Author: Erlang Shen
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In Greek mythology, the Argonauts were a legendary group of fifty heroes who accompanied Jason on his quest aboard the ship, the Argo, to obtain the Golden Fleece. This quest arose after Jason’s uncle, Pelias, seized the throne of Iolcos in Thessaly, rightfully belonging to Jason’s father, Aeson. Pelias pledged to relinquish his throne to…
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Apep, known as Aapep, Apepi, or Apophis, is recognized as the ancient Egyptian embodiment of malevolence, darkness, and destruction. He stands as the primary adversary of Ra, the sun god, and represents an unending threat that can never be fully eradicated. Each night, he would unleash his powerful roar, attacking as the sun journeyed through…
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In ancient Ireland, there was a renowned king named Lir, who ruled over the seas alongside his beloved wife, Eva. Together, they welcomed four children into the world: Aodh, their eldest son, Fionnula, their daughter, and twin sons Fiachra and Conn. Tragedy struck when Eva passed away, leaving Lir and the children heartbroken. In his…
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The Dichotomy of Heroes: Achilles and Hector The characters of Achilles and Hector represent two contrasting ideals in Greek mythology and literature, with differing receptions across cultures. The Greeks revered Achilles, acknowledging him as “the best of the Achaeans,” while they viewed Hector, a Trojan prince, as an outsider. Over time, this perception shifted, particularly…
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Scáthach: The Formidable Warrior Queen of Irish Mythology Scáthach, a legendary warrior from ancient Irish tales, is renowned for her role as the instructor to the famed hero Cú Chulainn. This Scottish queen, translating to “The Shadow” in Gaelic, resided in a castle on the Isle of Skye, where she imparted her martial skills. Known…
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Unraveling the Legacy of Epona: 10 Intriguing Insights About the Celtic Goddess of Equines In a moment of curiosity while indulging in the adventures of Asterix and Obelix, I began to wonder about the Roman enthusiasm for Celtic deities. This inquiry led me to Epona, a name that many recognize from “The Legend of Zelda:…
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The Pantheon stands as an iconic edifice in Rome, originally initiated in 27 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. Initially conceived as a typical Classical temple—a rectangular structure topped with a gabled roof supported by an encircling colonnade—it underwent a complete renovation under Emperor Hadrian between AD 118 and 128. Subsequent modifications were made in the…
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The key passage regarding the Celtic deities of Gaul can be found in Julius Caesar’s Commentarii de bello Gallico (52–51 BC), where he mentions five principal gods, detailing their respective roles. Among these, Mercury is depicted as the most revered, honored through various representations. He is acknowledged as the originator of arts, the guardian of…
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The Morrígan: Ancient Goddess of Battle and Sovereignty The Morrígan, whose name translates to ‘Phantom Queen,’ embodies the dualities of battle, conflict, and fertility. This ancient Irish goddess is presented as both a singular entity and a triad that includes Badb, meaning ‘Vulture,’ and Nemain, or ‘Frenzy.’ The Morrígan often takes on the form of…
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As a tutor, I encountered challenges while teaching the Roman law of slavery, as resistance to the subject from students became increasingly evident. Many perceived it as an irrelevant discipline, likening it to minor courtly details. Why should anyone care about the jurists’ discussions on debt recovery linked to a master’s slave when slavery itself…