heir most poetic form, giving the allegorical meaning attached to the ancient myths, only where their application is clear and

ts of Classic Fable,” and the “Supplement” containing a notice of the ancient writers whose names occur in the body of the work

f gods, demigods, and heroes, which were current among the heathen in ancient times. Ques. Why is it necessary to become acqua

is it necessary to become acquainted with these fables? Ans. Because ancient literature and art cannot be fully understood or

sembled, in their exterior form, those offered to the true God by the ancient patriarchs. The idea of propitiating the deity in

d Roman mythologies the same? Ans. They were, to a great extent. The ancient Latins had, undoubtedly, their own gods and their

r the sun and moon. The sun is often called Phœbus, or Apollo, and in ancient pictures the head of the god is represented as da

is], their Apollo and Diana. This goddess is generally represented on ancient monuments, as a large and beautiful woman, wearin

formerly celebrated for its vocal powers. It is commonly asserted by ancient writers that when the first rays of the rising su

tiful and imposing appearance. The base of the throne is covered with ancient inscriptions in Greek and Latin, commemorating th

the same as Noah. Janus. Ques. Who was Janus? Ans. He was an ancient Italian deity, of whose origin very contradictory

es that the punishment of crime, although sure, is generally slow. An ancient poet says: “Vengeance divine to punish sin moves

ome writers accounted for the number of Muses? Ans. They say that in ancient times there were but three Muses. The citizens of

ned as one of the rural divinities, and was worshipped as such by the ancient Sabines. The name comes from the Latin word verto

markable for having fifty heads and a hundred hands. According to the ancient poets, he is imprisoned under Mount Etna, and whe

rms. The goddess Salus, or Health, was much honored by the Romans. In ancient times, certain days in the year were set apart fo

miseries, hope yet remains. The fable may have been derived from some ancient tradition of Eve’s curiosity, the fall of man, an

ern Maidens, were three celebrated nymphs, concerning whose parentage ancient writers are not agreed. Hesiod speaks of them as

but in the disguise of a beggar. Such persons were often admitted, in ancient times, to the halls of chieftains and princes, wh

ideal of womanly excellence which can be found in the writings of any ancient poet. The following lines are taken from Dale’s t

was to observe and interpret omens. This science was derived from the ancient Etrurians. There were five principal classes of o

atisfied with her answers. The oracle of Dodona was probably the most ancient in Greece. The temple was founded by the Pelasgi

ht be discovered by searching in the central part of the ruins of the ancient city. Ques. Who was Trophonius, and for what was

ophonius never smiled and we should judge, from the accounts given by ancient writers, that they were subjected to a treatment

sleep in the temple, and we should judge, from the accounts given by ancient writers, that they were subjected to a treatment

thmian. Ques. Who instituted the Olympic games? Ans. They were very ancient ; their first institution was attributed by the Gr

ttempts have been made by French and German tragedians, to revive the ancient chorus, but without success, as it is entirely un

the modern drama. Ques. Were dramatic entertainments as frequent in ancient times as in our own? Ans. No; but they took plac

ice served also as an observatory, and was the repository of the most ancient astronomical observations. Some writers have imag

Belus, but it is generally believed that with these nations, and the ancient Canaanites, this was one of the many appellations

trology — Parsees of Hindostan. Ques. What was the religion of the ancient Persians? Ans. We derive our knowledge of their

ortion, if any, of the Sacred Books were written by him, but the most ancient passages, which are in verse, were probably writt

o vile that no kind of food could pollute them. Ques. Are the castes ancient ? Ans. So much so, that it is impossible to say w

, Buddhism has, to a great extent, supplanted the Sinto religion, the ancient faith of Japan. The word Sinto signifies spirit w

second is regarded by its professors as the primitive religion of the ancient inhabitants of China. The priests are called Tao-

ars of mourning. During this time, he devoted himself to the study of ancient writers, and noticing how completely the morality

of religious knowledge, should have failed to learn something of the ancient prophecies and the Mosaic law. Ques. What did La

prejudices and passions of men against the progress of the faith. In ancient Rome, where the idols and superstitions of every

ght of the Gods. Ques. What does this mythology include? Ans. The ancient superstitions of that portion of Northern Europe

principally, it would seem, from a patriotic desire of preserving the ancient legends of his race. The word Edda means ancestre

ey were the parents of the whole human race. Ques. What idea had the ancient Scandinavians of the form of the earth? Ans. The

ic writing was introduced, the letters naturally took the form of the ancient runes. The magic verses were of various kinds. Th

did Druidism prevail? Ans. In some parts of Germany, in Gaul, and in ancient Britain and Ireland. Ques. Where did it originat

worship of fire as the emblem of the sun, and the celebration of the ancient Tauric festival, (held on the first of May, when

porary of Cæsar, makes the following statement on the authority of an ancient Greek writer. “Apollo,” he says, “is worshipped

in name and attributes, Thoth, the Mercury of Egypt and Phœnicia. The ancient Gauls had no idols, nor did they ever attempt any

contained seventeen letters, and resembled the characters used by the ancient Pelasgi. It is probable, therefore, that they rec

, and constituted, perhaps, the highest religious authority among the ancient Gauls. There was a class of Druidesses in Gaul an

. The Tauric festival, which has been already mentioned, was the most ancient , dating from the time of the Chaldees, or Babylon

es of St. John’s Eve (June 21st) recall, at least, one feature of the ancient Druid festival. Ques. What rites were observed o

nce. Before the invasion of Cæsar, Britain was so little known to the ancient Gauls, as to be still a land of mystery. They bel

ablished for nearly a century. Ques. What traces still remain of the ancient Druidical worship? Ans. Certain monuments, which

cur, scattered irregularly over the plain; these are supposed to mark ancient battle-fields. Where the stones are arranged in a

romlech is surrounded by a trench and an earthen embankment. Numerous ancient barrows, or burial mounds, are found in the neigh

Brittany, many popular superstitions still attach to these remains of ancient paganism. Almost within our own day, many an Iris

n for a few brief moments the stars look down on the riches buried in ancient times beneath the enchanted circle. It is the tre

What peculiarity has been remarked in the mythology of the Aztecs or ancient Mexicans? Ans. Its incongruity. On the one hand

the religion of the Aztecs was derived from two distinct sources. The ancient Toltecs, who preceded them in Mexico, were a comp

rial, we may notice a certain resemblance to the funeral rites of the ancient Greeks and Romans. There was, however, this disti

cular height, and is 1425 feet square; it covers 45 acres. It is very ancient , having been built before the Aztecs conquered An

f the Peruvians — Cupay. Ques. What deities were worshipped by the ancient Peruvians? Ans. Like most of the races inhabitin

this legend. Ans. According to tradition, there was a time when the ancient races of the continent were plunged in the most c

d that white and bearded men from the east had visited the country in ancient times, and instructed the natives in the arts of

es. Where were the most celebrated temples of the Sun? Ans. The most ancient of these edifices was in the island of Titicaca,

d between the religious observances of the Peruvians and those of the ancient Romans? Ans. In the mode of procuring the sacred

the accurate information we possess with regard to the inhabitants of ancient Gaul. Cæsar was not surpassed, even by the write

s death, Mæcenas never slept. Pelasgi. A name given to the most ancient inhabitants of Greece. They founded colonies in A

ing countrymen as an especial favorite of the gods. The remark of the ancient sage that no man is to be accounted happy before

its shores 12 miles distant. These ruins are believed to be the most ancient on the American continent. The Peruvians knew not

uted the religious faith of civilized nations; are often mentioned in ancient and modern history and poetry, and are often very

ersons, some of the most remarkable fables, and best known usages, of ancient and modern paganism. ——— Mythology is the histor

, and almost all modern poets of other countries, often allude to the ancient mythology. Painters have drawn beautiful pictures

e represented them in admirable forms. It is impossible to understand ancient and modern poetry, or to comprehend the beauty an

he finest works of art, without some acquaintance with the history of ancient fables. The Greeks were first civilized by coloni

are demi-gods? What is a personification? Saturn. The most ancient divinities of the Greeks were Heaven and Earth; t

fuge, was called Latium, and lies along the Mediterranean. One of its ancient kings was Latinus. The language spoken in this re

ed man, supposes Olympus to be a name common to high mountains in the ancient world. Fate signifies a fixed purpose of the gods

us. Mercury is supposed to have been the Hermes of the Egyptians. The ancient Egyptians are considered as the original inventor

h accommodations we should be in the lowest state of savage life. The ancient Greeks sometimes imputed the art of forging metal

ged Jupiter’s thunderbolts. Nor was his name unheard or unadorned In ancient Greece: and in Ausonian land Men called him Mulci

e day in feasting and mirth. The most celebrated statue of Minerva in ancient times, was that of the Parthenon, thirty-nine fee

and the sweetest and most odorous of plants, were sacred to Venus. In ancient times the Greeks regarded fine hair as the greate

as that of Taunica Chersonesus, or the modern Crimea. This was in the ancient Scythia, which comprehended parts of modern Russi

s, who were the attendants on Neptune were esteemed very handsome. In ancient monuments the Nereides are represented sometimes

oison of misused wine. Milton’s Comus . Bacchus was probably some ancient conqueror and civilian of the Eastern nations. Th

ee plate, page 87. The god Pan held a principal place among the most ancient divinities. By the poets, he is said to be the so

as frightful as that of Medusa. The real origin of Pan was extremely ancient . The Egyptians worshipped the sun as Osiris, and

cording to the common estimate, engaged in the enterprise. Where was ancient Troy, and whence were its names derived? What is

e been buried near the promontory of Sigæum, not far from the site of ancient Troy. Some ages after the war of Troy, Alexander,

not to understand from the word king, as it is used in the history of ancient and pastoral people, the same idea as that of a k

