THE ENCYCLOPEDIA

A

A (Maya People, Yucatan)

A is a death god who is similar to the Aztec god of the dead, Miclantecutli. A major difference is that A presides over the west and his Aztec People, Mexico, counterpart presides over the north or south. His hieroglyph is a skull, a corpse’s head and a flint knife used for sacrifices. See also Miclantecutli.

A-Kahiwahiwa (Polynesia)

“Fiery Black Clouds.” One of the thirteen children of the god of winds, storms and hurricanes, Tawhiri-ma-tea.

A-shih (India) see Abheda; Ajita.

Aa (Mesopotamia)

Also known as: Aah, Aos, Iah, Khensu, Sirdu, Sirrida.

Aa as a Chaldean deity was known as Aos. Her emblem is a disk with eight rays. As the Akkadian and Sumerian moon goddess she is the consort of the sun god, Shamash. In this aspect, she is the mother of Tammuz. Ra, in Egypt was called Aa (the sun), as a high or sky god. Aa or Aah is another name for the Egyptian moon god, Khensu (q.v.). Aa is also an Egyptian root word meaning “great.” Compare Aa to Gula. See also Aah; Aos; Shamash; Tammuz.

Aa Sekhemu (Egypt) see Aaru.

Aaai (Egypt) see Aai.

Aaan (Egypt) see Aani; Ab (B).

Aaapef (Egypt) see Aai; Apepi; Apophis.

Aaetes (Greek) see Medea.

Aah Ah, Aa (Egyptian, Middle East)

Also known as: Aah-Djuhty, Aah Tehuti, Aah Te-huti, Ai, Aos (Sumerian), Iah, Khons, Khonsu, Knosu, Thoth.

One of the names for the god of the moon. Aah is often represented as a regal young man wearing the lunar crescent and solar disc. Aah is also a general reference to the moon, and prefix or suffix to the primary name of a deity. The combination of the gods Aah and Thoth is the god Aah-Djuhty. See also Aa; Aah-Djuhty; Agu; Alignak; Aningan; Anunit; Arianrod; Artemis; Khonsu; Thoth.

Aah-Djuhty (Egypt) see Aah.

Aah Te-Huti Aah-Tehuti

Also known as: Aah, Thoth (Egypt).

A manifestation of Thoth, this moon god is represented by an ibis head surmounted by a crescent and a disk. See also Aah; Tehuti; Thoth.

Aah-Tehuti (Egypt) see Aah Te-Huti.

Aahes (Egypt) see Min.

Aai (Egypt)

Also known as: Aai Gods.

The Aai are three guardian gods who watch over the sun-boat of Ra, in the Ninth Hour or Ninth Division of the underworld known as Tuat. (Tuat is divided into twelve parts, each of which corresponds to one of the hours of the night, and the divisions are called “Field,” or “City” or “Hall,” or “Circle.”) The specific duty of the Aai gods is to destroy the monstrous serpent Apophis. The pylon of the Ninth Division or Ninth Hour is called Aat-shefsheft. It is guarded by the serpent Ab-ta. The guardians of the corridor are Anhefta and Ermen-ta. Nine gods in mummified forms guard the wall. On the right side of the sun god Ra’s boat are four gods of the south. They each wear the white crown, and are grasping a rope that is also held by a man who is called “the master of the front.” Between the four gods and the man is a pillar surmounted by a bearded head, with a white crown on it, which is being raised by the rope. There is a hawk-headed sphinx with the white crown on his head, and a bearded head with a white crown on it, resting on his hind quarters. Standing on his back is a human figure that is surmounted by the heads of Horus and Set. In attendance as well are the four gods of the north. They are each wearing the red crown and grasping a rope. The rope is also held by a man known as “the master of the back.” Between the man and the four gods is a pillar surmounted by a bearded head wearing a red crown. It is being raised by the rope. A man known as Apu is holding Shemti, the serpent with four heads at each end of his body. Another person is holding Bath, the serpent with a head at each end of his body. On Bath’s back stands Tepi the serpent. Tepi has four human heads, breasts and arms and four pairs of human legs at each end of his body. There are also two men holding what might be a rope. On the left side of Ra’s boat are sixteen human forms. These forms represent the souls of Amentet, the followers of Thoth, the followers of Horus, and the followers of Osiris. The first four have the heads of men, the second four, the heads of ibises, the third four the heads of hawks, and the fourth the heads of rams. These sixteen beings draw a rope. The rope is attached to Khepri, the double serpent with four heads, two at each end of his body. On one of his folds, the hawk Heru-tuati is perched. Eight human forms called Akhmiu are at the other end of the rope. In the center of this Division, Ra’s sun boat is being towed. Marching before Ra are six human forms, four apes and four women who appear to be holding ropes. The three Aai gods are men holding a rope that is thrown over the head and held in the hands of the prostrate ass-eared man who is also called Aai. In front of the man are the serpent Apepi and the serpent-headed crocodile, Shesshes. These beings work magic for Ra on the monstrous Apepi. They beckon the serpent to come to them to be slain. The three drive their spears into Apepi and also destroy the serpent Sesi. They tightly hold the rope of Ai, and do not let the serpent rise toward Ra’s sun boat. Text found on the alabaster sarcophagus of Seti I. indicates the Aai gods drive their pikes (spears) into Apophis and also destroy the serpent Sisi. Aai is listed as one of the gods in the Second Corridor of the Tomb of Seti along with the following gods: Aaai, Aakebi, Aana-tuati, Aatiu, Amam-ta, Amen-ha, Amen-khat, Ameni, Ament, Antheti, Aper-ta, Ast, Auai, Ba-Ra, Besi-shemti, Entuti, Hai, Her-ba, Heru, Hetchuti, Huaaiti, Ketuiti, Khenti-Amenti, Khenti-qerer, Khepera, Kheperi, Khepi, Kheprer, Maa-uat, Mau-aa, Mauti, Metu-khut-f, Nakiu-menat, Neb-baiu, Neb-senku, Nebt-het, Nef-em-baiu, Nehi, Netch-Baiu, Netchesti, Nethert, Nu, Nut, Qererti, Qu-ba, Ra-ateni, Rekhi, Remi, Seb, Sehetch-khatu, Sekhem-hra, Sekhen-ba, Sekheper-khati, Semaahut, Senk-hra, Senki, Seraa, Serqi, Seshetai, Shai, Shepi, Shu, Tchemtch-hat, Tebati, Tefnut, Tern, Temtemtch, Then-aru, Thenti, Thetaenen, Tuati, Uben, Urshiu. See also Abta; Abuk and Inet; Apepi; Apophis; Horus; Khenti Amenti; Khepri; Osiris; Ra; Set; Thoth; Tuat; Tefnut.

Aai Gods (Egypt) see Aai.

Aaiu-f-em-kha-Nef (Egypt) see Ap-Taui.

Aakebi (Egypt) see Aai.

Aakhui (Egypt) see Ab (A); Achet.

Aalu (Egypt) see Aaru.

Aamu (Egypt)

The Aamu are one of four classes of mortals as described by Horus in the Fifth Division or Fifth Hour of Tuat. The others are Nehesu, Egyptians, and Themehu. See also Aai; Horus; Tuat.

Aana (Egypt) see Aani.

Aana-tuati (Egypt) see Aai.

Aani Aana (Egypt)

Also known as: Dog-faced Ape.

Aani, a protector deity, is a dog-headed ape sacred to the god Thoth and a companion or associate of Thoth or Khnemu. In the First Hour of the night, unnamed, singing apes opened the way for the great god Ra and guided his boat through the hall to the Tuat. Two ape-gods, Benth and Aana, ministered to Osiris during the Second Hour of the night of the journey to Tuat. Khnemu is also associated with a group of eight apes; four of the apes are collectively called the Bentet apes, who are individually named Aaan, Bentet, Hetet-sept, and Qeften. Their duty was to praise the morning sun. The other four apes are known as the Utennu apes, named Ap, Asten, Kehkeh, and Utennu, and it was their responsibility to praise the evening sun. Aani is generally depicted as an ape, or an ape with the head of a dog. See also Aai; Ab; Khnemu; Osiris; Thoth; Tuat.

