Ariadne and Theseus are two key characters in the ancient Greek myth of the Minotaur. Ariadne was a princess born on the island of Crete, home to the ancient Minoan civilization that flourished there during the Bronze Age. The modern name for the civilization derives from the mythical King Minos, the father of Ariadne. The […]
Ariadne, Theseus, and the Labyrinth of the Minotaur Read More »
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival honoring the god Saturn. The holiday started with a single day. It eventually stretched to a full week of celebrations. Slaves were given time off of work and gifts were exchanged. Saturnalia was celebrated in December. Many of its traditional practices influenced Christmastime festivities throughout Europe. Saturn Himself Saturn
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Humans have always been fascinated with mythology and folklore. Every culture around the world has its own myths or legends that help to explain the unexplainable. In ancient times, mythological figures were revered as Gods, demons, or heroes, and often taught a moral lesson. Today, many of these myths and legends have found their way
The Legend of Maryland’s Local Cryptid, the Goat Man Read More »
Orichalcum is a semi-mythical metal that was most likely an early form of brass. Its name derives from the ancient Greek words for ‘mountain’ and ‘copper’. Orichalcum was mentioned in several ancient texts, including Plato’s Critias. Plato wrote of orichalcum as being second in value only to gold, but other writers centuries later used the
Real or Fake? Orichalcum, Ancient Metal of Mythical Origins Read More »
The Xoloitzcuintli, better known as a Xolo dog, is an ancient breed that has existed for over three thousand years. Still popular in modern Mexico, this hairless dog takes its name from the Aztec god Xolotl. Xolotl Xolotl was an important Aztec god who guided souls – and the sun – through the underworld. He
Ancient, Hairless Dog of the Gods: the Xolo Dog Read More »
Arya Stark traveled to discover what was west of Westeros when she should have tried looking for what was far north of the known world. Why? Because it’s supposed to be an idyllic place where suffering doesn’t exist. Unfortunately, Hyperborea, or the place far north of the known world, is as real as Arya Stark
The Land of Hyperborea: 7 Interesting Things To Know Read More »
One of the most famous heroes in the Western canon is Heracles, or Roman Hercules. He was a demigod who performed spectacular feats during his lifetime. His tale has been adapted many times by authors and poets through the ages, including in recent years an animated movie produced by Disney, a television series starring Kevin
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Cernunnos, also known as the “Horned One” and “The Lord of the Wilds”, was the god of beasts and wild places in the Celtic world. He was largely worshiped in Gaul. This area was located in the northwest region of Europe. It covered modern-day France and Belgium, although over time his following expanded to the
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In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, M’Baku (played by Winston Duke) delivers a line about the film’s antagonist, Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta). It was delivered in such a way that it stuck with the crowds who saw the film “They do not call him general, or king; they call him Kukulkan, the Feathered Serpent God.”
They Call Him Kukulkan: The Feathered Serpent God Read More »
Bellerophon, whose original name was Hipponous, is a mythical Greek character. He became a great hero, equivalent to Hercules or Perseus. He was born of Poseidon and Eurymone, the daughter of the King of Megara. Eurymone also married King Glaukos, son of Sisyphus. This ties Bellerophon to another major character of Greek mythology. Sisyphus was
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