A king of England or France, though he has not the absolute power of ancient kings, rules a large territory, and lives in a ma

ohammed, but another portion of the inhabitants of India retain their ancient mythology, though Europeans have introduced among

eve in many inferior deities: the chief of these are, Casgapa, the ancient god of the heavens, with Aditi his consort, paren

ced the sacred shell, elliptical rings, and maces, or battle-axes. In ancient times, not only sacrifices of beasts were common

e; the rhinoceros, are blended together in groups. What are the most ancient temples of the Hindus? What is found in the caver

nland, Sweden, Norway — which countries, comprehended under one name, ancient Scandinavia, and were inhabited by people called

navian nations. The religion of the Scandinavians is contained in two ancient books, the Edda and the Voluspa. Iceland belonged

he body of Vala, the prophetess. Hard by the eastern gate of Hell In ancient time great Vala fell; And there she lies in massi

e sons of glory!     Silence, all ye powers of light! While I sing of ancient story,     Wonders wrapt in mystic night. I was

thology Celtic Mythology. The Celtic nations consisted of the ancient Germans, Gauls, and Britons. These nations worshi

nd. Hela was goddess of the Goths. The northern nations of Europe, in ancient times, were so warlike, that they esteemed the at

orship form a striking and distinctive feature in the religion of the ancient Egyptians. Those who visited Egypt approached wit

r inhabitant for a cavern or a bog than for a temple. The religion of ancient Egypt is wrapt in obscurity. It bears little rela

ly came to be objects of adoration. It is universally agreed that the ancient Egyptians believed the human soul to be immortal.

lip, to denote silence. What rites were peculiar to the religion of ancient Egypt? What objects were exhibited in Egyptian te

; Horus; Anubis; Serapis; Harpocrates? Persian Mythology. The ancient religion of Iran or Persia, according to the most

es, and compassionate tenderness towards even the brute creation. The ancient Persians regarded the Sun as the peculiar image o

the east , who visited the infant Jesus. Besides adoring the sun, the ancient Persians worshipped the moon and the stars. Templ

the prevalent system, at present; though numbers still preserve their ancient faith. These are called Parsees, or Guebres. Oros

dst of a pure and divine fire which fills the immensity of space. The ancient Persians regarded it as impious to pretend to for

nd evil be no more. Glover’sLeonidas. What is the character of the ancient religion of Persia? What among the Persians was t

ia? What among the Persians was the symbol of the deity? Who were the ancient Magi? Did the Persians worship other objects besi

d taught his subjects to be industrious, and to love one another. The ancient Mexicans had a Golden Age, which was commenced un

practise? What are the first religious services? Does the religion of ancient Greece resemble that of other nations? Does fabul

y? Does the mythology of the Mexicans in any respect resemble that of ancient Rome? ——— The Mexicans had no writings, but the

ancied that he saw reflected all that happened in the world. Had the ancient Mexicans letters, and did their worship resemble

Areopagus. The Areopagus was a court of justice. Hesiod, one of the ancient Greek authors, says, that the Greeks worshipped a

ns; for the gods of Thrace and Phrygia had obtained a place among the ancient divinities. The philosophers ridiculed the gods,

, conceiving that God’s house and temple was the whole world. All the ancient nations held high mountains in reverence. An Engl

St. Paul? What at this time was the public opinion in respect to the ancient religion? How did the Athenians regard the images

is found in the writings of Plato, and was a tradition from some more ancient author: “O thou, who art the king of Heaven, gran

observed. Who are priests? What were the prayers of the Pagans? What ancient prayer has been preserved? Were the Greek priests

but the surface of modern Rome is so much elevated above that of the ancient city, that this building is below the common leve

storian. Dodona’s oaks were honoured as the residence of Jupiter; the ancient Syrians seduced God’s people to their mode of wor

he ancient Syrians seduced God’s people to their mode of worship; the ancient Germans, according to Tacitus, worshipped in sacr

ter their temples became numerous and magnificent, still kept up this ancient custom; and in many parts of the city might be se

resents the whole of the Panathenaic Festival, by the best artists of ancient Greece; is one continued sculpture above three fe

r. Clark, “worth a journey to Athens.” “The whole population of the ancient city, animated by the bustle and business of the

hted only by means of lamps; it had no windows.” “The remains of many ancient buildings in Egypt, and in Greece, seem to prove

es taken? Is the Parthenon one of the most beautiful specimens of the ancient architecture? In what manner does the Parthenon e

ys cherished by the most virtuous of the ancients. “The piety of the ancient Grecians,” says a writer eminent in the knowledg

priest, distinguished above all the rest, is a dignity which all the ancient nations conferred upon their priesthood. The Egyp

mortals, or the peculiar gods of any country. Chap. III. [The most ancient Divinities according to the Greeks, Saturn, Cybel

Saturn, Cybele.] Which, according to the Greeks, was the most ancient of the divinities? Cœlus, or Heaven, whom the Gre

eaven, whom the Greeks called Uranus, was, by their account, the most ancient of the gods, as Vesta Prisca, or Terra, different

ratitude raised altars to his memory. How was Saturn represented? The ancient statues of Saturn wear chains, in remembrance of

ert, west of Egypt. Jupiter Serapis, worshiped in Egypt, is also very ancient . Jupiter Belus, mentioned by Herodotus, was the J

e the same? The Greeks and Romans confounded the Sun with Apollo; but ancient monuments prove that they should be distinguished

avelin, entwined with branches of the same plants, and a cantharus or ancient cup. What were the various names by which he was

ere two of that name; the Egyptian, and the Grecian Mercury. The most ancient of them, was the Thaut or Thot of the Egyptians,

contemporary with Osiris. We meet with scarcely any personage in the ancient world more celebrated for great knowledge and adm

ho was the God Pan? The God Pan held a principal place among the most ancient divinities. By the poets, he is said to be the so

as that of Medusa. What was the real origin of Pan? It was extremely ancient . The Egyptians worshiping the sun as Osiris, and

Manes? The gods, called Manes, were not clearly distinguished by the ancient poets. They were frequently considered as the sou

ian Mythology? The real doctrine contained in the sacred books of the ancient Indian Mythology, is the unity of the Deity; in w

ndû Mythology resembles, in many respects, that of the Scythians, the ancient Persians, Egyptians, and Greeks. It is very fanci

and attributes of inferior Gods of the Hindû Mythology? Casyapa, the ancient God of the heavens, with Aditi his consort, paren

even green horses, guided by his charioteer Arun, or the dawn. A very ancient traveller in India gives the following account of

l rings, and maces, or battle-axes. What are the Hindû sacrifices? In ancient times, not only sacrifices of beasts were common

ian Mythology. What was the nature of the Egyptian Mythology? The ancient Egyptian Mythology, before it was debased and cor

itiated into the sacred mysteries. It is universally agreed, that the ancient Egyptians believed the human soul to be immortal.

pears to be, that Osīris was an illustrious and beneficent monarch of ancient Egypt, who was slain by the treachery of Typhon h

; and others regard him as Moses. Some assert that he was a king more ancient than either of them; while others say that he was

t a favourite with the Egyptians, as to make them almost forget their ancient gods. The provinces vied with one another in erec

or Pan, was one of the eight gods who constituted the first, or most ancient , rank of the Egyptian deities. He was worshiped u

yptians represented the heart; and as they, in common with many other ancient nations, regarded that part of the body as the se

cond Hermes, surnamed Trismegistus, arose. He was the restorer of the ancient religion, and of the laws and sciences of the pre

erenced by the Egyptians, and which are, now, found engraven on their ancient obelisks and temple walls. Who was Eilethyia? The

city in the Thebaid, called after her name. She was ranked among the ancient or elder divinities. Every third day, in each lun

assigned to the malevolent principle. The uncorrupted religion of the ancient Persians was greatly superior to all the other Or

the prevalent system, at present; though numbers still preserve their ancient faith. These are called Parsees, or Guebres. Who

ant manifestation of his presence, in that fine and subtle ether. The ancient Persians regarded it as impious to pretend to for

What was the nature of the Scythian Mythology? The religion of the ancient Scythians, or Cuthites, is supposed to have been

respective rites. What was the Celtic Mythology? The religion of the ancient Germans, Gauls, and Britons, and other Celtic nat

ish words Deu-tatt, signifying God the Parent, or Creator. When these ancient nations sunk into idolatry, Teutates was degraded

igion to be a corruption of that of those people. The religion of the ancient Scythians was extremely simple. In its primeval p

he body of Vala, the prophetess. Hard by the eastern gate of Hell In ancient time, great Vala fell; And there she lies in mass

a. What are the sacred books of the Scandinavian mythology? The most ancient , is the Voluspa; the prophecy of Vala, or Vola, I

ye sons of glory!     Silence all ye powers of light! While I sing of ancient story,     Wonders wrapt in mystic night. I was

n the south-east angle of that sacred edifice, which is a building so ancient , that its original use, and the period of its ere

multitudes of human victims, on the summit of his pyramidal temple in ancient Mexico. The unhappy victims were stretched out, b

