Exploring Mythology

[§ínned™]

I think this is the right place to show your love for mythology.

§inned™

[Zen]

I've been more inclined to Greek and Roman mythology ever since. Maybe it's because their gods are so intertwined with their culture and history.

[asterisk]

The Greek and Roman mythologies form a substantial part of my childhood reading and they still have profound influence in me. They are damn so beautiful and ancient! I wonder if many young people are reading them. Sana naman. It is an extremely sad thing if they are neglected.

The most beautifully told mythology is by Thomas Bulfinch.

[Ira]

Can I just say that I hated Bulfinch?? :D It's the bible of mythology, but it was such a struggle to read, and the names started to get confusing halfway through.

[asterisk]

How about those told by Edith Hamilton, then, Ira?

[The Rock]

Yeah, The Rock pretty much grew up on Edith Hamilton's book, not Bulfinch. Although eventually, The Rock did get bulfinch just for the heck of it. The Rock guesses that we were all pretty much hooked on the original Greek myths that were later adapted by the Romans. Norse mythology is also quite interesting, especially since The Rock collects comic books, and Thor is a very prominent Norse God/superhero. :eek:

Even Filipino mythology is wide and varied, and it changes with the different provinces. One could argue that the tikbalang, the kapres, and the duwendes are mythology at their finest as local Pinoys attributed stuff that they couldn't explain to these figments of imagination. Filipino comic book wrtier/artist Whilce Portacio drew from these myths when he launched his comic book "Stone". Personally, The Rock doesn't like the comic :(, but the man did try to make a global connection with the native Filipino myths. :D

[Cala]

i've actually been wanting a crash course in mythology. i'm familiar but definitely not knowledgeable in the subject area. maybe some kind soul will want to lend me some resources? :)

[asterisk]

Cala, you should get the books "The Age of Fables" by Thomas Bulfinch and/or "Mythology" by Edith Hamilton.

Then further on, you may want to check "The Aeneid" By Virgil, "The Odyssey" by Homer, (both are epics, one Roman one Greek, about the Trojan War).

In depth, try books by Jospeh Campbell like "The Power of Mythology"

I'll give one story"

THE FLIGHT AND FALL OF ICARUS

The great craftmaster Daedalus had gotten in a row with King Minos. Consequently, he and his son Icarus were thrown in the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth is a gigantic and amaizing maze built by King Minos and contained the half-man, half-bull Minotaur. Every year, King Minos would throw in several young men and women into the Labyrinth. Those found by the Minotaur wer of course killed and devoured. Anyway, it was Daedalus who built the Labyrinth for the king. A great artisan that he was, Daedalus fashioned wings for him and his son so they can fly out of the Labyrinth. He gathered feathers that were shed by birds and them put them together with wax. When the wings are finished and they were ready for flying, Daedalus warned his son not to fly close to the sun. So there they flew. Icarus was exhilarated by the flight. He flew higher and higher, unheeding the warning of his father. Higher to the sun. The wax melted and the wings were dismantled. Icarus plunged straight down to the sea and died. The strait where Icarus fell is called The Strait of Icarus.

*The name Daedalus came down to as a word that means someone with a great skill.
*The story of Icarus and Icarus himself became a cultural symbol for many things, among which is the danger of ambition.

[sampaguita]

Had to read the Aeniad & Illiad for an English class... what can I say? It was interesting... I guess. But it almost ruined my love for mythology.

[Zen]

I also had the Edith Hamilton book and not Bulfinch. I was also able to read The Illiad, Odyssey and Aeneid. I guess I have to thank my schools for that. :) But I remember being exposed to Greek mythology when I was a kid reading Childcraft. Short and sweet stories that keep you interested. :D

[Gilbey]

talking about mythology - we have our own mythology. actually - mas aliw iyong mga philippine myths and legends, sa atin ang mga kuwento usually deals with the origin of a place, item or name.

sa iba - its usually about gods and some moral. i find ours very interesting

[Cala]

thanks, asterisk! :)

i too have read The Iliad, The Aenid and The Oddysey for my English classes before, although I still need to brush up on my familiarity with the details pertaining to each.

[Lightspeed]

There was a time that I was pretty hooked with Greek, Roman and Norse mythology. Like The Rock, I was a collector of comicbooks when I was younger and since a lot of superheroes and villains are adaptations of mythology characters, I took a great interest in them. Some mythological characters who have appeared in the comicbooks included:
(Norse) Thor, Odin, Valkyrie, Hela, Loki, Balder
(Greek) Hercules, Zeus, Hera

[asterisk]

no sweat Cala :) I hope your venture or revisiting to the awe-inspiring fields of mythology will be magical and bright.

Aside from Greek and Roman mythology, I next got hooked to Norse mythology and the Icelandic sagas. Odin (or Woden) and company and all that. Fantastic stories too. Interestingly, their end-of-the-world scenario called Ragnarok (Twilight of the Gods) parallels that of the Bible's revelation.

Next magical mythology is that of the Indian. Read the wonderful adventure of Rama in Ramayana. And of course, the longest epic of them all, Mahabharata. It can literally take your breath away. Check this out!

[asterisk]

Here's another wonderful story from the Greek mythology. This is taken from "The Age of Fables" by Thomas Bulfinch (1855)


ECHO AND NARCISSUS

Echo was a beautiful nymph, fond of the woods and hills, where she devoted herself to woodland sports. She was the favorite of Diana, and attended her in the chase. But Echo had one failing; she was fond of talking, and whether in chat or argument, would have the last word.

One day Juno was seeking her husband, who, she had reason to fear, was amusing himself among the nymphs. Echo by her talk contrived to detain the goddess 'til the nymphs made their escape.

When Juno discovered it, she passed sentence upon Echo in these words: "You shall forfeit the use of that tongue with which you have cheated me, except for that one purpose you are so fond of -- reply. You shall still have the last word, but no power to speak first."

This nymph saw Narcissus, a beautiful youth, as he pursued the chase upon the mountains. She loved him and followed his footsteps. O how she longed to address him in the softest accents, and win him to converse, but it was not in her power. She waited with impatience for him to speak first, and had her answer ready.

One day the youth, being separated from his companions, shouted aloud, "Who's here?"

Echo replied, "Here."

Narcissus looked around, but seeing no one, called out, "Come."

Echo answered, "Come."

As no one came, Narcissus called again, "Why do you shun me?" Echo asked the same question.

"Let us join one another," said the youth. The maid answered with all her heart in the same words, and hastened to the spot, ready to throw her arms about his neck. He started back, exclaiming, "Hands off! I would rather die than you should have me!"

"Have me," said she; but it was all in vain. He left her, and she went to hide her blushes in the recesses of the woods.

From that time forth she lived in caves and among mountain cliffs. Her form faded with grief, 'til at last all her flesh shrank away. Her bones were changed into rocks and there was nothing left of her but her voice. With that she is still ready to reply to anyone who calls to her, and keeps up her old habit of having the last word.

Narcissus's cruelty in this case was not the only instance. He shunned all the rest of the nymphs, as he had done poor Echo.

One day a maiden who had in vain endeavored to attract him uttered a prayer that he might some time or other fell what it was to love and meet no return of affection. The avenging goddess heard and granted the prayer.

