Author: Erlang Shen
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Ceres: The Roman Goddess of Agriculture and Fertility Overview Ceres stands as the Roman goddess of grain and fertility, particularly in agriculture. Her influence stretches beyond the realm of crops to encompass motherhood, lawfulness, and the safeguarding of the Roman commoners, known as the plebeians. Much of what is known about Ceres draws heavily from…
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Tragedy: A Profound Exploration of Human Suffering Tragedy represents a distinguished branch of drama characterized by its serious and dignified exploration of sorrowful or catastrophic events fostered by a heroic figure. While the term is often generalized to denote any disaster or misfortune, its more precise definition pertains to artistic expressions that regard with earnestness…
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Overview Pluto, the primary deity of the Roman underworld, held a significant position among the chthonic gods. He represented not only the dead but also governed the wealth hidden beneath the earth in ores, metals, and precious stones. Renowned for his immense power, Pluto also played a crucial role in determining mortal destinies. Often associated…
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The Orpheus Myth: Its Enduring Influence in Opera The Myth The narrative of Orpheus originates from Ancient Greece, evolving from even more ancient tales. The most celebrated retellings are crafted by renowned Roman poets, Virgil and Ovid. Orpheus is depicted as an extraordinary poet and musician whose enchanting melodies from the kithara—a stringed instrument akin…
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Tang Seng, known in English as Tripitaka (唐三藏 táng sān zàng), stands as a central figure in the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West” (西游记 xī yóu jì). The narrative chronicling his epic expedition involves traveling to India to procure a collection of sacred Buddhist texts, aimed at disseminating Buddhist doctrines throughout China. Accompanying…
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Cernunnos: The Mysterious Horned Deity Overview Cernunnos is regarded as the Gaelic god associated with wildlife and unspoiled natural landscapes. Known as the Horned One, he is seen as a bridge between humanity and the natural world, possessing the unique ability to harmonize the relationships between predator and prey. Despite being an enigmatic figure, his…
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The ancient site of Tlachtga, located just twelve miles from the renowned Tara, serves as a pivotal piece of Celtic religious history, albeit overshadowed by its more famous counterpart. Tlachtga was the heart of the Great Fire Festival, marking the arrival of winter, where pre-Christian Irish rituals sought to reassure the community that light and…
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In Roman mythology, Proserpina, known as Persephone in Greek mythology, is a goddess associated with both the changing seasons and the underworld. Her impact extends beyond mere mythology, permeating various cultures and belief systems throughout history. Proserpina’s abduction by Pluto and her reign in the underworld exemplify her dual role as the Queen of the…
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Neith, also referred to as Net, Neit, or Nit, is among the most ancient deities from Egypt, revered since the Pre-Dynastic Period (circa 6000 – 3150 BCE) and continuing her worship throughout the Ptolemaic Dynasty (323 – 30 BCE), the final dynasty before Roman dominion. As a multifaceted figure, she embodies many roles, including that…
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Eris: The Goddess of Strife in Greek Mythology Eris, known as the embodiment of strife and discord, occupied a significant role within the pantheon of Greek mythology. Commonly associated with conflict and rivalry, she was particularly noted for the turmoil brought forth during the chaos of war. Her character was often linked to bloodshed and…