Aaru (Egypt)

Also known as: Aa Sekhemu, Aalu, Aat, Sekhet-Aaru, Sekhet-hetep.

Aaru is a place of bliss for good souls. This is the heaven where the soul (ka) rests after traveling through Amenti (Hades), through Aukar, and being absorbed with Osiris in a place called Ker-neter. References are made in the Book of the Dead where prayers are made for the soul to travel to Sekhet-hetep (possibly another name for Aalu). One must pass through the Underworld to get to this place and it contains either eighteen or twenty-one pylons (towers on either side of temple entrances). The domain of Osiris is sometimes called Sekhet-Aaru and is divided into fifteen or twenty-one Aats (pylons). Each pylon is guarded by demons armed with long knives. Although the Aats are named, not all the guardian gods are mentioned. The Aats are Sekhet Aaru, whose god is Ra-Heru-Khuti; Apt-ent-khet with Fa-akh, whose god is Tu-qa-Aat; The Aat of the spirits, Ammehet, whose god is Sekher-remu; Asset, Hasert whose god is Fa-pet; Apt-ent-qahu, Atu, with Sept; Unt, with Hetemet-bau; Apt-net, with Aa-Sekhemu; Kher-aha, with Hap; Atru-she-en-nesert-f-em-shet, Akesi with Maa-thet-f; Amentet-nefert or Amentet. Aaru is sometimes described as a tower or field of peace. The fields in Aaru are cultivated for food for the dead. See also Amentet; Elysian Fields; Ka; Nirvana; Tuat.

Aarvak Arvak, Arvakr (Norse; Teutonic)

Also known as: Early Waker, Frost Mane, Hrim-faxi.

Aarvak, also called “Early Waker,” is one of the horses that pulls Sol the sun in its chariot along its course. His companion horse is Alsvid, “the fleet one,” who represents the dawn. The animals were created in Muspells-heim, the land of warmth and brightness. The shield, Svalin, was formed to protect the horses and the earth from the harmful rays of the sun. A third horse, Alsvider, pulls Mani the moon in its cart along its course. Alsvider does not require the protection of the shield because of the weak rays of the moon. Aarvak may be associated with the horse mentioned in tales as Hrim-faxi, who pulled the dark chariot of Nott (Natt) through the heavens. See also Alsvid; Austri; Helius (Greek); Hrim-faxi; Muspells-heim; Natt; Nordri; Pegasus (Greek); Sol; Sudri; Westri.

Aat-shefsheft (Egypt) see Aai; Ab-ta.

Aati (Egypt)

He is one of the forty-two assessors or judges of the dead. In the hymns to Osiris from the “Book of the Dead,” there are twenty-one deities on each side of the hall of the Maat (also called Maati) goddesses. These goddesses may be the goddess Maat in dual form or they may represent the goddesses from the South and North of Egypt. Two goddesses often referred to are likened to the two solar boats called Maaty. Although Aati is named he is not one of the primary deities of Egypt. See also Amit; Assessors; Maat; Osiris; Tuat.

Aatiu (Egypt) see Aai.

Aats (Pylons) (Egypt) see Aaru.

Aau (Egypt)

Aau, a jackal-headed mummy, stands at one end of the corridor of the Fifth Division or Fifth Hour (the pylon named Arit) of Tuat where the serpent Teka-hra guards the entrance. The other end of the corridor is guarded by the mummy Tekemiaau. See also Aai; Tuat.

Ab (A) Ib (Egypt)

Also known as: Shahar (Arab).

The Ab, an amulet representing the heart, is said to contain the soul of Khepri, the immortal self-created god. Khepri, in the form of a beetle is made into an amulet believed to give new life. Ab is also the heart, thought to be the origin of energy, intellect, feelings and emotions. Achet, also known as Aakhui, is an amulet made of red stones or glass. It is representative of the rising sun and is said to give the owner the qualities of the sun god Ra. Another well known amulet is Tyt, a symbol of protection, said to be made from the knot of the magic girdle of Isis. The amulet Weres (Urs) was put under the pillow of the mummy to protect it from being decapitated in Tuat (the underworld). Ab is also the name of one of the numerous gods who minister to Osiris during the Second Hour of the night. Many other amulets were made to represent divine figures, animal figures, body parts (wedjat-eye), and symbols of royalty. Small amulets of the Ba made of gold and semiprecious stones were placed on the breast of the mummy to insure everlasting life. Instructions from the “Book of the Dead” were recited to endow the amulets with magic powers. The upper part of the Ab amulet was sometimes in the form of a human head. Made of red stones, it is inscribed in the chest of a mummy to represent the heart, which was buried in its own container. See also Abu; Anni; Ba; Ka; Khepri; Isis; Shahar; Tuat.

Ab (B) (Chaldean, Sumerian)

He is the Lord of Wisdom and Father of the Waters.

Ab-esh-imy-duat Ab-sha-am-tuat (Egypt)

Also known as: Ab-she, Akhen.

Ab-esh-imy-duat is a monster crocodile who guards the tomb of Osiris in the seventh section (hour) of Tuat (the underworld). In this section, the hidden abode of Osiris is found. It is said that when the great sun god Ra passes the monster, the god mesmerizes the beast with magic words. This allows the deceased Osiris, in the ground under the monster, to raise his head and gaze at Ra, which in turn allows the followers of Osiris to look upon Ra and be restored to life. Another demon crocodile is Ab-she who is said to eat lost souls, also in the Seventh Section or Seventh Hour of Tuat. Another serpent encountered during this portion of the journey, is Neha-hra. He attempts to stop the sun boat when it has reached a shallow junction where it appears to be impossible to go forward. Isis steps in and murmurs magical words; Neha-hra is held back at knife-point by the scorpion-goddess, Serqet and Her-tesu-f. Ra, protected by the serpent Mehen, continues his journey. See also Ab-ta; Akeneh; Apepi; Apophis; Ba, Shepes; Tuat.

Ab-ramu (Arabic, Babylonian, Hebrew) see Abram.

Ab-sha-am-Tuat (Egypt) see Ab-esh-imy-duat.

Ab-she (Egypt) see Ab-esh-imy-duat; Akhen.

Ab-ta (Egypt)

Ab-ta is a monster serpent guarding the Ninth Hour or Ninth Division of Tuat. This division is called Aat-shefsheft and here the Aai gods reside with a multitude of interesting beings. The corridor guardians are Anhefta and Ermen-ta and nine deified mummies guarding the wall. On the sun boat’s right side are four gods of the South, a pillar with a bearded head wearing a white crown on top of it and a hawk-headed sphinx wearing a white crown. There is yet another bearded head, wearing a white crown with a human figure standing on his back and on top of this figure are the heads of Horus and Set. There are also the four gods of the North wearing red crowns, another pillar with a bearded head atop it, also wearing a red crown. There are two people holding serpents; one serpent, named Shemti, has four heads at each end of his body. He is held by Apu. Someone else holds a serpent with a head at each end of his body. This serpent is Bath, and Tepi, yet another serpent stands on his back. Tepi is equipped with four human heads, breasts, arms and four pairs of human legs. There are two other people who appear to have normal attributes. On the left side of the boat, there is another intriguing group. We find sixteen deities, four with the heads of men, four with the heads of ibises, four with the heads of hawks and four with the heads of rams. A double serpent with four heads is there, along with the well-known Khepri, who has Heru-tuati, the hawk poised on his back. The famous evil serpent, Apepi is there along with Shesshes, the crocodile, who has a tail which terminates in a serpent’s head. The serpent Sesi meets his fate in this hour. See also Aai; Ab-esh-imy-duat; Abuk and Inet; Akhenet; Apophis; Ra.

Ab-u (Middle East) see Abu; Tammuz.

Aba (Choctaw People, North America)

Also known as: “Great Spirit.”

Aba is the name of the Great Spirit of the Choctaws. Originally known as mound builders, the Choctaw’s important structures were made of wood and erected on huge earthen mounds, sometimes sculpted in the form of exalted animals. In legend, they believed they came from the internal regions of the earth along with grasshoppers. But, because their mother was killed by man, the revengeful grasshoppers persuaded Aba to close the opening and the men remaining inside became ants. The principal tribes known as mound builders are the Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek, Hitchiti, and Natchez who were located in what is now the Mississippi and Ohio regions of the United States. The mound builders originated from three separate cultures: Mississippians, Hopewell and the Adena. Carved stone figures thought to represent heroes, (placed in their wooden temples) and examples of fine engravings have been found on bone and copper (dating from C.E. 1000–1600).

