Most Popular
1500 questions
9
votes
1 answer
Why was Hephaestus's mule ithyphallic?
While poking around at this question: Symbolism behind Hepheastus riding a donkey
A common detail in the art struck me, and as a result, I learned a cool new word:
Ithyphallic: having an erect penis.
So the fellows accompanying Hephaestus are…
femtoRgon
- 9,198
- 3
- 40
- 82
9
votes
1 answer
Why is the crow of a rooster fatal to a basilisk?
There are a lot of mythological references, which states that the crow of a rooster is fatal to a Basilisk.
From CHAPTER XXXVI of the Bulfinch's mythology, MODERN MONSTERS- THE PHOENIX- BASILISK- UNICORN-SALAMANDER.
There is an old saying that…
Dawny33
- 714
- 5
- 19
9
votes
2 answers
Are there any negative connotations associated with the Caduceus?
The staff carried by Hermes/Mercury, which known as the Caduceus, is one of my favorite symbols. For those that are visual thinkers I have pictured it below:
I am planning on getting a tattoo of the Caduceus in the near future. Before I ink my body…
hellyale
- 201
- 1
- 7
9
votes
1 answer
What were popular magical focuses in Chinese Mythology?
For the purposes of this question, a focus means something needed to cast a spell properly, something that channels magic, or something that allows magic to be cast. (This could include a magically enchanted item)
In most Myths and Legends that I'm…
CandiedMango
- 409
- 3
- 10
9
votes
2 answers
Did the Green Knight fight Gawain against his will?
At the end of Gawain and the Green Knight (Weston's translation) says to Gawain
"Bernlak de Hautdesert am I called in this land. Morgain le Fay dwelleth in mine house, and through knowledge of clerkly craft hath she taken many. For long time was…
HDE 226868
- 7,095
- 4
- 33
- 79
9
votes
1 answer
Which Kalevala translations are closer to the original source?
I know that with the Bible, there are countless translations. Things always seem to get lost in translation.
Seeing as how I can't read the native language that the Kalevala was originally written in, which translation is considered by scholars to…
The_Foxx
- 101
- 8
9
votes
2 answers
When Was the Goddess Pomona's Festival?
I'm doing some investigation into the mythology behind Halloween, and am running into contradictory claims about the date of the festival for Pomona, the Roman Goddess of orchard fruits (apples, cherries, etc.), and I'm wondering whether anyone here…
Arthur George
- 2,227
- 14
- 26
9
votes
1 answer
What are the "Treasures of the Dragon Kings"?
I found reference to the "Treasures of the Dragon Kings" whilst in this wiki article on mythological objects.
Ǒusībùyúnlǚ (Cloud-stepping Boots or Cloud-stepping Shoes), made of lotus fiber, these are one of the treasures of the Dragon Kings; Ào…
CandiedMango
- 409
- 3
- 10
9
votes
1 answer
Why does Ohrmazd need to plan a time to fight Ahriman?
In the Bundahishn, Ohrmazd, after being confronted with Ahriman, decides to set a concrete time to fight Ahriman and resolve the conflict:
Then Ohrmazd, through omniscience, knew that: If I do not grant a period of contest, then it will be possible…
user62
9
votes
2 answers
Is there an allegorical meaning associated with the destruction of Troy?
In many cases, a mythos can be seen as an allegory. For example, the biblical episode of Judith and Holofernes can be seen as the eradication of pride, accomplished at all costs, emphasizing the problem of superbia and the importance of its…
eslukas
- 193
- 3
8
votes
2 answers
What cultures have myths related to the origin of aurora phenomena?
Basically, which nations have stories explaining either the Northern or Southern Lights?
Valerie Thomas
- 199
- 6
8
votes
1 answer
Who is the sword juggler in the Gylfaginning?
In chapter 2 of the Gylfaginning, Gylfe is lead to Odin (in the form of High, Just-as-High, and Third) by a nameless sword juggler:
In the door of the hall Gylfe saw a man who played with swords so dexterously that seven were in the air at one…
yannis
- 16,990
- 7
- 69
- 203
8
votes
1 answer
Looking for source: Woman refuses to drink from the River Lethe
I saw a "story from Greek mythology" referenced in my morning paper, and I'd never heard it before.
A woman came to the River Styx and asked to be taken across into that dark land. [The ferryman] Charon reminded her that the dead were offered the…
Lauren-Clear-Monica-Ipsum
- 1,891
- 1
- 11
- 20
8
votes
1 answer
Why is Vidar silent?
In chapter 29 of the Gylfaginning, Snorri Sturluson calls Vidar "the silent asa":
Vidar is the name of the silent asa. He has a very thick shoe, and he is the strongest next after Thor. From him the gods have much help in all hard tasks.
Source:…
yannis
- 16,990
- 7
- 69
- 203
8
votes
1 answer
Who fathered Gefjun's ox sons?
Gefjun, an Aesir, apparently had four ox sons with a giant:
But this woman was of the asa-race; her name was Gefjun. She took from the north, from Jotunheim, four oxen, which were the sons of a giant and her, and set them before the plow. Then went…
yannis
- 16,990
- 7
- 69
- 203