172 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Mythologies and Legends

Explain why the Minotaur is half-man, half-bull?

Explain why the Minotaur is half-man, half-bull?

According to Greek mythology, the Minotaur was born from a rather strange story. It all begins with King Minos, the ruler of Crete, who was...

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Explain why the phoenix is reborn from its ashes in ancient legends.

Explain why the phoenix is reborn from its ashes in ancient legends.

The phoenix is a legendary creature that can already be found among the ancient Egyptians, under the name of Bennu. At that time, it symbolized...

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Explain why the Nordic gods were associated with totem animals?

Explain why the Nordic gods were associated with totem animals?

Among the Nordic peoples, many animals directly symbolized forces of nature. For example, the wolf often expressed raw power, savagery, and chaos, especially with Fenrir, the immense...

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Explain why the Greek gods have specific powers?

Explain why the Greek gods have specific powers?

In Greek mythology, the gods derive their powers from often surprising mythological stories. It all begins with the epic battle between the ancient divine generation...

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Explain why the legend of the Minotaur is so fascinating for archaeologists and historians.

Explain why the legend of the Minotaur is so fascinating for archaeologists and historians.

Behind the myth of the Minotaur likely lie historical facts related to the Minoan civilization in Crete. Many believe that the famous labyrinth was inspired...

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Explain why sirens were feared by sailors in antiquity.

Explain why sirens were feared by sailors in antiquity.

In ancient Greece, the sirens were depicted as creatures that were half-woman, half-bird, far removed from the more recent vision of them having fish tails. According to...

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Explain why medieval knights gave names to their swords.

Explain why medieval knights gave names to their swords.

In the medieval era, the most renowned swords were not mass-produced like today: each had a specific origin, often forged by a reputed craftsman or...

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Explain why the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and immortality in mythologies.

Explain why the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and immortality in mythologies.

The phoenix first appeared in the mythology of Ancient Egypt, under the name Bennu, associated with the sun, the daily cycle, and regeneration. It is...

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Explain why some mountains are considered sacred by certain cultures.

Explain why some mountains are considered sacred by certain cultures.

In ancient Greece, Mount Olympus was seen as the divine residence, where Zeus and his entourage reigned over the world of humans from their misty...

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Explain why the myth of Atlantis continues to fascinate researchers.

Explain why the myth of Atlantis continues to fascinate researchers.

The story of Atlantis first appears in the works of the Greek philosopher Plato, in two of his dialogues: the Timaeus and the Critias. Written...

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