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

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.

Bushongo Mythology

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.

Somali Mythology

Somali mythology covers the beliefs, myths, legends and folk tales circulating in Somali



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.

Celtic Mythology

Celtic mythology refers to the polytheistic religious beliefs of the Celts



Celtic mythology is the mythology of Celtic polytheism, the religion of the Iron Age Celts.Like other Iron Age Europeans, the early Celts maintained a polytheistic mythology and religious structure.

Celts were one of the most feared and admired peoples of ancient Europe. Ireland was a rich and fertile land with ancient and sophisticated culture. The monks of Ireland became famous scribes who wrote down native Irish stories of gods and goddesses battling for the control of island in epic wars, heroes engaged in endless combat to win undying glory, to voyage across the sea to magical islands. Divine women with the gift of their sexuality could control the power of kings.

Famous Myths of Celtic Mythology

• The myth of Cuchulainn

  Cuchulainn is a legendary warrior of Irish mythology, known for his superhuman strength and courage.

• The myth of The Children of Lir

  A tragic tale of a king who turned his children into swans for 900 years, as punishment for his stepmother's cruelty towards them.

• The myth of The Tuatha Dé Danann

  The Tuatha Dé Danann are a race of powerful and magical beings in Irish mythology, who were said to have inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts.

• The myth of The Loch Ness Monster

  The Loch Ness Monster is a mythical creature that is said to reside in Loch Ness in Scotland, it's a creature of legend, described as giant serpent or dragon-like beast.

• The myth of King Arthur

  King Arthur is a legendary figure in British mythology, who is said to have led the defense of Britain against the Saxon invaders in the late 5th and early 6th centuries.

Lugbara Mythology

The Lugbara people believe in a single creator, called Woot



The Lugbara people are an ethnic group living in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. They have a rich mythology that has been passed down through generations, and their stories are a source of pride and identity for the Lugbara people.

The Lugbara people believe in a single creator, called Woot, who is responsible for the creation of the world and all its inhabitants. They also believe in a pantheon of lesser gods, each with their own sphere of influence. For example, Nyambe is the god of rain, and there is also a god of war, a god of the hunt, and a god of love.

The Lugbara people also believe in a number of supernatural beings, such as spirits and ghosts. These beings can be benevolent or malevolent, and they often take the form of animals or other creatures. It is believed that these beings can influence the lives of humans, either for good or for ill.

The Lugbara people have a number of stories and legends about their gods and supernatural creatures. One of the most famous is the story of Nyambe and the Great Snake. According to the story, Nyambe was out hunting one day when he encountered a giant snake. Nyambe managed to defeat the snake, and as a reward, the gods gave him the power to control the weather and the seasons.

The stories and legends of the Lugbara people are an important part of their culture, and they are still told and retold to this day. They provide a fascinating insight into the beliefs and values of the Lugbara people, and offer a unique window into their history and mythology.

A legendary queen and storyteller in Arabian Nights, known for her ability to captivate a king with her tales and thereby saving her own life.

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

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.

A giant fish or whale that supports the earth in Arabian mythology, sometimes depicted as a giant serpent.

In Norse mythology, the einherjar (Old Norse literally "army of one", "those who fight alone"[1][2]) are those who have died in battle and are brought to Valhalla by valkyries. In Valhalla, the einherjar eat their fill of the nightly-resurrecting beast Sæhrímnir, and valkyries bring them mead (which comes from the udder of the goat Heiðrún). The einherjar prepare daily for the events of Ragnarök, when they will advance for an immense battle at the field of Vígríðr. The einherjar are attested in the Poetic Edda, compiled in the 13th century from earlier traditional sources, the Prose Edda, written in the 13th century by Snorri Sturluson, the poem Hákonarmál (by the 10th century skald Eyvindr skáldaspillir) as collected in Heimskringla, and a stanza of an anonymous 10th century poem commemorating the death of Eric Bloodaxe known as Eiríksmál as compiled in Fagrskinna. An etymological connection exists between the einherjar and the Harii (a Germanic people or figures form early Germanic folklore attested in the 1st century AD), and scholars have connected the einherjar to the eternal battle of Hjaðningavíg and the Wild Hunt. The einherjar have been the subject of works of art and poetry.

Female spirits or supernatural entities in Arabian mythology, often associated with beauty and allure.

