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Did the Greeks build temples for all of the children of Cronus? I know that the Ancient Greeks built temples for a lot of the children of Cronus, such as the Temple of Zeus and the Temple of Hera. Were temples built for all of the children of Cronus, or were they only built for the major ones? If some were left out, is...	According to the traditional geneaology of the Greek Gods, Cronus had six children with Rhea: Hestia, Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades and Demeter. All children were part of at least one major variation of the Twelve Olympians and - with the exception of Hestia - had temples honouring them. Hestia was Cronus firstborn and...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 22, "question_score": 23, "tags": "greek" }
Was the Minotaur a single being, or a race? In the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur, we know that the Minotaur dwelled at the center of the maze built by Daedalus. However, the creature itself (part man, part bull) doesn't appear to show up in any other well-known legends. Was this Minotaur the only being like him, ...	In Greek Mythology, the Minotaur was a singular creature, the man/bull hybrid offspring of King Minos' wife. Minotaur is a proper noun meaning "bull of Minos", while the creature itself was known as Asterion in its native Crete. The use of Minotaur as a _species_ name, and the idea that more of these creatures exist,...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 32, "question_score": 27, "tags": "greek, mythical creatures, daedalus" }
Did Zeus have any male lovers? Many of the Greek gods were bisexual. Did Zeus have any male lovers?	While the vast majority of Zeus's lovers were female, one of Zeus's lovers was the mortal Ganymede. Ganymede is noted as the only one of Zeus's lovers to whom he granted immortality.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 20, "question_score": 13, "tags": "greek, zeus" }
Why did Egyptian Gods have animal heads? Most Egyptian gods have animal heads. Why is that?	Egyptian gods were often depicted in therianthrophic – part human, part animal form, to depict the personality of that particular god/ess in a symbolic way. For example, Sekhmet, goddess of ferocious war, was sometimes shown with the head a lioness, as lions are ferocious creatures. Similarly Anubis was shown with a ja...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 32, "question_score": 34, "tags": "egyptian, animals" }
Who gave Hermes his winged shoes? Many tools and weapons were given to the gods as gifts in order to perform their daily tasks. However there is no mention about how Hermes got his fabled shoes. So were they crafted or given as a gift? How did Hermes get his winged shoes?	Zeus did that. Hermes was the son of Zeus, but he grew up very quickly and one day he decided to seek out adventure. The first thing he thought of was to steal Apollon's oxes and he actually did that. Apollon didn't know who it was at first, but he soon found out that Hermes stole the oxes and took Hermes to Olympus on...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 21, "question_score": 21, "tags": "greek, god items, hermes" }
Why are Kore and Persephone interchangeable in the myth regarding Hades wife? In Greek mythology, Kore and Persephone were interchangeable as Hades' wife. Which is it? Kore or Persephone?	Kore was the Ancient Greek word for young girl, the equivalent of our maiden, and Persephone was often referred to as such to highlight her innocence.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 18, "question_score": 15, "tags": "greek, underworld, hades" }
What is the River Styx? The River Styx is mentioned quite a lot when a Greek hero meets his demise. However is this really a body of water in Hades? Is it made out of something else? What is the River Styx?	## The River Styx is one of the five rivers of the Greek Underworld, rivers that separate Hades from the land of the living. During the Titanomachy (the Titan war), which was fought between the Titans) and the Olympians, the goddess Styx sided with the Olympians. Once the war was won, Zeus, king of the Olympians, pro...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 20, "question_score": 16, "tags": "greek, underworld" }
Was the Mjölnir usable by only the worthy? Present works of fiction present Mjölnir as a hammer of unbelievable power, which can only be used by the worthy. But, when the Mjölnir is given to Thor, its properties are described: > Then he gave the hammer to Thor, and said that Thor might smite as hard as he desired, wh...	As your quote shows, the story of it's creation makes no such specification. If stealing it qualifies as "using" (I believe, in the the Marvel universe, simply lifting the hammer qualifies), the Þrymskviða from the Poetic Edda tells the story of the giant Þrymr stealing Mjollnir, in order to extort the gods into givi...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 13, "question_score": 16, "tags": "norse, god items, weapons" }
Is there any explanation in greek mythology for the creation of Uranus and Gaea? I was just wondering because there never seems to be a beginning. Greek mythology always seems to start with just there being Uranus and Gaea with no events before that. Is there a beginning before the beginning?	Well, before Gaea and Uranus there were a few gods, but not many. In the Greek story of creation it says > In the beginning there was only Chaos. Then out of the void appeared Erebus, the unknowable place where death dwells, and Night. All else was empty, silent, endless, dark. Then, Love was born bringing along the b...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 11, "tags": "greek, origins, creation" }
What exactly did Apollo do with respect to the Sun? My understanding is that Helios (a Titan) was actually the one who drove the Sun Chariot across the sky every day. But why, then, was Apollo the god of the Sun? Am I correct in this understanding? Was Apollo (as a son of Zeus) sort of Helios's boss? He could ride the...	Apollo didn't have any solar properties in Homeric times, and he and Helios were clearly distinct entities. Helios is extensively discussed in Book XII of the Odyssey, for example. From the 5th century BCE and onwards Helios started to be identified with Apollo. An early reference to the fusion of the two beings can ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 14, "question_score": 16, "tags": "greek, sun, apollo" }
What happened to Medusa's sisters? It is fairly well known that Medusa, the snake-headed Gorgon, had two sisters, Stheno and Euryale. While the story of Medusa is concluded when Perseus beheads her, in modern retellings and versions, we don't hear about her sisters. What happens to the other two Gorgons? Are they imm...	In pseudo-Apollodorus' version, Medusa's sisters sought revenge on Perseus, who escaped them by using the Cap of Hades (which rendered its wearer invisible): > So Perseus put the head of Medusa in the wallet (kibisis) and went back again; but the Gorgons started up from their slumber and pursued Perseus: but they coul...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 17, "question_score": 22, "tags": "greek, mythical creatures, medusa" }
How did Gilgamesh die? Do we know how and in which circumstances Gilgamesh died? According to these answers seems that The Epic of Gilgamesh doesn't mention that, however Wikipedia page mention something about Sumerian poem - The Death of Gilgamesh.	According to The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature , my best guess from reading the translated text provided is he died of old age : > ..... hero ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. ...... has lain down and is never to rise again. He of well-proportioned limbs ...... has lain down and is n...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 7, "tags": "gilgamesh, sumerian, mesopotamia" }
Importance of Dionysos/Bacchus in Orphism How did Dionysus/Bacchus become the central figure of Orphism, given the relatively modest importance he has in classical Greek and Roman mythology? From a semi-god of Wine in the latter, he becomes in the former the central character of a metempsychosis-centered, mystical cul...	Dionysus was a mortal that was raised to divinity. While he is most well known for wine and revelry, his portfolio also grew to include: * festivals * fertility * the wilds * crops * sanity These are centrally important to the daily lives of average citizens for the time. Sure Zeus is the king, and sure P...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 11, "question_score": 15, "tags": "greek, roman, orphism, dionysus" }
