Mythology
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The ancient Romans viewed the world as animated by a divine essence (numen, plural: numina) that infused every object with life. This notion extended even to inanimate entities such as rocks and trees, reflecting a rich history of animistic belief that considered various elements of nature to possess their own spirits. These spirits were seen…
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Ah, the intertwined concepts of mother figures and mythology. It is a theme that resonates through numerous mythological narratives across cultures. Prominent examples include Isis and Mut from Egyptian mythology, Parvati in Hindu traditions, and Rhea in Greek mythology, with her Roman counterpart being Ops. The presence of a mother goddess at the forefront of…
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Learning how to pronounce the name Niamh correctly can be quite important, especially if you encounter it in everyday conversation or in literature. Niamh, a name with deep Irish roots, is often pronounced as “Neev.” This name, derived from Old Irish, is predominantly used as a feminine given name and is associated with characteristics such…
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Taranis stands out as a fascinating and formidable entity within the Celtic pantheon. As the god of thunder, lightning, and storms, he is characteristically depicted alongside a wheel, which symbolizes the celestial aspect of thunderstorms and may indicate a connection to the cycles of nature. Understanding Taranis Taranis: The Wheel God The title of the…
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Reflections on Love in Hadestown A few months ago, I finally caught a showing of the acclaimed Tony-winning musical Hadestown, and it was the key dramatic moment that truly validated the experience. The musical reimagines the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a gritty, dystopian present fraught with hungry artists and environmental disarray. It opens…
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The tales of Fionn Mac Cumhaill are ingrained in Irish mythology, captivating the imaginations of many since childhood. Known alternatively as Finn McCool, the stories that celebrate his legendary escapades abound, stretching from the enchanting Giant’s Causeway to the remarkable Salmon of Knowledge. This article delves deeply into the life and adventures of this iconic…
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In the realm of Greek mythology, the Titan Atlas is renowned for his role in supporting the sky, a heavy responsibility imposed upon him by Zeus as a consequence of his rebellion alongside the Titans against the Olympian gods. Atlas, often regarded as a symbol of endurance and wisdom, is also celebrated as an early…
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Character Analyses from the Iliad Achilles Achilles, the renowned Greek hero, is the offspring of the immortal sea goddess Thetis and the mortal Peleus. As the commander of the Myrmidons, he stands out in the Iliad as the most formidable warrior, possessing an almost mythical invulnerability except for his heel, the part of his body…
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Ancient Celtic symbols hold significant value in both Irish and Scottish cultures, embodying various aspects of life and spiritual beliefs. These symbols feature prominently in diverse forms of art, jewelry, and other artifacts cherished by those of Celtic ancestry. Some of the most recognized symbols include the Claddagh ring, the Celtic knot, the Triquetra, the…
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Greek mythology consists of a vast collection of tales that explore the gods, heroes, and rituals of ancient Greece and its classical heritage. Although philosophers such as Plato acknowledged the fictional elements within these myths as early as the 5th–4th century BCE, the myths themselves were generally perceived as true by the majority of the…
