Welsh mythology includes stories of kings, warriors, and magic users, often following family lines, and featuring creatures like dragons, giants, and fairies. The Mabinogion contains 11 well-preserved stories, while The White Book of Rhydderch and The Red Book of Hergest are among the oldest collections. The Arthurian legends may have originated in these stories. There […]
Scandinavian mythology includes myths and folktales from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and other regions. It influenced neighboring Slavic mythology and was influenced by Greco-Roman traditions. Surviving texts were written by Christians, potentially with bias. The cosmos is divided into realms, with Midgard being the human realm. The pantheon of gods was headed by Odin and included […]
There are multiple figures in Greek mythology named Diomedes, including a Trojan War hero who founded cities in Italy and a giant who owned man-eating horses captured by Hercules. The Trojan War hero was favored by Athena and eventually granted immortality, but returned home to find his wife unfaithful and lost his throne. The two […]
Hindu mythology is the dominant set of beliefs and traditions in the Indian subcontinent, including legends of gods and heroes in ancient texts. Karma and dharma are important concepts, and Vishnu is a supreme being who can manifest as various avatars. Reincarnation is also a key belief. Hinduism has influenced other religions and has been […]
Chinese mythology includes a diverse pantheon of deities, creatures, and enlightened people, drawing from Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist beliefs. Pangu created the universe and Fuxi and Nuwa created humanity. The Jade Emperor rules heaven and rewards those who follow moral values. The dragon is a benevolent symbol of wind and water, and one of the […]
Dragons in mythology vary depending on the culture. In European mythology, they are often villains, while in Chinese and Asian myths, they represent strength and protection. Dragons are found in the myths of cultures worldwide and are often associated with supernatural powers. They have influenced art and literature, including JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit and JK […]
Wolves in mythology are often portrayed as evil and dangerous, but some Native American tribes revere them as nurturing and even the creators of humans. European and Asian legends also depict wolves as heroic or nurturing figures, but also as bloodthirsty and demonic. Wolves in mythology are often portrayed as cunning and evil harbingers of […]
Roman mythology was heavily influenced by Greek culture, with the Romans incorporating Greek gods into their own religion. The founding of Rome is a central myth, featuring the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, born from the union between Rhea Silvia and the god Mars. Romulus killed Remus and founded Rome with refugees and criminals, later […]
The Sumerians were an ancient people who formed independent city-states ruled by a king and had a theocratic society. They believed in multiple gods, including local gods who represented people. The Sumerians developed the first writing system, cuneiform, and produced a large body of literature and visual art. Their mythology greatly influenced other civilizations in […]
Teaching mythology can be enhanced by combining basics with creativity, allowing students to explore and retain knowledge more effectively. Tips can be applied to any type of mythology, with background information provided before introducing creative activities such as research papers, letter-writing, games, and artistic projects. There are many possibilities and tips for successfully teaching mythology […]
Underworld mythology can be divided into two categories: those based on a person’s actions in life and those for all the dead. Many cultures had early concepts of an underworld where all the dead would congregate. Underworld mythology refers to where people’s spirits go after death. Some mythologies had a single underworld, while others had […]
Daedalus and his son Icarus were imprisoned in a labyrinth by Minos, but Daedalus created wings made of wax and feathers to escape. Icarus flew too close to the sun, causing the wax to melt and him to fall to his death. The story has been depicted in art and inspired the name of an […]
Hippolyta was a powerful woman who ruled over the Amazons, a tribe of warrior women. She was involved in battles, including the Amazonomachy, and was abducted by Theseus in some stories. Hippolyta also appears in the legends of the labors of Hercules. It’s possible that a fierce tribe of women did exist, inspiring people to […]
Comparative mythology studies different mythologies to understand cultures and humanity. It involves comparing similar stories and finding common themes. Creation myths are a common concept studied, such as the Japanese and Norse myths. Comparative mythology helps understand how cultures use myths to explain the world. Comparative mythology is the study of the mythologies of different […]
Roman and Greek mythology share similarities, but differences go beyond just renaming central characters. Greek mythology is a Hellenistic soap opera, while Roman mythology merged with Greek over time. Differences include the roles of Ares and Mars, with the latter being a multitasking god who used war to talk about peace. Other differences include personality […]
Demons are present in the mythology of many cultures, with various hierarchies and classifications. They possess supernatural powers and can be either friendly or evil. Demonic possession is a common theme, and they are used to explain natural phenomena. Christian demons are fallen angels, while in Islam they are known as jinn. Demons play an […]