Were Sirens humans or Monsters? I can't seem to figure out if the Sirens) were, like, half human-half bird monsters, attracting men with their magical song... !Wikipedia Bird Image or if they were also very beautiful women. !Wikipedia Siren Image Were they humans with magical abilities / harps? Or did they have pow...	There are a lot of different stories about the Sirens'nature, looks, number and parentage. One that keeps coming back is that initially they were indeed beautiful sea nymphs/ demi-godesses, able to lure seamen purely with the beauty of their song. They were also Persephone's handmaidens. When Persephone was abducted ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 12, "question_score": 13, "tags": "greek, mythical creatures" }
Was Eurystheus a lover of Heracles? Did Heracles have any other male lovers? In some versions of the 12 labors of Heracles, Eurystheus is a lover of Heracles and he undertook the 12 labors for Eurystheus' love. Did Heracles have any other male lovers?	Heracles had a number of male lovers. Plutarch's Dialogue sur l'amour (Eroticos) mentions that the number of Heracles' male lovers were beyond counting. Hence, the list of lovers presented here is incomplete (most probably): * Abderus * Admetus * Adonis * Corythus * Diomus * Elacatas * Euphemus * Hyla...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 4, "question_score": 7, "tags": "greek, hercules, demi gods, love" }
What was the Plant of Everlasting Youth? In which story we can find information about the Plant of Everlasting Youth and what kind of plant it was? Did it give immortality or something else?	The information about the _Plant of Everlasting Youth_ form the Sumerian mythos can be found on the second half of The Epic of Gilgamesh. In the _Tablet eleven_ Utnapishtim's wife asks her husband to offer a parting gift to Gilgamesh, so he learns that > at the bottom of the sea there lives a boxthorn-like plant...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 1, "tags": "sumerian, gilgamesh, immortality, plants" }
What items were made by the dwarves for the Norse gods? On the Wikipage of Mjölnir, it is said to be made by the dwarves Eitri and Brokkr. Wikipedia also states that they created other items for the gods. Those items being: Skidbladnir, the ship of Freyr, Mjölnir, Draupnir and Gungnir. Wiki Quotes: > "the Sons of Iva...	The objects mentioned in your question were created by Eitri and Brokkr, and the Sons of Ivaldi. However, there are more objects that exist which were crafted by the dwarves. You can find a list of objects belonging to Norse deities here: ## Viking Mythology ## Timeless Myth Most of the objects mentioned in ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 4, "question_score": 17, "tags": "norse, god items" }
How many Annunaki were living on Earth at the peak of their time? The Anunnaki were a group of deities in ancient Mesopotamian culture. How many of them were there at the peak time (which we know about)? For example on Wikipedia page we can read: > In the Epic of Creation, it is said that there are 300 lgigu of heav...	Based on excavation and digs we have currently found over 560 deities. However scientist believe that there could be as many as 750. According to Bottéro's book titled: _Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia_ > A Sumerian list of around 560 deities that did this was uncovered at Fâra and Tell Abû Ṣalābīkh and dated to circ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 9, "tags": "mesopotamia, anunnaki" }
How are future apocalyptic events detailed so greatly? For example, From Wikipedia article on Ragnarök (emphasis mine): > In Norse mythology, Ragnarök is a series of future events , including a great battle foretold to ultimately result in the death of a number of major figures (including the gods Odin, Thor, Tý...	In the Völuspa (part of the poetic Edda), the tale is told to Odin as a prophecy by a völva who tell him both the story of earth creation and destruction. In the Gylfaginning (part of the prose Edda), which quotes extensively the latter, the tale is told by three characters in Ásgard (Hárr, the king, Janhárr and Thri...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 17, "question_score": 16, "tags": "norse, apocalypse, gylfaginning" }
What did the Labyrinth look like? Did the Labyrinth have concentric circular walls with passages blocked by radials or it did it have rectangular lines? Or do we simply not know?	### It is a commonly held belief that The Labyrinth is in fact the Palace of Knossos The Labyrinth has been described as : > ... a maze-like building of winding corridors and complicated twists and turns, which confused anyone who entered it so much that he could not find the way out. Which could be considered an ap...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 19, "question_score": 15, "tags": "greek, labyrinth" }
How did the ranking system for the Sumerian pantheon work? According to this source, the gods had some numerical ranks as below: 1. Anu (ranking #60) 2. Antu (ranking #55) 3. Enlil (ranking #50) 4. Ninlil / Sud (ranking #45) 5. Enki / EA (ranking #40) 6. Ninki / Damkina (ranking #35) 7. Nanna / Nannar / ...	The ranking system (which I believe to be a little off) seem to be how powerful the god was according to the people and priests. Anu is the top dog while his wife Antu is 5 below symbolizing that man was considered higher than women. As you can see the system is based on 5's with every male in the 10's and their spou...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 7, "tags": "mesopotamia, anunnaki, pantheon" }
What is the meaning of the star symbols appearing on seal VA 243? Here is the picture of cylinder seal VA/243. !cylinder seal VA/243 Image credits: Z. Sitchin This seal was named like that because it is number 243 in the collection of the Vorderasiatische Museum in Berlin. What is the correct meaning of the star sy...	My name is Emerson C Velloso, and this is my archaeoastronomical contribution to Professor Michael S Heiser: The man seated is Ninurta, He's not only the God of the Farmers and Plow, He is also the God of War, related to the planet Saturn! The big star in the center is Saturn. ![Ninurta - the God of the Farmers and ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 13, "question_score": 21, "tags": "sumerian, mesopotamia, interpretation, symbolism" }
Why did Charon collect a toll at the River Styx Charon is known as the ferryman of the River Styx, letting certain people cross the river with a fee. Charon himself is well known for helping many significant heroes in multiple Greek legends. He always seems to collect a toll from those who cross the River Styx with hi...	Coins (specifically a type called an obol or obolos) were left on the body or placed in the mouths of the dead. The dead give Charon the coin, which shows they have had proper funeral rites and therefore deserve to be transported to Hades. The Aenid by Vergil, Chapter 6 has this to say > Why some were ferried o'er, ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 18, "question_score": 27, "tags": "greek, underworld, afterlife" }
Did ancient Greek religion ever become monotheistic? Unlike modern monotheistic religions that only accept one, omnipotent and omniscient god, ancient Greek religion has a pantheon of fallible gods. Yet it was also well developed, where the pantheon has hierarchy (Zeus, king of gods) and lineage. Was there ever a time...	No, at least not that we know of. If there was a monotheistic cult in ancient Greece, it certainly wasn't as popular as Atenism. There are traces of monotheistic thought in Platonism (e.g. the Euthyphro dilemma), but that's more about philosophy than religion. There's one theory, put forth by Elizabeth Kessler in _Dio...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 11, "question_score": 15, "tags": "greek, history, theology" }
Are there any points of mythology/religion that all Native Americans have in common? I have been exposed to some different Native American mythologies and there seem to be many differences. Are there any beliefs or stories that they all share?	The idea of the Coyote Trickster god is pretty widespread. My copy of The Book of the Navajo contains "The Tale of Coyote, the Troublemaker". The Coyote is also known to the Apache in the "Badger carries Darkness: Coyote and Bobcat scratch each other" A Cheyenne tale called "How he got tongue" And a Blackfoot Coyot...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 12, "question_score": 11, "tags": "comparative, native american" }
