglo-Saxon culture and its literary tradition. The poem is valuable not only for its literary merits but also for its insights into the social and cultural aspects of the Anglo-Saxon world.

Hanuman is featured in the great Hindu epic the Ramayana. He earned his path to deification by performing feats of strength, devotion, and courage while helping Rama (an avatar of Vishnu) in countless exciting incidents.

Wurusemu is the Hittite sun goddess, symbolizing light and warmth. She is often depicted as a radiant figure bringing life to the world.

Trophonius was a figure in Greek mythology associated with the Oracle of Delphi. He was the son of the god Apollo and a mortal woman, and was believed to have been the founder of two shrines at the site of Delphi. Legend states that Trophonius was a skilled architect, and he was responsible for the construction of a temple to Apollo at Delphi. He was also said to have built a temple to the goddess Demeter at Lebadea. It was believed that Trophonius could foretell the future and provide advice to those seeking it from the Oracle of Delphi. He was also said to have been a great healer and an advisor to kings.

Though rarely mentioned in inscriptions, Lugos or Lugus (as known in Gaul) or his cognates Lugh Lámhfhada (Lugh of the Long Arm) in Gaelic Irish and Lleu Llaw Gyffes (Lleu of the Skillful Hand) in Welsh, was an important deity among the Celtic gods and goddesses. Often revered as the resplendent sun god, Lugus or Lugh was also perceived as a dashing (and often youthful) warrior responsible for slaying Balor – the one-eyed chief of the Formorii, the old adversaries of the Tuatha Dé Danann.

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

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

He it was who men and their labors from the wild forces of nature, personified as Giants. Thus he held sway in certain Northern regions over air and climate, over rain and harvest. 2 As the god of fertility, however, he had to divide his rule with the gods of the Vanir; but thunder and lightning always were the special province of Thor, who according to the Norse myths was constantly engaged in battle against the Giants. He rode in a chariot which, as it rolled along, produced thunder. 1 The chariot was drawn by two goats, Tanngnjost 2 and Tanngrisni; 3 these goats Thor could kill and eat and bring to life once more provided all the bones are gathered up in the hides. Because Thor usually drove these goats, he was called Riding-Thor; 4 he had other names as well, such as Ving-Thor, Lorridi, Einridi

In Greek mythology, Protesilaus was a hero in the Iliad who was venerated at cult sites in Thessaly and Thrace. Protesilaus was the son of Iphiclus, a "lord of many sheep"; as grandson of the eponymous Phylacos, he was the leader of the Phylaceans.

Mythical bird in Persian mythology, often depicted as a benevolent and wise creature. Guardian of the Tree of Life.

The god of the forest and wildlife, often depicted with a bow and accompanied by woodland creatures.

Parrhasius of Ephesus

Parrhasius of Ephesus was a celebrated painter of ancient Greece, renowned for his skill and innovation in the art of painting. He lived during the 5th century BCE and was a contemporary of other famous artists like Zeuxis.

Life and Career

Parrhasius was born in Ephesus, a city known for its cultural and artistic achievements. He later moved to Athens, where he became an influential figure in the art world. Parrhasius was known for his precise and detailed painting style, and he played a significant role in the development of graphical perspective in art.

Contributions to Art

One of Parrhasius' most notable contributions was his exploration of the use of lines and contours in painting. He is often credited with refining the technique of drawing outlines, bringing a new level of realism to his depictions of the human form.

Famous Works and Rivalry with Zeuxis

While none of Parrhasius' works survive to the present day, his fame is well-documented through ancient texts. He is famously known for his artistic rivalry with Zeuxis. In one anecdote, Parrhasius painted a curtain so realistically that Zeuxis, thinking it was a real curtain, tried to pull it aside.

Parrhasius' legacy in the world of art is marked by his innovation and mastery of technique, making him one of the celebrated painters of ancient Greece and an influential figure in the history of art.

Jason has been prophesied to take the throne of Thessaly. When he saves Pelias from drowning, but does not recognize him as the man who had earlier killed his father, Pelias tells Jason to travel to Colchis to find the Golden Fleece. Jason follows his advice and assembles a sailing crew of the finest men in Greece, including Hercules. They are under the protection of Hera, queen of the gods. Their voyage is replete with battles against harpies, a giant bronze Talos, a hydra, and an animated skeleton army, all brought to life by the special effects wizardry of Ray Harryhausen. Written by Rick Gregory The legendary Greek hero leads a team of intrepid adventurers in a perilous quest for the legendary Golden Fleece.

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...

In this retelling of Rick Riordans book, "The Sea of Monsters", Percy Jackson, accompanied by his friends Annabeth Chase, Clarisse La Rue and Tyson, his half brother, goes on a journey to the Sea of Monsters to retrieve the Golden Fleece and save Camp Half-Blood. Written by Michelle Stone In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters, to find the mythical Golden Fleece, all the while trying to stop an...

In 1923, legendary film Director Cecil B. DeMille finished the epic film, The Ten Commandments (1923). After filming was completed, he bulldozed the sets into the Guadalupe Sand Dunes of the central California coast. His reasons for doing so were very mysterious. This story gives a fictional explanation as to why he did it. There was a legitimate Egyptian artifact amongst the props, but they didn't know which one was trapping the spirit of an Egyptian avenging god. Mysterious murders and accidents while making the film brings things back to the surface today, and it starts all over again. Written by anonymous In 1923, legendary film Director Cecil B. DeMille finished the epic film, The Ten Commandments (1923). After filming was completed, he bulldozed the sets into the Guadalupe Sand Dunes of the...

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