Author: Erlang Shen
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Irish culture has long maintained a distinctive and nuanced view of death, intertwined with the very fabric of life. As Scottish journalist Kevin Toolis aptly expressed, few other nations share such a profound connection where the living, dying, bereaved, and deceased coexist so openly in societal practices, as seen prominently in the tradition of the…
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Venus, the ancient Italian deity, embodies the essence of cultivated landscapes and gardens. Over time, she became synonymous with the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. Consider the renowned Venus de Milo, a marble rendition of Aphrodite from Melos, crafted around 150 BCE, currently located in the Louvre in Paris. Initially, Venus garnered no significant veneration…
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The Legendary Exploits of Heracles I. Heracles’ Twelve Labors Heracles, the illustrious hero of ancient Greece, was tasked by the Delphic Oracle to undertake a series of twelve grueling labors on behalf of King Eurystheus of Mycenae. These remarkable feats not only showcased his strength and bravery but also defined his legendary status in Greek…
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Greek mythology is a rich tapestry of narratives featuring gods, heroes, and ancient rituals that have captivated audiences for centuries. Recognized by critical thinkers such as Plato during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, these myths are often infused with truth in the eyes of the common people, despite their fictional elements. This amalgamation of…
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Nike: The Winged Goddess of Victory in Greek Mythology NIKE, also known as Nicé, is recognized as the winged goddess representing victory, spanning both the realms of war and peaceful contests. As Zeus enlisted allies during the onset of the Titan War, the goddess Nike, along with her siblings Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Strength), and Bia…
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Ancient Egyptian Religion: An Insight into Beliefs and Practices Ancient Egyptian religion, a complex tapestry of beliefs, evolved from indigenous practices dating back to the predynastic era (4th millennium BCE) and persisted until the early centuries CE when traditional customs began to fade. To fully appreciate the intricacies of this religion, it’s essential to understand…
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Mercury, known as Mercurius in Roman mythology, served as the deity of trade and a key intermediary between gods and humans. His distinctive winged feet symbolized his swiftness, playing a critical role in the flow of commerce, travel, and communication. Recognized for his patronage over merchants, particularly those in the grain trade, Mercury was often…
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Greek mythology encompasses a rich tapestry of narratives that delve into the lives of gods, heroes, and ancient rituals, drawing from the cultural heritage of Classical antiquity. Recognized for its blend of fact and fiction, this body of stories has been historically significant, with figures like Plato acknowledging its imaginative elements. While mythology across different…
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Anhur, known in Greek as Onuris, is a significant deity from the ancient Egyptian pantheon, revered as the god of war and hunting. Originating from the city of This, located near Abydos, he played a crucial role in defending his father, the sun god Ra, against adversaries, earning him the title “slayer of enemies.” Anhur…
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Minerva: The Goddess of Wisdom and Craftsmanship Minerva embodies the divine nature of skilled thought and action, encompassing wisdom, craftsmanship, and strategy. Suitable tributes to this Goddess typically include olives, offerings of silver, intricate needlework, and virtually any artwork showcasing exemplary skill and craftsmanship. It’s also likely that offerings of incense, if not milk, would…