Abaangui (South America) see Abaangui and Zaguaguaya.

Abaangui and Zaguaguaya (Guarayo People, South America)

Heroes, possibly divine beings. The brothers Abaangui and Zaguaguaya are culture heroes. A culture hero is a mythological creator figure, often presented in human or animal form, who shaped mortals and endowed them with their material and spiritual heritage.

Abaasy Abasy (Yakut People, Siberia)

Also known as: Chebeldei.

The Abaasy are wicked spirits from the lower regions, ruled by the great god, Ulu Tojon, or Arson Duolai (ruler of the dead). The son of the Abaasy chief is a cyclops with one eye and seven gigantic iron teeth. All these underworld spirits have one thing in common: they are each partly or fully composed of iron. They are depicted as one-eyed cyclops with seven large iron teeth. See also Arson Duolai; Chebeldei; Ulu Tojon.

Ababinili (Chickasaw People, North America)

He is the great or supreme spirit who is possibly a fire or sun god. Ababinili is generally thought of as the life, light, and warmth of spirit.

Abac (Irish) see Addane.

Abaeus (Greek) see Apollo.

Abaia (Melanesia)

Abaia, an evil eel was said to have caused a flood when a woman caught a fish in his lake. The only survivor was an elderly woman who had eaten a magical fish. In Saddle Island, Melanesia, there is said to be a pool “into which if any one looks he dies; the malignant spirit takes hold upon his life by means of his reflection on the water.” See also Aokeu.

Abaios (Greek) see Apollo.

Abakan-Khan (Siberia) Rain or storm god.

Abanathabla (Middle East) see Abraxas.

Abans (Persia) Spirit of iron. Protector of iron miners.

Abantiades (Greek)

The Abantiades are the descendants of Abas, his son Acrisius, and Perseus, his great-grandson by Acrisius’ daughter Danae. See also Abas (A); Acrisius; Danae; Perseus.

Abaris (Greek)

Priest, messenger, and possibly a Druid. Abaris, the servant of Apollo, in the land of the Hyperboreans, was transported to Greece on a golden arrow to visit Pythagoras. Abaris was the legendary instructor of Pythagoras and was described by Hecateus as a Druid apparently because Abaris had visited the area and had an impressive knowledge of the people and their philosophy. See also Aethalides; Apollo.

Abas (A) (Greek)

Renowned warrior. Abas, a former king of Argos, is the son of Lynceus, husband of Aglaia or Ocaleia, father of Chalcodon, twin sons Acrisius and Proetus, and a daughter, Idomene. Another son, Lycrus, was born outside of his marriage. Abas had inherited the magic shield of his grandfather Danaus, which was sacred to Hera. It was seized by Aeneas during his strife with Turnus, the Roman lord of darkness. See also Abantiades; Acrisius; Danaus; Hera.

Abas (B) (Greek)

Abas is the son of the great prophet Melampus and his spouse Lysippe. His brothers are Mantius and Antiphates. He married Talaus and had two children, Coeranus and Lysimache. See also Lysippe; Melampus.

Abas (C) (Greek)

A centaur, Abas was either the son of Ixion and Nephele or King Celeus of Eleusis and Metaneira. His brothers were thought to be Demophon and Triptolemus. He may have been the friend who traveled with Aeneas from Troy to Italy. His background, though vague, indicates that he was a skilled warrior. In one myth he roused Demeter’s ire and was transformed into a lizard. See also Aeneas; Demeter; Ixion.

Abasoms (Africa) see Abonsam and Abosom.

Abasy (Siberia) see Abaasy.

Abathur (Gnostic)

Also known as: B’haq Ziva.

Abathur, a divine being known as an Uthra, is an angel. He brought forth another divine being in his own image by contemplating his reflection on black water. This being was named Ptah-il-Uthra. See also Ptah-il-Uthra; Uthra.

Abatwa (Africa)

The Abatwa are tiny spirits who hide under leaves of grass and sleep in anthills. They shoot their enemies with poison arrows.

Abderus (Greek, probably Thrace)

In some legends, Abderus is the hero son of Hermes from Opus. He is also said to be the son of Opian Menoetius, which would make him the brother of Patroclus. He was reputed to be the lover and armor bearer of Heracles. Heracles left him to guard the man-eating mares of Diomedes and when he returned he found that Abderus had been brutally ripped apart and eaten. Heracles built the city of Abde’ra in honor of his friend. The city had the reputation for having a population of intellectually inferior inhabitants. See also Diomedes; Heracles; Hermes; Menoetius; Patroclus.

Abdu and Inet (Egypt) see Abuk and Inet.

Abel Abelus, Abil (Arabic)

Also known as: Habel, Habil, Habl, Hebel, Hobal (Persian, Arabic), (Hebrew, Muslim).

In the Hebrew and Christian tradition, Abel is the second son of Adam and Eve. He was the first man to sacrifice a lamb to God. The tale is told that Cain, a farmer, jealous of his brother, Abel, a herdsman and nomad, killed him. In the Islamic tradition, Abel (known as Abil or Habil) is Kabil’s (Cain) younger brother. They are the eldest sons of forty children; twenty sets of twins. Abil was about to present his twin sister to Kabil so they could be man and wife. Kabil would not return the gesture by giving his brother his twin sister. The earth was without other females. Abil and Kabil’s father, Adam, had been instructed by God to let the brothers marry each other’s twin. God demanded to be appeased by sacrifices from the brothers. Abil offered his best ram. Kabil offered wild fruits. He then provoked a quarrel. Satan, standing nearby, was privy to the incident. He offered a large stone to Kabil, who accepted. He took the weapon and smashed his brother’s skull. Abil, the first man to die, was buried by Kabil, his brother, and murderer. See also Adam; Cain; Eve; Hab’al.

Abellio (Celtic, Gaul)

Abellio, the apple tree god, was worshipped by the ancient Druids as were Robur, the oak tree god; Fagus, the beech tree god; and Buxenus, the box tree god. In the Gaulish “Biliomagus,” a number of sacred trees are mentioned; the Oak of Mughna, the Ash of Uisnech, the Yew of Ross and others. See also Buxenus; Fagus; Robur.

Abeona (Roman)

She is the goddess who protects the child during his or her first efforts at walking and first departure from home. The city of Rome is protected by Abeona and she is also thought of as the protective goddess of travelers.

Abere (Melanesia)

Demoness. Abere was known as a wild, provocative woman who murdered men. It was said that the mimia reed grew around her to hide her from her victims. She was known for having a number of young female companions. Mesede, the marksman rescued Abere’s son from a crocodile and then captured her young women. His jealous wife had the most beautiful of the captives beheaded and thrown into the sea and the other captives were slaughtered. In myth, the original victim’s body became hard from the water and resembled a log which was washed ashore. Flies hollowed it out. The hero Morave found it, covered it with skin and made a drum. See also Mesede.

Aberewa (Ashanti) see Asase Yaa.

Abheda (Buddhist; India)

Also known as: Mi-che-pa (Tibet), Mi-p’yed (Tibet).

Abheda, meaning steadfast, is a deified mortal, the sixteenth of sixteen arhats (saints). His symbol is the caitya (the stupa which holds sacred relics). This is also the symbol for Kuvera and Maitreya (qq.v.). See also Ajita; Medicine Buddhas; Stupa.

Abhijnaraja (Buddhist; Tibet)

One of the Medicine Buddhas (q.v.).

Abhimanyu Saubhadra (Hindu; India)

Son of Arjuna, spouse of Uttara and father of Parikshit, the king of Hastinapura. See also Arjuna; Parikshit.

Abiku (A) (Yoruba People, Africa)

The Abiku are hungry, thirsty, evil spirits who victimize children. To satisfy their desires, they enter the body of the child and the child can die. To drive the Abiku away, the parents leave food for it and ring bells, which the Abiku dislike. If they rub pepper into open cuts on the child the Abiku will depart to escape the pain. See also Abiku (B); Ifa; Olodumare; Olori; Olorun.

