172 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Mythologies and Legends

Explain why did the ancient Greeks use wax statues to curse their enemies?

Explain why did the ancient Greeks use wax statues to curse their enemies?

In ancient Greece, the use of wax statues primarily finds its roots in their beliefs surrounding sympathetic magic. It's simple: according to them, a small...

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Explain why the Māori used facial tattoos to distinguish themselves.

Explain why the Māori used facial tattoos to distinguish themselves.

Māori facial tattoos, known as Tā moko, originate from an ancient Polynesian tradition that arrived in New Zealand with the first explorers. For the Māori, these tattoos...

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Explain why the minotaur was trapped in a labyrinth.

Explain why the minotaur was trapped in a labyrinth.

Minos, the king of Crete, had seriously angered Poseidon, the god of the seas. In revenge, Poseidon drove Minos's wife, Queen Pasiphae, mad by making...

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Explain why did King Henry VIII of England collect unicorn horns?

Explain why did King Henry VIII of England collect unicorn horns?

During the time of Henry VIII, the unicorn was considered a very real creature, not just a fairy tale legend. Its horns were reputed to...

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Explain why the rain dance is a cultural practice in certain societies.

Explain why the rain dance is a cultural practice in certain societies.

In many agricultural or rural communities, precipitation directly influences food and economic survival. The rain dance has logically emerged to try to attract rain during...

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Explain why Celtic legends have so many similarities with other mythologies?

Explain why Celtic legends have so many similarities with other mythologies?

The Celts share common roots with other peoples from an ancient civilization now called Indo-European. Settled somewhere in the steppes of present-day Ukraine, this community...

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Explain why the fountain of youth was supposed to make someone immortal?

Explain why the fountain of youth was supposed to make someone immortal?

The Fountain of Youth has its origins in various ancient mythologies, particularly those related to beliefs about miraculous water. The oldest legend dates back to...

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Explain why the myth of Prometheus has had such a strong impact on the collective imagination?

Explain why the myth of Prometheus has had such a strong impact on the collective imagination?

Since always, Prometheus fascinates because he dared to defy the gods to give humans a super gift: fire. By stealing the sacred fire from Zeus...

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Explain why the gods of Olympus lived on Mount Olympus.

Explain why the gods of Olympus lived on Mount Olympus.

In ancient Greece, Mount Olympus was seen as the perfect corner for the gods. Why up there, specifically? Because it was the highest known mountain...

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Explain why some Indian temples are dedicated to sacred rats?

Explain why some Indian temples are dedicated to sacred rats?

In Hinduism, the rat is closely associated with the god Ganesh, the popular elephant-headed deity known for being the protector of homes and the remover...

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