What was the Palladium, and where was it preserved? Who were the most ancient God and Goddess? Who mentions Jupiter Belus, and

ount of him. What heathen religions authorized human sacrifices? What ancient people professed the Thothic or Buddhic superstit

l allowed by the Brahminical religion? What kind of edifices were the ancient Hindû temples? On what site are the Indian pagoda

and what the figure of his images? Was there any affinity between the ancient Egyptian Mythology and that of the Brahmins and D

destruction of the world by the Scandinavian Mythology? What did the ancient Scythian religion teach in its primeval purity? B

outhey say of Odin’s temple? Who was Sleipner? Of what nature was the ancient Arabian Mythology; and what name did it assign to

egions 107 J Jaggernaut, a Hindû idol 147 Jānŭs, a deity of the ancient Romans 8 Jāsōn, the leader of the Argonauts 114 J

cultivated than they have been hitherto. Thus the private life of the ancient Greeks and Romans may be more fully elucidated. T

e. To us however this appears to be an error, though as we see a very ancient one. The Latin language abounds above all others

of the imaginary beings whom the people worship ; the exploits of the ancient heroes of the nation ; the traditions of its earl

and heroes, and which may therefore be called domestic ; or those of ancient or distant nations, handed down by tradition or b

from giving in this place the following instance, as it combines the ancient and modern legendary explanations of the same nat

s that the streams leave them by subterranean passages, called by the ancient Arcadians Zerethra (ζέρεθρα, i. e. βέθρα), and by

rect inference is, that the waters stood one time at that height. The ancient Arcadians said that Apollo, incensed at Hercules’

by far the greater portion of the legends of mythology : but, both in ancient and modern times, theories of a different kind ha

ve been advanced, and supported with much ingenuity and learning. The ancient systems we shall notice when treating of the prog

he mythologies which offer the widest fields for inquiry are those of ancient Greece, of India, and of Scandinavia. To these ma

t Greece, of India, and of Scandinavia. To these may be added that of ancient Egypt. Italy has left no mythology, properly spea

e bringing of the science of mythology into neglect and contempt. The ancient Greeks were led from ignorance to give credit to

ell to bear in mind the following words of Johnson : «The original of ancient customs,» says he, «is commonly unknown, for the

against this hypothesis54. It is certainly not improbable that these ancient priests, if such there were, may have had their r

es and fables, many of which are significant of the same objects. The ancient inhabitants of Greece were divided into a great v

s is proved by the poems of Homer and Hesiod, which, exclusive of the ancient legends they contain, make frequent allusion to o

erefore been naturally led to the supposition of there having been in ancient Greece aœdic schools, in which the verses of prec

ond our attainment as that of the other. The Greeks, like most of the ancient nations, were little inclined to regard as mere c

in which in reality many such truths had been studiously enveloped by ancient priests and sages61. After an intercourse had bee

ed by the philosophers, by representing them as being involved in the ancient mythes, which they modified by the aid of fiction

ls of the philosophers, and the temples devoted to the mysteries, the ancient legends were acquiring a new and recondite sense,

denote extraordinary swiftness64. The poets soon began to regard the ancient legends as mere materials.The belief in their tru

rologue of what they were about to witness. Such was the state of the ancient mythology of Greece in her days of greatest intel

aid of the extensive royal library, assiduously cultivated ; and the ancient mythology soon became a favourite subject of lear

ibed, and at a distance of sixty stadia from the chief town, stood an ancient and magnificent temple sacred to Triphylian Zeus,

ployed it to advantage in their conflicts withe the supporters of the ancient religion. While Euhemerus thus fixed on an imagin

It was chiefly physical and ethical truths that they deduced from the ancient mythes, and they generally regarded the gods in t

oured by its aid, in union with Oriental mysticism, to show, that the ancient religion contained all that was required to satis

the poems named the Melampodia and Ægimios, likewise ascribed to this ancient bard. Homer and Hesiod were succeeded by a crowd

me down to us ; and Crates, Aristarchus, and the other editors of the ancient poets gave the legends a place in their commentar

es of hail, rain, snow, and frost123. According to the notions of the ancient Scandinavians the heaven was solid, and its upper

ong the celestial bridge Bifröst, i. e. the Rainbow. The ideas of the ancient Italians and other nations seem to have been simi

not be uninteresting ere we quit the subject of the cosmology of the ancient Greeks, to compare with it that invented by our o

ns in his narrative give convincing proof of its being alien from the ancient cosmogonic mythe. In the hands of the logographer

comes to his aid163. There would also appear to have been some other ancient system of the celestial dynasties, which assigned

uctions. The date of the tale is unknown, but it is probably not very ancient  ; it is only to be found at present in the Latin

ldren, may have sufficed for the Greeks to infer an identity of their ancient deity with the object of Phœnician worship. It wa

es any spot of earth as the natal place of any of his gods386. A very ancient tradition, however, (for it occurs in Hesiod) mad

ng themselves. The Cretan legend must however be regarded as the more ancient , for the Arcadians evidently attempted to transfe

the poets, who detailed the amorous history. It seems to have been an ancient opinion that the gods used to assume the human fo

assign the oak402, the monarch of trees, to the celestial king, whose ancient oracle moreover was in the oak-woods of Dodona403

swering to the sin-offerings of the Mosaic law. At Argos there was an ancient wooden statue (ξόανον) of Zeus, which had a third

verse from war and everything that might abridge its period, than the ancient Greeks were472. In process of time, when communic

hink justly, regarded as a sportive adaptation by the epic poet of an ancient physical mythe of the union of Zeus and Hera (hea

ther name of the Imbrasos was said to be Parthenios523. Every year an ancient wooden image (βρέτας) of Hera disappeared from th

proof of her being regarded as the earth ; for in the religion of the ancient Germans (which was akin to that of the Greeks) th

e victim. It has likewise been supposed, not without reason, that the ancient epithet of the goddess, Ox-eyed or Cow-eyed (βοῶπ

a comparatively late period. It may be, as is generally supposed, an ancient physical mythe, or rather a combination of two su

ia596. At Phliûs in the Peloponnese a goddess was worshiped, whom the ancient Phliasians, Pausanias says597, called Ganymede, b

, proceeding southwards from Pieria, or westwards from Delos, and the ancient religion of the place, the worship of Gæa or Them

some places more worshiped than Seeva ; Thor was most honoured by the ancient Norwegians, and Odin by the Swedes ; St. Jago is

nnected with the Greek name of the wolf (λύκος) ; but as there was an ancient Greek word signifying light (Λϒ ΚH)664, of a simi

nd not joined together as they were. He further inquires, whether the ancient nations, who esteemed their gods to be so little

so at Cnidos, Miletos, Côs, Corinth, Athens, Sparta, etc. In the more ancient temples of this goddess in Cyprus she was represe

slightly clad. The Venus de’ Medici remains to us a noble specimen of ancient art and perception of the beautiful. The most

at her temple in Cythera, which was regarded as the holiest and most ancient of her fanes in Greece. Her antique wooden statue

procession810 ; a title of Athena was All-dew(Pandrosos)811 ; in the ancient legend of Athens there was a Sacred Marriage betw

twined about it, and which sometimes has wings at its extremity. The ancient statues of Hermes were nothing more than wooden p

vidently the goddess of the earth, Mother-Earth (γῆ μήτηρ), whom some ancient system married to Zeus, the god of the heavens878

itants of different places have taken abundance of liberties with the ancient tale. There are, as we have already observed, no

cs have gone into an extreme respecting the religious opinions of the ancient Pelasgians. For as there appears reason to suppos

nto all the mysticism which has been written respecting them, both in ancient and modern times, we will content ourselves with

low-citizens from their family-sacrifices ; and in those states where ancient statues, aërolites, and such like were preserved

ld rather seem to be derived from his exhibiting the sacred things, —  ancient statues, probably of the goddesses, — which were

in honour of the goddess always formed a part of the service920. The ancient writers are full of the praises of the Eleusinian

of Greece) seem also to have connected music with the water in their ancient religious system ; and this notion still remains

inally regarded as the presidents of the three seasons into which the ancient Greeks divided the year964. As the day was simila

rshiped at Delos, where a hymn was sung in her honour ascribed to the ancient Lycian poet Olên. In this she was said to be the

will probably be found wherever poetry exists1068. But it was only in ancient Greece and Italy that these personifications were

is any mention of or allusion to this god have been suspected by the ancient critics, either on account of some circumstances

f that part of the poem is well known. It was further observed by the ancient critics, that Marôn, who gave the wine to Odysseu

very incidental manner in which Demeter, undoubtedly one of the most ancient deities, is noticed in the Ilias, it should not e

d, more resembling the Ramayuna of India than anything to be found in ancient or modern occidental literature. Its chief subjec

polished Athens performed in the Phrygio-Grecian Dionysia1117, though ancient and modern mystics endeavour to extract profound

