172 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Mythologies and Legends

Explain why the Amazons were an exclusively female society.

Explain why the Amazons were an exclusively female society.

In ancient Greece, the Amazons appear as fierce warriors living far from men, in voluntary isolation. According to legends, they rejected men primarily to protect...

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Explain why Siberian shamans used drums to enter into a trance state.

Explain why Siberian shamans used drums to enter into a trance state.

The repetitive sound of the drum allows Siberian shamans to gradually shift into an altered state of consciousness. The regular and monotonous rhythm acts almost...

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Explain why Australian Aborigines use dots in their art?

Explain why Australian Aborigines use dots in their art?

Aboriginal dot art comes from a very long way back: its origins are estimated to be at least 40,000 years old. Initially, these drawings were...

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Explain why the story of Romulus and Remus has marked the foundation of Rome.

Explain why the story of Romulus and Remus has marked the foundation of Rome.

Romulus and Remus are two mythical brothers who represent the symbolic foundation of the city of Rome. According to legend, they are the sons of...

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Explain why Norse myths depict battles between gods and giants.

Explain why Norse myths depict battles between gods and giants.

In Norse mythology, the battles between gods and giants embody two distinct opposing forces: order and chaos. Gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyr symbolize order, the stability...

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Explain why ancient civilizations believed in deities with animal heads.

Explain why ancient civilizations believed in deities with animal heads.

For ancient civilizations, animals often represented powerful and mysterious natural forces. Take the example of the Egyptians: they saw the falcon as a symbol of...

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Explain why the Japanese believe in yokai (supernatural creatures)?

Explain why the Japanese believe in yokai (supernatural creatures)?

In Japan, beliefs in yokai date back to very ancient times, when people tried to find an explanation for everything that happened to them, especially...

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Explain why the Aztecs revered the god Quetzalcoatl?

Explain why the Aztecs revered the god Quetzalcoatl?

Among the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl is one of the main gods, right at the center of their worldview. His name literally means "feathered serpent," a representation...

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Explain why the fairies were so small?

Explain why the fairies were so small?

In tales, the small size of fairies is often linked to their discreet and elusive nature. Being tiny allows them to go unnoticed by humans...

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Explain why the myth of Icarus warns against human hubris.

Explain why the myth of Icarus warns against human hubris.

The ascension of Icarus primarily symbolizes the superhuman desire to reach ever higher, to achieve the impossible, in short, the crazy quest for limitless ambition. With his...

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