There was a clear fountain, with water like silver, to which the shepherds never drove their flocks, nor the mountain goats resorted, nor any of the beasts of the forests; neither was it defaced with fallen leaves or branches, but the grass grew fresh around it, and the rocks sheltered it from the sun.

Hither came one day the youth fatigued with hunting, heated and thirsty. He stooped down to drink, and saw his own image in the water; he thought it was some beautiful water-spirit living in the fountain. He stood gazing with admiration at those bright eyes, those locks curled like the locks of Bacchus or Apollo, the rounded cheeks, the ivory neck, the parted lips, and the glow of health and exercise over all.

He fell in love with himself. He brought his lips near to take a kiss; he plunged his arms in to embrace the beloved object. It fled at the touch, but returned again after a moment and renewed the fascination. He could not tear himself away; he lost all thought of food or rest, while he hovered over the brink of the fountain gazing upon his own image.

He talked with the supposed spirit: "Why, beautiful being, do you shun me? Surely my face is not one to repel you. The nymphs love me, and you yourself look not indifferent upon me. When I stretch forth my arms you do the same; and you smile upon me and answer my beckonings with the like."

His tears fell into the water and disturbed the image. As he saw it depart, he exclaimed, "Stay, I entreat you! Let me at least gaze upon you, if I may not touch you." With this, and much more of the same kind, he cherished the flame that consumed him, so that by degrees he lost his colour, his vigour, and the beauty which formerly had so charmed the nymph Echo. She kept near him, however, and when he exclaimed, "Alas! alas!" she answered him with the same words.

He pined away and died; and when his shade passed the Stygian river, it leaned over the boat to catch a look at itself in the waters. The nymphs pined for him, especially the water-nymphs; and when they smote their breasts Echo smote hers also. They prepared a funeral pile and would have burned the body, but it was nowhere to be found; but in its place a flower, purple within and surrounded with white leaves, which bears the name and preserves the memory of Narcissus.

[Orion D.]

I also grew up on Edith Hamilton's book. But of course, I also tried researching other versions from other sources. Siempre, SON-OF-POSEIDON yata ako! :)

Asterisk: The Theseus story does not correspond to Hercules/Heracles... Theseus was the son of Aegeus, a king of Athens. Theseus was the hero who wanted to stop the sacrifice of young Athenian men and maidens being sent to Knossos, Crete to be sacrificed by King Minos to the Minotaur. Theseus, of course, killed the Minotaur.

Other accounts even state that Theseus was in the crew of the Jason's Argo, and that when he came to visit his father Aegeus, his father was with Medea... So many cross-connections in Greek Mythology!

As for the name Heracles, it literally means "Pride of Hera." And it is a Greek story, which the Romans took later on.

If you take a look at some Greek names, you'll see a pattern of transcribing them to Latin... Examples below:

Herakles ----->; Hercules
Asklepios ---->; Aesculapius
Oidipous ----->; Oedipus

Oidi (swollen) Pous (foot) ---->; Swollen-foot
(His feet were deliberately wounded as a baby, and he was left in the wilderness to be exposed... Attempted infanticide!)

Also, the Hercules story can't be of Roman origin, since Hera's name in Latin is "JUNO." The name "Hercules" is derived from "Hera" which is the Greek name.

[Ira]

asterisk: I must confess, I haven't heard of Edith Hamilton yet.

[The Rock]

Lightspeed, The Rock's not sure but he thinks that "Hercules" was Roman and "Heracles" was Greek.

[asterisk]

Oh, you should get acquainted, Dr. Ira. There are many medical terms that are derived from mythology. It's fascinating.

[asterisk]

In the Kermit Channel, there is a series called "The Storyteller" featuring the marvelous The Jim Henson Creasture Shop and they often have episodes culled from the Greek and Roman mythologies. They are well-crafted and compelling episodes, having directors like Anthony Minghella ("The English Patient") and the one who directed "Shakespeare in Love."

[asterisk]

The Rock, if I'm not mistaken, I think the myth of Hercules is of Roman origin. Yes, his Greek name is Heracles. The Greek myhtology has its own version of the Hercules character called Theseus.

[§ínned™]

Asterisk, I am stunned with your mythology expertise, as usual. By the way, it was John Madden who directed Shakespeare in Love.

The Rock, yep that's right. If I may add: Valiant Herakles - or Hercules, if you prefer his Roman name - is the son of Zeus and Alcmene. He faced a dizzying array of monsters and mortals, fighting his way through countless encounters with enemies. His most memorable exploits would have to be the series of tasks referred to at the "Labors of Herakles".

§inned™

[asterisk]

Muchas gracias, Sinned. How could I forget John Madden.

To continue, Hercules is a demigod, meaning half-god and half-mortal. Jupiter was a god while Alcmene was a mere mortal. When she was carrying Hercules, Jupiter promised her that he would grant any wishes made by her. And her wish was to see Jupiter in all his glory. Jupiter was reluctant, but could not renege from his promise. Jupiter showed himself in all his fine raiment. Because of his divine nature, the mortal Alcmene was burned and reduced to ashes. But Jupiter managed to save the baby in her womb and gave it to the goat (called Amythrea, if I remember it right) to nurse. He grew up to be Hercules. By the way, the symbol of the Horn of Plenty or the Cornucopia originated when Hercules broke off the horn of the goat Amythrea and gave it to some starving people of some town. The horn ceaselessly produces a bounty of food. :)

[This message has been edited by asterisk (edited 04-11-2000).]

[Yoshi]

Ako rin laking Edith Hamilton. I used to read the Cupid and Psyche story over and over again. Cheesy eh. :)

[asterisk]

You're right Orion D. I mean to say is that the Greeks had their very own strongman in the person of Theseus. This is according to Hamilton. I later concluded , erroneously, that Theseus was the very and real Greek hero more than Hercules, whose legend was tainted by the Romans.

[asterisk]

Another scintillating tale for you. This from Bulfinch and I included some annotations.

PYRAMUS AND THISBE

Pyramus was the handsomest youth, and Thisbe the fairest maiden, in all Babylonia, where Semiramis reigned. Their parents occupied adjoining houses; and neighbourhood brought the young people together, and acquaintance ripened into love. They would gladly have married, but their parents forbade. One thing, however, they could not forbid - that love should glow with equal ardour in the bosoms of both. They conversed by signs and glances, and the fire burned more intensely for being covered up. In the wall that parted the two houses there was a crack, caused by some fault in the structure. No one had remarked it before, but the lovers discovered it. What will not love discover! It afforded a passage to the voice; and tender messages used to pass backward and forward through the gap. As they stood, Pyramus on this side, Thisbe on that, their breaths would mingle. "Cruel wall," they said, "why do you keep two lovers apart? But we will not be ungrateful. We owe you, we confess, the privilege of transmitting loving words to willing, ears." Such words they uttered on different sides of the wall; and when night came and they must say farewell, they pressed their lips upon the wall, she on her side, he on his, as they could come no nearer.