Dionysos was represented in a variety of modes and characters by the ancient artists. The Theban Dionysos appears with the del

ne-god, for such restricted notions are contrary to the genius of the ancient Grecian religion, in which each people assigned i

teries, hieratic medicine, and fanatic poetry : in these too the most ancient poems of Bacis, Pamphôs, Olên, and the Sibyls, ap

s apparent from this account that Cybele, Marsyas, and Attis were all ancient Phrygian deities. Marsyas, as we have seen, was a

utes might lead to an identification of her with Cybele1149. The most ancient statue of the Artemis of Ephesus was a black ston

re, or of the productive power of the earth, which we find among most ancient nations. Egypt is once mentioned in the Ilias1154

Memphis is no longer founded after the destruction of Troy. The more ancient Greeks named the Delta Egypt, the rest Thebes, fo

rselves on the subject of the Nymphs. “In the Homeric poems, the most ancient portion of Grecian literature, we meet the variou

from shipwreck, and were invoked by sailors. The fable appears to be ancient  ; as Leucothea, who gives her veil to Odysseus wh

d retain his breath1301.’ They were also represented as winged on the ancient coffer of Kypselos at Olympia1302. On the shield

o sail to barter iron for copper, is mentioned1326 ; and in Italy, in ancient times a most cypriferous region, there was a plac

icania is also spoken of1333, but it is in the part of the poem which ancient critics pronounced to be spurious. We think ourse

. The account of the fourth and fifth races was an application of the ancient mythe to the actual world, and from a moral it be

s and herds, and master of the trees which bore the golden apples. An ancient prophecy delivered by Themis had announced to him

, view of it given by an able mythologist1482. According to some very ancient mythe the first of mankind were two brothers, Pro

hich we have given above ; but incongruities little discomposed those ancient bards, and if a mythe contained a moral that plea

t may be regarded as the best explanation that has been given of this ancient mythe. We will now make a few observations on the

Δευκαλίων καὶ Πύῤῥα. Deucalion et Pyrrha. We have seen that the ancient mythology of Greece contained accounts of the two

n like manner the important event of the Deluge has a place among the ancient Hellenic mythes ; but unfortunately it has come d

ich yielded them a refuge. According to this poet, they consulted the ancient oracle of Themis respecting the restoration of ma

than the diversity of dialects of the one language which prevailed in ancient Greece as in modern Italy. Religion will always v

bability in the hypothesis that what afterwards became mysteries were ancient Pelasgian forms of worship, preserved in particul

jects are chiefly the Æolids, or heroes of the race of Æolos, and the ancient Minyans. Ἂδμητος καὶ Ἂλκηστις. Admetus et Alce

lcos Medeia landed secretly on the coast, and assuming the form of an ancient priestess of Artemis, went to the house of Pelias

we the minds of the hearers, for we should always remember that these ancient mythes were articles of real and serious belief15

its, and properties of animals. Yet as Ceÿx seems to belong to a very ancient mythic cycle, it is not unlikely that it was the

From this genealogy may be collected the tradition of Elis having in ancient times received a colony from Thessaly, and also o

Ætolians did not give him the proffered recompense. Such is the more ancient form of the legend, in which it would appear that

e Spartans (Sown) in this legend are probably meant the Eupatrids, or ancient nobility of Thebes, of which there may have been

ic poets allowed themselves great liberties in their treatment of the ancient mythes. There is none which has suffered more at

r think that in this story of the Antiopids glimpses are given of the ancient political state of Thebes. It is observed that th

inst the warlike Phlegyans. In fine this writer would seem to view in ancient Thebes a political state of things somewhat simil

ts origin, and he conceives it to have been established by one of the ancient houses, as Nycteus is called the son of Chthonios

nsmitted to us by the Attic dramatists. We will now consider its more ancient forms. The hero of the Odyssey says, “I saw (in E

erties which the Attic tragedians allowed themselves to take with the ancient mythes. It was purely to gratify Athenian vanity

and impiety. We are disposed however to regard the former as the more ancient form of the mythe, and the original conception of

hene, the goddess of wisdom and mental energy, appears throughout the ancient form of the mythe as the constant guardian of the

d meant to represent the political and religious contests between the ancient inhabitants and the invaders. The mythology of He

e being without the walls, — a fact which is quite conclusive, as the ancient deities of a city always had their temples on or

xplained the name Cecrops or Cercops ; and when we recollect that the ancient Athenians wore golden tettiges or tree-hoppers in

but being closely pressed with hunger, the Athenians, according to an ancient oracle, sacrificed on the grave of the Cyclôps Ge

ill therefore commence with Erichthonios or Erechtheus, whom the more ancient tradition viewed as the first Attic king. We have

hene. Beside this goddess, the symbol of the mild celestial heat, the ancient people of Attica adored Hephæstos, the terrestria

ôn was worshiped on the Acropolis. It is well known that none but the ancient deities of the nation ever had temples or altars

, assigned the origins above related. It is probable that in the more ancient legend there was a Holy Marriage (ἱερὸς γάμος) of

y of Poseidôn1861. There seems to have been a distinction between the ancient Poseidôn-Erechtheus of the agricultural Pelasgic

ace, we may observe that he seems to be rather in opposition with the ancient deities of the place. Some of the evil-doers whom

flight through the air. Chapter VI. MYTHES OF CORINTH. The ancient name of Corinth was said to have been Ephyra, so

s out on his adventures from Corinth. It would not surprise us if the ancient form of the legend was that a prince of Corinth h

-Hippios, the rider of the waves, — a symbol of the navigation of the ancient Ephyra. The adventures of the hero may have signi

and of agriculture and social institutions. One of his children is an ancient or poetic name of the peninsula ; the other is th

is the instrument by which Grecian vanity derived the rulers of more ancient countries from its own gods and princes. He marri

it is likely they were related at length in the Eoiæ. A mythe so very ancient as this appears to be was probably a physical one

nables him to achieve the adventure. This goddess was one of the most ancient deities of Argos, for she had a temple on the Lar

sto, stood a temple of Artemis-Calliste ; and he adds that it was the ancient poet Pamphôs who first gave Artemis this epithet

parentage of the celebrated Helena. The common and probably the most ancient one is that given above, that she was the daughte

ormerly called Pylos, where the Neleids reigned ; and to Pisatis, the ancient realm of the Pelopids. Between the former and the

ip, and that he was converted into a hero in the usual manner. As the ancient Epeians are said to have been Lelegians, and this

is, as we may easily see, one of the many attempts at localising the ancient mythes, for Sipylos it is plain was designed to t

ion2056, and his mythe is evidently one of those handed down from the ancient serious Pelasgic times. The root of Tantalos is p

ly exhibits the misery of such a state, and this is probably the more ancient form of the legend. The other form2057 perhaps re

and perhaps the legend of Europa passing over the sea on a bull is an ancient expression of this idea. The same may have been t

oollahs of Africa call it the ‘Elephant2139’, while the husbandmen in ancient Italy named it the ‘Seven Oxen’ (Triones 2140. Th

, are plainly related to the sea. Among the Hyades we find Dione, the ancient goddess of Dodona ; Ambrosia, Coronis, Eudora are

ntry, or with fictions of the inhabitants of the colonies2167. In the ancient ante-Homeric Argonautics it is probable that the

, lakes, and canals — that we are left to conjecture the state of the ancient inhabitants of Italy2247. In the times of the ear

hole which Roman story displays. Popular poetry is, as the example of ancient Greece shows, the great preserver of the popular

her own language. Nævius the Campanian sang, in Saturnian verse, (the ancient measure of Italian poetry,) the chief events from

lance was the symbol before which he was worshiped. According to the ancient Annals of Rome2261 Tatius the Sabine king raised

electric phænomena of the sky. It is a very remarkable feature in the ancient religion of Italy, that though it admitted not of

ellius Vitellia. This principle probably ran through the whole of the ancient language, for we find animus and anima used of th

ecame Jupiter, answering to the Ζϵὺς πατὴρ of the Greeks. In the more ancient monuments of the Roman religion Jovis or Jupiter

have been unborrowed by the Romans, and a part of the religion of the ancient Pelasgic population of Latium2303, as it is by al

ese and the Hindoos ; it was also a principle in the cosmogony of the ancient Persians and Scandinavians. 96. The term Europe

er name, that she came down ‘like a star.’ This was probably the more ancient version, but it was also said that she took the f

472. See Plato, Rep. iii. 336. b. Voss, Anti-Symb. i. 203, 204. The ancient Hebrews seem also to have had gloomy ideas of She

. The earliest mention of Charôn in Grecian poetry seems to be in the ancient poem of the Minyas, quoted by Pausanias, x. 28. S

ll. Rh. iv. 896.). 884. Her plucking the narcissus was noticed in an ancient hymn ascribed to Pamphôs. Paus. ix. 31, 9. 885.

sis, xl. 9. Num. xx. 5 ; and the vintage is the subject of one of the ancient Egyptian paintings now in the British Museum. 11

xii. 374-390.) of the complaint of Helios to Zeus was rejected by the ancient grammarians. We may observe that the cosmology in

hension, something akin to that inspired by the contemplation of very ancient ruins. See, however, Appendix (H). 1618. πϵντ ηκ

d assign a historical foundation to the wild and fanciful fictions of ancient poets, tell us that Persephone was wife to Aïdone

oph. Aj. 625.). Sch. Pind. Ol. i. 97. Theognis, 702. seq. 1868. The ancient form of the Σ was C, which is of the shape of a h

zen to denote the hardness of the ground (see above, p. 32.), but the ancient Cyclopian treasuries appear to have been lined wi

g. 947. 2106. Il. xviii. 591. Payne Knight in loco. It perplexed the ancient critics. See the Seholia. 2107. See above, p. 42

omical mythes is treated with this writer's usual ability. 2138. Its ancient name in the North is Karlsvagn, the ‘Carle' s or

Aphetæ, where he went for water (Sch. Apoll. Rh. i. 1290.). It was an ancient custom of the Bithynians, we may observe, to lame

nvented to account for the similarity. There may however have been an ancient Grecian legend of Iphigeneia. See Müller, Dor. i.

