Author: Erlang Shen


  • The Enduring Legacy of Apollo in Roman Mythology

    Overview Apollo, originating from Greek mythology, was revered in Roman culture as the god of music, poetry, and the arts. He was not only a healer and law-giver but also a symbol of order in human society and a fountain of medical wisdom. Known for his prophetic abilities, Apollo was believed to dwell at Delphi,…

  • The Ancient Celtic God Cernunnos: Nature, Fertility, and Artistic Legacy

    Cernunnos, often revered as an ancient Celtic deity, embodies nature, wildlife, and fertility. His depictions throughout various forms of Celtic art frequently showcase him adorned with stag antlers or horns, coupled with a torc around his neck. Despite the scarcity of concrete details regarding his worship or representations, notable artifacts such as the Gundestrup Cauldron,…

  • The Rise and Fall of Mithras: An Exploration of a Roman Cult

    In the 1st century AD, a novel religious movement took root within the Roman Empire, dedicated to the veneration of Mithras. This religion, rooted in a Roman interpretation of the Indo-Iranian god Mithra, attracted followers who were thought to engage in esoteric rituals and possessed insight into the universe’s enigmatic wisdom. The emergence of Mithraism…

  • Taranis stands out as one of the most fascinating and formidable deities in the Celtic pantheon. Revered as the god of thunder, lightning, and storms, he is frequently represented alongside a wheel, symbolizing the celestial authority of storms and possibly linking him to the cycle of seasons or the celestial wheel. Taranis: The Thunder God…

  • The Whimsical Guardian Bes: A Unique Deity of Ancient Egypt

    As surprising as it may appear, the seemingly unattractive demon known as Bes held a special place as a beloved guardian of home and childbirth. Remarkably, he was also credited with curing impotence. The Unconventional Guardian Upon discovering the striking block carving of Bes in Dendera’s courtyard, it became clear why he is so memorable.…

  • Understanding the Deity Osiris in Ancient Egypt

    Osiris is revered as one of the principal deities of ancient Egypt, embodying complex themes of fertility and the afterlife. Initially, he was a local deity linked to Busiris in Lower Egypt, possibly representing the fertility of the underworld. By around 2400 BCE, Osiris was firmly established in dual roles: as a deity of fertility…

  • Clíodhna, often recognized as the legendary Queen of the Banshees, is intricately linked with the southern regions of Ireland, especially Cork. Regarded as a deity of love and beauty, she is often depicted alongside three enchanting birds whose melodious tunes possess the power to heal ailments. Those fortunate enough to hear them would be lulled…

  • Aengus: The Irish Deity of Love and Poetry

    Overview of Aengus: The Irish God of Poetry and Love Aengus, often referred to as the Young One, stands as the Irish deity associated with poetry and love. Renowned for his creativity and cleverness, he was a product of his father’s charisma, the Dagda. Aengus played an essential role as a bard among the Tuatha…

  • Zhu Ba Jie: The Comical Pig Demon on a Pilgrimage

    Zhu Ba Jie: The Endearing Pig Demon of Legend Name Meaning and Origin Zhu Ba Jie is a character featuring a name steeped in meaning. “Zhu” translates to “pig,” while “Ba” represents the number eight, and “Jie” refers to prohibitions. This name was conferred upon him by Tang San Zang once he became his second…

  • The Tales of Aengus: Guardian of Love and Youth

    Aengus, one of the renowned and enigmatic figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann, represents a legendary lineage that once graced Ireland, enriching its culture. This ancient race was eventually revered as deities, yet their interpretation of divinity in early pagan Ireland differed significantly from contemporary views. The name Aengus can be interpreted as “the chosen…