172 questions and answers in this section

History and Culture » Mythologies and Legends

Explain why Norse myths emphasize Ragnarök, the end of the world.

Explain why Norse myths emphasize Ragnarök, the end of the world.

The myth of Ragnarök comes from the ancient beliefs of the Nordic peoples, particularly derived from old poems and narratives called Eddas. They mainly originate...

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Explain why the Vikings used runes for their mystical writings?

Explain why the Vikings used runes for their mystical writings?

For the Vikings, runes were far from just a cool alphabet to decorate their ships and weapons. They mainly formed a sacred bridge between their...

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Explain why the legend of King Arthur is shrouded in mystery and magic.

Explain why the legend of King Arthur is shrouded in mystery and magic.

The legend of King Arthur rests on a curious mix of rare historical facts, embellished popular tales, and completely invented stories. We are not even...

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Explain why the Mayans considered jaguars to be divine beings.

Explain why the Mayans considered jaguars to be divine beings.

For the Maya, the jaguar was more than just an animal: it symbolized the power of the supernatural world. With its nocturnal appearance and impressive...

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Explain why the Vikings honored the god Thor by using hammers as sacred symbols.

Explain why the Vikings honored the god Thor by using hammers as sacred symbols.

In Norse mythology, Thor wields the hammer called Mjölnir, a powerful object that mainly symbolizes strength, courage, and protection. Specifically, this hammer could destroy mountains...

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Explain why Nordic myths mention a cosmic tree named Yggdrasil.

Explain why Nordic myths mention a cosmic tree named Yggdrasil.

Among the Vikings, the tree is a powerful image that symbolizes life, the entire universe, and the connection between all beings. Yggdrasil is a massive...

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Explain why the Vikings used runes to invoke supernatural powers.

Explain why the Vikings used runes to invoke supernatural powers.

The Vikings regarded runes as much more than mere letters: they were sacred symbols imbued with power. According to their legends, Odin, the supreme god...

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Explain why the symbol of the triskele is so widespread in Celtic and Norse mythologies.

Explain why the symbol of the triskele is so widespread in Celtic and Norse mythologies.

Among the Celts and the Norse, the number three is often associated with important concepts such as balance, fate, and divinity. For example, the Celts...

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Explain why the Vikings used horned helmets in their artistic representations.

Explain why the Vikings used horned helmets in their artistic representations.

Contrary to popular belief, the real Vikings did not wear helmets with large horns at all. This cliché mainly comes from the 19th century, when...

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Explain why the Valkyries chose certain warriors to go to Valhalla?

Explain why the Valkyries chose certain warriors to go to Valhalla?

In Norse mythology, the Valkyries were divine warriors sent by Odin to the battlefields to choose which fallen warriors would go to Valhalla. They observed...

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