Author: Erlang Shen
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The figure of Cupid typically brings to mind the image of a chubby baby brandishing a bow and arrow, but this association did not always exist. Before the Romans transitioned and rebranded him, Cupid was originally recognized by the Greeks as Eros, the striking and attractive god of love. Cupid in Greek Mythology Hesiod was…
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Eros, the Greek deity of love, embodies passionate desire in all its complexities. He strikes unexpectedly, inducing a whirlwind of emotions that confound and overwhelm those he targets. Hesiod’s portrayal of Eros in “Theogony” characterizes him as a force that “loosens the limbs and weakens the mind.” In ancient Greek art, Eros is frequently depicted…
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Samhain: The Arrival of Winter November 1st marks the arrival of Samhain, signifying the literal “end of summer.” October 31st heralds the conclusion of the Celtic calendar and the beginning of winter, a moment for introspection. On this significant day, people believed that their ancestors would traverse the veil between life and death, returning to…
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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,…