Why was Medusa's hair made of snakes? Medusa was a mythical creature that could turn all living beings into stone. However why was her hair made into snakes? Was it Medusa's eyes that turned people or the snakes'?	### It was an especially cruel and specific punishment for Medusa as she was known for her beautiful golden hair Medusa's transformation from a beautiful golden haired priestess of Athena to not-so-beautiful Gorgon snake-lady was not instant, is was a gradual and drawn out punishment: > She was originally a golden-ha...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 16, "question_score": 15, "tags": "greek, mythical creatures, medusa" }
How did the seasons change, according to the Romans? In Greek mythology the seasons change because Hades takes a beautiful girl down to the Underworld, her mother weeps and while in deep sorrow it becomes winter. What did the Romans believe for the change of seasons?	The Romans believed the same thing, actually. In the Roman version, Ceres) is the goddess of agriculture and mother to Proserpina, an obvious copy of the Greek Persephone. Like her Greek version, Proserpina was abducted by Pluto, and Ceres caused the earth to stop growing food until her daughter was returned at the be...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 11, "question_score": 10, "tags": "roman" }
In ancient Egypt what did the Ba and the Ka represent? In ancient Egypt what did the Ba and the Ka represent? They were parts of the soul but why two parts?	The _`ka`_ is like the spirit; its the element that makes something alive. In contrast, the _`ba`_ is more like the personality of a person. > The Ka was the life force, astral double or spiritual twin ... the Ba was the impersonal life force of the soul, the essence of one's individuality and unique characteristics. ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 9, "tags": "egyptian" }
What did Mimir do with Odin's eye? Odin is known to be one-eyed because of a trade between Mimir and Odin. When Odin asked Mimir for some water in the well, Mimir declined him of giving any water unless Odin gave him an eye. Surprisingly, Odin took one of his eyes out and gave it to Mimir for water. The trade was made ...	Odin's eye remains at the bottom of Mimir's Well: > I know where Othin's eye is hidden, > Deep in the wide-famed well of Mimir; > Mead from the pledge of Othin each mom > Does Mimir drink: would you know yet more? > > Source: Völuspá, the Poetic Edda, translated by by Henry Adams Bellows The point of the ta...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 18, "question_score": 22, "tags": "norse, odin" }
What is the story behind Thor wearing a wedding dress to get Mjölnir back? I often hear of a story of Loki taking Mjölnir away from Thor and selling it to giants. Thor then gets angry and makes Loki join him in wearing wedding dresses to enter the giants place unnoticed to get it back. What is the actual story behind ...	The source of the story is the Þrymskviða poem (The Lay of Thrym), which is included in the Poetic Edda. It was Thrymr, king of the jötnar, who stole Mjölnir. He then demanded the gods allow him to marry Freyja, in order to return it. Thor travelled to Jötunheimr to claim back his hammer, and he managed to sneak in d...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 21, "question_score": 19, "tags": "norse, thor, mjolnir, myth identification" }
Are there any apocalypse myths other than Ragnarok in which some people survive to repopulate the world? In the story of Ragnarok, Lif and Lifthrasir survive by hiding in Yggdrasil, and presumably they go on to repopulate the world after all the fighting is over. Are there any other cultures whose end-of-the-world myt...	Yes. Many different cultures and mythologies depict really similar stories about floods. There are only a handful survivors of the flooding, who have to repopulate the earth. For the Sumerian version of the myth, Enlil sends a flood to kills the too-numerous and too-noisy humans. The god Enki intervenes and warns the ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 13, "question_score": 17, "tags": "comparative, apocalypse, ragnarok" }
Is there a canonical ending to the story of Antigone? As I understand it, it was common practice for a playwright to retell a well-known story with the details changed to suit the playwright's needs. A tidy way to avoid a lot of tedious exposition. In Antigone), this leads to some significantly different endings: ...	Since Sophocles wrote first, his account is perhaps the "most canonical"; it seems not even the _Oedipodea_ mentions Antigone's actions (as Gantz attests). However, ancient Greeks didn't really think of mythological accounts in terms of "canonicity" until very late. Playwrights were free to change the narrative at will...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 4, "question_score": 21, "tags": "greek, sophocles, tragedy" }
Is there a creature in mythology that is a frost bird or a frost phoenix? I searched a lot but I couldn't find a creature that is similar to a frost phoenix or a frost bird, or a giant creature similar to a frost bird for example. It's for a project (I like to keep real mythology in my story) and I want something as c...	### The Pomola is a snow bird spirit in Native American mythology, it lived on Mt Katahdin and caused cold weather > In Penobscot folklore, the Pomola was a bird spirit that lived on Mt Katahdin. It was associated with night, wind, snow, and storms. Apparently it had a moose's head according to some legends. The Penob...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 17, "question_score": 19, "tags": "mythical creatures, myth identification" }
Is Mjolnir actually capable of flying back into Thor's hand like a boomerang after being thrown? This is something Marvel's Thor does all the time: !enter image description here So I was wondering: Has Thor/Mjolnir ever done anything like this in actual Norse mythology?	Yes, it seems so. In the Prose Edda, when Thor is presented with the hammer by Brokkr, this property is in the description (Page 147, here): > Then he gave the hammer to Thor, and said that Thor might smite as hard as he desired, whatsoever might be before him, and the hammer would not fail; and if he threw it at anyt...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 21, "question_score": 18, "tags": "norse, thor, mjolnir" }
What were the five parts of the Egyptian soul? This is an offshoot of a question asked about the Ba and Ka. What were the other 3 parts of the Egyptian soul and what did they represent?	The five parts of the Egyptian soul were the Ren, the Ba, the Ka, the Sheut, and the Ib. * The Ren was the name given to a person at birth. Egyptians believed it was part of a person's soul and that it would live for as long as that name was spoken or the person remembered. * The Sheut was the person's **sha...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 17, "question_score": 20, "tags": "egyptian" }
Why were the Greek Gods on Olympus? It's a well known fact that the Greek Gods resided in the fabled mountain of Olympus. However most mythology was created based on factual stories that have been twisted or altered. Why is Mount Olympus so important to the Greeks that the Gods would live there?	### The Olympians defeated the Titans on Mt. Olympus and decided to build their kingdom at the scene of their greatest victory. The Titanomachy (the great war between the Olympians and the Titans) took place on Olympus. After the Olympians defeated the Titans, they proceeded to build their kingdom there, in honour of ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 10, "question_score": 16, "tags": "greek, olympus" }
Was Hermes Trismegistus a historical figure? I am aware that Hermes Trismegistus is a combination of the greek god Hermes and the Egyptian god Thoth. But he is credited as the writer of a few books with Asclepius and the Corpus Hermeticum. So in the end was he a historical figure that was promoted to divinity? Or are t...	He was not a historical person. Those writings were simply credited to Hermes Trismegistus because they were held to be divinely inspired by him. > [The author] gave shape and form to the text, but its substance was of transcendent origin. Those who held Hermes Trismegistus to be the author of a text believed that...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 13, "question_score": 11, "tags": "greek, egyptian" }
