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Was there meant to be a connection or comparison between Poseidon's trident and Hades's bident?

In Greek mythology, Poseidon carries a three-pronged spear known as a trident, while his brother Hades carries a two-pronged spear known as a bident. For that matter, the third brother Zeus carries the lightning bolt, which is often represented as a…
Nerrolken
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What is the earliest example of the tiny, insect-winged fairy archetype?

I was surprised to find that this particular question is difficult to Google. Everyone is familiar with Tinker Bell and Disney's interpretation of her, but was she the first to have these characteristics? The related question on this site, Who and…
smallobsession
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Are there recommended collection/translations of Irish mythology/folklore?

I am interested in reading Irish mythology/folklore, especially the four major cycles: The Mythological Cycle, the Ulster Cycle, the Fenian Cycle, and the Historical Cycle - but I want to make sure I read versions based on good scholarship. Are…
Sven3B
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Is this stylized version of the world turtle part of any known lore?

We found this stylized world turtle flag and are wondering if it is anything "real" or just a modern artist version of the world turtle. Any ideas?
perelin
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Is there any truth to the claim that the original home of the Amazons was Sinope, not Themiscyra?

From the Wikipedia entry about Otrera, the founder of the Amazons: One day Otreta and her women rebelled and took over the entire town and eventually all the towns surrounding. Otrera would march into neighboring towns liberate the women then…
Nerrolken
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Sheep that speaks the day of your death

I once heard a myth which went along the lines that somewhere in the North of England there was a sheep (or other animal) which, if approached at the correct time (probably midnight) and date, would speak the day of your death (I'm not sure exactly…
quantropy
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Are there any evil dog gods in folklore?

I know there are dog gods like the Inugami but are there any evil dog gods? By this I mean a god that is clearly evil but still represented as a dog. Cerberus would fit the bil if it where a god and evil. That is the direction I am going for
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Why doesn't Hera divorce Zeus and marry someone more faithful?

This is something I don't understand. If Hera hates Zeus' infidelity, to the point of cursing his lovers and even trying to overthrow him, why not marry someone else?
Amortal Demon
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Was the Grim Reaper originally depicted with a scythe or a sickle?

Was the Grim Reaper originally depicted with a scythe or a sickle? I have seen both versions of the Angel of Death's weapon and was wondering which one is considered the older, more original version. Related question: What is the origin of Grim…
Reb Chaim HaQoton
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Where can I find information about the legend of Ulug' Bek and dancers?

There is a legend that Ulug' Bek, the grandchild of Amir Timur (aka Tamerlane), invited dancers and asked them to dip their feet into a blue coloring and dance on a huge roll of paper. Later he laid the resulting picture over the map of the sky. I…
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Was Nuada Airgetlám accompanied by dogs?

According to this passage from a website, it's stated that the Irish war-god and Tuatha Dé Danann's first ruler Nuada Airgetlám was sometimes accompanied by a pack of dogs whose licks are said to have healing powers: "In ancient Irish mythology,…
user5268
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Who in Greek mythology is associated with natural disasters?

For example, tsunamis being water are obvious to be Poseidon's doing, but what about volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, soil liquefaction etc? Some sources state that Poseidon was mainly responsible for earthquakes, however, I…
chameleon
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Mythological figure for self-motivated seeking of unprejudiced knowledge

I am looking for the name of a mythological person, god, spirit etc. or narrative which stands for the unbiased search for knowledge or naive learning. I am not so much looking for famous examples for knowledge or wisdom in general, like maybe…
Jan Joswig
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Are there any myths of Gods or Goddesses giving up their divinity permanently of their own free will?

The type of story I'm curious about is one where a God or Goddess is so enamoured with the human experience, that they willingly give up their divinity to mingle among humanity and live+die as they do. (Not out of wanting to save humanity, but of a…
Loptr
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Non-Greek myths set in a wedding

There are a many Greek myths that are set in a wedding, like Thetis wedding as the origin of the Trojan War (see also Harmonia's necklace and Orion's earthborn myth). Are there other tales in major mythologies that are set in a wedding? I am looking…
Marduk Trimegistus
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