Author: Erlang Shen
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Overview of the Cult of Tellus and Ancient Festivals Tellus is the revered Italian deity representing mother earth, also referred to as Tellus Mater. This goddess was engaged in rituals during seismic events, with her ancient temple in Rome established in 268 B.C. following an earthquake during warfare. Tellus played a significant role in oaths,…
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This blog could easily be dubbed “Writing my gardening blog in advance while enjoying the sights of Rome!” Had I not been in the enchanting city, I would have attended the inaugural RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. You surely would have appreciated the Plews perspective featuring the picturesque Derbyshire hills framing the garden displays and floral…
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Earlier in the week, an intriguing paper by an associate named Athanaricus surfaced, proposing a novel linguistic interpretation of the Roman deity Quirinus. The argument drawn upon the Proto-Indo-European term Perkwunos, suggesting a connection between this enigmatic Roman figure and the concept of the Striker or Thunderer. While I lack the linguistic expertise to delve…
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Rhiannon holds a significant place in the early narratives and myths of Britain, particularly in the Mabinogi. These tales were compiled during the 12th and 13th centuries from earlier oral traditions by Welsh writers of the medieval era. Rhiannon is recognized as the Celtic goddess associated with the moon, and her name translates to ‘Divine…
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Aker, also referred to as Akeru, stands out as one of the earliest deities in ancient Egypt, predating many other earth gods such as Geb. He served as a personification of the horizon and held a vital role as the protector of the eastern and western horizons in the afterlife. Aker was responsible for opening…
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Zhu Bajie, widely recognized as Zhu Ganglie or Zhu Wuneng, is a pivotal character from the legendary Chinese literature piece, Journey to the West, along with its various adaptations. Initially, in the narrative, he takes on an antagonistic role until his eventual redemption through the influence of companions like Sun Wukong and Xuanzang. In the…
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Apollo Grannus: An Overview of a Complex Deity Introduction to Apollo Grannus The Roman general Julius Caesar, reflecting on the beliefs of the Gallic people, noted that they revered a variety of deities, including Apollo, who was thought to provide protection against diseases. This notion, while insightful, simplifies the multifaceted nature of Apollo, particularly in…
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Jason, an unconventional figure in mythology, led the Argonauts in their fabled quest for the Golden Fleece. Born to Aeson and Alcimede in Iolcus, Jason was to inherit the throne, but his half-uncle Pelias seized it. Concerned about a prophecy foretelling his downfall, Pelias sought to distance Jason, tasking him with the daunting mission of…
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Ancient Egyptian religion encapsulates the indigenous beliefs of Egypt, extending from predynastic times in the 4th millennium BCE to the eventual decline of traditional culture in the early centuries CE. For a comprehensive understanding of this historical context, one may refer to the broader history of Egypt. Nature and Importance The ancient Egyptians integrated their…
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Arena’s engaging work seeks to explore the ideations surrounding the concept of libertas and how these ideas interlinked with political practices during the late Roman Republic. The author emphasizes Cicero’s oratory and other historical sources such as Sallust, Plutarch, and Dio, positing that a common understanding of liberty among political participants in this era corresponded…