Why isn't Loeg disabled by Macha's curse? In the Táin Bó Cúailnge, the men of Ulster are disabled by a curse placed upon them by Macha to feel her labor pains in their hour of greatest need, thus disabling them when the army of Connacht attacks. Cúchulainn is immune to this curse. As I understand it, he is immune beca...	Láeg may have been a descendant of the Tuatha Dé Danann. His father Riangabar may have been one of the fairy folk, _sidhe_, a later version of the Tuatha Dé Danann. This would explain why he would be exempted from Macha's curse. > Cu Chulainn, the hero of the chief epic Tain Bo Cuailnge ("The Cattle-Raid of Cooley"), ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 11, "question_score": 13, "tags": "irish, ulster cycle, tain bo cuailnge" }
What is the story of the Chimera? The Neo-Hittite Chimera (850–750 BC) from Karkemish is housed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, Turkey: !Neo-Hitte Chimera "Museum of Anatolian Civilizations080" by Georges Jansoone (JoJan) - Self-photographed. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. T...	After researching on the topic for a considerable amount of time, it seems most of the sources which describe the Neo-Hittite Chimera, do not contain any myths about the creature nor any in-depth details. Therefore, it leads me to believe what another source said (emphasis mine): > "On the orthostats at Neo-Hittite s...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 17, "tags": "myth identification, mythical creatures, hittite, anatolia" }
Who were the weapons-makers for the Norse gods? Who were the weapons-makers for the Norse gods? Was there a specific god like in Greek mythology?	Dwarfs, mostly. Some particular examples: * Gungnir: created by the Sons of Ivaldi (Prose Edda, p 145) > Loki went to those dwarves who are called Ívaldi's Sons; and they made the hair, and Skídbladnir also, and the spear which became Odin's possession [Gungnir] * Mjölnir: created by Eitri and Brokkr (Prose Edda...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 22, "question_score": 17, "tags": "norse, weapons" }
Who translated the Iliad or the Odyssey to Latin first? Who was the first person to translate part or all of Homer's works, the Iliad and/or the Odyssey, to Latin? Have these translations survived to current times? My original motivation for the question is the following: Devecseri Gábor has written an epistle about ...	I have asked this question on the English Wikipedia Reference Desk a few months ago. This answer contains a copy of the answers volunteered there. Livius Andronicus (c. 284 – c. 204 BC) was possibly the first who translated the Odyssey into Latin, but his translation has not survived. There have been many Latin tr...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 17, "question_score": 18, "tags": "greek, roman, odyssey, iliad, translation" }
How does the "mighty man of magic" atone for his plague? In _Lludd and Lleuelys_, three plagues fall upon Britain. The first consists of a fierce race, the Coranians; the second consists of a terrible noise which renders the Britons terrified, and the third is a plague of disappearing food and drink. Lludd, after coun...	The answer is in the quote: > All the losses that ever I have caused thee," said he, "I will make thee atonement for, equal to what I have taken. And I will never do the like from this time forth. But thy faithful vassal will I be." And the king accepted this from him. Presumably, the atonement consists of th...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 2, "question_score": 8, "tags": "welsh, the native tales" }
What was Plato's inspiration for the Atlantis myth? Did an island actually sink in ancient Greece, due to a volcanic eruption or some other cataclysmic event perhaps? Was it completely wiped off the map by a tsunami? Did Plato base his story on fact or is it a work of fiction?	We don't know. The only sources for the story are Plato's dialogues Timaeus and Critias, for all we know the story of Atlantis is a completely fictitious product. That said, any of the following historical catastrophes _may_ have been an inspiration for Atlantis: * Minoan eruption Thera (partially) sunk as a resu...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 26, "question_score": 25, "tags": "greek, atlantis, plato" }
Where did the Roman gods live? The ancient Greek gods lived on the famous Mount Olympus, which is an actual mountain in Greece. The Romans borrowed quite a bit of mythology from the Greeks, so I at first assumed that the Roman gods lived somewhere similar, if not in the exact same place (though perhaps with the mounta...	The Romans also thought them to live on Mount Olympos. For instance, Lucius Annaeus Seneca writes in his play _Hercules Furens_ that, appealing to Jupiter for mercy, Amphitryon prayed: > [205] _O magne Olympi rector et mundi arbiter,_ > _Jam statue tandem gravibus aerumnis modum_ > > O mighty ruler of **Ol...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 26, "question_score": 33, "tags": "roman, comparative" }
Why was the Minotaur enclosed in a labyrinth and not in jail of some sort? Is there a specific reason the Minotaur was kept in a labyrinth instead of a normal jail? If not mentioned in the original writings, are there any speculations as to why go through the trouble of making a labyrinth?	The Minotaur was certainly the son of the Queen of Knossos, and possibly the grandson of Poseidon, the patron of Crete. You cannot just sling such a being in a cell; building a separate wing of the palace for him (specially designed for him by the leading architect Daedalus and visited at regular intervals by the best ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 16, "tags": "greek, labyrinth" }
Was the development of Greek mythology dynamic or static? Did Greek mythology develop dynamically or statically? Let me explain a little more what I mean by "dynamic" and "static". Static: Given the religious element of the stories, I could imagine that they were very "official", implying that they were created in...	Definitely dynamic. In Burkert's "Graechische Religion..." (Intro/2: sources), we can find the following reasons: \- as there were no holy scriptures there was no "canon" whatsoever to tell apart "canonical" myths from "non-canonical" \- myths were continuously being rewritten, as poets were composing new hymns to the...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 9, "tags": "greek, history" }
Name of Electra's brother In Sophocles' _Electra_ , it is revealed at the end that one of the guards there is Electra's long lost brother. What is the name of this guard? I have looked for it online, and in the book he is referred to by his title.	While the passage in question is unreadable through Google Books, I fear you've just misunderstood the translation. This is the part, right? < That's not her brother. She has but one brother, Orestes, and the "guardian" is actually the pedagogue (paidagōgos).	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 8, "tags": "greek, sophocles, tragedy, atreidai" }
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 the plow so hard and deep that it tor...	This is probably not a very satisfying answer but it seems that his name isn't mentioned in any account of this story, and knowing that he comes from Jotunheim doesn't really help narrowing down the possibilities. One thing to consider is the way the plowing of Denmark is related in the _Ynglinga saga_ (which is the ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 3, "question_score": 8, "tags": "norse, gylfaginning" }
Origin of the 'vampires have no reflection' myth Depending on what stories you read or movies you watch, vampires will and won't have reflections. But what is the earliest reference to this particular myth and do we know it's origin?	### It's a relatively new addition to the vampire mythos. Attributed to Bram Stoker's Dracula. > Despite its important contributions to vampire fiction, several popular traits of fictional vampires are absent. Count Dracula is killed by a bowie knife, not a wooden stake. The destruction of the vampire Lucy is a three-...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 17, "tags": "vampires" }
Did any ancient cultures or scholars recognize the Hero's Journey monomyth? In _The Hero with a Thousand Faces,_ Joseph Campbell talked about the monomyth, and the overarching structure of the Hero's Journey: the hero is called on an adventure, may have a helper, goes through various trials, passes thresholds, goes thr...	Well, this assumes that Campbell is accurate! Campbell is playing fast, loose, and vague with the evidence, but that's a different story. The ancients as far as I am aware did not recognize Campbell's "monomyth." They did, however, recognize a few things. First, at least with Mediterranean and Near Eastern cultures, t...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 7, "question_score": 7, "tags": "comparative, history, monomyth, joseph campbell" }
