Author: Erlang Shen
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The Multifaceted Role of Hermes in Greek Mythology Hermes, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, served as the Olympian god associated with several realms. He was revered as the deity of herds and flocks, travelers, hospitality, trade, thievery, cunning, heraldry, language, athletics, and even astrology. Acting as Zeus’s personal messenger, Hermes was also tasked with…
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Tefnut: The Goddess of Water and Moisture in Egyptian Mythology Overview In the realm of Egyptian mythology, Tefnut stands out as the goddess associated with water, humidity, and sustenance. Often recognized alongside concepts of dryness and the sun, she is recognized as both a creative force and a nurturing presence, revered as the mother of…
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Faunus, a horned god associated with the wilderness, meadows, and agricultural fields in ancient Roman culture, held additional significance as Inuus, particularly concerning the impregnation of cattle. Over time, he began to be linked to the Greek deity Pan in various literary works. Recognized as one of the early di indigetes in Roman religious tradition,…
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Meretseger: Guardian of the Theban Necropolis Meretseger, an esteemed deity dedicated to safeguarding the Valleys of the Kings and Queens in western Thebes, inhabited a pyramid-like desert mountain teeming with snakes—one of the portals to the Egyptian underworld. Her name, meaning “she who loves silence,” resonates perfectly with her role as a goddess of the…
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Lir, a notable figure in Irish mythology, is famously recognized as the father of the children who were transformed into swans due to the nefarious actions of their stepmother, Aoife, in the narrative known as “The Children of Lir.” This is a tale I share sparingly, often referring to it simply as “Aoife’s Tale.” To…
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The Goddess Hestia: Guardian of the Hearth Hestia, the embodiment of the hearth, both at home and in the community, is revered as a virgin goddess in ancient Greek mythology. She is intimately connected with the family unit, overseeing the preparation of meals and the cooking of bread. Additionally, Hestia is the overseer of the…
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Artemis: The Goddess of Hunting and Childbirth Artemis, revered as the Olympian goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and wild creatures, also held the significant roles of goddess of childbirth and protector of young girls until marriage. Her twin brother, Apollo, mirrored this protective aspect for boys, showcasing a duality in their divine nature. Both deities…
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Understanding Ancient Egyptian Religion Ancient Egyptian religion encompasses the indigenous spiritual beliefs held in Egypt from the predynastic era, around the fourth millennium BCE, until the gradual decline of traditional practices in the early centuries CE. This religious framework was deeply embedded in the fabric of Egyptian society, particularly from around 3000 BCE onwards. While…
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Amon, an Egyptian deity recognized as the sovereign of the gods, has his origins rooted in the Hermopolite creation narrative, where he was one of the eight primary deities. His worship gained prominence in Thebes, ultimately making him the divine protector of the pharaohs by the time of Mentuhotep I (2008–1957 BCE). During this period,…
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Seshat: The Feminine Scribe of Ancient Egypt Seshat, revered as the feminine partner of Thoth the Scribe, embodies the essence of wisdom and creativity in Egyptian mythology. Known for intimately linking with the cosmic narrative of humanity’s journey through time, Seshat stands alongside other mystical figures like Isis and Hermes. Often referred to as the…