Author: Erlang Shen
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Ma’at, the revered goddess of ancient Egypt, embodies truth, justice, and balance, concepts intricately woven into the tapestry of Egyptian culture. First documented during the Old Kingdom (2613 – 2181 BCE), her essence likely existed even before this period. This divine figure is typically portrayed as a woman with outstretched wings, adorned with an ostrich…
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One of the most celebrated figures in literary history appears in the renowned Chinese classic Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西遊記, 1592 CE). This epic recounts the escapades of Sun Wukong (孫悟空), also known as “Monkey,” an immortal simian with extraordinary abilities obtained through spiritual practice, who challenges the authority of heaven. Similar to figures…
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The Irish cultural landscape is deeply intertwined with the concept of death, which resonates profoundly through history and mythology. The connection between the living, the deceased, and the mourners is uniquely expressed in the Irish wake, where the mortal realm and the afterlife coalesce. It is said, according to Kevin Toolis, a Scottish journalist, that…
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Eris: The Goddess of Discord Eris, often referred to as the personification of strife and discord, was a pivotal figure in Greek mythology. Known for inciting contention and rivalry, she was particularly associated with warfare and was fond of reveling in the chaos and carnage of battle. Her presence was considered a harbinger of conflict,…
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Erebus, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, embodies a dark aspect of the underworld and represents the concept of darkness itself. He is considered a primordial being, emerging in the ancient creation narratives as one of the earliest deities. Erebus is depicted as the offspring of Chaos, who is also the progenitor of his consort…
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Photo: Hannah Whitaker/New York Magazine There are few motivations strong enough to compel me to tidy my desk, but Anne Carson’s latest book, “Nox,” achieved just that. The moment I encountered its presence, I felt an overwhelming desire to declutter my workspace, clearing away an assortment of notes, receipts, magazines, and other detritus. This reaction…
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The enchanting tales from Irish and Celtic mythology offer a profound glimpse into the human experience through stories of love and loss. One such narrative from the Fenian Cycle is the poignant tale of Niamh and Oisín. After a fierce battle, Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Fianna found themselves weary and grieving the loss of…
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Geb holds a significant role in ancient Egyptian mythology as one of the most esteemed deities. Sometimes referred to as Seb or Keb, his name can be interpreted as “the lame one” although he stands as an essential and powerful god-king in the Egyptian pantheon. In the eyes of ancient Egyptians, Geb represented the earth…
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Ares, the Greek deity of war, is often regarded as one of the least favored figures among the Olympian gods, primarily due to his impulsive nature, aggressive demeanor, and insatiable desire for battle. His mythos includes a series of notable events, such as his romantic involvement with Aphrodite, clashes with the hero Hercules, and a…
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Eros, in Greek mythology, epitomizes the god of love, emphasizing passionate and physical desire. This deity strikes unexpectedly at the hearts of individuals, eliciting chaotic emotions and profound feelings. As Hesiod notably described, Eros has the power to “loosen the limbs and weaken the mind.” In artistic representations, Eros is frequently depicted as a carefree…