Author: Erlang Shen
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Cred, renowned in Scottish and Irish mythology, is often depicted as a fairy queen, a prophetess, or a lovesick mortal queen. One of the most captivating tales surrounding her involves her passionate romance with Cano mac Gartnain, a dashing warrior from Scotland. Cred went by several names, including Credhne, Credhe, Creidhne, and Credne. She was…
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The figure of Bacchus holds a prominent place in mythology as the Roman deity of wine, agriculture, fertility, and festivity. As part of the Roman pantheon, Bacchus, also recognized as Liber Pater, embodies a blend of the beliefs surrounding both Roman and Greek traditions, making it complex to disentangle the narratives and attributes of Bacchus…
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Dionysus: The God of Wine and Ecstasy Dionysus, also known as Bacchus or Liber, stands as the Olympian deity embodying wine, vegetation, joy, revelry, madness, and unrestrained ecstasy. In classical arts, he is typically illustrated either as an older bearded figure or as a youthful, almost androgynous young man. His defining symbols encompass the thyrsos—…
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Greek mythology encompasses an extensive array of narratives involving deities, heroes, and ancient rituals, originating from the Greek civilization and extending through Classical antiquity. Although some philosophers, such as Plato from the 5th–4th century BCE, acknowledged that these myths contained imaginative elements, the general populace regarded them as authentic accounts, deeply embedded in their cultural…
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Overview of Ancient Egyptian Religion Ancient Egyptian religion embodies the indigenous beliefs that prevailed in Egypt from its earliest days in the 4th millennium BCE until the drop of traditional practices in the early centuries CE. The correlation of religious beliefs and practices with the societal structure during its historical development—especially from around 3000 BCE—was…
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Nike: The Winged Goddess of Victory Nike, or Nicé in some texts, embodies the concept of victory—both in combat and during competitions of a peaceful nature. During the tumultuous era of the Titan War, she became an essential ally for Zeus after Styx presented her alongside her siblings: Zelos (Rivalry), Kratos (Strength), and Bia (Force).…
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The Legacy of Zeus in Greek Mythology Zeus, the principal figure in ancient Greek mythology, is acknowledged as the supreme god of the pantheon, embodying the forces of the sky and weather, akin to the Roman deity Jupiter. His name possibly derives from Dyaus, the sky god from the ancient Hindu text, the Rigveda. Revered…
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Aife, a majestic queen from the Otherworld, was a formidable warrior in Scotland. Her fighting prowess paralleled that of Cuchulainn, the legendary Irish hero. Their paths crossed during a fleeting affair while Cuchulainn was being trained by Scathach on the Isle of Skye. However, upon returning to Ireland to marry his true love, Emer, Cuchulainn…
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Scottish Kelpies often stand out as one of the most iconic figures in folklore, recognized not only for their beauty but also their perilous nature. These mythical beings inhabit regions across Scotland near lochs and rivers and should be approached with caution. So, what exactly are Kelpies, and how can one steer clear of these…
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Eris: The Goddess of Discord Eris, the embodiment of strife and discord, is a notable figure in Greek mythology. Often associated with the tumult of warfare, she took pleasure in chaos and carnage. Eris stands out as the only deity excluded from the wedding of Peleus and Thetis due to her contentious nature. Angered by…