Next morning, when Aurora (Eos) had put out the stars, and the sun had melted the frost from the grass, they met at the accustomed spot. Then, after lamenting their hard fate, they agreed that next night, when all was still, they would slip away from the watchful eyes, leave their dwellings and walk out into the fields; and to insure a meeting, repair to a well-known edifice standing without the city's bounds, called the Tomb of Ninus, and that the one who came first should await the other at the foot of a certain tree. It was a white mulberry tree, and stood near a cool spring. All was agreed on, and they waited impatiently for the sun to go down beneath the waters and night to rise up from them. Then cautiously Thisbe stole forth, unobserved by the family, her head covered with a veil, made her way to the monument and sat down under the tree. As she sat alone in the dim light of the evening she descried a lioness, her jaws reeking with recent slaughter, approaching the fountain to slake her thirst. Thisbe fled at the sight, and sought refuge in the hollow of a rock. As she fled she dropped her veil. The lioness after drinking at the spring turned to retreat to the woods, and seeing the veil on the ground, tossed and rent it with her bloody mouth.

Pyramus, having been delayed, now approached the place of meeting. He saw in the sand the footsteps of the lion, and the colour fled from his cheeks at the sight. Presently he found the veil all rent and bloody. "O hapless girl," said he, "I have been the cause of thy death! Thou, more worthy of life than I, hast fallen the first victim. I will follow. I am the guilty cause, in tempting thee forth to a place of such peril, and not being myself on the spot to guard thee. Come forth, ye lions, from the rocks, and tear this guilty body with your teeth." He took up the veil, carried it with him to the appointed tree, and covered it with kisses and with tears. "My blood also shall stain your texture," said he, and drawing his sword plunged it into his heart. The blood spurted from the wound, and tinged the white mulberries of the tree all red; and sinking into the earth reached the roots, so that the red colour mounted through the trunk to the fruit.

By this time Thisbe, still trembling with fear, yet wishing not to disappoint her lover, stepped cautiously forth, looking anxiously for the youth, eager to tell him the danger she had escaped. When she came to the spot and saw the changed colour of the mulberries she doubted whether it was the same place. While she hesitated she saw the form of one struggling in the agonies of death. She started back, a shudder ran through her frame as a ripple on the face of the still water when a sudden breeze sweeps over it. But as soon as she recognized her lover, she screamed and beat her breast, embracing the lifeless body, pouring tears into its wounds, and imprinting kisses on the cold lips. "O Pyramus," she cried, "what has done this? Answer me, Pyramus; it is your own Thisbe that speaks. Hear me, dearest, and lift that drooping head!" At the name of Thisbe Pyramus opened his eyes, then closed them again. She saw her veil stained blood and the scabbard empty of its sword. "Thy own hand has slain thee, and for my sake," she said. "I too can be brave for once, and my love is as strong as thine. I will follow thee in death, for I have been the cause; and death which alone could part us shall not prevent my joining thee. And ye, unhappy parents of us both, deny us not our united request. As love and death have joined us, let one tomb contain us. And thou, tree, retain the marks of slaughter. Let thy berries still serve for memorials of our blood." So saying she plunged the sword into her breast. Her parents ratified her wish, the gods also ratified it. The two bodies were buried in one sepulchre, and the tree ever after brought forth purple berries, as it does to this day.
[see source: Ovid's Metamorphoses Book IV, Pyramus and Thisbe, lines 76 - 240]

Moore, in the "Sylph's Ball," speaking of Davy's Safety Lamp, is reminded of the wall that separated Thisbe and her lover:

"O for that Lamp's metallic gauze,
That curtain of protecting wire,
Which Davy delicately draws
Around illicit, dangerous fire!

The wall he sets 'twixt Flame and Air,
(Like that which barred young Thisbe's bliss,)
Through whose small holes this dangerous pair
May see each other, but not kiss."

In Mickle's translation of the "Lusiad" occurs the following allusion to the story of Pyramus and Thisbe, and the metamorphosis of the mulberries. The poet is describing the Island of Love:

"...here each gift of Pomona's hand bestows
In cultured garden, free uncultured flows,
The flavour sweeter and the hue more fair
Than e'er was fostered by the hand of care.
The cherry here in shining crimson glows,
And stained with lovers' blood, in pendent rows,
The mulberries o'erload the bending boughs."

If any of our young readers can be so hard-hearted as to enjoy a laugh at the expense of poor Pyramus and Thisbe, they may find an opportunity by turning to Shakespeare's play of the "Midsummer Night's Dream," where it is most amusingly burlesqued.

[Note from Morford and Lenardon's Classical Mythology, Chapter 23:
"Ovid says that his tale of Pyramus and Thisbe is 'not well-known,' but thanks to him it has become one of the best-known of all his tales (Book 4 of the Metamorphoses). Among the many poets who have narrated it are Petrarch (1340), Boccaccio (1343), Chaucer (1386, in The Legende of Goode Women). Best known of all is Shakespeare's double use of it in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1596), where the main plot follows the legend with its lovers' errors and meetings outside the city, while the 'Rude Mechanicals' of Act 5 have endeared their hilarious version to audiences of all ages."]

[§ínned™]

Super haba, asterisk!

Anyway, I have a question. Can you name some disabled gods in Celtic, Greek, Norse or Roman mythology? I know about the disabled gods' existence, but forgot about them. Thanks.

§inned™

[asterisk]

What do you mean 'disabled'? Like pilay or something? Handicapped? Malformed like the Greek god of fire and smithing, Hephaestus? (I remember my HS teacher Mrs. Dina Rivera pronouncing it as He-pa-ES-tus, not to mention her own pronunciation of Aphrodite)

[§ínned™]

LOL, yup yup yup it's Diña Rivera di ba? and the Zeus (parang "seus"). Talking about disabled nga naman. :D

Yeah, oh I remember one like those fir na bolga (men of stomachs). I believe, they were walking ears, walking eyes, writhing stomachs, eating brains etc.

§inned™

[This message has been edited by §inned™ (edited 04-12-2000).]

[Orion D.]

Asterisk: Hoy, nagsama pala tayo dati sa "Batel!" (Checked your e-mail address and saw a very familiar name...) Kilala mo si Wendell C., 'di ba?

[Assassin_Mage]

singit !!!!! :)
your stories of Roman and Greek mythology is really entertaining. And I would gladly contribute my own had I listen better to my teachers in college. :)

I have long loved mythology but I lean more to the Norse and Celtic ones. to the stories of Thor and the Valkyries, valhalla and the dragons. And to those of the Celt's... Finn McCool (Or Fion McCumhal) and his Fianna, the Morigan and all that.

Fion's story has been revived a lot of times by several writer's.. Most of whom I already forgot. But the best was the "Sword of Power" series.

Has anyone here read that? I mean other than me.

[Orion D.]

I'm looking for stuff on "DEIRDRE" and the Ulster Cycle... (Celtic/Irish Mythology)

[blue babe]

me rin! i love mythology. when i was a kid, i remember leafing through my entire britannica set, reading all the mythology articles. i have both hamilton and bullfinch, but i think i've read hamilton lang. i think its easier to understand.

asterisk: pyramus and thisbe is one of my favorite stories. :) along with (damn, i forget their names) the story of the moon goddess and the shepherd she fell in love with and that sculptor/woman hater who fell in love with his own sculpture who turned into a real woman.

i'd like to learn more about norse mythology though. does anyone know of any good norse mythology books?

[adlaw]

orion - sorry to butt in, but are you talking about wendell capili, the poet? what a small world if this is so. he is a very good friend of mine. sultihi ko ug mga libak about niya ;).

