The Function of Mythology and Religion in Ancient Greek SocietyMyth can be told with the intent of being allegorical, symbolic, rational, romantic, theoretical, or analytical. By...
Mythology
Meet the Demons of Ancient MesopotamiaHow ancient Mesopotamians fought their greatest fears. By Dr. Jeffrey SpierSenior Curator of AntiquitiesJ. Paul Getty Museum...
Smells Like Witch Spirit: The Ancient ‘Scented Sorceress’ and Ideas about Magic TodayScent and magic have been entwined in our imaginations for centuries. Introduction Most perfume ads suggest that...
Folklore about Werewolves in the Ancient WorldOur posh word for werewolf, ‘lycanthrope,’ is derived from the ancient Greek lykanthrōpos. 1. Yes, the ancient...
The Historical Origins of Popular SuperstitionsSome consider superstition a useless turn away from logic, while others may be fine with the casual...
Disease and the Birth of Vampire MythologyThe past century’s vampires have often been a bit dashing, even romantic. That’s not how the myth...
Mermaids and Tritons in the Age of ReasonHow these fictional figures became wondrous screens on which to project theories of geographical, racial, and taxonomical...
Hesiod and ‘Pandora’s Box’ in Ancient Greek LiteraturePandora opened a jar left in her care containing sickness, death and many other unspecified evils which...
Prometheus, Imparting Knowledge, and the Anger of ZeusIntroduction In Greek mythology, Prometheus, possibly meaning “forethought”)[1] is a Titan god of fire.[2] Prometheus is credited with the creation of humanity from...
Thoth: Ancient Egyptian God of Wisdom and WritingWorship of Thoth began in Lower Egypt most likely in the Pre-Dynastic Period (c. 6000-3150 BCE). Introduction...
Geomythology: Dinosaurs, Griffins, Volcanoes, and Gods – Ancient Stories Seeking Scientific TruthPeople tell tales to explain what they see – centuries later, scientists try to map handed-down myths...
Amazonomachy: A Nation of Women Warriors in Ancient Greek MythologyAmazonomachy represents the Greek ideal of civilization. Curated/Reviewed by Matthew A. McIntoshPublic HistorianBrewminate Introduction In Greek mythology, Amazonomachy (English translation:...
Atlas: Titan of Ancient Greek Mythology with the World on His ShouldersA common misconception today is that Atlas was forced to hold the Earth on his shoulders, but...
Heracles: Strongman of Ancient Greek MythologyThe core of the story of Heracles has been identified as originating in Neolithic hunter culture and...
The Grief of Demeter and Persephone in Ancient Greek MythologyThe story of Persephone’s descent into the realm of Hades, and her emergence from it, speaks to...
Past and Present: Ancient Greek Mythology and Life in Modern Film and TVHow Hollywood tells ancient stories. Introduction Stories from Greek mythology are always fascinating. These timeless epic tales...
Ancient Greek Mythology in Medieval and Early Modern Western Art and LiteratureGreek myth influenced medieval and Renaissance poets such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Petrarch, Boccaccio and Dante. Curated/Reviewed...
Listen and Learn: Gods and Goddesses in Ancient Greek MythologyArchaeological findings provide a principal source of detail about Greek mythology. Video Presentation Hosted by Joe Fielderman...
Atalanta: Ancient Greek Goddess of the HuntBy Mark CartwrightHistorian Introduction Atalanta is a figure from Greek mythology famed as a huntress, wrestler, and runner. The...
Who Was Homer, the Epic Recorder of Ancient Greek Mythology?The Iliad and the Odyssey are two of the world’s most famous poems but very little is...
A Brief Visual Guide to Ancient Egyptian GodsEven today, the gods of Egypt loom large in the imagination, and are easily recognized by their...
The River Styx: Path to the Underworld in Ancient Greek MythologyThe deities of the Greek pantheon swore all their oaths upon the river Styx. Curated/Reviewed by Matthew...
Sacred Sites and Rituals in the Ancient Celtic ReligionThe religious leaders in Celtic communities were the druids. Introduction In the religion of the ancient Celts...
Heimdall: Guardian of Asgard in Medieval Norse MythologyThe main literary source for Heimdall’s role in Norse mythology as a forefather would be the poem Rigsthula. By Irena...
The Poetic Verbal Contest between Odin and Thor in Norse MythologyThey verbally duel in a so-called mannjafnaðr, a comparison of men, both trying their superiority. By Irina Manea...
Helen of Troy: ‘The Face That Launched a Thousand Ships’Helen was widely considered the most beautiful of all mortal women. Introduction Helen of Troy (sometimes called...
The Story of Cupid and Psyche by Lucius ApuleiusThe story has been retold in poetry, drama, and opera, and depicted widely in painting, sculpture, and...
‘Passionate Desire’: Cupid in Classical MythologyCupid is a minor character who serves mostly to set the plot in motion. Introduction In classical...
Rome’s Venus Was Not Your Regular Greek AphroditeAncient Rome’s Venus had many abilities beyond the Greek Aphrodite. By Brittany Garcia Introduction In Roman mythology,...
I’m Your Venus: Examining the Ancient Roman Goddess of LoveVenus has been described as perhaps “the most original creation of the Roman pantheon”. Introduction Venus is...