The Evolution of the Roman Penates: From Household Guardians to State Protectors
Context and Background: In ancient Rome, the home was more than a place of shelter; it was a sacred space protected by the Penates,...
Thjodvarta: Guardian of Norse Mothers and People’s Protector
Context and Background: Thjodvarta, a lesser-known handmaiden in Norse mythology, is connected to the goddess Menglöð, who governs health and healing. The Norse pantheon...
Mahatala and Jata: The Cosmic Duality of the Ngaju Dayak People
Context and Background: The Ngaju Dayak people of Borneo hold a rich cosmology centered around the cosmic duality of Mahatala and Jata. Mahatala, represented...
Momotarō: Japan’s Peach-Born Hero and the Evolution of a Cultural Legend
Context and Background: The story of Momotarō finds its roots in the Muromachi period of Japan, a time of political instability and social upheaval....
Rahkoi: The Ghostly Guardian of the Moon and Nature’s Cycles in Sámi and Finnic Mythology
Context and Background: The Sámi and Finnish peoples have long upheld a spiritual connection to the natural world, where spirits and celestial bodies play...
Aluberi: The Distant Creator God and Human Agency in Arawak Mythology
Context and Background: In Arawak mythology, Aluberi occupies a central yet enigmatic role. As the Creator God, he brought the world and its inhabitants...