In Norse mythology, is there a reference to a stone/rock place, entity, object? I've read up a bit but I'm struggling to get a reference to a place, entity or object consisting or containing stone (or rock). Are there beings, mythological objects, or locations that are characterised by stone in Norse mythology?	Hrungnir, a mighty jötunn, is said to have a stone head and heart , as well as a stone shield and weapon. He appears in the _Prose Edda_ where he fought and was slain by Thor. A translation of the account can be found here: > Hrungnir had the heart which is notorious, of hard stone and spiked with three corners, e...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 8, "tags": "norse" }
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 Ming gives them to Sun Wu...	This comes from the _Journey to the West_ , when the monkey king Sun Wukong "visited" the Dragon King of the East Seas for a weapon. Each of the dragon kings produced a treasure to appease him into leaving in a full set of armaments. Theses were: 1. The _According-To-Your-Wishes Gold-Banded Rod_ , from the Drago...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 9, "tags": "chinese" }
What is the symbolism behind Pandora's Box? The myth of Pandora is basically the story of a woman who is given a box by the gods, and told not to open it. Of course, she opens the box, and evil is released to the world. Is it possible that the box represents a womb? I think that makes a lot of sense, because it's a ca...	It is 100% supportable that the "box" represents the womb in Hesiod's version of the myth from his Theogony. In brief: * In the Theogony, Hesiod never mentions any vessel save Pandora herself. * Pandora is cast as the mother of the "race of women" who were created to vex men (i.e. they are the source of evil name...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 7, "tags": "greek, pandora" }
Are dwarves and dark elves the same? I remember reading somewhere that in Norse mythology dwarves and dark elves are the same thing. Then I started reading Gylfaginning and it sounded like they were different, but then later on they send someone to get help from the dwarves in Svartalfheim, which I'm pretty sure is pro...	Norse mythology often alludes to nine worlds. Eight of these are known with relative certainty: * Asgard, realm of the Aesir * Vanaheim, realm of the Vanir * Alfheim, realm of the (light) elves * Midgard, realm of men * Jotunheim, realm of the Jotun (giants) * Muspell, realm of fire * Niflheim, realm of ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 16, "tags": "norse, gylfaginning" }
How were the Furies (Erinyies) born? How were the Erinyes born? They seem like mystical creatures that are there to do Hades' bidding, but how were they actually born? Are they just other monsters magically born?	According to Hesiod, the Erinyes were born of Gaia (Earth) when she received the blood of Ouranos (Sky): > And Heaven came, bringing on night and longing for love, and he lay about Earth spreading himself full upon her. Then the son from his ambush stretched forth his left hand and in his right took the great long sic...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 7, "tags": "greek, erinyes" }
Why is the Oedipus complex named after Oedipus? What is the relationship between the Oedipus complex and the character Oedipus? Is there any? It is a big jump between someone who answered a riddle to a psychological complex.	The full story (in short) of Oedipus is that his father heard a prophecy that his son will kill him. So he threw him away (basically ordered him to be killed but the killers spared him). After growing up he came back (solved the riddle on his way back) and then rebelled against his dad (without knowing that he was his ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 6, "tags": "greek, oedipus" }
What caused the Deluge? In Tablet XI of the Epic of Gilgamesh, Uta-napishti relays the story of the Deluge: > Said Uta-napishti to him, to Gilgamesh: > > 'Let me disclose, Gilgamesh, a matter most secret, > to you will tell a mystery of gods. > > 'The town of Shuruppak, a city well known to you, > which stands...	_The Story of Atrahasis_, which is thought to be closely related to _The Epic of Gilgamesh_ , is partially lost, but enough fragments remain to figure out its meeting. Humanity annoys the gods many times with its incessant noise. The gods, spearheaded by Enlil, cast several plagues on humanity; Enki (Ea) advises Atraha...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 4, "question_score": 6, "tags": "gilgamesh, flood myth" }
What is this myth about Helios? Well, there was a guy who wanted to get on the sun chariot, but eventually he died or something happened to him, but he got too close or something. What is the name of the boy, and what is the time period?	You are confusing Helios, the original Titan Greek sun god, with Phaethon, the son of Apollo (or maybe Helios) who insisted on driving the sun's chariot and couldn't control the horses so the earth burned and froze until Zeus killed him with a thunderbolt.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 5, "tags": "greek, myth identification" }
Symbolism behind Hephaestus riding a donkey When Hephaestus returns to Olympus after being thrown out by Hera, some authors/artists portray him as riding a donkey: ![enter image description here]( (Source: Theoi.com) Is there any reason why he rides a donkey? Why not a horse or a turtle?	According to Wikipedia (though I cannot confirm), it is a mule. A donkey would actually make _more_ sense, as Dionysus was the one who helped Hephaestus return to Olympia after his fall (source), and the donkey is associated with Dionysus and his ways, according to _The Book of Symbols_ (316).	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 10, "tags": "greek" }
Why did Hera have so many sacred things? Theoi has quite the list. SYMBOLS * Crown, Lotus-staff, Cuckoo ATTRIBUTES * Lotus-staff; Crown; Cuckoo; Peacock; Pomegranate ~~CHARIOTS~~ Who cares? SACRED PLANTS * Pomegranate, Lotus/Waterlily, Willow SACRED ANIMALS * Heifer, Lion *...	The problem is that you can't look at a God as an equivalent of a person with a distinct and very limited identity. The gods we more fluid in how they were represented and worshipped and during the time in which they were worshipped. When simply enumerating that Hera's sacred birds are a Cuckoo, Peacock, etc., you lose...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 3, "question_score": 2, "tags": "greek, symbolism, hera" }
How did Sindri and Brokkr win the bet with Loki, when Mjölnir is clearly faulty? I understand that the brothers endured a lot of tough challenges, especially from Loki (who tried to disturb them in the form of a fly). But still, Mjölnir is clearly faulty, which is supported by this quote from The Prose Edda, translate...	The bet didn't call for flawless creations; Sindri and Brokkr just had to do better than the sons of Ivaldi. > After that, Loki went to those dwarves who are called Ívaldi's Sons; and they made the hair, and Skídbladnir also, and the spear which became Odin's possession, and was called Gungnir. Then Loki wagered his h...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 6, "tags": "norse, thor, skaldskaparmal" }
Twice a bridesmaid, never a bride? I was reading Lafcadio Hearn's New Orleans Superstitions, when I came upon this proverb: > There are many superstitions about marriage, which seem to have a European origin, but are not less interesting on that account. "Twice a bridesmaid, never a bride," is a proverb which needs n...	From what I gather, the origin is uncertain, but it seems common sense that "if association with a bride and the high profile of the day did not attract a husband after two opportunities, then perhaps there was little hope" ( _Marriage Customs of the World_ 98). In terms of pinpointing the locale of the superstition, ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 4, "tags": "folklore, superstition" }
What gender was the Midgard Serpent Jormungand? Is there any documentation detailing the gender of the Midgard Serpent Jormungand? is it Male, Female, Both, Neither, Null, etc?	Male. Jörmungandr is referred to as a "he" in translations of the Prose Edda, such as (quotes, in both cases, from this text): > When they came to him, straightway he cast the serpent [Jörmungandr] into the deep sea, where _he_ lies about all the land; and this serpent grew so greatly that _he_ lies in the midst of t...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 8, "tags": "norse, ragnarok" }