[asterisk]

Sinned, does memory really poke your funny bone! How could I forget that infamous Zeee-yous. :D

Orion D. Of course, Wendell Capili. But what's "Batel" ? Did we really meet? Clue naman. Katuwa naman this. We were conversing and then we met na pala without knowing it.

blue babe, same here. Ako naman I started in the dictionary and started all over the dictionary for mythological terms. Even in a short one sentence explanation, there is a story that really enthralled me. Then, next search is the encyclopedia and then Bulfinch and all other books. I had nga this notebook where I listed all the names of the gods and goddess and over what/where they presided. Yeah, ang galing talaga ng story nina Pyramus and Thisbe. Tragic and very much like "Romeo and Juliet." Yun nga palang sinasabi mong sculpture and woman-hater story is the famed story of Pygmaleon and Galatea. It became the basis for the a play by Bernard Shaw, which in turn is made into the movie and musical "My Fair Lady." So there, the famous "My Fair Lady" is inspired by the story of Pygmaleon and Galatea. I'm trying to remember the Diana and the shepherd boy story.

[asterisk]

Sorry another mahabang post!

Orion D., (and for anyone) a little bit about Dierdre and the Ulster Cycle. If you want more info go to the website http://ireland-now.com

DEIRDRE

In Irish Gaelic literature, folklore, and mythology, a legendary heroine. Deirdre, who was renowned for her beauty, was brought up by Conchobar, King of Ulster, who planned to marry her. However, she fell in love with his nephew Noíse and they fled to Scotland, accompanied by his two brothers. Emissaries of the king induced them to return to Ireland, and when they did, Conchobar had the three brothers treacherously killed. Deirdre then died of grief.

This story is told in the Ulster Cycle and inspired many later playwrights, poets and writers, such as William Butler Yeats, and forms the basis of J. M. Synge's play Deirdre.


THE CYCLES OF EARLY IRISH LITEARTURE: THE ULSTER CYCLE

Irish mythology has come to be divided into four groups of stories, or cycles. There is the Mythological Cycle, stories of the gods and the origins of the Irish; the Fenian Cycle, stories of the hero Finn mac Cumaill and his band of fianna; and the Historical Cycles, also known as the Cycles of the Kings, an assortment of stories of kings such as Cormac mac Art, Niall of the Nine Hostages and Brian Boru.

The fourth is the Ulster Cycle, set in and around the kingdom of Ulster during the reign of Conchobor mac Nessa, who rules from Emain Macha near modern Armagh.

Perhaps the best-known story in the cycle is The Exile of the Sons of Uisliu, retold again and again down to modern times as the tragedy of Deirdre of the Sorrows. It is one of the many stories clustered around the great Táin Bó Cúailnge, The Cattle Raid of Cooley, in which Medb, queen of Connacht, invades Ulster in an attempt to steal the Brown Bull of Cooley, and is opposed only by the seventeen-year-old Cú Chulainn. Cú Chulainn is the hero par excellence of the cycle, who stars in many other tales, and his ríastrad, or battle frenzy, is a wonder to behold.

There are stories of the Connacht hero Fróech, of the Munster king and probable god Cú Roí, of the implacable and merciless Ulster poet Athirne, and the inveterate troublemaker Bricriu of the Poison Tongue. With stories of gods and heroes, war and treachery, love and tragedy, magic and brutal realism, chivalry and cruelty, humour and earthy sexuality, the Ulster Cycle is one of the finest collections of heroic myths in the world.

The Antiquity of the Ulster Cycle

Irish is one of the oldest literary languages in Europe. Throughout the Dark Ages after the fall of Rome Ireland was an oasis of literacy and learning. Its Christian monks committed to writing a large amount of native material, from legal and medical texts to the remnants of the country's pagan mythology. Somewhere in the mix are the heroic sagas that make up the Ulster Cycle.

The stories of the Ulster Cycle tell of a society uncannily similar to that of the Celts of Gaul as described by the Greeks and Romans. The Ulster heroes, like the Gauls, fight from two-man chariots drawn by two horses, take the heads of their enemies as trophies, and hold lavish feasts which last for days, at which they award the choicest cut of meat to the bravest warrior. They are boastful, drunken and ostentatious, and are fond of single combat. Their religion is overseen by druids, who interpret omens and foretell the future. There are hints, too, of even more ancient practices, such as the 'testing' of new-born babies in rivers to prove paternity. These correspondences speak of a very ancient provenance for these tales.

Kenneth Jackson characterised the Ulster Cycle as 'A Window on the Iron Age', and compared it to the poems of Homer, transmitted unchanged down the centuries in oral tradition before finally being committed to writing. However, we shouldn't get too carried away with this idea. Unlike the Homeric epics, which were in verse and could be remembered verbatim for a very long time indeed, the tales of the Ulster Cycle are in prose, and prose that can be dated. The earliest stories we have date from the eighth century. And while some elements of the stories tell of a society of great antiquity, other elements speak equally clearly of the culture of the time they were written.

The Ulster Cycle is essentially a medieval literary phenomenon, informed by genuinely ancient traditions but also by the preoccupations of its medieval Christian redactors. Nevertheless, the literature we have is:

"in the actual form that we have it, older than the Norman Conquest of Ireland, older than the Norse Sagas. Its manuscript authority is older than that of the Volsunga Saga; its present form precedes the birth of Chrétien de Troyes, the first considerable name in French literature, and, in a form not much unlike that in which we have it, it is probably centuries older than its actual manuscript date. The whole thing stands at the very beginning of the literature of Modern Europe, and compares by no means unfavourably with that which came after, and may, in part, have been inspired by it. Surely it deserves to be raised from its present position as a study known only to a few specialists, and to form part of the mental equipment of every man who is for its own sake interested in and a lover of literature."
--A.H. Leahy, Heroic Romances of Ireland, 1906


[This message has been edited by asterisk (edited 04-13-2000).]

[§ínned™]

Asterisk, Battle of the Brains ata :).

Yup the ever famous ZEEE-YOUS!!! :D Kainis!

I have a question about Celtic Mythology. Who's the triple goddess of Fire, Poetry and the Forge? Is it Brigid or something?

§inned™

[This message has been edited by §inned™ (edited 04-13-2000).]

[asterisk]

OH, MYYY GOOODDD! Yes it is! It's my old nemesis Orion Dumdum! Hey, glad to hear from ya again! :D

[asterisk]

As requested, Sinned, a little about Brigid...Hmmm, I get a feeling na ginagawa mo akong official researcher ha! :D Anyway, glad to disseminate information. One of the things that make this world damn beautiful! Knowledge and all. This one is from the Encyclopedia Mythica:

Brigid
by Lisa Spindler
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Name Cognates: Breo Saighead, Brid, Brighid [Eriu], Brigindo, Brigandu [Gaul], Brigan, Brigantia, Brigantis [Briton], Bride [Alba].

Breo Saighead, or the "Fiery Arrow or Power," is a Celtic three-fold goddess, the daughter of The Dagda, and the wife of Bres. Known by many names, Brighid's three aspects are (1) Fire of Inspiration as patroness of poetry, (2) Fire of the Hearth, as patroness of healing and fertility, and (3) Fire of the Forge, as patroness of smithcraft and martial arts. She is mother to the craftsmen. Sons of Tuireann: Creidhne, Luchtaine and Giobhniu.

<;Picture: Brigid>;Excalibur, King Arthur's sword, was forged by the Lady of the Lake, a figure sometimes associated with Brighid because of her fire and forgery aspect. Like the Arthurian Avalon, or "Isle of Apples," Brigid possessed an apple orchard in the Otherworld to which bees traveled to obtain it's magickal nectar.