Abiku (B) (Dahomey People, Africa)

A forest spirit who can enter the womb of a woman, be born and dwell on earth, die, and be reborn into the same family. If the parents believe their child is an Abiku, they can dedicate the child to a Vodu (god). The Vodu protects the child from being taken back to the forest. In the past, sometimes the child’s face would be scarred to deliberately make him or her ugly and unappealing to the spirits. Such a child would often be fitted with iron anklets to hold him or her to the earth or bells to keep them from running away. See also Vodu.

Abjaja “Born from a Lotus” (India) see Brahma.

Abjayoni (India) see Brahma.

Ablathanabla (Gnostic) see Abraxas.

Ablu (Etruscan) see Apollo.

Aboatia (Africa) see Mmoatia.

Abok (Africa) see Deng.

Abokas (Malaysia) Home of the dead.

Abonsam (Guinea, Africa)

Also known as: Abasoms.

Evil spirits. Water or tree deities. To drive the Abonsam from the village or home and to cleanse the area it was necessary to have four weeks of silence. During this period, it was hoped that the evil spirits would be frightened away. This was followed by a night of creating noise; thunderous sounds by rattling pots, beating sticks together and screaming loudly. They are possibly the same as the Abosom, the spirits of the Ashanti people (q.v.). See also Asase Ya; Nyame; Tano.

Abore (Warrau People, Guyana)

A culture hero who learned his skills from Wowta, a frog-woman. She kept him as a slave when he was a young man. He escaped the evil woman by enticing her to a hollow tree full of honey where she became stuck.

Aborigine People — Creation Legend see Bunjil; Dijanggawls (Australia)

Abosom Obosom (Ashanti People, Africa)

Also known as: Probably the same as Abonsam.

Tree or water spirits. There are thought to be several hundred Abosoms who are descendants of Nyame (Nana Nyankopon), a rain god and Asase Ya, his wife. They had four children. The most famous child is the former thunder god Tano who is now known as a river god. Two of the other children are Bia and Ananse. The fourth is not named. See also Abonsam; Asase Ya; Nyame; Tano.

Abou (Egypt) see Abu.

Abracadabra (Gnostic) see Abraxas.

Abraham (Hebrew) see Abram.

Abram Ab-ramu, Abraham (Hebrew, Christian, Arab), Ibrahim (Islamic).

“Father of a multitude.” In the Islamic and Hebrew traditions the story is basically the same. The iniquitous King Nimrod, son of Caanan, a shrewd astrologer, foretold the birth of Abram (later to become known as Abraham) by reading the stars. When he was told that a man would be born who would rise up against him, he gathered his advisors together. A plan was devised to alter the promised course of events. A large building would be erected to house all the pregnant women. They were to be held under lock and key. If a woman gave birth to a male child, it was to be murdered. Seventy thousand newborns were slaughtered. Terah, heavy with child and extremely frightened, decided to leave the city. She headed toward the desert and passing along the edge of a valley, she came upon a cave where she sought refuge. Abram was born the next day surrounded by the brilliant light of his countenance. His mother wrapped him in her garment and abandoned him. The baby cried and wailed for sustenance. God sent the angel Gabriel down to the baby with milk. Gabriel devised a method for Abram to have access to the milk by sucking the little finger of his right hand. The infant remained in the cave feeding himself for ten days. At that time not only was he fully grown, but through Gabriel he came to the realization that for him there was only one true god. In the Old Testament the story continues that the shepherd Abram, following his god’s orders, left Haran (he came from Ur in Babylonia) and went to Canaan. It was here he made a covenant with his god. He was promised that if he followed his command, he would be given the land of Canaan. He was also given the name Abraham. God also promised him a son in his old age. When his wife Sarah gave birth to Issac, Abraham’s god tested his faith by asking him to sacrifice the child. (In the Muslim tradition, it is Ishmael, Abraham’s son by the slave Hagar, who was offered as sacrifice). As Abraham was about to fulfill his god’s bidding, the deity showed him a ram in the bush to be sacrified instead. He was then promised by the god that his seed would multiply like the stars in the heavens. The Hebrew tradition adds to the Old Testament version of Abraham’s story many “hero” stories. Abraham so detested Chaldean astrology that he smashed his father’s idols. His mission in the world was as the spokesperson for one, living god. He was a giant, and a typical culture hero who discovered superior methods of agriculture, the alphabet, and knowledge of magic. He was a healer who used the precious stone around his neck to heal the sick. He also introduced circumcision to his people which became known as “Abraham’s seal.” Described as a monster with the strength of seventy-four men, Abram died at one hundred and seventy-five years of age. Compare Abram to Brahma; Buddha; Krishna; Zeus; Zoroaster. See also Gabriel; Noah; Zam Zam.

Abrasax (Middle East) see Abraxas.

Abraxas (Egypt, Semitic, Syria)

Also known as: Abanathabla, Ablathanabla, Abracadabra, Abrasax.

Sun god. Abraxas is found in the doctrine of Simon Magus (the “father of Gnostics”). Abraxas and Ildebaoth were serpent symbols with the head of a lion surrounded by rays and were used at Gnostic ceremonies. It is said that the name was created to replace the unmentionable name of the Supreme Being. Basilides, the Gnostic, was thought to have declared that between the unknown Father of All and this world there were interposed a series of 365 heavens corresponding to the days of the year, chief of these being Abraxas. The Persian sun god had this name and in Syria, Abraxas was a form of Iao (Yahveh, or Yahweh). The word Abraxas was used on a seal or amulet to exorcise evil spirits. Sometimes Abraxas is shown with the body of a man, the legs formed of serpents, and holding the shield of Sophia. See also Iao; Sophia.

Abrayanti (India) A Krittika sister. See also Rishi.

Abru-el (Arab) see Adam; Gabriel.

Abruel (Arab) see Gabriel.

Absusu (Sumerian) see Abtagigi; Ishtar.

Absyrtus (Greek)

Also known as: Phaethon.

King of Colchis. An Argonaut. His grandfather is the sun god Helios, his father is Aeetes and his mother is rumored to be one of any number of women including Hecate. He is the nephew of Phaethon, son of Helios and Clymene. See also Adon; Aeetes; Helios; Phaethon.

Abt (Egypt) see Anhur.

Abta (Egypt) see Aai.

Abtagigi (Assyrian, Babylonia, Sumer)

Also known as: Absusu, Aphrodite, Ishtar, Kilili.

Goddess of harlots. She is an evil spirit who preys on men. Abtagigi is the name used for Ishtar in her aspect as the patron of sacramental promiscuity. In Babylonia and Assyria she was known as Kilili. The Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, is said by some to be an aspect of Abtagigi. See also Aphrodite; Ishtar; Kilili.

Abtu and Ant (Egypt) see Abuk and Inet.

Abu Abou (Arabic, Egypt)

Also known as: Elephantine (Greek), Elephantis.

Light deity. Vegetation deity. Abu was an early Egyptian god of light who was likely worshipped in the city of the same name that was the site of the temples of Khnum (Kneph). The Greek name for this deity was Elephantis from Elaphas who was an Osirian god of light or sun. Abu or Abou can mean father when used as a prefix in the ancient Arabian language. One source says the ancient Sumerians thought of this deity as a vegetation god. In ancient Sumerian texts Abu was a god of vegetation. He is possibly similar to Ab whose hieroglyph is the phallus. See also Ab; Khnum.

Abu-Turab (Persia) see Ali.

Abuda (Japan) see Jigoku.

Abugupham-Bumo (Dhammai People, India)

Abugupham-Bumo and Anoi-Diggan-Juje were the first mortals. Their parents are the sister and brother frogs, Lujjuphu and Jassuju. The first mortals gave birth to Lubukanlung, Sangso-Dungso and Kimbu-Sangtung. See also Shuznaghu.

Abuk (Dinka People, Africa)

Abuk is a creator goddess and a goddess of women and gardens. She is an ancestor of Nyalitch, creator of the world and lord of the spirits. Aywil, thought to be the founder of the Dinka religion, learned and taught the people to pray to the supreme god Nyalitch through Deng, who is said to have adopted the role of a divine ancestor, or Abuk. Diing, the first man, opposed this law and after a fight, agreed that Aywil (also a divine ancestor) and his sons would have dominion over the sky and rain and Diing and his sons would rule the food-producing earth. In one myth, Abuk and Garang were the first man and woman. It is said that they were tiny but fully formed creatures made of clay. They were placed in a bean-pot overnight and swelled to full size. Abuk’s emblem is a little snake. See also Aywil; Deng; Nyalitch.

