Anubis: The Ancient Egyptian God of the Afterlife Exploring the beliefs and lore surrounding Anubis, the deity connected with death, mummification, and the Underworld, opens a window into ancient Egyptian culture. Anubis, depicted as a man with the head of a jackal or dog, was regarded as the protector of souls entering the Underworld, known…
In my previous discussion on the deity Ptah, I focused on his appearance and context, akin to a “Spotter’s Guide to Egyptian Deities.” Today, however, I wish to delve into the significance of Ptah and his essential role within the ancient Egyptian belief system. Recognized as a maker of various creations, Ptah’s influence spans both…
Cú Chulainn, pronounced as Koo-kul-in, also known as Cúchulainn, stands as one of the most celebrated figures within Irish-Celtic mythology, prominently featured in the Ulster Cycle. He is the son of Lugh, another legendary hero in Irish lore, and wields the formidable weapon Gáe Bolga, a spear capable of inflicting thirty wounds with a single…
Apollo: The Multifaceted Olympian God Apollo, known in Greek mythology as Apollon, is revered as an Olympian god encompassing a wide range of domains including prophecy, music, poetry, healing, archery, and the protection of the youth. Often represented as an attractive young man with long, flowing hair, his attributes include a laurel wreath, a bow…
Hades: The Underworld in Greek Mythology Hades, known in Greek as δομος Αιδαο (domos Aïdao), represents the realm of the dead, serving as the final abode for souls who have departed this world. It is portrayed as a shadowy, bleak place where spirits wander amongst the gray asphodel fields. Unlike later interpretations that introduced concepts…
Exploring the Themes of Medea Medea, a character marked by intense emotions and extreme actions, embodies the dichotomy of passionate love and vengeful rage. Her initial devotion to Jason leads her to make horrific sacrifices, yet his betrayal triggers a transformation that unleashes her wrath. This play illustrates the consequences of unchecked emotions, a concept…
Irish and Welsh mythology brims with enigmatic and captivating figures, though many narratives have vanished through the passage of time, primarily due to oral traditions and generational storytelling. Among these stories, one has endured partially against the tide of time: the tale of Arawn, the king of the Otherworld in Celtic and Welsh mythology. Arawn…
Rhea, known as Rheia in Greek mythology, holds a pivotal role as the goddess of motherhood, female fertility, and generation, embodying the essence of flow and ease. She was the Titaness and mother of the gods, often depicted as the ever-maternal figure. As the spouse of Kronos (Cronus, representing Time), Rhea symbolized the continuous passage…
Background Medb, a daughter of the king of Tara, controversially made a name for herself by assassinating her sister while she was pregnant. Subsequently, Medb married Aillil and took control of Connacht, land that her sister would have claimed. She rose to prominence as the queen of Connacht, particularly noted for her involvement in the…
Recent research has uncovered fascinating details about a set of exquisite and practical medical instruments utilized by Roman surgeons approximately 2,000 years ago. A team from the University of Exeter in the UK employed advanced scanning technology to study six surgical artifacts, which comprise a bronze scalpel handle, two surgical probes, two needles, and a…