Brigid, which means "one who exaults herself," is Goddess of the Sacred Flame of Kildare (derived from "Cill Dara," which means "church of the oak") and often is considered to be the White Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess. She was Christianized as the "foster-mother" of Jesus Christ, and called St. Brigit, the daughter of the Druid Dougal the Brown. She sometimes also is associated with the Romano-Celtic goddess Aquae-Sulis in Bathe.

Brighid's festival is Imbolc, celebrated on or around February 1 when she ushers Spring to the land after The Cailleach's Winter reign. This mid-Winter feast commences as the ewes begin to lactate and is the start of the new agricultural cycle. During this time Brigid personifies a bride, virgin or maiden aspect and is the protectoress of women in childbirth. Imbolc also is known as Oimelc, Brigid, Candlemas, or even in America as Groundhog Day.

As the foundation for the American Groundhog Day, Brigid's snake comes out of its mound in which it hibernates and its behavior is said to determine the length of the remaining Winter.

Gailleach, or White Lady, drank from the ancient Well of Youth at dawn. In that instant, she was transformed into her Maiden aspect, the young goddess called Brigid. Wells were considered to be sacred because they arose from oimbelc (literally "in the belly"), or womb of Mother Earth.

Because of her Fire of Inspiration and her connection to the apple and oak trees, Brighid often is considered the patroness of the Druids.

Other names: Bridget, Brighid, Brigindo

[Orion D.]

Blue Babe: The story you're referring to is ENDYMION. He was a shepherd the goddess Selene (the moon) fell in love with, and since she didn't want him to grow old and die, she caused him to fall in a "long-term, Rip Van Winkle-like" sleep. Roel (Asterisk) is right about the "Pygmalion and Galatea" story... And yes, the original name of "My Fair Lady" is "Pygmalion."

Adlaw: Nagka-ila man mi ni Wendell through another friend... Bata kaay'g nawong, tigulang di-ay 'to! :)

Asterisk: ...walang bistuhan ng pangalan!!! :) heheheh. Obvious ba? Orion D.? I was quite surprised that "Batel" didn't register immediately... :)

[This message has been edited by Orion D. (edited 04-13-2000).]

[YoBaKs]

if no other knowledge deserves to be called useful but that which helps to enlarge our possesions or to raise our station in society, then mythology has a claim to the apellation. But if that which tends to make us happier and better can be called useful then we claim that epithet for our subject. For mythology is the handmaid of literature; and literature is one of the best allies of virtue and promoters of happiness.

without a knowledge of mythology much of the elegant literature of our own language cannot be understood and appreciated...

Godspeed and Peacelove!

[This message has been edited by YoBaKs (edited 04-13-2000).]

[Jennifer]

I haven't finished reading all of the stuff you guys posted. But this is really great! I happen to love Greek and Roman mythology. I grew up thriving on Edith Hamilton's book. :)

[Jennifer]

I haven't finished reading all of the stuff you guys posted. But this is really great! I happen to love Greek and Roman mythology. I grew up thriving on Edith Hamilton's book. :)

[Orion D.]

Well, one source of confusion in Greco-Roman Mythology is about the Sun and the Moon...

Both Greeks and Romans had two deities for each heavenly body.

Selene (Greek) or Luna (Latin) was the goddess of the moon, and the moon alone...
Helios (Greek) or Sol (Latin) was the god of the sun, and the sun alone...

BUT...


Artemis (Greek) or Diana (Latin) was also made to represent the moon, and yet she also had other representations such as hunting... (GF nga ni "Orion" yun eh... Soulmates, kasi parehong mahilig sa hunting)

Apollo (both Greek and Latin) was also the "representative" of the sun, and yet he was also representative of other "pursuits" such as music, the arts, and healing...

Now, why in the world did they have two deities for each heavenly body??

[Orion D.]

Asterisk: Pare, ba't naman ako naging "nemesis" mo? :)Usually, 'pag "nemesis", the feeling's mutual... E sa 'kin, si "J.A. Servinio" (Mr. Spelling) yung nemesis ko sa "Batel", eh. :)

I had a similar theory on that as well, especially that many aspects of Greco-Roman mythology originally came from the Phoenicians and other Semites.

[asterisk]

Orion D., sabi ko nga ba mapapgalitan mo ako sa pagbibisto. :( Sorry po, sorry po! Nagulat lang ako :D Iniba pa kasi ang spelling ng "battle." My old nemesis talaga...Nemesis, by the way everybody, is the Greek goddess of retribution.

YoBaks, that's Bulfinch you're quoting. Galing!

Orion D. I have a theory about the two deities stuff. There were always convergences in the religions of ancient nations as there are now. Initially, the Greeks have one god, for example, presiding over many things like Artemis and his brother Apollo. However, when another religion set in with different set of gods and goddesses. Their gods are identified with the prevailing gods thus giving many responsibilities to a god and to differentiate these responsibities, a new name is given to define this aspect. For example, many scholars believe that Selene is Artemis with a diffrent to differentiate her "moonly" aspect. This is like the Marian veneratiosn where there are many reprsentations of Mary and many names and titles, presiding over a number of things and devotees. You would think that they are different Marys, but they are one. Eventually, many people came to believe that Selene is another goddess apart from Artemis. When the Greeks and Romas converge, the Romans have no moon goddess. The name Luna is not a goddess' name; it is really their word for the moon. Notice that there no stories surrounding Luna. Diana is the Roman counterpart of Artemis and she also presides over the moon. If ever there is a story about Diana representing her as the moon goddess, it would be very likely that later storytellers would substitute the name Diana with Luna. Hmmm...do I make sense? Another phenomenon is that two gods got fused together in one when religions converge. Like Jupiter and Amon and then Amon-Ra, etc.

[This message has been edited by asterisk (edited 04-14-2000).]

[blue babe]

orion and asterisk:
yup! those are the ones! thanks for reminding me.

asterisk: LOL! yup... ako rin, pati ata comics, pinatulan ko. anything about mythology.

[asterisk]

Orion D. wala lang! Nemesis para mythologing-mythology ang dating :D

blue babe, read and live on! :)

BTW everybody the shoe brand NIKE is the name of the Greek goddess of victory. She is usually depicted as having wings. Just FYI :)

[The Saint]

Ever heard about bible mythology?

The first being to commit the sin of coup d' etat was Lucifer. The crisis in the heavens started when God decided to create Man and be given free will. Thus Lucifer said, "The God we serve is unjust. The only task of Man is simply to exist, live and be happy and he gives him Free Will... while our task is to serve him with all our strength, in fact the only reason we exist... and he gives us nothing. This God is no longer worthy of his position and must be oustered!"

Lucifer was then the governor of Earth. He secretly gathered some angels to initiate the ever first coup d'etat. There was a civil war in the heavens. St. Michael headed the loyal angels. The universe was destroyed scattering bits and pieces of humongous debris across outer space. Lucifer lost and retreated to the earth, his domain. God ordered a halt on the attack as he loved Man so much that he didn't want them harmed. He recalled the angels to plan and save man.

To this day, it is easier to sin than to do good here in the rebel-besieged Earth. Satan keeps Earth besieged by making man sin. It is impossible for the loyal angels to make a physical assault against Earth thus God sent the Patriarchs, the Judges, Kings in the likes of Abraham, Gideon, King David and finally Jesus Christ.