Abuk and Inet (Egypt)

Also known as: Abdu and Inet, Abtu and Ant.

Guardians. Abuk and Inet were two fish that swam on either side of the boat of the sun god Ra to drive away all the evil entities in the water. See also Aai; Ab-ta; Apepi; Ra. Note: Abuk (Dinka people) is a completely different deity.

Abundantia (Teutonic) see Fulla.

Abundia (Teutonic) see Fulla.

Abundita (Roman) Farm Goddess.

Abyrga (Central Asia)

This deified serpent or sea-monster lives at the foot of the Tree of Life and dwells in a lake of milk. In some myths he is wound around Sumur, the world mountain. The Garide bird lives at the top of the tree. Compare Abyrga to Yggdrasil.

Abyzu (Gnostic, Semitic)

Abyzu is a demoness nightmare figure who frightens children while they sleep and causes the mother’s milk to turn cold. It is said that St. Michael was able to break her spell by coercing her to reveal her forty names. She corresponds to Lamassu (q.v.).

Abzu (Sumerian) see Apsu.

Acacallis Acalle (Greek)

Also known as: Chione, Deione.

Acacallis, a deified mortal, is the daughter of Minos and Pasiphae. Her famous siblings are Androgeus, the famous athlete, winner of all events in the Panathenaea, who was killed by a bull; Ariadne, who aided Theseus in his escape from the Labyrinth; Catreus, who was killed accidentally by his son Althaemenes; Deucalion, an Argonaut; Euryale, the mother of the famous giant and hunter, Orion; Lycastus; Glaucus, who almost died in a honeypot as an infant but was saved by Polyeidus; Phaedra, who committed suicide; and Xenodice. Apollo seduced Acacallis and she bore a son, Miletus. Enraged, her hypocritical father exiled her from Crete and sent her to Libya. She had another son by Apollo named Amphithemis, also known as Garamas, who married Tritonis and became the father of Caphaurus (also called Cephalion) and Nasamon. In some legends she is also the mother of Phylacides and Philandros. Acacallis is also the mother of Cydon by Hermes or Tegeates. It may be that Acacallis was Chione, the daughter of Daedalion. She is possibly the same as Chione, who was probably the real wife of Hermes. See also Apollo; Ariadne; Hermes; Minos; Orion; Pasiphae; Theseus.

Academus (Greek)

Also known as: Echedemus.

Hero and possibly a god of light. Academus, an Arcadian living in Attica as a guest of Theseus, informed Castor and Pollux (the Dioscuri) where Theseus had incarcerated their sister, Helen. The Spartans treated him with respect and honor while he was alive and spared his property which was a short distance from Athens and is now called Academia. In another version of Helen’s rescue, the Dioscuri rampaged through Attica until the people of Deceleia, who disliked Theseus, led the brothers to their sister. See also Castor and Pollux; Helen; Theseus.

Acala Acara (Buddhist; India, Nepal, Tibet)

Also known as: Chandamaharoshana, K’ro-bo-mi-gyo-ba (Tibet), Mahachandrarosana, Vajrapani.

Acala is an epithet of the Bodhisativa Vajrapani. He is depicted with four heads. See also Vajrapani.

Acalle (Greek) see Acacallis; Pasiphae.

Acamas (A) Acamus, Akamas (Greek)

Hero. Joint king of Melos. Acamas is the son of the hero Theseus and Phaedra. His siblings are Demophoon and two half-brothers: his father’s illegitimate son, Hippolytus, and in some versions, Melanippus, (his mother being Perigune). His father, exiled from Athens, sent Acamas and Demophoon to King Elephenor in Euboea. As adults, they joined Elephenor and fought in the Trojan War, where they were able to rescue their grandmother Aethra, said to be Helen of Troy’s slave. Acamas was one of the group who climbed into the belly of the Trojan horse. In one legend, he married Phyllis, declined her father’s kingdom (offered as a dowry), and sailed away promising to return. Before his departure, Phyllis gave him a box that she said contained an object sacred to the goddess Rhea. She warned him to open it only if he decided not to return. Leaving her behind, he sailed to Cyprus and decided to settle there. When he didn’t return, Phyllis cursed him and hung herself. Eventually, he opened the box. Terrified by its contents, he bolted away on his horse, was thrown to the ground and died by his own sword. A variation of this story is that Acamas and Phyllis were in love and possibly married. He went to fight in Troy and when his ship didn’t return with the rest of the fleet, Phyllis, certain that he had been killed, died of grief. Athene, the goddess, transformed her into an almond tree and when Acamas returned the next day he had only the trunk of the tree to embrace. The same story is told of Demophoon, although some think there were two Phyllises, both princesses, who died of grief and turned into almond trees. In another legend Acamas falls in love with Laodice, daughter of Priam, before meeting Phyllis and either he, or possibly his brother Demophoon, fathered a son, Munitus. In this version, he returned home from the war via Thrace where he fell in love with Phyllis and later deserted her. He comes to the same end in Cyprus where he fell off his horse and was killed by his own sword. Acamas was also known as the companion of Diomedes, king of Argos, whom he accompanied to Troy to demand the return of Helen after her elopement with Paris. See also Demophoon; Helen; Helius; Phaedra; Theseus.

Acamas (B) (Greek)

Acamus (B) is the son of the Trojan seer, Antenor, and his wife Theano, a priestess of Athena at Troy. His siblings are Agenor; Archelous; Coon, who was killed in the Trojan War; Crino, a sister; Demoleon, who was also killed in the war; Glaucus, who fought in the war; Helicaon, who also fought and was wounded; Iphidamas, who was killed; Laocoon; Laodamas; Lycaon, who was wounded in the war; Pedaeus, a half-brother; Polydamas, who was accused of being a traitor in the Trojan War, and Polybus. Acamas was a leader of the Dardanian forces in the Trojan War along with Aeneas and Archelous. He was killed by the archer, Meriones, who was also a commander of the Cretan forces. See also Aeneas; Antenor; Archelous; Meriones.

Acamas (C) & (D) (Greek)

Acamas (C) was a Thracian captain killed in the Trojan War by Ajax the Greater. Acamas (D), a cyclops, is mentioned as being one of the companions of Hephaestus when he lived on Mount Etna. Three other cyclopes are named, Brontes, Pyracmon, and Steropes. See also Ajax the Greater; Hephaestus.

Acan (A) (Chaldean)

Serpent god. Chaldean name meaning “great one.”

Acan (B) (Maya People, Yucatan)

God of intoxication. Probably a deity of wine.

Acantum (Maya People, Yucatan) see Becabs.

Acara (Tibet) see Acala.

Acaragui (Native North American) see Niparaya.

Acaryavajrapani (India) see Vajrapani.

Acastus (Greek)

Acastus is the Argonaut son of Pelios and Anaxibia or Phylomache. He married Hippolyte or according to some texts, Astydameia, who is elsewhere known as his daughter. His daughters are Laodamia, Sterope, Sthenele and unnamed sons. Against his father’s wishes he joined Jason, his father’s enemy, as an Argonaut and later participated in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. His wife became infatuated with Peleus, king of the Myrmidons, who rebuffed her advances. Scorned, she lied to her husband and accused Peleus of attempting to seduce her. A short time later while on a hunting trip, Acastus stole Peleus’ sword while he was asleep, leaving him defenseless. Peleus was almost killed by centaurs but was saved by the centaur Cheiron. With the assistance of Jason and the Dioscuri, he returned to lolcus, destroyed the area and murdered the treacherous woman and according to some, Acastus. See also Acastus; Argonauts; Calydonian Boar Hunt; Jason; Pelios; Peleus.

Acat (Maya People, Yucatan)

God of Life. God of Tattooers. Acat is one of the Bacabs who are the four wind gods and the four pillars of heaven. They are the sons of Itzama, a hero who later became sacred. Their name list differs but four common names are Yuncemil, Echua, Backlum Chaam, and Chin. Acat is also responsible for the development of children in the womb. See also Acatl; Bacabs.