. seq. 2283. Cie. Div. i. 45 ; ii. 32. Suidas, s. v. Moneta was the ancient Latin translation of Mnemosyne “Nam diva Monetas

humble servant, The Author. Preface. As a general knowledge of ancient mythology is indispensable to a clear understandi

mythology is indispensable to a clear understanding, not only of the ancient poets and historians, but, also, of the best mode

he creation, and other sublime truths, in the obscurity of fable. The ancient Greeks, who, at first, were the most rude and unc

r rank was far inferior to his own. The Greeks deemed Uranus the most ancient of all the gods. The Latins called him Cœlus, or

to his father, Saturn, in rank? What god did the Greeks deem the most ancient ? Who was the oldest of the goddesses? Chapter

is bedecked. Obs. 2. — The worship of Cybele and Terra is extremely ancient . Several authors affirm that it was Cadmus who in

t wonderful truth, which could not escape the observation even of the ancient heathens, namely, that a mixture of good and evil

four Apollos. The Apollo of the Egyptians, called Horus, was the most ancient , but the Apollo to whom the actions of the rest a

e goddesses of this name, whom Cicero mentions, he says that the most ancient issued from the Nile, and was much worshipped in

rod, and styled a mighty hunter before the Lord . The second, was an ancient king of Egypt. The third, a king of Thrace, who w

with the Roman poets, it being wholly unknown to the Greeks and other ancient nations. It was suggested by the jealousy which J

he goes lame all his life.” “Nor was his name unheard or unadored In ancient Greece: and in Ansonian island Men called him Mul

, king of Egypt, who lived a little after Moses. He was the author of ancient books on religion, which the Egyptians carefully

ame of Demogorgon. Among the different names borne by Earth, the most ancient is Titæa, which signifies dirt, or earth, as Uran

signifies dirt, or earth, as Uranus does heaven. Chaos alone was more ancient than heaven and earth. He was arbitrarily called

st which considered the earth animated by a genius? What was the most ancient name given to the Earth? What was one of Earth’s

conceal the disgrace of the donor, they assimilated Laurentia to the ancient Flora, and honoured her as the goddess of groves

s of groves and flowers. Obs. 2. — Vertumnus is said to have been an ancient king of Etruria, celebrated for his love of the c

in ev’ry grove.” Lucretius. Obs. — The true origin of Pan was very ancient . The Egyptians worshipped the whole world under t

nd reason which enable us to live and exercise our understanding. The ancient Etruscans denominated them Consentes and Complice

habited the earth; the second, the air; and the third, the fire. Some ancient philosophers advanced, that every man had two Gen

re not just men after death, supposed to become dæmons? Did not some ancient philosophers advance, that every man had two Geni

. The idea of a God, who punishes crime and rewards virtue, is as ancient as the world itself. The first man received it fr

one can check the progress of general corruption. The more we examine ancient traditions, the more clearly it appears that an o

oubtable women. “Near the Cape West,” says he, “are the Gorgates, the ancient abode of the Gorgons.” Hanno, general of the Cart

rd. Obs. — It would be tedious, as well as useless, to name all the ancient deities. In general, the Romans, and the Greeks b

hœnicia before he was introduced into Greece. Sanchoniathon, the most ancient of the Phœnician authors, mentions an Æsculapius,

ds and mortals; but in time it was granted to all celebrated men. The ancient philosophers taught, that, after death, the souls

and most magnificent buildings in the city. “Where fam’d St. Giles’ ancient limits spread, An inrail’d column rears its lofty

s. There are not less than forty heroes of this name mentioned by ancient authors. The Trojan Hercules was named Thasius; t

his adversaries. This is said to have taken place in that division of ancient Gaul, called Gallia Narbonesis, or Campus Lapideu

rion. Orpheus, the son of Apollo by the muse Calliope, was a very ancient poet and musician, and one of the Argonauts. The

of Juno, some fancy to have been merely oranges, a fruit very rare in ancient times, and carefully guarded by dogs. Questions.

ion, the second Hermes, surnamed Trismegistus, arose. He restored the ancient religion and the laws of the first Hermes, alread

h is now the prevailing religion, though numbers still preserve their ancient faith, and are denominated Parsees, or Guebres. M

f sublime truths and wild fictions. It resembles the mythology of the ancient Egyptians, Persians, and Scythians. It divides th

elves upon spikes, until having been religiously fed, they expire. In ancient times, victims both bestial and human, were usual

up first in Phœnicia. The worship of the heavenly bodies was the most ancient and general form of it. The Chaldeans and Phœnici

to this method that the poets altered in their works the accounts of ancient events, the remembrances of which tradition and r

apter II. Temple of Belus in Babylon. This temple, among the most ancient dedicated to paganism, was also the most singular

s consecrated to the memory of Belus. Egypt possessed temples equally ancient ; but they were erected in honour of the gods. Her

the illustrious Phidias, the most celebrated of all sculptors, either ancient or modern. They were elevated from the pavement t

ippa, son-in-law to Augustus. Some authors, however, consider it more ancient , and say, that he only repaired it, and added to

e temple, or rather the tower of Belus, was, beyond dispute, the most ancient and extraordinary of all monuments. It existed be

all the oracles renders it expedient to confine ourselves to the most ancient and celebrated. Chapter VIII. Oracle of Dodona

of Dodona. According to Herodotus, the oracle of Dodona, the most ancient in Greece, and that of Jupiter Ammon, in Libya, h

ill more to excite their wonder, she practised some ceremonies of her ancient mystery. Hence, they attributed to her something

mns in honour of Jupiter. The ship was adorned with a great number of ancient cups of silver, which hung on both sides of it. T

hapter X: Oracle of Delphi. The oracle of Delphi was not the most ancient in Greece, but the most celebrated, and it contin

t of the same antiquity. Every day new ones appeared, whilst the more ancient lost their credit. Oftentimes they were plundered

arro, the most learned of the Romans, names ten Sibyls, and cites the ancient authors who have spoken of them. We shall follow

. 6. The Samian, or Sibyl of Samos, whose prophecies are found in the ancient annals of the Samians, was the sixth. 7. The Cume

d collection, which contained eight books. It included several of the ancient Jewish predictions; but all critics considered it

ads, how ever, which have spread the greatest light over the chaos of ancient history. The Olympic games began with a solemn sa

ope, by the annals of the people, by their institutions, and by their ancient usages, (some of which still exist,) informs us t

deserve any sort of confidence are comprised in a work of Snorron, an ancient historian of Norway, together with the commentari

re subject. And, according to Tacitus, such, also, was the god of the ancient Germans. The ancient mythology of Iceland called

rding to Tacitus, such, also, was the god of the ancient Germans. The ancient mythology of Iceland called God the author of all

of Iceland called God the author of all that exists, the eternal, the ancient , the living, and the terrible being, the searcher

of the Roman republic. The testimony of some authors proves that the ancient Germans had retained its principal tenets, while

Northern Europe, since Odin. The Edda of the Icelanders and their ancient poesies are the sole monuments which can give us

ent poesies are the sole monuments which can give us any light on the ancient religion of the inhabitants of the north. From th

nd to carry away souls to the celestial abodes. Yet, according to the ancient Icelandic mythology, that terrible divinity, whic

of the north was Frigga or Frea, his wife. All the Celtic nation, the ancient Syrians, and the aboriginals of Greece, believed

onsort of the supreme god. Tacitus attributes the same worship to the ancient Germans, and especially to the inhabitants of Nor

ed to extol the simplicity of their religion; but various passages in ancient history, show that many did not follow this creed

ves the more attention, as, in disclosing to us the sentiments of the ancient Celts on this important point, it is sometimes ex

n be nothing but the vestiges and recollections of a general and more ancient creed. We recognize in these altered accounts, th

Gray’s Descent of Odin. Valva. “Hard by the eastern gate of hell In ancient time great Valva fell; And there she lies in mass

e sons of glory!     Silence, all ye powers of light! While I sing of ancient story,     Wonders wrapt in mystic night. I was

, dispersed in the woods and on the mountains, still testify that the ancient Danes were no less attached to that worship than

em to relate the destinies. Odin gave out, that he had this power; an ancient Icelandic ode describes him as descending into he

superior to those of their reason. Chapter VI. Researches into the ancient religion of the primitive inhabitants of Great Br

een the mean of preserving them long without the help of writing. The ancient Germans transmitted, until the eighth century, po

ain. From this series of observations, it appears that, from the most ancient times, the inhabitants of Great Britain have asto

by his troops. Hence, misinformed historians have asserted, that the ancient Gauls had temples. “Those people,” says Tacitus

God has over him.” Nothing is more celebrated in the history of the ancient Gauls than the forests of the country of Chartres

e Celtic word deru, which means oak. The religious instructers of the ancient Britons were, divided into different classes. The