That is why the heavens to this day are laid to waist, nothing more than scattered rocks and metal. In the revealations, God promised to bring his invasion army led by Jesus Christ himself and bring back Earth to the hands of God.

****

My high school teacher in Theology told us that the bible story prior to Abraham is a mythology.

When the crumbling Southern Kingdom of Israel(Judah) fell to the invading Babylonians, its citizens were exiled to Babylon. This is known as the Babylonian Exile in Jewish history. The Israelites were forced to send their children to Babylonian schools and learn, one thing, Babylonian Mythology. To keep their children from wandering of from the "truth" and keep them with the hands of God, the Israelites came up with their own mythology... Adam and Eve...

Cool huh!

[asterisk]

Yeah, I read several Bible mythologies. Veyr intriguing indeed. But it is more accurate to say Judaic mythlogy of Hebrew mythology.

The first sotry in this line that I've read is the about the very first woman that was created and it was not Eve. Her name is Lilith. She fell from God's favor and was supplanted by Eve. Lilith became an evil spirit and made love to men in their sleep. From the semen that was ejaculated from this nocturnal emission became the seeds of many demons. She also kills babies. So there's a Jewish practice that mothers waking up babies when they are smiling in their sleep.This means that Lilith is playing with them and will eventually kill them.

More next time.

Read on and Live life!

[asterisk]

Just this post to make this thread burn. Gather ye and basked in the light of stories of yore handed form generations to generations, from one old time to another, from one farflung place to another place, from one mind to another mind, from heart to heart. This is man's magic, precious possession, dreams, despair, utmost potential, power...language, story, writing, mind, heart, form, literature!

[asterisk]

One more spark!

[asterisk]

And we rocket!

[§ínned™]

Awwww, asterisk!

Hermaphroditus. He was the son of Hermes and Aphrodite. A nymph fell in love with him, but he wasn't interested in her. She sorta attacked him and wrapped her body around his. As he was struggling to escape she called out to the gods to have them joined together, forever, which the gods granted. Two people in one body, neither male nor female--a hermaphodite.

§inned™

[asterisk]

Sinned, are you sure this is the story? Kasi ang alam ko naliligo si Hermaphroditus sa river, e mayroong palang water nymph doon and then biglang nag-fuse na sila!

[§ínned™]

I'm positive, asterisk!

§inned™

[Orion D.]

On Lilith... Hmmmm. That makes her a SUCCUBUS. (Female demon who seduces men in their sleep. Derived from Latin "Succuba" [prostitute])

On Hermaphroditus... Actually you're both correct. He went for a swim, thought he was alone, and the nymph Salmacis, his secret admirer, clung to him and tried to steal kisses. Then she prayed to the gods begging them to join them forever. Voila! Hermaphrodite ang labas...

[asterisk]

Orion D. exactly, Lilith was the first succubus.

[silver]

i have always been attracted to greek mythology.

[PUGSLEY]

Where can I buy a book about Norse Mythology?

[asterisk]

There are books always available at National Bookstore and at Powerbooks. I don't have a particularr title at hand, particularly about Norse Mythology. Mythology by Edith Hamilton contains a chapter about Norse Mythology.

[tRiStAn]

Yeah, but it doesn't say much, apart from the names and places, which we are already familiar with. Ms. Hamilton focused more on Greek and Roman mythologies. If I were you, I'd find a book that really is about Norse mythology. I don't know any book of that sort since I'm not really into Norse legends, but I'm sure there are plenty of them.

[Les]

Anyone you are familiar with anime might know that some of them are drawn from mythology. Kosuke Fujishima's Oh! My Goddess is derived from Norse mythology. The three goddesses Skuld, Urd and Belldandy are the Norn (or Nornir). The computer system in heaven is called Yggdrasil, the World Ash Tree of Norse mythology. Neon Genesis Evangelion, a excellent anime that will surely give anyone an intellectual tailspin, is rich in religious and mythological allusions. For example the first two Angels there (not heavenly ones, you have to watch it to understand) are Lilith and Adam. One weapon used is called the Lance of Longinus. At the end the Eva Unit 01 transforms into a giant Sepiroth, a part of the Jewish Kabbala which dictates how a man may reach perfection.

[The Rock]

Nice insight into Eva Les! The Rock was quite aware of all those familiar terms that Shinji, Asuka, Rei, and Misato were throwing around the whole time. ;) Japanese mythology is also something that is quite interesting but there doesn't seem to be any solid source on it. The Rock only remembers some Christian Life Education class in high school that spoke of the first goddess being Amaterasu Omikami, and that all of Japan's emperors descended from her. Other than that, it's all a mystery. :confused:

[adlaw]

The Rock:

If you want to read about Japanese mythology, there is this great classic book chronicling Japan's mythological birth.
It is entitled "Nihongi; Chronicles of Japan from the Earliest Times to A.D. 697"
You can order it from Amazon.com. I have provided the link below.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0804809844/o/qid=959351021/sr=8-1/ref=aps_sr_b_1_1/103-4192962-7430208

[JDELEON]

The SAINT: Tres Tres Cool! (if you haven't seen it yet, you might enjoy ARMY of GOD aka The PROPHECY.)

The ROCK: The Joe is quite impressed. Galing talaga ng mga kaibigan ko. Away na kayo nina the ORION sa Batel.

What we often fail to grasp is that at the time these stories were being told, they weren't mythology. This was their religion.

While I am Catholic, I cannot preclude the possibility that a millenium for now, people will fondly recount the quant stories of the Iesu, the "God made Man."

So there is always a sense of reverence when we read myths. These stories are something that people genuinely believed in. Thousands of years ago, people put their faith into these stories. As much or as little as we value our own faith today.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

[The Rock]

adlaw Thanks for the info, too bad The Rock doesn't have the cash to buy the book. http://www.pinoyexchange.com/crying.gif
JDELEON Man, parang hindi ka rin natuto kay Mrs. Canivel! http://www.pinoyexchange.com/lol.gif At wala akong laban kay Orion, baka sampal-sampalin ako niyan sa Batel. :D

[JDELEON]

Just finished reading LIVING MYTHS. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345422074/qid=962974936/sr=1-3/104-4122819-0552764)

The book showcases myths from various cultures, arranged by theme. A thread of thought posited is that myths reveal quite a lot about their people. The creation myth of Athens showed that the Greeks prided themselves in their wisdom.

Anyway, it got me to thinking, what do our myths say about us?

Do you guys have any resources on Filipino Myths? I want to learn more about our Myths, besides Malakas at Maganda and the baked from clay story.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

[asterisk]

Revive!

[DELISYUS]

waaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh................nalungkot naman ako kasi i lost my ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GREEK MYTHOLOGY......ayan, tyaga na lang ke Edith...waaaaaaaahhhhh.........

anyway....i grew up with Norse Mythology.....high school na ako nung nahilig sa Greek....

ah basta...fairy tales and mytholoy books!!! :)

[DELISYUS]

Originally posted by JDELEON:
Just finished reading LIVING MYTHS. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0345422074/qid=962974936/sr=1-3/104-4122819-0552764)

The book showcases myths from various cultures, arranged by theme. A thread of thought posited is that myths reveal quite a lot about their people. The creation myth of Athens showed that the Greeks prided themselves in their wisdom.

