- Home
- Humanities
- Mythology
Mythology
Rig or Heimdall: One God, Two Names (Plus Controversy)
Old Gods of mythologies rarely cause modern-day controversy. However, a Nordic deity known by two names managed to do just that. From justifying a caste system to infuriating a modern right-wing group, Rig/Heimdall has had a profound effect on today's society.
Jupiter, Roman King of the Gods
In Roman mythology, Jupiter was a sky god, the sky father, who was regarded as the king of all the gods. Apart from having a planet named after him, what else is there to know about Jupiter, also known as Luppiter and Jove?
Legends, Folktales and Myths of Petrification
This article takes a look at some of the legends and folktales of people and mythological creatures being turned into stone, from ancient Greece to Medieval Europe.
The History of Christmas Traditions: The Yule Log
Whether cut from a tree in the woods or created in today’s kitchen, the Yule Log has long been a part of the holiday season.
6 Folktales About Black Dogs
Tales and Legends of Black Dogs abound throughout the British Isles and beyond. Here are six such stories concerning these mysterious creatures.
The Myth of La Llorona: A Story of Colonialism and Patriarchy
La Llorona is a mythical figure in Mexican culture. The legend of La Llorona is interesting because it reveals the problematic aspects of the colonial and patriarchal systems set in place in Mexico. Thus, it is no surprise that its figure has been reclaimed and vindicated in other cultural spaces.
Creatures From Mythology and Folklore Similar to Slender Man
This article discusses the Slender Man phenomenon and then delves into some little-known mythical creatures similar to Slender Man.
Aztec Creation Story for Kids: Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl
This article discusses the major parts and characters of the Aztec creation story, and also presents a specific version for kids.
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King: Chinese Stories for Kids
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King story from 'Journey to the West' is epic. This kids’ version is about his early years when he acquired supernatural powers.
Lyonesse: Exploring the Origins of the Flood Myth
The Arthurian myth of the lost kingdom of Lyonesse is a romantic legend. Or is there more to it? Could mythology be telling us about an ancient flood catastrophe?
What Are Cryptids and Do They Exist?
This article seeks to answer the question: What are cryptids and do they actually exist? Read on for the answers to these and other cryptozoology questions.
Chinese Gods of Hell: An Introduction and Listing
Chinese Gods of Hell are fearsome but rarely regarded as evil or demonic. Instead, they are responsible for punishing the unvirtuous and sinful.
The Folklore of Cats
For thousands of years, various cultures have devised mythologies involving cats, some good and some bad.
Mot: The Canaanite God of Death
This article covers the history and mythology of Mot. While not the most well-known ancient god, he is certainly an influential one (even today).
The Deadliest Monsters in World Mythology
The deadliest monsters in world mythology all share one trait. They are capable of massacring entire cities, or nations, anytime they wish to.
Five Mystical Forests of Europe
Throughout time, forests have always spoken to our sense of the mysterious. Their use in legends, myths and fantasy literature attests to this. Some woods, however, have such a history within our story traditions that they have become almost mystery-embodied. Here are five such ancient forests.
Top 15 Most Powerful Mythological Weapons
From a golden rod that can pin the seas to an arrow that results in extinction. What are the most powerful mythological weapons in our world?
Know Your Goddess of Dawn: 10 Interesting Facts About Eos
More about the story behind Eos, the Goddess of Dawn with 10 interesting facts
Mimir, the Wise God
Mimir may have been a minor character in Norse Mythology who met a gruesome fate; however, time has been good to him. Embraced by a comic book universe and an interactive game, Mimir may be smart enough to be relevant in the years to come.
Elephant Folklore
Both African and Asian elephants are tied to many folklore and religious beliefs.
The Folklore of Bats: From Mythology to Witchcraft to Fact
The only mammals that can fly are the subject of weird mythologies and massive misinformation.
The Lost and Mysterious City of Biringan
The City of Biringan is a popular urban legend about, generally, a phantom city of the magical and mystical Engkantos, spirits and elementals that are deeply rooted in the country's ancient animistic and religious cultures, with legends and folklores and mythologies rooted in anitism.
Bakunawa: The Tale of a Dragon and Seven Moons
The Bakunawa is a dragon in Philippine mythology that is often represented as a gigantic sea serpent. It is believed to be the cause of eclipses.
The Legend of Pig-Faced Women
In the 17th and 18th centuries, stories circulated around Europe that some women had pig’s heads instead of human ones.
The Thunderbird in Native American Culture
The Native American’s believed the Thunderbird could control the weather and shoot lightning. This article teaches you about this legendary bird.
What Is a Wendigo? All About the Algonquian Legend
What is a Wendigo? A Native American legend also depicted in movies and books, the Wendigo is a beastly spirit with an insatiable appetite for human flesh.
