Author: Erlang Shen
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Sun Wukong, a remarkable simian character endowed with human-like traits and abilities, stands out as one of the most cherished and enduring figures in Chinese literature. Known as the Monkey King, he wields a magical staff and possesses extraordinary powers, originating from the classic 16th-century text, Journey to the West. Since his introduction, Sun Wukong…
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Asana stands out as an exceptional project management tool, a sentiment I may feel inclined to support due to my role within the company. It serves as a unified platform for my team, ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities and deadlines. By tracking our tasks, we maintain a clear direction towards our collective objectives.…
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Amun, known through various names such as Amon or Amun-Ra, is a significant deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, recognized as the god of the sun and air. His veneration began in Thebes, emerging as a prominent divine figure around the onset of the New Kingdom (circa 1570-1069 BCE). Throughout this era, the Amun cult flourished…
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Celtic religion encompasses the spiritual beliefs and customs of the ancient Celtic people. The Celts, an Indo-European group, saw their cultural and territorial height during the 4th century BC, dominating areas from Britain to Asia Minor. However, from the 3rd century BC, their fortunes began to decline, culminating in Julius Caesar’s conquest of Gaul between…
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The Roman deity Quirinus occupies a pivotal role in the realm of ancient Roman mythology and religion, richly embedded in the spiritual and cultural life of the Romans. His ties to Mars, the formidable god of war, coupled with his worship on Quirinal Hill in Rome, highlight his significance. Quirinus, mythologically linked with Romulus—the legendary…
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Hades, known as Pluto in Roman mythology, ruled the Greek underworld, representing the realm of the deceased in both Greek and Roman traditions. Unlike modern interpretations that often equate the underworld with Hell and its governing deity as a figure of malice, the ancient Greeks and Romans viewed Hades as a dark but necessary domain…
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Hephaestus and His Romantic Entanglements Hephaestus, known as Hêphaistos in Greek, served as the Olympian god emblematic of fire, metalworking, craftsmanship, and stonemasonry. This ancient figure’s romantic involvements are a topic of significant narrative interest, with several connections highlighted distinctly in mythological texts. Although some of his liaisons remain largely genealogical with no elaborate tales,…
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Achilleus serves as the focal point in Homer’s Iliad, embodying a complex blend of heroism and antiheroism. The narrative begins with a powerful invocation: “Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilleus, son of Peleus.” This rage defines Achilleus and leads to catastrophic outcomes for the Achaeans, resulting in the deaths of many heroes and leaving them…
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Years ago, I had the fortune of befriending George, a historian with a keen interest in ancient Celtic culture and myths. During our discussions in a pub, he passionately shared the lesser-known stories of Celtic deities associated with creativity – specifically, the god Gobhniu and his divine companions, Luchta and Creidhne. Enthralled by their captivating…
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Introduction to Ceres: The Roman Goddess of Agriculture Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain and agricultural fertility, encompasses broader connections with femininity, motherhood, the underworld, civil order, and the defense of the plebeians. A significant aspect of her mythology aligns closely with the Greek goddess Demeter, particularly in her narrative of mourning for her daughter,…