Acatl (Aztec People, Mexico)

Year god. Acatl is one of the four year bearers or year gods. He is in charge of the east region. Acatl is the god of those persons who dwell in this space and time. The other three gods are Tecpatl (north), Calli (west) and Tochthli (south). Possibly the same as Acat of the Maya People, who along with his brothers, the Becabs, were called pillars of heaven. Also similar to the Incan Tahuantin Suyu Kapac who were lords of the four quarters. Acatl corresponds to the skybearer, Tlauixcalpantecuhtli. See also Acat; Becabs; Calli; Tahuantin-Suyu-Kapac; Tecpatl; Tochtli.

Acca (Roman)

Acca was the wife of Heracles and is thought to be the counterpart of the Peloponnesian White Goddess, Acco. See also Acco; Heracles.

Acca Larentia Acca Laurentia (Etruscan, Roman)

Also known as: Lupa.

Mother goddess. Some feel that there is only one Acca Larentia, while others believe there are two. In both instances Acca Larentia is the nurse of Romulus and Remus. Acca Larentia (A) was won by Heracles in a game of dice with the king of Rome, Ancus Martius. Heracles was not able to collect his “prize” as the servant had locked her away. Eventually, she married Carutius and became the mother of the Fratres Arvales, twelve sons. When her husband died he left her a substantial estate. Upon her death she willed money to the people of Rome. Her festival, known as Larentalia is a rowdy celebration observed on December 23. Acca Larentia (B) is the wife of Faustulus, who was the shepherd of either the flocks of Numitor or Amulisu. Faustulus found Romulus and Remus, and Acca Larentia was their nurse. See Lares; Lupa; Mercury (A); Romulus.

Acca Laurentia (Roman) see Acca Larentia.

Acesidas (Greek) Another name for Idas, one of the Dactyli.

Acestes Acestis (Greek)

Hero and ancient king. Acestes is the son of the river-god Crimisus and the nymph Segesta or the Trojan woman Egesta. He was the king of Eryx or Drepanum, a Trojan settlement in Sicily. A Trojan War hero, the city of Acesta was named in his honor. During the funeral games after the burial of Anchises, he became the winner of the archery contest. Acestes may have been considered a god of lightning. See also Anchises; Crimisus; Egesta; Rivers.

Acestis (Greek) see Acestes.

Acetes (Greek) see Evander (B).

Ach-Chazu (Babylon) see Ahhazu.

Achachilas (Aymara People, Bolivia; Andeans)

Also known as: Machulas.

Mountain deities. Frost spirits. The Achachilas are objects of reverence and worship found in nature. Many Achachilas are mountain peaks that are often claimed as ancestors and have numerous myths attached to them. When two peaks face one another, they are identified as male and female entities. The People of the Andean highlands identify the Achachilas and Machulas as good and evil spirits and identify them with objects of nature and often with the spirits of famous deceased persons. Compare to Fuji (Japan). See also Anchancho; Ekkekko.

Achaeans (Greek) see Achaeus.

Achaei (Greek) see Achaeus.

Achaemenides (Greek) see Odysseus.

Achaeus (Greek)

Also known as: Achates.

Achaeus is the hero son of the Thessalian Xuthus (known as “the thievish one”) and Creusa. His siblings are Diomede, Ion, and in some legends, Dorus. A descendant of Prometheus and the grandson of the hero Hellen, he had two sons, Archander and Architekes (Architeles). Achaeus and Ion went to Aegialus, in the Peloponnesus, with their father. Ion eventually became the king. Achaeus and allies from Athens and Aegialus banded together and reclaimed the Thessalian throne which had once belonged to Xuthus. The general area then became known as Achaea. Achaeus’ sons moved to Argos, married daughters of Danaus and became so renowned that the Argives name was replaced by Achaeans, after Achaeus. See also Diomede; Hellen; Prometheus.

Achamoth (Gnostic)

Achamoth was an ousted god hurled into the abyss and deemed a fallen aspect of the lower Sophia. He represents the lower Wisdom; the form where spirit succumbs to matter and becomes the basis of the real world. See also Aeons; Pistis Sophia.

Achates (Greek, Roman) see Achaeus; Aeneas.

Acheloos (Greek) see Achelous.

Achelous Acheloos (Greek)

A river god. Shape changer. Achelous is the eldest of the three thousand sons (known as the Rivers) of Oceanus and Tethys. He is also been said to be the son of Sol by Terra or Helios by Gaea. Mating with Calliope or Terpsichore, he became the father of the three Sirens: Leucosia, Ligeia, and Parthenope. He is also thought to be the father of Callirrhoe, who was the mother of Ganymede. Achelous and Hercules were the suitors of Deianira (Dejanira). After a major competition for her hand Achelous was overthrown by Hercules. He turned himself into a serpent, was nearly strangled by his foe and then turned himself into a bull. Heracles wrenched off his horn, which the Naiads presented to the Goddess of Plenty, Amaltheia, who stuffed her treasures in its hollow. It has since become the legendary “Cornucopia.” Achelous changed five nymphs into islands and seduced Perimele who was also turned into an island by Poseidon. Achelous is shown with the body of a bull and the head of a bearded and horned man, and sometimes as a snake. To compare to other river gods, see Acheron; Amaltheia; Alpheus; Asopus; Calydonian Boar Hunt; Cephissus; Cocytus; Helius; Heracles; Melpomene; Muses; Naiads; Oceanids; Oceanus; Rivers; Sirens.

Acheren (Greek) see Acheron.

Acheron Acheren (Greek)

Also known as: Acherusia.

A river god. Acheron is one of the three thousand sons of Oceanus and Tethys, Gaea, or Demeter. He was also said to be the father of Asclepius by Orphne or Gorgyra. In legend, he was punished and sent to Hades by the gods for providing drinks to the Titans during their battle with the Olympians. A variation of this story is that Acheron was banished to Hades when he had outlived his usefulness on earth. Acheron, the river, is the name of one of five rivers that are said to be connected with Hades. The very name, Acheron, was a synonym used in place of Hades to signify hell and was known as the “River of Woe and Sadness.” The other rivers are Cocytus (wailing or groans), Lethe (forgetfulness), Phlegethon or Pyriphlegethon (fire) and Styx (the gods sealed their oaths by this name). The ancient and difficult Charon ferried souls of the dead across the Acheron, Cocytus and Styx rivers. See also Achelous; Alpheus; Asopus; Cephissus; Charon; Cocytus; Furies; Inachus, Lether; Oceanids; Oceanus; Rivers; Styx; Tartarus. The Acheron is similar to the Celtic Achren (q.v.).

Acherusia (Greek) see Acheron.

Achet (Egypt) see Aakhui; Ab.

Achilles Achilleus

Also known as: Pyrrha (Greek).

