Author: Sun WuKong
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Danu holds a prominent position as the mother goddess within Celtic and Irish mythologies, embodying elements of fertility, creation, water, and the earth itself. January 18 is recognized as the Day of Danu, a day dedicated to this significant goddess. Understanding Danu’s Identity Danu’s identity remains enigmatic, as historical records and artistic representations of her…
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Lugh the Shining One: A Pillar of Celtic Mythology Introduction Lugh, revered as the shining one, stands as a pivotal figure within Celtic mythology, known for his exceptional abilities in warfare and mastery over a variety of arts and crafts. His title, Lugh Lamhfada, which translates to “Lugh of the Long Arm,” emphasizes his far-reaching…
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Background Balor served as a formidable chieftain among the Formorians, a sinister and demonic race that relentlessly dominated the Tuatha De Danann. His life came to a tragic end at the hands of his grandson, Lugh, during the Battle of Moytura, an event foretold by prophecy. The impact of Balor’s defeat was so catastrophic that…
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The narrative of Medea, masterfully crafted by Euripides, unveils the dark complexities embedded within human relationships, particularly within the familial sphere. The societal issues reflected in the story resonate profoundly with contemporary situations. Medea embodies the profound suffering that transforms her into a figure consumed by her anguish. Through the lens of gender roles, matrimony,…
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Mithraism, the ancient worship of Mithra, the Iranian god representing the sun, justice, contracts, and warfare, played a significant role in pre-Zoroastrian Iran. In the Roman Empire, during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the deity was revered as the protector of loyalty towards the emperor. However, as Christianity gained acceptance under Emperor Constantine in…
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Mythology often highlights heroes and saviors, but it also embraces the characters of tricksters and jesters. One such figure in Irish mythology is Bres, a king who is neither revered nor loved, embodying more folly than grace. Bres: The Enigmatic King Labeling Bres as a deity amidst the pantheon of Celtic gods is misleading. While…
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Overview Taranis, the Thunderer, is recognized as the pan-Celtic deity associated with storms and thunder. Revered for his crucial role in various Celtic belief systems, he is often linked to inclement weather and the sacred wheel, though details about his worship remain scarce. Etymology The name Taranis translates to “thunder,” deriving from the Proto-Celtic term…
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Mithraism: An Enigmatic Cult in the Roman Empire Mithraism, an intriguing cult religion, thrived within the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 4th centuries CE. This secretive belief system presents challenges for historians due to the sparse and often biased records that remain. The insights gained from archaeology enhance our comprehension of Mithraism, yet…
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The exquisite small statue represents the messenger deity Mercury, depicted in the nude apart from a chlamys draped over his right shoulder and cascading down his back, with its lower edge enveloping his left arm. This youthful figure is poised on his right leg, the left leg slightly bent, and rests on a low pedestal.…