It is even probable that they were composed after the time stated by ancient authority. 1. Their maxims must be taught in thic

er regard and generous treatment. The poesies of Ossian show that the ancient inhabitants of the British isles, carried that re

holar, who has set forth the leading characteristics of the system of ancient mythology with remarkable ability. “It is assert

of the Roman empire; and the second originated in gross ignorance of ancient theology, and particularly that of the Greeks. “I

represent Saturn as an old man, and slow in his motions. “Again, the ancient theologists called life by the name of Jupiter, t

s to bring out the exquisite and touching poetry that underlies these ancient legends.” Cox . “Language has been called ‘a

e comparison of creeds, and by unraveling the meaning of the names of ancient gods and heroes, is the discovery that a worship

s have a common source, namely, the words or phrases used by the most ancient tribes in speaking of the things which they saw,

le, Pacing towards the other goal Of his chamber in the east.” “The ancient Greeks believed their gods to be of the same shap

alousy, and revenge. “The abode of the gods, as described by the more ancient Grecian poets, such as Homer* and Hesiod*, was on

hey formed a religious belief which naturally bore the impress of its ancient Greek source. As the primitive Celts, however, we

orld; by Theogony, the legends relating to the origin of the gods. An ancient Greek legend represents the world as having been

aria*. Endymion, sinking into sleep, was once the setting sun. In the ancient poetical language of Greece, people said “Selene

Greece, though some of his shrines had a special importance. The most ancient of them was that of Dodona*, where the Pelasgian*

is myth is somewhat difficult. It is commonly supposed that they were ancient Peloponnesian divinities of light, who, after the

lar person, but be equally propitious to all. At Argos*, there was an ancient wooden statue of Zeus which had a third eye in it

ied a very important place in the public life of the Romans. Her most ancient temple was situated opposite the Forum. It was bu

eauty. The Romans called this god Vulcanus, or, according to its more ancient spelling, Volcanus. They honored in him the bless

s Genetrix*, the goddess of wedlock. Representation. In the more ancient temples of this goddess in Cyprus, she was repres

The Ephesian Artemis, known to us as “Diana of the Ephesians,” was an ancient Asiatic divinity of Persian origin called Metra*,

d comedies.” Berens . The Greater Dionysia took place in March. An ancient wooden statue of the god was carried through the

n of the invincible power exercised by Zeus by means of lightning. In ancient sculpture she is usually represented in connectio

ually bears in his hand a pruning-knife. Pales*. Pales* was the ancient pastoral goddess of the Italian tribes, from whom

Athene Polias, and that of Theseus*. The latter is the best preserved ancient edifice in the world. On the island of Delos are

e study of the plan and character of the original structure. The most ancient temples known to us served a double purpose; they

no representations of their gods until the time of Cecrops. The most ancient representations consisted of square blocks of sto

rce him from this asylum was considered an act of sacrilege. The most ancient altars were adorned with horns, which were emblem

e and frankincense were poured into it to increase the flame. In very ancient times the victim was laid upon the altar and burn

anniversaries to commemorate events of national importance. The most ancient festivals were those held after the ingathering o

concerning the origin of the human race differ very widely. The most ancient are those which describe men as having sprung fro

oid of inhabitants, they were filled with sorrow. They repaired to an ancient oracle of the goddess Themis, hoping to obtain ad

o mythic tribes which are always mentioned together. According to the ancient fable, the Centaurs were part man and part horse.

ginally some phenomena of the outer world. There must have existed in ancient languages a large number of names for the sun, th

d the oracle of Apollo, and received the ambiguous answer, “Seek your ancient mother; there the race of Æneas shall dwell, and

gypt. Persian Mythology. “Our knowledge of the religion of the ancient Persians is principally derived from the Zend Ave

herents be consigned to eternal darkness. “The religious rites of the ancient Persians were very simple. They used neither temp

ury, who compelled the greater part of the Persians to renounce their ancient faith. Those who refused to abandon the religion

still exist under the name of Parsees*, a name derived from Pars, the ancient name of Persia. At Bombay, the Parsees are at thi

gends can be traced to their germ in some phrase which, in these most ancient of all poems, simply described some incident or p

and the legend of the Trojan war. The chief deities mentioned in the ancient hymns are Varuna*, Agni*, and Indra*. By Varuna w

va. Scandinavian Mythology. Scandinavian Mythology includes the ancient superstitions of that portion of Northern Europe

*. The Druids* were the priests or ministers of religion among the ancient Celtic nations in Gaul, Britain, and Germany. The

r with the haze of Indian summer. The Myth of Ioskeha. The most ancient myth of the Iroquois represents this earth as cov

10. The word Psyche signifies “butterfly,” the emblem of the soul in ancient art. 11. Read Saxe’s “How the Raven became Black

r in the chambers of the East, The chambers of the sun, that now From ancient melody have ceas’d; Whether in Heav’n ye wander

ny a coral grove, Fair Nine, forsaking Poetry; How have you left the ancient love That bards of old enjoyed in you! The langui

n and embellishment of the subject, or suggest the spirit and mien of ancient art. But in each case regard has been had to the

illustrate the myth; fourth, special mention of a few masterpieces of ancient and modern sculpture and painting that may serve

lore has led men broadly to appreciate the motives and conditions of ancient art and literature, and the uniform and ordered e

at mythology is primitive philosophy, and the other statement that an ancient philosophy never dies, but by process of internal

f mythology. Thus they may be led to recognize the difference between ancient and modern standards of right and wrong. To this

reading additional examples of the literary survival or adaptation of ancient fable. For this purpose special sections of the C

where the woof is only too often of silver, are the myths of certain ancient nations. It is the purpose of this work to relate

. Professor Max Müller calls this affection a disease of language. In ancient languages every such word as day, night, earth, s

ing the existence or the activity of these natural objects lost their ancient signification under new colloquial coloring, prim

the descendants of our contemporary savages. In like manner, “as the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Norsemen advanced in civil

ere shocked by myths which were preserved by local priesthoods, or in ancient poems, or in popular religious ceremonials… We ma

cient poems, or in popular religious ceremonials… We may believe that ancient and early tribes framed gods like themselves in a

perhaps in a conscious allegory, or, even, in the perversion of some ancient purer form of moral or religious truth. But, in g

mmon centre” in the highlands of Northern India, “and that from their ancient home they must have carried away, if not the deve

ues of the Dead, awakens “inextinguishable laughter” by his satire on ancient faith and fable. § 12. Roman Poets of Mythology.

term was first applied to the Northern alphabet, itself derived from ancient Greek and Roman coins. Of the old Scandinavian ru

l the Swiss critic, J. J. Bodmer, published, in 1757, portions of two ancient poems, “The Revenge of Kriemhild” and “The Lament

chmann is still of great value: that the poem consists of a number of ancient ballads of various age and uneven worth; and that

aterials of the poem would persuade us not only of its origin in very ancient popular lays, but of their fusion and improvement

y Scriptures of the Hindoos, which fall into four divisions. The most ancient , the Rig-veda, consists of hymns of an elevated a

ows of mankind. Persian Records. — The Avesta, or Sacred Book of the ancient Persians, composed in the Zend language and later

who inquired concerning the future. This oracular shrine was the most ancient in Greece. According to one account two black dov

] § 40. Venus, goddess of love and beauty, was, according to the more ancient Greek conception, a daughter of Jupiter and Dione

of ocean’s sullen tears. It is the Medicean: well I know The arts her ancient subtlety will show, — The stubble field she turns

Eos, children of the Titan, Hyperion. Helios and Selene were the more ancient Greek divinities of Sun and Moon respectively. He

imulated regret in the. following statement of the difference between ancient and modern conceptions of nature. The world is t

to Roman mythology. Of these the more important are: — (1) Saturn, an ancient Italian deity. Fanciful attempts were made to ide

Bear. Juno, enraged at seeing her rival so set in honor, hastened to ancient Tethys and Oceanus, and, complaining that she was

our ancestors did use, Was metamorphosed into pews, Which still their ancient nature keep By lodging folks disposed to sleep.

narrated in the beautiful myth of Biton and Cleobis. One Cydippe, an ancient priestess of the white-armed goddess, had desired

is servants to seek pure water for a libation. Near by there stood an ancient grove which had never been profaned by the axe, i

and the modern, poets who have identified Diana with Selene, the more ancient goddess of the moon. Fig. 50. Endymion. [Relie

Gods of Greece, has immortalized his sorrow for the decadence of the ancient mythology. It was this poem that provoked the wel

on Music’s misty ways, It led, from all this strife for millions, To ancient sweet-do-nothing days Among the kirtle-robed Sici

ot content with advancing his claim as lord of the mightiest and most ancient river of Greece, insinuated suspicions with regar

quest of the Gorgon. I seek rest and food.” But Atlas, remembering an ancient prophecy that had warned him against a son of Jov

etheus, the bold and cunning of heart, wearing still the marks of his ancient punishment on the rocks of Caucasus. Finally the

a golden spindle, and a basket on wheels. “… many yet adhere To the ancient distaff at the bosom fixed, Casting the whirling

le of Apollo, and received an answer, ambiguous as usual, — “Seek thy ancient mother; there the race of Æneas shall dwell, and

ll the beauties of the scene, and learning much of heroes renowned in ancient times. Evander said, “These extensive groves were

the hall; and round about Branstock they sat and feasted, and sang of ancient heroes and heard the music of the harp that went

the Volsung dwelling a mighty man there strode, One-eyed and seeming ancient , yet bright his visage glowed; Cloud-blue was the

hedge of the warshafts a mighty man there came, One-eyed and seeming ancient , but his visage shone like flame; Gleaming-gray w

t him the lore of runes and many tongues; and, by means of a story of ancient wrongs, incited him to the destruction of the dra

n, and exchanged rings with her, — she giving him none other than the ancient Ring of Andvari back again. But even this did not

bereft of all her kin, and consumed with sorrow, she called upon her ancient lover, Sigurd, to come and look upon her, as he h

elves done to death, by the counsel and aid of a certain man, seeming ancient and one-eyed, — Odin the forefather of the Volsun

ic myths and epic machinery, but not the vigor and naturalness of the ancient style. To a prose writer, Hyginus, who lived on t

epresented with pruning-knife in hand, and regarded as the lord of an ancient golden age. The three Cyclopes were Brontes, Ster