Why does the dragon emerge at the dawn of the new world? The final stanza of the Völuspá \- which immediately follows the stanzas describing the beauty of the reborn world - seems a bit out of place, if not outright bizarre: > 66\. Then comes the gloomy > dragon flying, > serpent from below, > from Nidafjoll...	This is a really good question; it is one which even experts on Norse mythology has trouble finding a good answer for. Gro Steinsland, in _Fornnordisk religion_ , lists three different suggested explanations: 1. A suggestion by Else Munkdal that Níðhöggr is there as a kind of monstrous transport: the corpses he bear...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 11, "tags": "norse, ragnarok" }
What is the symbolism of the name of the Parcae? According to theoi.com, Parcae/Moirai means "parts": > Their name means "Parts." "Shares" or "Alottted Portions." Is there a symbolism behind this? Is it because Fate was split into 3?	So, there are a couple things here. _Parcae_ refers to the Roman Fates, while Moirai (or Moerae) refer to the Greek Fates. Next, "parts" is a not particularly helpful translation. The better one is the third one you shared, "allotted portions" (or apportioned lots). It instead refers to their activity. There were thre...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 5, "tags": "greek, symbolism, fates" }
Is there a myth of someone living in the sun? Is there a Greek myth of some sort of a god, human, or other creature living in the sun?	So far as I know the Greco-Roman myths about the sun consistently refer to it as an object, usually the wheel of a chariot which is handled by Apollo or Helios. The Greeks didn't personify or anthropomorphize the sun.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 2, "question_score": 4, "tags": "greek, mythical creatures, myth identification, sun" }
How did angels get their halos? How did angels come to get halos? I don't think the Bible, Qu'ran, or Torah says anything about them. But now, when we say "angels," we think of winged humans with halos on top of them. So where did they come from?	I seem to recall it's actually related to visual iconography, not anything from a text. Divine beings were said to have a glow around them showing their divinity, and people drawing or painting had various ways to represent that. As painting styles changed, so did styles of the glow, eventually becoming first a disk be...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 7, "question_score": 3, "tags": "angels" }
Do the leaves of Yggdrasil (the World Tree) have any special properties? Do the leaves of the World Tree (Yggdrasil) have any special properties in Norse Mythology?	I don't know if the leaves had any magical properties, but apparently it dripped honey: I know an ash-tree stands called Yggdrasill, a high tree, soaked with shining loam; from there come the dews which fall in the valley, ever green, it stands over the well of fate. (Vsp. 19, Larrington) The dew that falls fro...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 8, "tags": "norse, yggdrasil" }
Is there a Sumerian Pandora myth? On the FOX show _Sleepy Hollow,_ the Big Bad this season calls herself Pandora, and she has a box from which supernatural evil things come, but one of the protagonists says she's from Sumeria. The character herself talks about how her father sold her into slavery, which is not part of ...	The Pandora story you cite is 100% Greek. There's probably a pre-Hesiodic tradition surrounding it, but as it stands, it's not Mesopotamian. However, there are parallels with Eve from Hebrew mythology. Both ruin a utopian world through their curiosity, causing misery and strife for humans thereafter. However, both end...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 8, "tags": "greek, sumerian, pandora" }
What happened if a god or goddess had his/her head cut off? So in mythology, _most_ gods and goddesses are immortal. But you can't really live once you have your head cut off. So, specifically Greek mythology, what would happen if your head got cut off, and you were an Olympian or lesser god??	From Here, Zeus didn't have his head chopped off, but one could argue that the damage from having an adult armored female inside his head, which was removed by cracking open his skull should be equally lethal or incapacitating. Yet all he felt was a headache. From Sacred Texts, > Born from his sacred head, in battle...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 7, "question_score": 5, "tags": "greek" }
What is the relationship between Jesus, Iseous, and Zeus Zeus was a Greek god, Iseous was a Roman god and Jesus is the Christian faith Messiah, who is also referred to as "Son of Man." My question is: What is the origin of the name Jesus, and what is its relationship with Zeus and Iseous?	Jesus is the Medieval Latin spelling of Iesus (the 'i' is consonantal), itself derived from the Greek Ἰησοῦς, as bleh noted, which transcribed in Latin characters would be Iesous, close to your Iseous (which does not otherwise exist as a name). The name is ultimately Semitic, and came into Greek as the Aramaic שׁוּעַ ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": -4, "tags": "greek, roman, christianity, history" }
Are there any ancient unicorn myths that originated from Tibet or its bordering regions? I remember reading some years back how missionaries in Tibet were told stories of how prevalent in the 1800's the belief that there were unicorns living in the mountains of Tibet! Do any ancient Tibetan unicorn myths exist?	Well, here's one. > The existence of these Eurasian nomads called the Qiang, who were known as the “goat people” and who practised animals ordeals, may help to account for the fact that later in the West there was “a vigorous and widespread belief in a unicorn inhabiting the table-lands of Tibet—a region included with...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 4, "question_score": 8, "tags": "mythical creatures, folklore" }
Roughly, where was Ogygia? There was an island, called Ogygia. Apparently, It was an island where Calypso was cursed to stay on forever, because she supported her father, Atlas, in the Titan war. Roughly, where is it?	It likely wasn't anywhere. Homer, or rather the author of the _Odyssey_ , had some conception of the broader Mediterranean, but it was largely unexplored by the Greeks at that time, and so magical islands didn't need to be mapped onto the known world. You know, now that I say it, it's true in today's fiction, too. Tha...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 6, "tags": "greek, odyssey, homer" }
Which one was older, Artemis or Apollo? On the island of Delos, Leto had twins, Apollo and Artemis. But usually, twins have a time in between before they are born. Not sure if this is the same in mythology. So which was older?	Most accounts that make the distinction agree that it was Artemis who was born first. From _Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 21_ : > She [Leto] finally reached Delos and gave birth to Artemis, who thereupon helped her deliver Apollon. Artemis became a practised huntress and remained a virgin. From _Callimachus, Hy...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 10, "question_score": 7, "tags": "greek, apollo, artemis" }
What is the differences between the two versions of these myths? What is the differences between the two versions of these myths? How can they be interpreted? The first image is a Bell crater by a Berlin painter in Tarquinia (Italy), Museum. C. 490 BC, it has detail with Zeus and Europa.The next image pertains to Europ...	Really, none. Both paintings show that Zeus led Europa away in the form of a bull. The only difference I can make between those paintings are the fact that the first one is only Europa is the only one, while the second, she is with her friends, being misled by Zeus.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 1, "question_score": -3, "tags": "greek, interpretation" }
Are there any universal creatures in all of the myth systems? When reading the Egyptian myths I was struck by their similarity to Greek myths. This lead me to wonder whether any non human creature (so no ghosts, giants or dwarfs) appears universally or nearly universally across many cultures myths.	> It has long been a popular fantasy among amateur students of myth that all peoples share the same stories. This is clearly an example of wishful thinking. (Alan Dundes) Folklorists have developed these tools called Motif Indexes. I'm not quite sure what you mean by "non human creature", but creatures like phoenix h...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 6, "tags": "mythical creatures, comparative" }
