Author: Erlang Shen


  • Understanding Celtic Religion and Its Historical Context

    Celtic religion encompasses the spiritual beliefs and practices of the ancient Celtic people. This group, an Indo-European civilization, experienced its peak during the 4th century BC, spreading across Europe from Britain to parts of Asia Minor. The subsequent centuries marked a gradual decline, particularly after Julius Caesar’s campaigns in Gaul (58–51 BC), which resulted in…

  • Pandora: The First Mortal Woman in Greek Mythology

    PANDORA In ancient mythology, Pandora is recognized as the inaugural mortal woman, sculpted from clay by the divine. The Titan Prometheus was initially tasked with the creation of humanity. However, he grew dissatisfied with the harsh existence granted to humans, prompting him to steal fire from the gods. Enraged, Zeus decreed that Hephaistos (Hephaestus) and…

  • The Majestic Nike of Samothrace: A Symbol of Victory

    The Splendor of Nike of Samothrace Situated majestically at the summit of a staircase within the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Nike of Samothrace captivates countless visitors with her presence. This remarkable work of Hellenistic Greek art has been part of the Louvre’s collection since as early as 1866 and remains one of its most…

  • The Many Facets of Bacchus: God of Wine and Revelry

    Bacchus, the Roman deity symbolizing wine and merriment, stands out as one of the most multifaceted gods in mythology. Known for his ability to bring joy and revelry, Bacchus also harbored a darker side, with the power to drive those who wronged him into a state of madness. His Greek counterpart, Dionysus, is similarly revered…

  • The Legacy of Ra: Ancient Egypt’s Sun God

    The Legacy of Ra: Ancient Egypt’s Sun God Ra, often referred to as Re, is an integral figure among the deities of ancient Egyptian religion, embodying the sun and vital life force. As one of the earliest gods in the Egyptian pantheon, Ra eventually merged identities with other strong deities such as Horus (Ra-Horakhty, the…

  • Reflecting on the Animated Series “Journey to the West”

    The animated series “Journey to the West” holds a special place in my fond memories from childhood. Adapted from the classic novel of the same name, it remains a delightful watch for me even today. To provide a brief overview of the storyline: a Buddhist monk named Tang Seng embarks on a perilous journey to…

  • The Enduring Legacy of Sun Wukong, The Monkey King

    Sun Wukong, known as The Monkey King, stands out as a cherished character in Chinese literature, endowed with human-like traits and extraordinary capabilities. His origins trace back to the 16th-century classic, “Journey to the West.” Since then, Sun Wukong has captivated audiences globally through films, television, and video games—most notably with the recent release of…

  • The Significance of Family and Hestia During Christmas

    In this piece, we want to highlight one of the most significant aspects associated with Christmas: the importance of Family. Tracing back to ancient times, we encounter the Greek Goddess Hestia. The Ancient Greeks conveyed their understanding of life through myth, crafting a pantheon of deities whose humanlike traits made them believable. Similar to many…

  • Hermes: The Multifaceted Messenger of Greek Mythology

    Hermes: The Messenger of the Gods Hermes, a pivotal figure in Greek mythology, embodies a wide array of symbolic roles. As the Olympian deity of herds and flocks, travelers and hospitality, trade and cunning, he is often recognized as a protector of roads and an advocate for traders. Portrayed as the herald of Zeus, the…

  • This week, my exploration centers on the goddess Neith, a fascinating figure in ancient Egyptian mythology. My initial intrigue with Neith began during my university studies, where I had the opportunity to select a theme for an assignment focused on Egyptian mythology. Throughout my education, I developed a keen interest in researching themes related to…