For questions for the deeper meaning behind a myth, such as a theme or symbolism.
Questions tagged [interpretation]
31 questions
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votes
2 answers
Why is rape featured so prominently in Greek mythology?
This question may be a little controversial so try to keep your answers as academically as possible. (take an example from @DukeZhou )
If on the subject general answers are also accepted
I am familiar with the fact that this happened in pretty much…
Tom Sol
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What is the meaning of the star symbols appearing on seal VA 243?
Here is the picture of 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 symbol (including 11…
kenorb
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What is the meaning of not giving clothes to supernatural helpers?
There is a theme that I found in several folk tales from Ireland to Russia - although mostly in Irish/Celtic stories. It is where a house has supernatural helpers, who do work overnight. However, the rule is to not give them clothes, or they will go…
Vixen Populi
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Why would turning clothes inside-out keep the Faerie away?
A recurring theme in Irish stories about the Faerie is that they can be kept away by clothing turned inside-out. This (according to this particular Wikipedia source about Spriggans) is "as effective as holy water or iron in repelling fairies".
Holy…
Vixen Populi
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14
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What is the symbolism behind Psyche's tasks?
The taskmaster in the story of Cupid and Psyche was Cupid's mother, the love goddess Venus or Aphrodite. Venus had never liked Psyche, so the opportunity of putting her to a series of tests gave Venus a chance to demand the seemingly impossible. In…
Hanilucas
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Where did the myth about the sword in the stone originate?
Where did the story/myth of the sword in the stone originate?There have been theories of it originating in Rome and England. It is also said to be just a story, but I think otherwise. There is a theory that the book written by
T.H. White was…
anonymous
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Why is Gylfe trying to deceit his way into Asgard?
In the Gylfaginning, king Gylfe travels to Asgard disguised as an old man. When asked, he introduces himself with a fake name (Ganglere). The Aesir are on to him from the start, however they don't seem to care; Gylfe gets answers to his questions,…
yannis
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1 answer
Aoife and Cu Chulainn
In the Irish legend, did Aoife ultimately win or lose the duel with Cu Chulainn? Is it true that Cu Chualainn fell in love with Aoife?
Irish legends
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Are there any stories or fables in mythology that have an anarchist message?
Most mythologies that I read are used to justify the power structures in society.
Are there any that instead preach democracy, anti-authority, pro-education, or free love?
callu allawa
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1 answer
Medea in the Dunciad
The mortal Medea, as described in Wikipedia, does not appear to characterize the lines in Alexander Pope's Dunciad:
As one by one, at dread Medea's strain,
The sick'ning stars fade off th' ethereal plain.
It's the use of the word strain and its…
Laurie Stearn
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7
votes
1 answer
What scripture describes humans as being morally superior to angels?
At the climax of Fate/stay night's Heaven's Feel route, the main antagonist, Kirei Kotomine refers to a religious scripture that says humans are morally superior to angels because humans can choose between committing good or evil acts. Is there such…
user5268
6
votes
0 answers
Relationship of Mithra and Varuna
Just need an answer about the two gods Mithra and Varuna, their situation actually.
I know that Mithra isn't worshiped at all, but I read and suspect personally that his name still remains in the "Indian subconscious", where it seems that he became…
Drodro
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6
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What do the "runes" on this pendant say?
I found this pendant on AliExpress, and it looks pretty nice. But I'd like to know what the runes mean, if anything?
Magnus
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6
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Flood myth = Maritime Voyages & Colonization Interpretation?
I am currently studying various flood myths from all around the world.
I interprete this whole story as a maritime voyage & colonization story:
The ark is simply a ship (bigger than a cockleshell; with roof/deck).
The flood is the sea. Land drowns…
xaedes
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5
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What is the significance of the very long time Völsung spent in the womb?
Völsung's mother carried him in her womb for six years:
Now no otherwise it goes with the queen's sickness than heretofore, nor may she be the lighter of her child, and six winters wore away with the sickness still heavy on her; so that at the last…
yannis
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