Author: Erlang Shen
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The Enigmatic Donn of the Dead in Irish Mythology The rich tapestry of Irish folklore weaves tales that have evolved through the generations, adapting to the cultural shifts of the times. Among these intriguing figures is Donn of the Dead, the revered king of the afterlife, often depicted in artistic lore and exalted by those…
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The Tale of Demeter and Persephone In the realm of Ancient Greek mythology, the tale of Demeter and her beloved daughter Persephone stands out as a poignant narrative. The people of ancient Greece cherished sharing stories of their deities, passed down through generations with great reverence and creativity. Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, played a…
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The Fearsome Warrior Queen of Irish Mythology: Scáthach Scáthach, the legendary warrior who mentored the epic hero Cú Chulainn, stands out as one of the most formidable characters in Irish mythology. Renowned as “The Shadow,” this Scottish queen resided in a castle on the Isle of Skye, where she imparted her martial skills to aspiring…
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Mithras and Sol: A Glimpse into Ancient Cults Overview of the Cult Image The relief featuring Mithras and Sol serves as a captivating depiction of the earth’s regeneration associated with the celestial sun god, Sol. This artistic piece encapsulates the moment of a shared meal between the two deities, making it a significant ornament for…
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Mafdet, renowned as the lunar goddess, held the title of Piercer of Darkness. Historically, ancient civilizations referred to cheetahs as “flying cats,” as their remarkable speed gave the illusion of soaring above the ground. These agile predators could reach an amazing acceleration of 75 km/hr and maximum velocities of up to 110 km/hr. Comparable to…
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Vulcan, the Goddess of Fire and Metalworking To grasp the Roman perspective on the divine essence of fire, an understanding of Vulcan (known as Vulcanus to the Romans) is crucial. Vulcan embodies both the fertile and the destructive aspects of fire. He commands reverence, feared for his devastating flames that threaten to consume forests, homes,…
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At the historic location of Emain Macha, where the ancient rulers of Ulster once presided, the realms of history and mythology intertwine, creating a narrative rich with heroism, strife, and spirituality. The name Emain Macha itself pays homage to a Celtic goddess, a unique distinction among Celtic sites. This connection even influences the name of…
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Mors, the god of death in ancient Roman mythology, is also known as Letum or Orcus. While not extensively worshipped, he shared associations with the Greek god Thanatos and the Etruscan deity Charun, indicating a multifaceted connection to the concepts of mortality across different cultures. Depiction and Significance Mors is typically illustrated as a grim…
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Ancient Egyptian religion encompasses the native spiritual practices of ancient Egypt, spanning from the predynastic era in the 4th millennium BCE until the decline of traditional beliefs in the early Common Era. For in-depth historical context and chronological specifics, one may refer to the broader history of Egypt. Nature and Significance Egyptian religious beliefs and…
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Celebrating St. Brigid’s Day: The Arrival of Spring Happy St. Brigid’s Day! For the ancient Celts, February 1st signified the onset of spring, a delightful thought as we endure the chilly winter months. This date marks the festival of Imbolc, translating to “in the belly,” which signifies the early pregnancy of ewes and the anticipated…