Achilles, the principal character of the Homeric epic of the Iliad, is the son of Peleus, king of the Myrmidons in Thessaly, and of Thetis, a sea goddess. He is thought to be the father of Neoptolemus (Pyrrhus) by Deidamia. There are various accounts of his youthful years. One version states that his mother, in an attempt to bestow immortality upon him, held him in fire all night, and during the day anointed him with magical potions so that his mortal parts might be consumed. Another account relates that to make him invincible she held him in the river Styx, holding him by his heel, which became the vulnerable part of his body. It had been foretold by Calchas, a famous seer, that Troy could not be taken in battle without Achilles. Thetis, fearing for her son’s safety, disguised him as a female and placed him among the daughters of Lycomedes of Scyros, where he was known as Pyrrha. Odysseus, disguised as a merchant came, to the court of Lycomedes under divine inspiration searching for the hero who would conquer Troy. The fair Achilles, looking through Odysseus’ merchandise, ignored the feminine merchandise and seized upon the weapons and was said to have discovered that he was a male. His mentors were Cheiron the centaur, and the warrior Phoenix, king of the Dolopes. At the urging of Odysseus, he and his closest friend and lover, Patroclus, joined the Greeks in the Trojan War. It is said that Peleus gave Achilles his golden armor, an ashen spear and two horses to protect him in battle. He became famous for his bravery during the war and for his influence with the gods. During a campaign in Lyrnessus, Achilles slaughtered the family of Briseis and captured her as his concubine. In the tenth year of the war, Agamemnon was instrumental in taking Briseis from Achilles. Achilles then shut himself up in his tent and refused to participate in battle. Patroclus begged Achilles to lend him his golden armor so that he could lead the Myrmidons back into battle. Achilles agreed. Subsequently, Patroclus was slain by Hector, the Trojan prince, who confiscated the armor. Grief-stricken, Achilles arranged a splendid funeral for his friend and had his mother obtain new armor from Hephaistos. After slaying many Trojans, Achilles finally killed Hector by pursuing him around the walls of Troy three times, tying his body to his chariot, and dragging him in the dust to the front of the city. Xanthus, the faithful and immortal horse who had the power of speech, warned his master Achilles of his impending death. The Homeric version of Achilles’ death relates that he was slain by an arrow from the bow of Paris, directed by Apollo, which struck him in his heel. Another tells how he loved the daughter of Priam, Polyxena. Hoping to wed her he went among the Trojans unarmed, and was slain by Paris at the temple of Apollo. After his cremation his ashes were placed in Patroclus’ urn. For the origins of Achilles’ armor, see He-phaistos. For the disposition of his armor after his death, see Sigurd (regarding vulnerability). He is associated with Helen of Troy and with Aeacus; Aphrodite; Chiron; Peleus; Phoenix; and Thetis. To compare the friendship of Achilles and Patroclus, see Enkidu, and Gilgamesh. Compare Achilles to Krishna (India). See also Agamemnon; Ajax the Greater; Amazons; Briseis; Calchas; Cassandra; Hector; Iphigeneia; Odysseus; Patroclus, Polyxena; Styx; Zephyrus.

Achilleus (Greek) see Achilles.

Achillides (Greek) see Neoptolemus.

Achiyalatopa (Zuni People, North America)

Achiyalatopa is a celestial monster, thought to be a knife or feather deity.

Achren Acheron, Ochren (Celtic)

Aspects or known as: Annfwn (Welsh), Annwn, Annwvyn, Donn.

Achren (in Brythonic legend) is the underworld of the ancient Celts. Often called “The Plain of Two Mists,” it is very similar to the Greek Acheron (q.v.). In Welsh legend, the underworld is known as Annfwn and is ruled by Arawn. As the Celts accept death as another stage in life, Achren is not a place of hell and damnation, but a place where ancestors gather, and mortals may visit. A place out of human time, a visitor could find it a garden of delights, or a monster-filled nightmare, and could return to earth much older, and could even disintegrate. Achren is not found in a specific location but can be found in many places. Likewise, the routes to reach Achren are innumerable; even sudden understanding can take one there. Although punishment does not exist in this underworld, all is not love and light; conflict exists and is settled by the intervention of a human mediator. See also Annfwn; Arawn; Pwyll.

Achtaroth (Assyrian) see Asherah.

Achtoret (Assyrian) see Asherah.

Achyuta (India) see Vishnu.

Acidalia (Greek) see Venus.

Acis (Greek) River god.

Acis (Greek)

River god. Acis is the son of Faunas and Marcia, the nymph of the River Stercutus. (Some say his mother is Symoethis.) His siblings are the man-hating Dryas and Latinus, the mortal king. A handsome, young herdsman of Sicily, Acis fell in love with the sea-nymph, Galatea, a Nereid. Polyphemus, a crude, one-eyed giant who also adored the beautiful nymph surprised the lovers in a compromising position (chatting by the shore, in a grotto, or in bed, depending on the myth). Enraged, he yanked a boulder from Mount Aetna and lunged at his rival, crushing his skull. Galatea plunged into the sea to avoid certain death. She gave her loved one immortality by transforming him into the god of a stream that flows to Mount Aetna. His blood formed the stream which bears his name. See also Cylcops; Faunas; Galatea; Nereids; Pan.

Acmon (Greek) see Oceanus.

Acmonides (Greek) see Cyclops.

Acolnauacatl (Mexico) see Mictlantecutli.

Acolnauactl (Mexico) see Miclantecutli.

Acotzentli (Aztec People, Mexico)

Tree of Life. It gave food for the people during the second age of man. See also Legend of the Four Suns.

Acrea (Greek) see Rhea.

Acrisius (Greek)

Acrisius, king of Argos, is the son of Abas and Aglaia or Ocaleia and the twin brother of Proetus. Sibling rivalry between the twins began in the womb. His other brother was Chalcodon, king of the Abantes of Euboea. He led the Euboeans in the battle between Thebes and Euboea and was killed by Amphitryon. Chalcodon’s people were known as the Abantes. Acrisius married Eurydice, the daughter of the king of Sparta, Lacedaemon. Sparte, or in some versions Aganippe was the father of Danae and Evarete. It was prophetically foretold that Danae would give birth to a son who would slay him. He hid her in a brass tower to protect himself but that did not stop the great god Zeus. He gained access to her in a golden shower, and as a result, she became the mother of Perseus. The fearful Acrisius then encapsuled them in a chest and had it thrown into the sea. The chest landed on the island of Seriphus (Seriphos), and the mother and child were rescued by Dictys, the seaman of Acetes. Danae and Perseus were shipped off to live with Dictys’ brother, Polydectes, the king of the country. Eventually, the prophecy became reality when Perseus threw a disc which accidentally hit his grandfather Acrisius in the foot and killed him. The golden shower is said to represent the sun’s rays, necessary for fertilization. Another interpretation is the golden shower as a cloudburst that makes the earth fertile. The cloudburst could also represent a sacred marriage between heaven and earth. Compare Acrisius to Balor. See also Abas (A); Aganippe; Aglaia; Danae; Dictys; Oenamaus; Perseus.

Actaea (Greek) see Nereids; Nereus.

Actaeon (Greek)

Actaeon is the hero son of Aristaeus and Autonoe, brother of Macris, and possibly the grandson of Cadmus. He became a celebrated hunter and hero trained by the renowned hunter, Cheiron, said to be the wisest of the centaurs. Artemis caught him spying on her as she was bathing with some nymphs. Annoyed or embarrassed, she splashed him with water; he changed into a stag and was devoured by his own dogs. Less popular variations of this legend are that Actaeon bragged to Artemis, herself a skilled hunter, that he was the better hunter; irate, she killed him. Another is that Artemis, angry that he wanted to marry her aunt Semeie, whom Zeus was wooing, killed him. Yet another version is that Actaeon tried to rape Artemis and she killed him in self defense. See also Argus (F); Aristaeus; Artemis; Cheiron; Semeie.

Actaeus (Greek) see Agraulos.

Actis (Greek) see Heliades.

Actor (A) (Greek)

Hero. An Argonaut. There are various genealogies attributed to the hero Actor. As the king of Phocis, he is the son of Deion and Diomede and the brother of Aenetus, Asteropeia, Cephalus and Phylacus. His union with Aegina produced Irus, Menoetius (an Argonaut) and Polymela. He was the grandfather of Patroclus (Menoetius’ son). Peleus, king of Myrmidons, who was an Argonaut, killed Actor’s half-brother Phocus. Actor purified Pelus and was said to have given him one-third of his kingdom and either Polymela or Antigone for a bride. In another legend, he is the son of Mymidon and Peisidice and brother of Antiphus and Eupolemeia. He became the king of Phtia and was said to have died childless and to have left his estate to Peleus. Yet again, he is said to have had a son, Eurytion, who was a friend of Peleus. It is also said that Eurytion was adopted. For Actor’s father’s background, see Aeolus (A). See also Actor (B); Actor (C); Aegina; Argonauts; Patroclus; Peleus.

Actor (B) (Greek)

Actor is the son of Phorbas and Hyrmina and brother of Augeias and Tiphys. He is said to be the father of the twins, Ceatus and Eurytus, known as the Moliones (Molionides) after their mother; though it is also said that Poseidon is their father and Moliones their mother. See also Actor (A); Actor (C); Moliones; Poseidon.

