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

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.

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.

Greek mythology is the body of myths and teachings that belong to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices.

Famous Myths of Greek Mythology

• The myth of the Titans

  The Titans were the gods that preceded the Olympians, they were the children of the primordial deities Uranus and Gaia. The Titans were overthrown by Zeus and the Olympians in a ten-year war called the Titanomachy.

• The myth of the Olympians

  The Olympians were the principal gods of the Greek pantheon, who lived on Mount Olympus. The most famous Olympians were Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Hermes, Dionysus, and Hestia.

• The myth of the Minotaur

  The Minotaur was a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull, that was kept in the Labyrinth, a maze built by Daedalus for King Minos of Crete. The Minotaur was eventually killed by the Athenian hero Theseus.

• The myth of the Labors of Hercules

  Hercules, also known as Heracles, was a demigod who performed twelve impossible tasks, known as the Labors of Hercules, as atonement for killing his family. These tasks included slaying the Nemean Lion, capturing the Erymanthian Boar, and cleaning the Augean Stables.

• The myth of the Argonauts

  The Argonauts were a band of heroes who sailed with Jason on the ship Argo to retrieve the Golden Fleece, which was guarded by a dragon. The Argonauts included heroes such as Heracles, Orpheus, and Castor and Pollux.

• The myth of the Trojan War

  The Trojan War was a legendary war fought between the city of Troy and the Greeks. It was said to have been sparked by the abduction of Helen, the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta, by the Trojan prince Paris.

Greek Mythology Heritage Tree

This heritage tree represents some of the key figures in Greek mythology, particularly the Olympian gods and their ancestors.

• Titan Cronus
  • Zeus
    • Athena
    • Apollo
    • Artemis
    • Hermes
    • Persephone (with Demeter)
    • Dionysus
  • Hera
    • Hephaestus
    • Ares
    • Hebe
  • Poseidon
    • Triton
    • Polyphemus
  • Hades

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.

Lozi mythology gives legitimacy to the Lozi kingdom's foundations, by linking the monarchy and the people to a creator god, whom the Lozi call Nyambe.

The Lozi people, who live in what is now Zambia, have a rich and diverse mythology that reflects their culture and beliefs. Here are a few examples of famous myths from Lozi mythology:

The creation myth

The Lozi believe that the world was created by a god named Nyambe, who formed the earth, sky, and all living things. They also believe that Nyambe created the first man and woman, and gave them the task of populating the world.

The myth of the first fire

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

The myth of the first death

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

The myth of the first rain

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

The myth of the afterlife

The Lozi believe that the souls of the dead go to the land of the ancestors, which is a place similar to the earth but more beautiful and peaceful. They also believe that the souls of the wicked go to a place of punishment.

The myth of the floods

The Lozi believe that the floods in the Barotse floodplain, where they live, are caused by the god Mwali's tears, which he shed when he was angry with people for their misdeeds.

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

Helgi the Sharp in Ragnarssona þáttr

In the saga "Ragnarssona þáttr," Helgi the Sharp emerges as a notable figure. This tale is part of the larger Norse mythology and sagas that detail the exploits of the legendary Viking Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons.

Background of Helgi the Sharp

Helgi the Sharp is portrayed as a prince, demonstrating qualities of bravery and prowess that are characteristic of heroes in Norse legends. His epithet 'the Sharp' likely refers to his keen intellect or skill in battle.

Role in the Saga

While "Ragnarssona þáttr" primarily focuses on the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, characters like Helgi the Sharp add depth and complexity to the narrative. Helgi's adventures, battles, and exploits contribute to the rich tapestry of the saga.

Significance in Norse Literature

Helgi the Sharp, like many characters in Norse sagas, exemplifies the traits admired in Norse culture such as courage, strength, and honor. His story, though less central than that of Ragnar's more famous sons, provides insight into the values and themes prevalent in Norse mythology.

The character of Helgi the Sharp, while perhaps not as widely recognized as others in Norse mythology, represents the diverse and intricate world of Norse legendary heroes and their multifaceted stories.

Diomedes was the commander of 80 Argive ships and one of the most respected leaders in the Trojan War. His famous exploits include the wounding of Aphrodite, the slaughter of Rhesus and his Thracians, and seizure of the Trojan Palladium, the sacred image of the goddess Pallas Athena that protected Troy.

In Greek mythology, Acrisius was the king of Argos, son of Abas and Aglaea and twin brother of Proetus. When their father died, Acrisius slyly possessed all of the inheritance and expelled his brother. However, assisted by his father – in – law Iobates, Proetus managed to take his share of the kingdom and became the ruler of the city of Tiryns

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 powerful and feared spirit in Bantu mythology, associated with strength, stealth, and protection of sacred places.

Legendary king in Persian mythology, credited with the invention of wine and the establishment of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

jord (Njorðr, originally Nerpuz) guides the course of the winds and governs sea and fire; he grants to those who call upon him good fortune at sea and in the chase, and he dispenses wealth, whether of lands or of chattels. Of old he came from Vanaheim. 3 It so befell that when the Æsir and the Vanir were engaged in concluding a treaty of peace, each race gave hostages to the other, the Æsir designating Hœnir and the Vanir, Njord; they all spat in a crock, and from the spittle they made a man, the sapient Kvasir. From that time forth Njord was reckoned among the Æsir and took rank with the foremost of them. His dwelling, called Noatun, is near the sea; outside the walls swim swans and water fowl of all sorts. Njord’s children are the god Frey and the goddess Freyja; his wife, their stepmother, is Skadi, a Giantess.

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.

Tyrannical ruler in Persian mythology, with serpents growing from his shoulders. Defeated by the hero Fereydun.

In Greek mythology, Andropompus was one of the descendants of Neleus, king of Thessaly, as son of Penthilus and Anchirhoe. He was the father of King Melanthus of Athens.

Queen of the gods, wife and sister of Jupiter, and goddess of marriage, women, and childbirth. Known for her jealousy and vindictiveness.

Arguably the most visually impressive and rather portentous of ancient Celtic gods, Cernunnos is actually the conventional name given to the deity ‘Horned One’. As the horned god of Celtic polytheism, Cernunnos is often associated with animals, forests, fertility, and even wealth. His very depiction mirrors such attributes, with the conspicuous antlers of the stag on his head and the poetic epithets like the ‘Lord of the Wild Things’.

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...

A kind-hearted street urchin Aladdin vies for the love of the beautiful princess Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah. When he finds a magic lamp, he uses the genie's magic power to make himself a prince in order to marry her. He's also on a mission to stop the powerful Jafar who plots to steal the magic lamp that could make his deepest wishes come true

Perseus is the favored son of the god Zeus, but he has unwittingly ticked off the sea goddess Thetis. Just to make things worse, Perseus falls in love with the lovely Princess Andromeda, who used to be engaged to Thetis' son. Soon Perseus is off on one quest after another, with Zeus helping, Thetis hindering, and lots of innocent bystanders getting stabbed, drowned, and squished. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com} Perseus must battle Medusa and the Kraken to save the Princess Andromeda.

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...

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.