Creatures and Characters From Welsh Mythology
An introduction to some of the most interesting characters and creatures from Welsh folklore and mythology.
Creatures and Characters in Scottish Mythology
An introduction to some of the most interesting characters and creatures from Scottish folklore and mythology.
9 East Asian Vampires That Will Horrify You
Even Dracula will keep away from these nine terrifying East Asian vampires. Worse, many of these monstrosities from Asian folktales specifically prey on children too.
9 Gods of Healing From World Mythologies and Religions
Humans have long sought protection and recovery from diseases from gods of healing. Several of the nine outlined here are also still actively worshiped today.
9 Ancient Plague Gods and Demons to Know and Fear
These nine plague gods and demons have terrified mankind since antiquity. Are modern epidemics still the handiwork of these dreaded deities?
A Field Guide to Fairies: Aillen Mac Midhna
Armed with a magical mantle, a pipe, and timpan, this Chief among the Aos Sí would come each year at Samhain to burn Tara. Were there any among the men of Ireland that could stop him?
A Field Guide to Fairies - Merrows
Ireland's Mer-folk often interact with us simple mortals. But beware, for Merrows may have a tendency to collect human souls!
A Field Guide to Fairies - Abbey Lubbers
Wreaking havoc, tempting monks into bad behaviour, and other general mischief, the Abbey Lubber is one fairy that won't be tamed with bread and honey!
Dragons in Greek Mythology
Dragons are well known in Greek mythology. There are four dragon-like beasts more well-known than all the rest — Typhon, the father of all monsters, Lernaean Hydra, whose heads multiply, Python, who lives in the center of the earth, and Ladon, guardian of the Golden Apples.
Madder-Akka Goddess and Protector of Babies
Mythological goddess are just as vital to traditions and customs as their male counterparts. Madder-Akka is a prime example. Her unique task was to inspire names for newborns, but she was a lot more to the ancient people of the Lapland and Baltic regions.
12 Magical Weapons From Japanese Mythology to Know About
Like other cultures, Japanese mythology is full of legendary magical weapons. Here are 12 of the most famous and renowned ones.
Jumala: That’s Finnish for God
In the Finnish language, Jumala means “god”. Also, it refers to any god including the Christian Jehovah. However, Jumala was once a god in his own right. Moreover, the original gods associated with the word have become part of a realm within a superhero universe.
USO: The Mystery Under the Waves
Reports of mysterious objects emerging from the ocean depths have had as long a history as its “flying” counterpart. So, what are they?
50 Legendary Artifacts From Chinese Legends, Mythology, and Fantasy Sagas
50 legendary artifacts and magical weapons from Chinese legends, mythology, and classic fantasy sagas such as Journey to the West.
Raven Folklore
In Europe, ravens are seen as harbingers of misfortune while to North America’s Indigenous people they are central to creation myths.
88 Chinese Mythical Creatures to Know About
88 Chinese mythical creatures, demons, and monsters to know about. The great Middle Kingdom is positively full of such fantastical beings.
108 Chinese Mythological Gods and Characters to Know About
108 Chinese mythological gods, immortals, and characters for your creative needs. Use these in your video games, fantasy stories, RPG campaigns, whichever way you see fit!
Nagas in Asian Mythology
When you travel in Asia you'll serpent-like creatures everywhere, especially at religious sites. The Naga is a famous mythological creature in Eastern religions and society.
Top 10 Lesser Known Cryptids From Around the World
There are a lot of strange creatures and in this world but many of them are not discussed. This list of the lesser known cryptids will help you learn about just a few of the mysteries nature as giving us to explore.
The Heart—Symbolism and Mythology
Does our intelligence reside in our hearts or in our brains? Since ancient times, the heart has been valued as the seat of our consciousness and morality, so what are the myths and symbols used to define this vital organ. How has the symbol developed over time? Do we have a 'heart-brain'?
100 Most Powerful Gods and Goddesses of War
From Ares and Athena to Xipe Totec and Zabba, explore the greatest warrior gods and goddesses from around the world.
Jason and the Argonauts: The Quest for the Golden Fleece
The Greek myth of how Jason assembled a mighty crew of heroes to set sail on the Argos and, how, after many adventures, they reached the land of Colchis where they faced the greatest test of all.
The Folklore of Bees
We have known for thousands of years that bees are important to human society, so it’s not surprising that we have built up a body of folklore surrounding them.
Leib-Olmai: The Elusive Bear God
Leib-Olmai is not a household name in terms of world mythological deities. I doesn't a narrative of his origin, either. Still, he was good spirit for hunters in an isolated land near the top of the globe.