Why did Tantalus try to trick the gods? Tantalus, who was a king beloved of the gods, ruled over the kingdom of Tmolus. He hated his sons. He fed the gods human meat, specifically Pelops, his son, and tried to trick them. Later he was sent to Fields of Punishment for trying to trick them. Why?	According to this Wikipedia article about Atreus it was to test the omniscience of the gods. He wanted to know if the gods would _know_ it was human flesh. Not only was it human flesh, it was the flesh of his son, Pelops. This article on "Greek Myths & Greek Mythology" suggests that it was for one of two reasons, eith...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 5, "tags": "greek" }
Did ancient myths center on deities because individualism was not valued? Are there any books/essays/discussions about the idea that ancient cultures didn't value individualism (for a variety of reasons) like we do today, and so poetry, literature, and art were primarily about celebrating deities or deities interacting...	Perhaps for something to be mythology it needs some superhuman or extra-human element, otherwise it's classed as a story or tale? For instance, I don't think I've seen the Tale of the Eloquent Peasant described as a myth. But it might fit as a tale of everyday humanity.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 2, "question_score": 6, "tags": "comparative, history" }
What was the symbolism behind Tantalus's punishment? Tantalus, who was a bad person, was sent to the fields of punishment. He stood in a pool, with a fruit tree above him, but the food and drink would always go away from him when he tried to eat it. So what was symbolized of this punishment, to starve and thirst for...	There are two main reasons attributed to Tantalus's punishment, sources from theoi.com: * He was invited to Olympus by Zeus, ate the food of the gods (ambrosia and nectar), and was given divine secrets, which he then blabbed (Hom. Od. xi. 582). * He wanted to test the gods and see how perceptive they were, so he i...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 10, "question_score": 6, "tags": "greek, symbolism" }
What was the earliest werewolf myth? So, the earliest werewolf I can find is in Greek times. But, was there ever an earlier werewolf myth?	There's a wolf transformation in the Epic of Gilgamesh, and as written texts go they don't come any earlier. Although in this case it was a spell cast upon him and he never had a chance to transform back into human form. There may of course be earlier oral mythology.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 16, "question_score": 7, "tags": "mythical creatures, myth identification, comparative, werewolves" }
Were all the sons of Zeus brothers of all the godly sons and daughters of Zeus? Since in Greek mythology, there are sons of Zeus as demigods, are they brothers of all the godly sons and daughters of Zeus? Also, wouldn't the demigod's mother technically be the mother in law of Zeus' offspring?	The Demigods and the Godly offspring of Zeus would be half-siblings. The title step-mother comes by marriage, at the very least in the common law sense, however most of Zeus's special lady friends were mistresses or one night stands. This is all without going in to some of the more curious reproductive methods.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 3, "question_score": 2, "tags": "greek, demi gods" }
What happens to the Dwarves during Ragnarok? When Ragnarok comes what are the dwarves up to? What happens to them?	The fate of the dwarves is one of the minor mysteries of Ragnarok. Volupsa doesn't mention them after v. 48, although to be fair it's mainly concerned with the few gods who survive. Snorri is more concerned with humans, as he tells us two will survive and repopulate the earth. The myths don't tell us what happens to ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 3, "question_score": 7, "tags": "norse, ragnarok" }
Are the nodes of Greek mythology a major concept? The Wikipedia article for the Calydonian Boar says that > Like the quest for the Golden Fleece (Argonautica) or the Trojan War that took place the following generation, the Calydonian Hunt is one of the nodes in which much Greek myth comes together. There is no refere...	The word "node" is not (as far as I know) used in the study of literature/folklore/mythology. What I think the Wikipedia article is trying to refer to is the idea that the Calydonian Boar story features a gathering of many _characters_ in Greek mythology come together. The academic word for this concept would probably...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 3, "tags": "greek, concepts" }
Was there an epic or drama detailing Menelaus's return? In book IV of the Odyssey (translator Robert Fitsgerald), Menelaus mentions he spent 7 years returning to Sparta. This seems like it would be something that somebody in ancient times would write about. If it was written, what is the piece called?	The wanderings of Menelaus were described in the “Nostoi” attributed to Agias of Troezen. The remnants of this poem are collected by M.L. West in the Loeb volume “Greek Epic Fragments”. This is older than Herodotus or Euripides.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 8, "tags": "greek, odyssey, homer, trojan war" }
What is the connection of Egyptian mythology to Atlantis? As writing an answer to my own question, I came across this, > Plutarch, Life of Solon 26. 1 (trans. Perrin) (Greek historian C1st - C2nd A.D.) : > > "He [Solon] also spent some time in studies with Psenophis of Heliopolis [in Egypt] and Sonkhis (Sonchis) of S...	If there ever was one, we don't know what it was. Most likely, there never was one. The only real original source we have for the story of Atlantis is Plato. He used it as an allegory to help describe his vision of the best way to run things politically. It was sort of his equivalent of Thomas More's Utopia). The soc...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 12, "question_score": 7, "tags": "greek, egyptian, atlantis" }
How many gods/goddesses are there in total in greek mythology? If there was a diagram with every god in it, that would be cool, but I doubt you can find that, so a number will do I guess. How many gods/goddesses are there in total in greek mythology?	A lot. Theoi has a nice family tree- ![fam tree]( And so you count, and get a total of... # 3142 gods/godesses If you count the Potami, Naiads, and Astriaos as 1 god/goddess, and including Titans as gods.	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 7, "question_score": 3, "tags": "greek" }
Could someone tell me about good books about Hawaiian mythology? Could someone tell me about good books about Hawaiian mythology? I've been really interested in it for a long time but I have no idea where to ask for advice or whom to believe.	As mentions by @bleh in a comment, Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Warren Beckwith (1940) seems like a good start. In the references section of this book you will find a large amount of books/scholarly articles on polynesian and hawaiian mythology. Among the hawaiian references, some names of scholars pop up frequently:...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 3, "tags": "hawaiian" }
Can anyone identify what Chinese mythology creature this is? I got this as a gift and I originally thought it was a foo dog but it has both paws on turtles, not on a cub or ball as foo dogs do. It may be a Pi Yao or Pixiu but I'm not so sure. ![Image](	Since it has hooves (not paws), scales, and horns, it is almost certainly a qilin or "Chinese unicorn". I don't know why it is standing on four turtles, except that the turtle and qilin were two of the sishou or "four divine creatures", along with the phoenix and dragon. They could be guarding dragon and phoenix eggs ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 6, "question_score": 9, "tags": "mythical creatures, chinese" }
What is the earliest known myth about mermaids? Stories about mermaids have been around since time immemorial. I would like to know what is the earliest confirmed evidence about the origins of the mythological creature called mermaids?	Among the earliest known mermaid myths is that of the Assyrian goddess Atargatis, also called Ataratheh or Derceto. She fell in love with a shepherd, accidentally killed him, and ashamed of what she had done she jumped into a lake. But the water could not conceal her divine beauty, and while she became a fish below the...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 7, "question_score": 7, "tags": "origins, mermaids" }