Golden Age. See also Pope’s Messiah, — " All crimes shall cease, and ancient fraud shall fail, Returning Justice lift aloft he

no more.” In Art. — One of the most esteemed of all the remains of ancient sculpture is the statue of Apollo, called the Bel

xceedingly prosperous. Interpretative. — Latona (Leto), according to ancient interpreters, was night, — the shadow, therefore,

enus Verticordia, Venus Victrix. In Art. — One of the most famous of ancient paintings was the Venus rising from the foam, of

he Hermes by Praxiteles, in Olympia, are especially fine specimens of ancient sculpture. In modern sculpture: Cellini’s Mercury

he Triumph of Bacchus; others given in text. See Index. In Art. — Of ancient representations of the Bacchus, the best examples

bears. It is quite possible, therefore, that Artemis inherited a more ancient worship of the bear, that may have been the totem

ame which afterwards clung to Athens. For an excellent description of ancient weaving, see Catullus 64: 304-323 (The Peleus and

h, “So Pæan, so the powers of Health command,” etc., and “the wise of ancient days Adored one power of physic, melody and song.

mes indicate phenomena of radiant light. She belonged, perhaps, to an ancient theogony of Asia Minor. At any rate she held at o

sunlight, it certainly, at a very early period, became mixed up with ancient legal ideas and local traditions. It is almost as

by the arm of her terrified child, is one of the most admired of the ancient statues. It ranks with the Laocoön and the Apollo

e with the lamp and knife probably indicates the infringement of some ancient matrimonial custom. Erebus: the land of darkness,

a, directly north of Thessaly; the birthplace of the Muses. Pylos: an ancient city of Elis. Interpretative. — On the suppositi

Cacus; Giovanni di Bologna (sculpture), Hercules and Centaur; Amazon ( ancient sculpture), Vatican; Centaur (sculpture), Capitol

f rolling and clashing icebergs; the dove-incident occurs in numerous ancient stories from that of Noah down. If Medea be anoth

winburne. In Art. — The Battle with the Amazons frequently recurs in ancient sculpture; The Sleeping Ariadne, of the Vatican.

2; Lear 2: 2; Cymbel. 4: 2; George Crabbe, The Village. In Art.— The ancient sculpture, Ajax (or Menelaüs) of the Vatican. Mod

Penelope: Poems by R. Buchanan, E. C. Stedman, and W. S. Landor. In ancient sculpture, the Penelope in the Vatican. Modern pa

and Greek Waters, thus speaks of Corfu, which he considers to be the ancient Phæacian island: — “The sites explain the Odysse

’s Ragnarok (in the Modern Faust), for an ethical modification of the ancient theme. Anses (the Asa-folk, Æsir, etc.). — The w

Munich; of King Louis I. of Bavaria; one of the finest collections of ancient statuary in the world. Gnos′sus (Cno′sus, Cnos′su

s of ancient statuary in the world. Gnos′sus (Cno′sus, Cnos′sus), the ancient capital of Crete; home of Minos, 264. Gods, the E

xion. “The greatest pleasure arising to a modern imagination from the ancient Mythology, is in a mingled sense of the old popul

apes that existed in popular credulity, as the greater fairies of the ancient world: and we regard them, at the same time, as p

lt, coming, as it does too, through avenues of beautiful poetry, both ancient and modern, is so entirely cheerful, that we are

ips much worse as well as better. “Imagine the feelings with which an ancient believer must have gone by the oracular oaks of D

ry and allegory were from the original intended in many fables of the ancient poets, this appears apt and conspicuous to me; wh

irst recipients of the homage of mankind; and thus Heaven is the most ancient of the Gods. As the world increased they deified

he Gods, but seems only to have had a momentary reign. He is the most ancient of all, for he presided over the elements that co

beasts were only slain in sacrifice; While peaceful Crete enjoyed her ancient lord; Ere sounding hammers forged the inhuman swo

in remembrance of the ideas of liberty and equality, which existed in ancient days. Janus was represented supported by a staff,

he mountain where her life had been preserved. She is called also the ancient Vesta, to distinguish her from her daughter Vesta

thrown there by Saturn, is the most known, and of her in particular, ancient mythologists, as well as painters, make mention.

dence, And sate as princes; Nor was his name unheard, or unadored, In ancient Greece; and in Ausonian land Men called him Mulci

lonely deep; And see on coral banks, the sea-maids sleep, Children of ancient Nereus, and behold Their streaming dance about th

sons have also been described with great distinctness, by poets, both ancient and modern, all of whom were delighted to pour fo

snut flowers, By thousands have burst from the forest bowers, And the ancient graves, and the fallen fanes, Are veiled with wre

and fall.     “Thou art come from kingly tombs and shrines,     From ancient minsters vast, Through the dark aisles of a thous

onyme_heathen-mythology_1842_img149 Night. Nox, one of the most ancient deities among the heathens, was the daughter of C

private families. Their worship is supposed to have ‌arisen from the ancient custom among the Romans and other nations, of bur

and carefully watched over their most secret intentions. Some of the ancient philosophers maintained, that every man had two o

ty of their own, With shrines and pyramids o’erspread — Where many an ancient , kingly head     Slumbers, immortalized in stone;

rievously deceived. It occurred to the recollection of Atlas, that an ancient tradition had announced that his gardens were to

agreed however, that he received divine honours like the rest of the ancient heroes. Insérer image anonyme_heathen-mythology_1

service of their country. Homer represents a hero as a prince of the ancient time, loved and protected by the Gods: while in H

ipus was near the Areopagus in the age of ‌Pausanias, and some of the ancient poets have represented him in hell, as the place,

all reparation, but he embittered the interview by recalling all the ancient grievances of the two kingdoms. This unjust condu

conditions to be fulfilled, ere its capture could be accomplished. An ancient oracle had foretold that among the besiegers must

ed from allowing his horses to drink of the waters of the Xanthus, an ancient oracle having declared that if they drank of thos

d Mercury in the place of the miserable beings they had received; the ancient couple throwing themselves on their knees, offere

rought by him from Phœnicia, was only different from that used by the ancient inhabitants of Greece. It was composed of sevente

first woman wherewith to people it. Brahma is the object of the most ancient adoration of the Brahmins; he is considered the i

hology_1842_img278a The Edda, forming the mythological history of the ancient people of the North, is a complete receptacle of

The councils of the divinities were held beneath the branches of an ancient oak, whose roots spread below over a fountain of

ermland was burned in honour of Odin, to put away a great dearth. The ancient history of the North abounds in similar examples.

re are visible at Cholula, Otumba, Oaxica, Mitlan, and Tlascola. “The ancient town of Palenque, exhibits not only excellent wor

re found sculptured representations of Idols, which resemble the most ancient gods of Egypt and Syria; Planispheres and Zodiacs

e Osiris of Egypt, and the Adonis of Syria; or rather, that he is the ancient god, called Adoni-Siris, a well known classical c

not the requisite knowledge of the subject be acquired by reading the ancient poets in translations? We reply, the field is too

musement. We have endeavored to tell them correctly, according to the ancient authorities, so that when the reader finds them r

e, in “The Piccolomini,” Act ii. Scene 4. “The intelligible forms of ancient poets, The fair humanities of old religion, The P

f Gods and Heroes. Chapter I. Introduction. The religions of ancient Greece and Rome are extinct. The so-called divini

closely connected with the finest productions of poetry and art, both ancient and modern, to pass into oblivion. We propose to

ns. Those which follow are peculiar to Roman mythology. Saturn was an ancient Italian deity. It was attempted to identify him w

y fitted to excite the liveliest interest of man, its inhabitant. The ancient pagans, not having the information on the subject

ach grief, Expels diseases, softens every pain; And hence the wise of ancient days adored One power of physic, melody, and song

Juno was in a rage to see her rival so set in honor, and hastened to ancient Tethys and Oceanus, the powers of ocean, and in a

w the very pond and marsh where the wonder happened. Near by stood an ancient altar, black with the smoke of sacrifice and almo

I did but prompt the age to quit their clogs     By the known laws of ancient liberty,     When straight a barbarous noise envi

e holds up his burden. If sea, earth, and heaven perish, we fall into ancient Chaos. Save what yet remains to us from the devou

fed with sea-weed; and a cloth, only produced on great occasions, but ancient and coarse enough, was spread over that. The old

our ancestors did use, Was metamorphosed into pews, Which still their ancient nature keep By lodging folks disposed to sleep.”

