The study of these stories of creation, good versus evil, life and death, god and the afterlife is Mythology. All cultures have uniquely expressed their beliefs and values through timeless fables.
Many have their basis in Mythology and some have emerged from cultural folklore. They range from monstrous creatures and chimera, hybrids like the Minotaur of ancient Greece, to humanoid mythicals like the mischievous elves of the Norse.
Greek gods have human form they never age or die. Like mortals, they have passions and display weaknesses and were often held accountable for their actions in mythological tales. The deities of ancient Greece represented the essence of their culture and search for explanations about life and the world around them.
A griffin (or gryphon) is a chimeric creature, part eagle and part lion. With incredible strength, unfailing protective instincts, and a zero-tolerance policy against evil, it is the superhero of mythological creatures.
Norse Mythology is filled with mystical places and complex deities and creatures. It presents a unique world view and an alternative perspective to modern religions.
The mythology of ancient Greece was the basis of their religion and culture. It sustained a role in all forms of Greek literature. The heroic gods and stories have an unsurpassed modern cultural and linguistic influence as well.
Japanese mythology dates back 2000 years and melds the beliefs of the Shinto and Buddhist religions with a focus on creation and the forces of nature. The Kojiki, which translates to “the record of ancient matters”, is an ancient document that elaborates the legends and myths of Japan.
While all cultures have mythology that is heavily influenced by serpents and dragons, Greek mythology is perhaps the most well known in modern day. Two of the most famous stories concern Typhon and Hydra.
In the ancient cultures, a demon didn’t always have an evil connotation. They were simply beings of spiritual nature, non-mortals. However as religion evolved so too did the demons. The Bible refers to them as fallen angels. Spirit rebels against god that have the ability to take possession of a physical body.
The origin of the oldest world religion, Hinduism can be traced as far back as 10,000 B.C. The key beliefs formulate the basis of Hindu Mythology. Reincarnation and re-creation are recurring themes. After death each soul will be born again into a new living body many times.