A supernatural being depicted as a witch who lives in a hut that stands on chicken legs, known for her wisdom and ambiguity.

Brahma is the creator god in Hinduism. He is also known as Svayambhu (self-born) or the creative aspect of Vishnu, Vāgīśa (Lord of Speech), and the creator of the four Vedas, one from each of his mouths. Brahma is consort of Saraswati and he is the father of Four Kumaras, Narada, Daksha, Marichi and many more.[3][4] Brahma is synonymous with the Vedic god Prajapati, he is also known as Vedanatha (god of Vedas), Gyaneshwar (god of Knowledge), Chaturmukha (having Four Faces) Svayambhu (self born), etc, as well as linked to Kama and Hiranyagarbha (the cosmic egg). He is more prominently mentioned in the post-Vedic Hindu epics and the mythologies in the Puranas. In the epics, he is conflated with Purusha. Although Brahma is part of the Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva Trimurti, ancient Hindu scriptures mention multiple other trinities of gods or goddesses which do not include Brahma

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

In Greek mythology Asclepius (or Asklepios) was a demi-god hero as he was the son of divine Apollo, and his mother was the mortal Koronis from Thessaly. In some accounts Koronis abandoned her child near Epidaurus in shame for his illegitimacy and left the baby to be looked after by a goat and a dog.

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.

The supreme creator deity in Bantu mythology, responsible for the creation of the universe and all living beings.

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.

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.

Set, the merciless god of darkness, has taken over the throne of Egypt and plunged the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. Few dare to rebel against him. A young thief, whose love was taken captive by the god, seeks to dethrone and defeat Set with the aid of the powerful god Horus. Written by James Pasier Mortal hero Bek teams with the god Horus in an alliance against Set, the merciless god of darkness, who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into...

While Ben Gates is presenting new information about John Wilkes Booth and the 18 pages missing from Booth's diary, a man by the name of Mitch Wilkinson stands up and presents a missing page of John Wilkes Booth's diary. Thomas Gates, Ben's great-grandfather, is mentioned on the page. It shows that Ben's great-grandfather was a co-conspirator in Abraham Lincoln's murder. When doing more research, the conspiracy takes Ben, Abigail Chase, and Riley Poole to Buckingham Palace (which they break into). They discover a plank that has early Native American writing on it. The plank has only one symbol that Patrick Gates can identify. The symbol is Cibola (see-bowl-uh) meaning the City of Gold. In order to define the rest they have to go to Ben's mother, Patrick's divorced wife. After 32 years it brings back old arguments. After that the other clue is in the President's desk in the Oval Office in the White House (which Ben and Abigail sneak into) to discover that the clue lies in The President's Book. But in order to see the book, their choice is either get elected president or kidnap the President of the United States. Which do they choose? It's obvious. With Wilkinson close on their tail, they find the book in the Library of Congress. The conspiracy then crosses to Mount Rushmore where the clue was on the hills, but (according to the Book) President Calvin Coolidge had the faces carved in so no one can find the City of Gold. When they get there they find out that they must work with Wilkinson since he has some clues of his own. Who will claim Cibola? And will the name of Gates be known as murder? Written by mviedirctr354 Benjamin Gates must follow a clue left in John Wilkes Booth's diary to prove his ancestor's innocence in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Dan Brown's controversial best-selling novel about a powerful secret that's been kept under wraps for thousands of years comes to the screen in this suspense thriller from Director Ron Howard. The stately silence of Paris' Louvre museum is broken when one of the gallery's leading curators is found dead on the grounds, with strange symbols carved into his body and left around the spot where he died. Hoping to learn the significance of the symbols, police bring in Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tautou), a gifted cryptographer who is also the victim's granddaughter. Needing help, Sophie calls on Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks), a leading symbolized from the United States. As Sophie and Robert dig deeper into the case, they discover the victim's involvement in the Priory of Sion, a secret society whose members have been privy to forbidden knowledge dating back to the birth of Christianity. In their search, Sophie and Robert happen upon evidence that could lead to the final resting place of the Holy Grail, while members of the priory and an underground Catholic society known as Opus Dei give chase, determined to prevent them from sharing their greatest secrets with the world. A murder inside the Louvre, and clues in Da Vinci paintings, lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years, which could shake the...