Are there any mythologic Gods, creatures or equipment that have "exponential" characteristics? The hydra is classically described as growing two heads back for every one cut down. Mjolnir, theoretically, became exponentially heavier to the unworthy. What other Gods, creatures or equipment have powers that are tied to ...	Not associated with any "gods" as such; there are a large number of folktales containing items with exponential growth. The Aarne-Thompson classification system groups many of these stories into category, AT 565. One of the best-known of these is _Why the Sea is Salt_ , where an out-of-control salt mill grinds ou...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 9, "question_score": 9, "tags": "mythical creatures, myth identification, god items" }
Were Argus's eyes gradual or all at once? Argus has 100 eyes, 50 awake and 5 sleeping all the time. That way, he would be able to keep guard constantly. But would Argus's eyes have a set time to fall asleep, like 50 immediately going to sleep and 50 immediately coming awake? Or would he have one eye going, right as an...	Who says half of his eyes were asleep and half awake? While a number of sources refer to his eyes taking sleep in turns, the only source I can find that specifies how many slept at once is Ovid: > Argus, Aristorides, whose head was circled with a hundred glowing eyes; of which but two did slumber in their turn whilst...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 5, "tags": "greek, mythical creatures" }
Trolls in Norway I learned that people put a big stone on their chimney in Norway to prevent from trolls and I am wondering about the myth behind this story.	I don't know that this is the origin of the practice, but the story of Butterball (Smørbukk) makes reference to Trolls being defeated using a large stone placed on a chimney: > And when that was done, he scrambled up over the door, dragging the pine root and the stone with him, and one he placed over the door and the ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 7, "question_score": 12, "tags": "norse, mythical creatures" }
Are the Anunnaki mentioned in the Bible? The following Bible passages mention “ _Anakim_ ” and “ _Anak_ ”: * Num 13:22; 13:28; 13:33 * Deut 1:28; 2:10-11; 2:21, 9:2 * Josh 11:21-22; 14:12; 14:15; 15:13-14; 21:11 * Judg 1:20. They sound similar. Is there any known connection between the biblical _Anakim_ / ...	How could they be related ? Anakim just means " _sons of Anak_ ". It is just a race of giants, and there is nothing giving them godlike power or something. Anunnaki, as I explained in another post, means sons of An. While the terminology is the same, there is nothing in common between those 2 words. EDIT : The sumeri...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 8, "question_score": 8, "tags": "comparative, sumerian, anunnaki, bible" }
How did the animosity between Loki and Heimdal start? I'll admit my Norse mythology is rather rusty, but I do recall after an incident these two particular gods saw each other as mortal enemies and would eventually kill each other at Ragnarok. What was it that turned them against one another (I vaguely remember a story...	You are thinking about a story referenced in the _Húsdrápa_ , which Snorri excerpted in his _Edda_. It plays out more or less as you described, except Heimdall does not catch Loki in the act, but is asked by Freya to retrieve Brisingamen. The only detail to add was that evidently Heimdall and Loki fought as seals. That...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 5, "question_score": 7, "tags": "norse, loki" }
Who are the parents of Taweret? Taweret is arguably one of the most popular goddesses of the Egyptian pantheon. Although much about her consorts is known, nothing is said about the Hippo Goddess' parentage and I would like to find out about it.	She is surely the daughter of Ra. Not sure who the mother could be. But that the same with Sekhmet. Another daughter of Ra without a defined mother. Chance for the mother could roll on Hathor, you often find Hathor and Taweret together, but considering Hathor could also be Ra's daughter... Or Heset which is more or the...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 2, "question_score": 5, "tags": "egyptian" }
Mythical Creatures associated with Bells Pretty much what it says on the can. I was wondering if there where any mythical creatures or "folk" (little people, Huldufolk, etc) associated with bells, or the sound of bells. Thank-you in advance to anyone who takes the time out of their day to answer my curiosity.	I somehow associated fairies with bells. Quick check on wiki shows that > Bells also have an ambiguous role; while they protect against fairies, the fairies riding on horseback — such as the fairy queen — often have bells on their harness There is a prooflink on the passage: "Briggs (1976) "Bells" p. 20."	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 2, "question_score": 5, "tags": "mythical creatures" }
Why is Gilgamesh considered to be one-third human and two-third god? Most of the time, the term "demigod" is used to describe people who are the offspring of a god and a human. As far as I know, Gilgamesh is the child of a goddess and a king. Why then is Gilgamesh considered to be one-third human and two-third god when...	Gilgamesh was a recurring character in Mesopotamian myths/stories. The most renown of those stories is the Epic of Gilgamesh where those numbers appears. But he and his slave/servant/friend/buddy/lover Enkidu are in numerous other stories. And in none other those funny proportions are mentioned. It is also good to be ...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 11, "question_score": 10, "tags": "sumerian, gilgamesh" }
Where did the wood of Dodona come from? So the wood thing that killed Jason was like from some Dodona thing. I forgot if that's the right name, but it was prophesying wood. > _Philostratus the Elder,_ > "The keel which had been fitted beneath the ship [Argo] was wrought of an ancient tree, the tree which Zeus used ...	This is a reference to the oracle in the sanctuary of Dodona, Epirus: > During classical antiquity, according to various accounts, priestesses and priests in the sacred grove interpreted the rustling of the oak (or beech) leaves to determine the correct actions to be taken. According to a new interpretation, the oracu...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 3, "question_score": 3, "tags": "greek" }
Is "Viking mythology" the same as "Norse mythology" Does "Viking mythology" and "Norse mythology" mean the same, or are there any differences? The Norse deities were: Odin, Thor, Heimdall... Does it mean, that the Viking deities were them too?	A "Viking" was a a warrior who went raiding abroad. (See the Jorvik site for more on this.) They were probably the most famous medieval Scandinavians, but they were a small subset of all the Norse people. Having said that, warrior gods would have been closest to their hearts, and Michael Enright has theorized that th...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 14, "question_score": 12, "tags": "norse" }
Are there any gods who are in a different species than humans? As we probably know, most gods look like humans e.g. Zeus, Osiris. I am interested to find out if there are any gods that are a different species than humans. The only god that I found so far is Ryujin, the Japanese god of the sea, who is in the shape of a ...	Raven (Xu'uya) is the creator god in the Haida stories (from islands off the West Coast of Canada). This is one of the main cultures that used totem poles. Although many of the stories from Haida have been lost, you can find much amazing artwork, and there are anthologies written up. Raven found the first men in a c...	stackexchange-mythology	{ "answer_score": 11, "question_score": 12, "tags": "mythical creatures, myth identification" }

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Stackexchange Instructions for OpenAssistant

This dataset is taken from https://archive.org/details/stackexchange.

There's a single parquet file combining all stackexchange sites. The threads have been filtered as follows: only threads with an accepted answer, for which both the question and response is less than 1000 characters have been choosen. Other answers, or questions without accepted answers, or long entries have been droppped.

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