Anyway, it got me to thinking, what do our myths say about us?

Do you guys have any resources on Filipino Myths? I want to learn more about our Myths, besides Malakas at Maganda and the baked from clay story.

May Angels smile upon you,
Joe

all ive read abt filipino myths...i got from this thick but small black book w/c and i cant remember the title, the writer...or who lent it to me...sori....

but sometimes...it helps to check with universities such as UST and St. Paul....they have this publishing thing going for them....


sigh.....obvious bang ang tagal ko na ring nde nagbabasa???

[asterisk]

DELISYUS, maybe it's The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology by Maximo Ramos published by Phoenix Publishing. Anyway, the UP Press published a monumental series on folk literature from oral poetry to mythology. It was edited by Damiana Eugenio. The volumes are think. There is one volume on myths from different tribes and regions all over the Philippines.

[Margarita]

Anybody know the title and author of the book on Filipino mythology??? It's supposed to be a collection of all kinds of creatures Filipinos believe in. Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Margarita (edited 09-04-2000).]

[hummer]

If you really want to get into mythology, try reading The Power Of Myth by Joseph Campbell. This book is really enlightening and very entertaining. He's got other books like Hero With A Thousand Faces, but Power of Myth is tops. It prety much explains the true meaning of myths and their significance in life.

[asterisk]

MARGARITA, maybe it's The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology by Maximo Ramos published by Phoenix Publishing. Anyway, the UP Press published a monumental series on folk literature from oral poetry to mythology. It was edited by Damiana Eugenio. The volumes are think. There is one volume on myths from different tribes and regions all over the Philippines.

HUMMER, you're right. For deeper analysis of mythology Campbell is brilliant. Also, try James Frazer's The Golden Bough is classic.

[Quentin]

binasa ko rin at length yung EVangelion connection sa Jewish myth

Lilith: said to be adam's first wife

Eva units 00, 01, 02, 03 were supposedly based on the four primal demons
00: the demon with one eye
01: the demon with one horn
02: the demon with four eyes and two jaws
03: the black demon with long arms

tapos yung story is based on the final evolution of man ... and that the last angel (the 18th angel), is man himself! the offspring of Adam and Lilith.

tsaka nga pala, counterpart ng succubus ay incubus ... from latin which means "to lie over?" mmmmmm

grabe kalimutan ko na site kung san ko nabasa yon !!!

almost saulado ko na greek mythology when i was in hi skool ... kalimuts ko na ngayon.

buhayin ang thread na to!

[gasoline]

i can say that i have a little knowledge about the Greek Mythology by Edith Hamilton, m a big fan of mythology n its one topic that interests me...its good to know that many share my passion for it...

good day to all!

[Margarita]

Originally posted by asterisk:
MARGARITA, maybe it's The Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology by Maximo Ramos published by Phoenix Publishing. Anyway, the UP Press published a monumental series on folk literature from oral poetry to mythology. It was edited by Damiana Eugenio. The volumes are think. There is one volume on myths from different tribes and regions all over the Philippines.

HUMMER, you're right. For deeper analysis of mythology Campbell is brilliant. Also, try James Frazer's The Golden Bough is classic.

Thanks! Now do you have any idea where I can get the book? =)

[asterisk]

Phoenix Publishing/Rex has just reprinted and released a series of books by Maximo Ramos. They are available in all National Bookstore Branches, including the above-mentioned volume. Particularly, I saw copies in National Robinsons Place. Take time to browse through bookshelves, it is in itself a very educational and inspirational experience.

[asterisk]

And visit the Bookfair. You can find Eugenio's monumental series on myths and folk literature in the University of the Philippines Press booth. Anyway, you can find virtually all the books you are looking for at the Bookfair (Megatrade Hall, Megamall). The bookfair is until Sept. 17. Visit now!!!

[Cerberus]

Anybody here a passionate fan of Norse Mythology?

Unlike Greek Gods, Norse divinities come close to being human. They could feel pain, fear, love and loss in human ways that their Greek counterparts couldn't possibly fathom. The Norse Gods are mortal in a way (Look at Balder), and it is their grim defiance of death that makes them unique. They have the capacity to be heroic. Greek Gods could never feel the glow of courage (Look at Thor in his struggles against the Giants of Jotunheim), nor could they experience the anguish of defeat in battle (I find the concept of Valhalla appealing---where brave warriors could drink and be merry after the agony of death on the battlefield). But perhaps most significant is their benevolence towards mankind, whereas the Gods of Olympus tended to see humanity as a playground and human beings as their playthings.

;)

[The Rock]

Cerberus, what little The Rock knows about Norse mythology comes from Edith Hamilton's old book on Mythology and from reading about The Mighty Thor in Marvel Comics.:D

[DELISYUS]

i used to know a lot about Norse mythology.....when i still topped the borrower's list in our school library.....

now, it's only very limited :)

still, you're right....Norse gods were closest to humans in qualities....

[eaglion]

heck! am through with (foreign) mythologies. am searching for the Philippine Mythologies --- this should be required in HS & college.

[pendragon1]

norse mythology? what i find interesting is the fact that the norse gods (the aesir and vanir gods) are destined to lose in the final battle at ragnarok. now how do you cope with that? greek gods never had to fear death or defeat. your'e right about the norse gods being courageous and benevolent towards humanity though, whereas what greek gods only had in common with us mere mortals was their capacity to be spoiled brats and impregnating maniacs. :mad:

[Cerberus]

Originally posted by The Rock
Cerberus, what little The Rock knows about Norse mythology comes from Edith Hamilton's old book on Mythology and from reading about The Mighty Thor in Marvel Comics.:D

Nothing wrong with that. My keen interest in Norse Mythology also began with comics. I remember having Mighty Thor comic books that had Thor battling it out with Beta Ray Bill. I also had a "What if Thor had met Conan the Barbarian?" (Marvel's take on a genre emulated by DC in Elseworlds). I find Norse Mythology compelling because it radiates a certain aura: grim, dark, gritty and brooding...almost bordering on gothic.

;)

[FarOutFreak]

By far, the only few personalities I am aware of in Norse Mythology are Thor, Loki, and Balder.

It was fun reading about Thor riding a chariot drawn by, get this, TWO GOATS.

And those goats were neverending goats, in that whenever Thor felt the need to eat, he'd kill the goats that drew his chariot. After he'd eat them, by some form of magic, the goats would regenerate themselves.

:silly:

[pendragon1]

another interesting is about the two crows perched on odin's shoulder: hugin and munin. they stand for both thought and memory. everyday they would fly off to the world and return at days end or according to odin's bidding and would whisper to his ear news on humanity and the worlds around them. odin also rode an eight legged horse, sleipner, and had trusty wolves at his feet.

[Cerberus]

The story of Balder's death is one of the most touching in Mythology.

The Death of Balder

Balder was the most beloved of all the Gods. He radiated goodness and light. Everywhere he went, whether it was at the heart of Jotunheim, home of the Aesir's mortal enemy the Giants, or in the depths of Hell he was welcome. All things animate and inanimate loved him. As well as all things beings mortal and immortal. It was Balders presence that seemed to cancel the impending shadow of doom the God's faced at Ragnarok.

