Author: Erlang Shen


  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Ceres: The Roman Goddess of Agriculture and Fertility

    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,…

  • Belenos: The Bright Deity of Light and Prophecy

    Belenos: The Gaulish God of Light Overview Belenos, pronounced as BEL-en-ohs, is a notable Gaulish deity associated with brightness and light. His name, which can also be found under variations like Beli, Beli Mawr, and Belinus, suggests a meaning linked to illumination, emphasizing his role in celestial energies. Cultural Connections Primarily regarded as the Gaulish…

  • Explore the enchanting tales and narratives surrounding Ogma, the Celtic deity famous for his eloquence, wisdom, and might. This compelling figure is immortalized in various myths that exhibit his heroic deeds, linguistic accomplishments, and interactions with other legendary beings. Journey through the rich tapestry of Celtic mythology, uncovering the significance of Ogma’s presence, as we…

  • Serket: The Guardian Goddess of Ancient Egypt Serket, known variously as Serqet, Selkis, and Selket, is a revered goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology, symbolizing protection and intricately associated with scorpions. Her worship gained prominence in Lower Egypt during the Predynastic Period (circa 6000 – 3150 BCE), establishing her as one of Egypt’s ancient deities. Serket…

  • The Complexity and Legacy of Venus: Goddess of Love

    The Complexity and Legacy of Venus: Goddess of Love Venus embodies the essence of adult love, characterized by impulsiveness, passion, and even jealousy. Her personality traits vary so widely that she often seems to be a collection of different characters across various myths. This variation aptly reflects the multifaceted nature of both Venus and, more…

  • The Myths and Legacy of Ceres: Goddess of Agriculture

    Ceres, revered as the goddess of agriculture and harvest in Roman mythology, wielded great influence over crop abundance and fertility. She was both a nurturer and a punisher: her blessings ensured bountiful harvests, while her anger could lead to famine or droughts. Often portrayed as a matronly figure, Ceres was typically associated with symbols such…

  • Explore the Mystique of Kelpies: A Look at the Celtic Kelpie Watercolor Art Print

    Celtic Kelpie Watercolor Art Print Overview About Kelpies Kelpies, the notorious spirits from Scottish folklore, hold a fearsome reputation for rendering waters treacherous. Historically, these beings were imagined as shape-shifting males adorned in blue, later transitioning into female figures in popular narratives. The sound of their tails striking the water echoed like thunder, and they…

  • Navigating Access to Oxford Academic Content

    Accessing Content on Oxford Academic Gaining access to content on Oxford Academic is typically facilitated through institutional subscriptions. If you belong to an institution that maintains an active subscription, you can explore the content in various ways: IP-Based Access Access is usually granted through the institutional network, enabling various IP addresses to authenticate automatically. With…