-
Greek mythology comprises a rich tapestry of myths associated with ancient Greek deities, heroes, and rituals. These stories, although often understood as fictional by more discerning philosophers like Plato during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, were predominantly accepted as factual within popular Greek culture. The enchanting tales of Greek myth have significantly influenced Western…
-
Greek mythology encompasses a collection of narratives revolving around deities, heroes, and the associated rituals of ancient Greek civilization, as well as Classical antiquity. While intellectually inclined Greeks, like philosopher Plato during the 5th–4th century BCE, acknowledged the mythical narratives contained fictional elements, the general populace embraced these myths as factual representations shaping their religious…
-
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,…
-
The ancient Egyptian pantheon featured a diverse array of deities, each closely integrated into the daily lives of the people. The gods and goddesses fulfilled specific roles associated with key aspects of existence such as death, birth, seasonal changes, agriculture, and luck. The Egyptians engaged in worship practices that included offering reverence and sacrifices to…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
The selected plays within this collection illustrate a diverse range of themes and methods for reinterpreting “Medea” in contemporary settings. Many modern renditions interpret the narrative as a representation of the power dynamics between the oppressed and their oppressors, highlighting conflicts such as women against men and foreigners versus locals. Adaptations often transport the story…
