Author: Erlang Shen
-
The festivities celebrating Dionysus were a vibrant aspect of ancient Greek culture, particularly for the inhabitants of Athens. These gatherings offered an escape from societal norms, allowing citizens—regardless of their social standing—to revel in ecstatic celebrations often centered around taboo indulgences. This article explores several key festivals dedicated to Dionysus, addressing the nature of these…
-
At the inception of the Annals, Tacitus provides a concise summary of the Roman Republic before delving into the tumultuous events that paved the way for Augustus. He states, “Lucius Brutus established freedom and the consulship” (Tacitus Annals 1.1), highlighting not just a historical figure but emphasizing political structures such as the consulship alongside the…
-
Luna, the Roman goddess of the moon, embodies nocturnal enchantment, mysteries, and magical elements. She is also linked to fertility and childbirth, underscoring her maternal aspect. Luna parallels the Greek goddess Selene and is depicted as a lovely woman, often adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead. Culturally, the moon’s presence has had great…
-
In the realm of Greek mythology, Pegasus stands out as the resplendent winged horse, an immortal creature born from the union of Poseidon and Medusa. Alongside his sibling Chrysaor, who bore a golden sword, Pegasus made his entrance into the world in a spectacular manner, emerging from the severed neck of his mother following Perseus’s…
-
Overview Aengus, known as the Young One, is recognized in Irish mythology as the deity of love and poetry. Renowned for his creativity and cunning nature, he inherited charm and wit from his father, the Dagda, and played a significant role as one of the leading bards among the Tuatha Dé Danann, a revered tribe…
-
Ancient Egyptian religion represents the deep-rooted indigenous beliefs of ancient Egypt, tracing back from predynastic eras (4th millennium BCE) to the eventual eclipse of traditional practices in the early centuries CE. It intertwines historical context with the evolution of society, having profound implications for culture and daily life in the historical phase starting around 3000…
-
Goibniu, a pivotal figure from the Tuatha Dé Danann, stands among the trio of gods embodying craft—known as na trídé dána—alongside fellow deities Credne and Luchta. His most vivid portrayal is found in the epic narrative of Cath Maige Tuired, where he serves as an indefatigable armorer. In this tale, he equips Lug Lámfhota with…
-
Ruins of Mithraic Temples in Turkey Mithraism emerged as a notable cult before the rise of Christianity within the Roman Empire, shrouded in mystery due to a lack of written records, secretive practices within subterranean temples, and its eventual disappearance. In Anatolia, a pivotal region under Roman influence, several remnants tied to this enigmatic belief…
-
When envisioning the ancient Celts, vibrant images of enchanting woodlands and legendary deities may come to mind. At the heart of this illustrious culture is a mesmerizing figure—the Celtic Goddess Sulis. If you have an interest in Celtic spirituality, embracing the nuances of Sulis is essential. She exists both as a mythical being and a…
-
Taranis holds a significant position as a formidable deity within the Celtic pantheon, renowned as the god of thunder, lightning, and storms. Commonly portrayed alongside a wheel, this symbol reflects the celestial nature of storms and likely ties him to themes of the cosmic wheel or the seasons’ cyclical nature. Who is Taranis? Taranis is…