Balder woke up one morning and told her mother Frigg that he had a terrifying dream. He said he dreamt that he was in the land of the dead, and Hel herself embraced him. This was terrifying, because this meant for sure that he was to die. All the gods were horrified at the thought of this, because everyone loved Balder. Frigg, Balder's mother, volunteered to stop death from striking Balder.

Frigg travelled from one end of the world to the other, asking everything she saw to take an oath to never hurt Balder in any way. She approached every plant, animal, stone, illness, drop of water and poison, every speck of earth and every spark of fire, and demanded an oath from them. All of them were happy to do this, because they loved Balder as well. Once the gods knew Balder was safe, they enjoyed testing his immortality by throwing objects at him. Some threw stones at him, other threw darts. Each time something hit Balder, he would laugh and say, "Try again! I did not even feel that!"

Loki just watched this game, and hated Balder for being invulnerable. He disguised himself as an old woman and went to Frigg, and
said to her, "Are you aware that the gods have gathered in assembly to throw things at one who stands among them? He is such a
beautiful god, it would be a shame if someone would kill him. Maybe you should go down there and see for yourself. Maybe you can put a stop to this foolish sport."
Frigg replied, "You must be speaking of Balder. You have no need for concern, because I have demanded an oath of everything in the
world not to harm him, so he is quite safe."
"Have you really demanded an oath of every single thing in the world?" Loki asked.
"Oh yes", Frigg replied. "I received an oath from every plant, animal, stone, illness, drop of water and poison, every speck of earth and
every spark of fire, I assure you that nothing will hurt Balder."
"You are very sure of yourself. Are you sure you left nothing out?" Loki asked.
"I did miss one thing," Frigg replied, "but that was intentional. A little mistletoe bush grows west of Valhalla. I did not demand an oath from it because it seemed to young to harm anyone."
"I am certain you are right" Loki replied, and then he left Frigg and casually strolled back to the assembled gods. As soon as he was out of sight, he changed back to his original form and went in the direction of Valhalla.

He found the plant exactly where Frigg said it would be, and he took it out by the roots. He took of all the leaves and berries and small twigs. He sharpened the end of the stalk to a point and tucked the twig into his belt. When Loki returned, the gods were still busy with their game, and the hall resouned with laughter. Loki looked around him and saw that Hoder, Balder's blind brother, wasn't taking part in the game. He looked rather disappointed. Loki approached Hoder and asked him why he wasn't taking part in the game, and Hoder replied, "Because I cannot see where he is, and besides, I have nothing to throw." "I can take care of that!" Loki exclaimed. "I will direct your arm to where Balder is standing, and you can throw the twig I give you."

Hoder took the twig that Loki gave him, and with Loki guiding his arm, he threw the twig right at his brother. The twig went right through Balder's heart, and he fell down, dead. All the gods stood in shock; tears ran down their cheeks. They looked around to find out where the twig came from, and when they saw Loki trying to slip away, they knew it was his fault. But Loki got away, and the gods were assembled to a sacred place. Odin was very upset about the death of Balder, because not only was this his son, but he also knew that this was the beginning of a series of deaths which would lead to the destruction of their kind.

Frigg was the first to speak. She said that whoever would do what she asks, would win her everlasting gratitude. Someone should go to Niflheim, and see if they can find Balder in the land of the dead. If he does, he must approach Hel and ask her to let Balder return to Asgard. They would offer her a wergild payment in return for Balder's life. Hermod the Bold volunteered to do this, and he took Odin's horse and galloped away. He entered Hel's palace, and walked through the hall. He saw Balder sitting on the high seat, honoring him as a great god. Hermod spent the night with Balder, and in the morning told Hel, "My name is Hermod, son of Odin and Frigg. I have come to ask you to let my brother, Balder, return to Asgard, for all the gods are filled with grief because he is dead. Frigg promises you a fitting wergild in exchange for Balder's life."

Hel replied, "I will let Balder go on one condition, you must prove to me that he is so loved that everything in the world, living and dead, will weep for him, so much he is loved. If one thing on earth refuses to weep for him, then he will stay with me." "I am sure your condition will be met", Hermod said, and left for Asgard. The gods immediately sent out to convince everything on earth to weep for Balder, and so everything did. Everywhere they came, it was easy to convince things to weep for Balder. They were on their way back to Asgard, when they came upon a giantess sitting in a dark cave. They greeted her and asked her to please weep for Balder, for Hel has requested that everything on earth must weep for Balder if he was to return to Asgard.

To their surprize, the giantess refused. "Balder means nothing to me, if Hel has him in her kingdom, let her keep him there!" she said. No matter how they pleaded with her, they couldn't convince her to weep for Balder. Finally they returned to Asgard, miserable that they failed. When they told the other gods this, tears flowed down their cheeks because of grief. They knew who was responsible for this; it was Loki, of course, in one of his disguises. Determined to take revenge, they set out, looking for him.

But Loki knew he hadn't fooled them, and he hid high on a mountain. But the other gods found him eventually, when he disguised himself as a fish and hid in a river. They caught him and took him to a dark cave. They took three huge rocks and drilled a hole in each of them. Next they captured Loki's two sons. They turned Fenrir into a wolf, and he killed his brother. They bound Loki to the three rocks using his dead son's intestines, which hardened to cords of iron, and hung a poisonous snake over his head, so that it would continually drop venom on Loki's face. Satisfied, the gods returned to Asgard.

Loki's wife came to him, but she could not free him. But she did try to make his suffering less, by holding a bowl above his face to catch the snake's venom. But when she had to empty the bowl, the snake's venom still dropped on Loki's face, and Loki would scream in pain. Loki remained captive until the last battle, when he would fight against the gods with the giants. The entire world came to end with this battle, but afterwards the earth rose from the sea, fresh, fertile and green. Balder returned from the kingdom of the dead and joined the young gods who had survived the great destruction. The world as they knew it had disappeared, but they hoped to rule over a better one.

---------------------------------------------

heh. mukhang napahaba ah.

:D

[pendragon1]

loki is odin's half-brother if i recall. and he's also half-giant himself.

[Cerberus]

Critics say Neil Gaiman's American Gods is a cant-miss for any Mythology fan. I've yet to read the book. But feedback from the readers indicate it's good. :)

[*keyah*]

I love Mythology! Whenever I listen to Enya, I have images of these gods and goddesses... bagay kasi, diba?!?

Anyway, I wish they come up with a movie soon. A spectacular movie regarding these gods and goddesses. I know they came up with some, like Hercules and Jason and the Argonauts or The Odyssey, but they still haven't captured the real mythological flair I have in my head.

*okay*

[SUX2BU]

Try watching Desmond Davis's Clash of the Titans.

[SUX2BU]

O 'yung mga interesado sa mythology, magbasa na! Go! :D

[mac_bolan00]

for greek, nothing beyond the writings of homer and virgil. what i can say about these gods is that they were probably real humans who, for many other people back then, were worthy of admiration. reasons for this could include unusual beauty, physical strength or intelligence. whoa! i'd have made a great god then!!!

:D

[SUX2BU]

Aha, you are here too.

You are starting to explore. Very good.

From your God. :)

[Quentin]

i had trouble reading Norse mythology because of the names they use like ... Nibelungheleid whatever.

[Cerberus]

Originally posted by Quentin
i had trouble reading Norse mythology because of the names they use like ... Nibelungheleid whatever.
Yet another reason why it's so cool. :) Can you say Yggdrasil? :D