of humble parentage, who saw and loved Anaxarete, a noble lady of the ancient family of Teucer. He struggled long with his pass

is servants to seek pure water for a libation. Near by there stood an ancient grove which had never been profaned by the axe, i

im dart down upon her, with beak and claws, to take vengeance for the ancient crime. Echo and Narcissus. Echo was a be

by the arm of her terrified child, is one of the most admired of the ancient statues. It ranks with the Laocoon and the Apollo

st of the Gorgon. I seek rest and food.” But Atlas remembered that an ancient prophecy had warned him that a son of Jove should

II. The Golden Fleece — Medea. The Golden Fleece. In very ancient times there lived in Thessaly a king and queen na

he following lines are those which seem most strikingly to recall the ancient model: — “Round about the caldron go; In the poi

lting for record even of a sorceress, a class of persons to whom both ancient and modern poets have been accustomed to attribut

idst of the city. This battle was one of the favorite subjects of the ancient sculptors, and is commemorated in several works o

the nuptials of Theseus and Hippolyta. Mrs. Hemans has a poem on the ancient Greek tradition that the “Shade of Theseus” appea

expresses his regret for the overthrow of the beautiful mythology of ancient times in a way which has called forth an answer f

s grove a venerable oak so large that it seemed a wood in itself, its ancient trunk towering aloft, whereon votive garlands wer

ules, who struck him with his lyre and killed him. Thamyris. An ancient Thracian bard, who in his presumption challenged

n the form of dew-drops on the grass.   Unlike most of the marvels of ancient mythology, there still exist some memorials of th

to this incident: —                       “—— many yet adhere To the ancient distaff, at the bosom fixed, Casting the whirling

, I call thee from the dust!” One of the most pathetic scenes in the ancient drama is that in which Sophocles represents the m

n which most nearly answers to the description given by Homer and the ancient geographers, but no other evidence of the former

and Greek Waters, thus speaks of Corfu, which he considers to be the ancient Phæacian island: — “The sites explain the Odysse

e of Apollo, and received an answer, ambiguous as usual, — “Seek your ancient mother; there the race of Æneas shall dwell, and

ll the beauties of the scene, and learning much of heroes renowned in ancient times. Evander said, “These extensive groves were

word was also used to signify the response which was given. The most ancient Grecian oracle was that of Jupiter at Dodona. Acc

e Apollo Belvedere. The most highly esteemed of all the remains of ancient sculpture is the statue of Apollo, called the Bel

Grand Lama. Zoroaster. Our knowledge of the religion of the ancient Persians is principally derived from the Zendaves

ollowers be consigned to darkness forever. The religious rites of the ancient Persians were exceedingly simple. They used neith

y, who compelled the greater number of the Persians to renounce their ancient faith. Those who refused to abandon the religion

still exist under the name of Parsees, a name derived from Pars, the ancient name of Persia. The Arabs call them Guebers, from

to the mythology of southern regions. But there is another branch of ancient superstitions which ought not to be entirely over

s. The Druids were the priests or ministers of religion among the ancient Celtic nations in Gaul, Britain, and Germany. Our

onal meetings of the lovers of Welsh poetry and music, held under the ancient name. Among Mrs. Hemans’ poems is one written for

ds, held in London, May 22, 1822. It begins with a description of the ancient meeting, of which the following lines are a part:

defied The crested Roman in his hour of pride; And where the Druid’s ancient cromlech frowned, And the oaks breathed mysteriou

been of Druidical origin. It is in reference to all these remains of ancient religion that Johnson exclaims, “That man is litt

the Messiah of Pope, this idea occurs. “All crimes shall cease, and ancient fraud shall fail, Returning Justice lift aloft he

easily be spoilt; they will assuredly appeal to thousands to whom the ancient languages of Greece and Rome are as a sealed book

s and statuary, also, will show something of the debt which art, both ancient and modern, owes to the same inspiration. The myt

beauty were such, that it was counted one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It is said, too, that the artist, having c

æum. She had also numerous other sanctuaries scattered throughout the ancient world, and was worshipped in the same temples as

llas issu’d from the Thund’rer’s head, Dulness o’er all possess’d her ancient right, Daughter of Chaos and eternal Night.” Pop

that one glance the Deity.” Byron. One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the famous Colossus of Rhodes, was a statu

ivory moonlight     Beneath the chestnut shade.” Macaulay. Numerous ancient and some modern statues of this goddess grace the

les, altars, and shrines were dedicated to his service throughout the ancient world. His statues were considered sacred boundar

e preparations were all completed, when Danaus suddenly remembered an ancient prophecy which had quite escaped his memory, and

m limb from limb. Bacchus, god of wine, was worshipped throughout the ancient world, and festivals without number were held in

h she also had shrines in Greece and Asia Minor. The family hearth in ancient times possessed a far different signification fro

ties were, however, but of slight importance in the general scheme of ancient mythology, in which Proserpina was generally rega

ugh beneath the blackness of great horror he yet saw the wreck of her ancient beauty and pitied her for her hopeless woe. But i

e with horror as there flashed into his memory the recollection of an ancient oracle, warning him to beware of the man who appe

bject in sculpture and painting, which has frequently been treated by ancient artists, a few of whose most noted works are stil

owell. This modern rendering of the story is more spiritual than the ancient versions, in which Rhœcus was deprived of physica

sprang to birth, That realm shall now receive you back: Go, seek your ancient mother’s track. There shall Æneas’ house, renewed

Ilium’s lorn estate Deserve not yet thine utter hate, If still thine ancient faithfulness Give heed to mortals in distress, Oh

losophers, incited by “the resemblance between Biblical narrative and ancient myths, came to the conclusion that the Bible cont

which naturally and necessarily produced the strange conglomerate of ancient fable.” As these two last-named schools have eit

to”). Müller, the great authority on philology, tells us that, in the ancient poetical and proverbial language of Elis, people

e sun daily made his pilgrimage back to the far east, another. As the ancient Aryan had the same word to denote cloud and mount

e′mi-os (Dread). Attendant or son of Mars, 116 Des′ti-ny. One of the ancient deities not subjected to Jupiter, 27 Deu-ca′li-o

sea god, 269, 270; lover of Scylla, 314 Golden Age. First age of the ancient world, when all was bliss, 22; Janus’ reign, 176

of Deucalion; ancestor of the Hellenes, 25 Hel-le′nes. Name given to ancient Greeks, 25 Hel′les-pont, Name given to the strai

n; lover of Atalanta, 243 Hope. The good spirit in Pandora’s Box; an ancient deity, 21, 22 Ho′ræ. Collective name of the seas

ury; mother of the two Lares, 174 La′res. Two tutelary divinities of ancient Roman households, 174; saved by Anchises, 324 La

ne of the lesser Roman divinities, 268 Silver Age. Second age of the ancient world, 22 Sil′vi-a. Daughter of Latin shepherd;

which naturally and necessarily produced the strange conglomerate of ancient fable.” Instead, therefore, of seeking the source

etoric. She is generally depicted using a stylus and wax tablets, the ancient writing materials. Cal′pe [Calpe]. One of the pi

Vulcan. Cœ′lus [Cœlus], also called Uranus [or Heaven], was the most ancient of the gods. Cœ′na Salia′ris [Cœna Saliaris], se

or poverty on mankind, and was esteemed one of the most potent of the ancient goddesses. She is usually represented as standing

grove, Or from the light thou giv’st us from above.” Ovid. Lud. In ancient British mythology the king of the Britons. He is

is musical instrument is constantly associated with the doings of the ancient deities. Amphion built the walls of Thebes by the

she had been abandoned by Theseus. Onu′va [Onuva]. The Venus of the ancient Gauls. Opa′lia [Opalia]. Roman festivals in hono

Muses; she presided over dancing. Terra. The Earth; one of the most ancient of the Grecian goddesses. Thales′tris [Thalestri

ree. Near him were the venerable images of Isis, and Osiris, the most ancient deities of Egypt, and the parents of Harpocrates.

o; in short, it became a temple of the gods. Jupiter stood beside his ancient host and hostess, as they gazed at this wonderful

tread thee down; The voice I hear this passing night, was heard    In ancient days, by emperor and clown; Perhaps the selfsame

ld bestow some good upon the person prayed for. The Orgies. In ancient times, when persons wished to commend a man very

æ received Perseus and his beautiful wife in the cabin of Dictys. Her ancient benefactor was not forgotten. When she fled from

gem or statue is from the antique, we commonly mean something left by ancient Greeks or Romans, and preserved to the present ti

as some persons say, because he is now more admired than ever. As, in ancient times, poets were crowned with laurels, to show t

e Greeks. Adventures of Io The Greeks personified rivers. Upon ancient medals, and in prints, may be seen figures of ven

mselves in a thick cloud, which hung in portentous blackness over the ancient palace of Cadmus; and from behind this murky curt

ls, gazing at its image in the water. A Web and a Spider In an ancient city of Greece, there lived a young girl named Ar

pany of gods in high Olympus. The Artisan’s Wonderful Wings In ancient Athens there once lived a man named Daedalus, who

the altar leaped up thrice, and then flickered down again. Among the ancient people, this was a sign that the god or goddess a

e underworld saw the light of day and Pluto was alarmed. At last, the ancient goddess Earth raised her voice. She it was who su