Actor (C) (Greek)

Actor, the Argonaut and hero, is identified as the son of either Deion, the Phoenician, or one of the many men named Hippasus. Actor has also been called the son of Poseidon and Agamede. Agamede, celebrated for her knowledge of the healing arts, had two other sons, Belus and Dictys, also by Poseidon. She is the daughter of Augeas and wife of Mulius, an early healer who knew the healing properties of all plants. Actor has also been referred to as the father of Echecles and in other legends, Astyoche. A hero, Actor was said to have been conquered by Turnus, the Roman poet and soldier. See also Actor (A); Actor (B); Argonauts; Poseidon.

Acuecueyotl (Aztec People, Mexico)

She is the personification of waves and an aspect of Chalchiuhtlicue (q.v.).

Acyuta (India) “Immovable” see also Krishna.

Ad-Ama (Hebrew) see Adam.

Adad (A) Addad, Addu (Aramean, Assyrian; Babylonian; Canaanite; Sumerian).

Also known as: Baal of Mt. Lebanon (possibly), Baalsamame, Balsamem, Balshameme, Balshamin, Bardad (Syria), Belshim, Ber, Bir, Birqu, Birque, Dadu (Amorite), Hadad (Syrian), Haddad (Phoenician), Ilhallubu (Babylonian), Ilumarru (Akkadian), Iluwir, Ishkur (possibly), Iskur, Jashar (possibly; Hebrew), Kur-Gal, Kurgal (Canaanite; “Great Mountain”), Marri (Sumerian), Manu, Martu (Amorite), Ramman, Rammanu, Rammon (“The Thunderer”; Amorite), Rimmon, Riummon (possibly; Syrian).

God of Storms and Floods. Prophet. Adad, son of Asherat of the Sea, replaced Enlil when Enlil was promoted to ruler of the earth. As his power could be used for beneficial and for destructive purposes he is both feared and worshipped. He is also a god of justice and punishment. His consort was the storm-goddess, Shala. Adad was the god who carried out the order for the Deluge given by Bel, or as others say, Ishtar. He was also known as the “Lord of Foresight.” Adad is usually shown wearing a pointed helmet with his horns mounted on a bull and grasping three-pronged thunderbolts in each hand. See Enlil, or Shamash, who also could reveal the future. Adad is also similar to Hadad of Phoenician mythology. He was possibly merged with Marduk at a later date and he could be the forerunner of Zeus. He is thought to be the Amorite god Martu. Adad might be another name for Balshamin. He is also identified with Imi, Iskur, Mer, Mermer, Nigir, Nimgigri, Nimgirgirri, and Riummon. He is possibly the same as Bel, Ea, Hadad, Ishkur, Jashar, Marduk, Riummon, Yahveh, and Zeus.

Adad (B) (Syrian)

Also known as: Hadad, Martu (Amorite).

The spouse of Adargyns, the earth, Adad is a sun god. When husband and wife merged, creativity evolved. In Babylonia-Assyria, Adad was known as a god of thunder, storms and rainfall. See also Hadad.

Adad (C) (Assyrian)

The son of Anu, Adad is a god of storms who is associated with Baal and Hadad (qq.v.).

Adad-Ea (Babylonian)

In the Gilgamesh epic Adad-Ea ferried Gilgamesh. He is also credited with ferrying souls across the waters of death to Ut-Napishtim’s abode. See also Charon; Gilgamesh.

Adam (A) Ad-ama, Adamah

Also known as: Ade, Edie, Edom, Mahre (Ancient Persian), Odem (Arabic, Babylonian, Hebrew, Persian, Syrian).

Adam is said to have been the first human formed by god from dust gathered by the angel Michael. His name may signify Ad-ama “father of the race.” Eve (Khavah), the first female, was created from Adam’s rib. According to the standard biblical version, Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Disobeying God’s instructions, and succumbing to temptation, they were banished from the Garden of Eden and subsequently held responsible for humans becoming mortal. In some schools of thought, the story of Adam was of Babylonian origin, later repeated in Persian legends. The Arabs differ in thought from the Christians in that Cain was the son of Lilith and not Eve. While the Christians say God created Adam from dust, the Koran speaks of Allah sending four Archangels, (Gabriel, Michael, Asraphel [Israfel] and Asrael [Azrael]) for four handfuls of earth in different colors and texture. Only Asrael brought earth which God molded into the form of man. Adam awoke one morning to find Haiwa (also known as Eve), the first woman. God taught Adam, in Arabic, the names of all the “things” surrounding him. He warned Adam not to eat the fruit from one particular tree. To do so would mean banishment from the paradisical Janna to a life of hardship on earth. Iblis, the evil serpent demon who was hovering nearby in the garden, persuaded Haiwa to eat the fruit. Adam decided to join her. Both fell to earth. In another version Adam begot demons (Shedim and Lilith) originally and it was Lilith who bore Samael, Leviathan, and Asmodeus and the rest. In tales from the Apocryphal or pseudepigrapha legends they were also the parents of the sisters, Luluwa and Aklemia. In an ancient tale, Adam was created by God from the elements of the universe. His spirit was formed from the wind, his thoughts from the clouds, his eyes from the sun, his flesh and bones from the earth and roots, and his blood from water. Adam is symbolized as a pillar or pole. This story is similar to the Akkadian legend of Adapa where the great god is Ea. See also Abel; Adapa; Adhibuddha (India); Azazel; Cain; Ea.

Adam (B) Sabaoth Adamas (Gnostic)

Underworld god. From text of the post-Christian sect of the Ophites, and referenced in the text of the “Pistis Sophia,” Adam is known as Sabaoth Adamas. He is a chief of Archons, the underworld. The god Melchizidek (“Receiver of Light”), opposed Adam. See also Hades; Pistis Sophia.

Adam and Balujen (Tinguian People, Philippine Islands)

The sons of the creator Kadaklan (q.v.).

Adamah (Hebrew) see Adam.

Adamanthea (Greek) see Zeus.

Adapa (Mesopotamian)

Also known as: Addu (Aramaean).

Created by the god of wisdom, Ea, to rule over the human race, Adapa is the chief-priest of Eridu, and some say, Ea’s son. Fishing one day, Adapa’s boat was overturned by the southwest wind demoness, Shutu. Angered, he cursed her and crippled her wings. The celestial deity, Anu, alarmed by the mortal man’s power, sent his messenger Ilabrat to summon Adapa to his court. Ea informed Adapa to expect to be greeted at the heavenly gates by the gods Tammuz and Gizida (also known as Ningizzida), who would escort him to Anu and offer him bread and water. Possibly jealous, Ea instructed Adapa to refuse the nourishment, and lying, told him that it would cause his death. Anu instructed him to appear before the great god Ea. The court had to decide if they should kill the powerful mortal Adapa or raise him to the rank of a god. Tammuz and Gizida intervened and explained that since all wisdom had been revealed to Adapa by Ea, he needed only eternal life to become a god. It was decided that Adapa would be made immortal. When he appeared before the gods he was offered bread and water, which unknown to him was the food of everlasting life. Adapa, following Ea’s instructions, refused the nourishment. Not only did he lose the opportunity of immortality for all humans but it is said that he also brought illness, disease and death to other humans. The goddess of healing, Ninkarrak (said to be Anu’s daughter), was able to cure all the ill effects of his act, except death. Adapa is often called the forerunner of Adam. This myth is similar to that of Yahweh and Adam (qq.v.). Compare Adapa’s story to the tale of the Greek Persephone. See also Addu; Anu (B); Ea; Ilabrat; Ninkarrak; Tammuz.

Adar (A) (Persia) see Atar.

Adar (B) (Akkadian, Semitic)

Also known as: Atar, Bar, En-ge, Nin-ib, Ninib, Nin-lil, Uras.

Weather god. Adar is the son of the lord of ghosts and hell, Mul-lil. Known as the “Sun of the South,” he controlled lightning and thunder. Adar in Hebrew means “splendid” or “shining.” Uras, in Akkadian, means “the shining”; Nin-ib, “the Lord”; and Bar, “the bright” or “living.” In Babylonian myth, Adar was another name for Ninib as god of the summer sun. See also Ninib.

Adargyns (Syrian)

“The Earth.” She is the wife of Adad. See also Adad (B).

Adda-nari (Hindu) see Addanari.

Addad (Babylon) see Adad.

Addanari Adda-Nari (Hindu)

Goddess of nature, religion and truth. Addanari uses the same symbols as the Roman Mercury: a circle, cup, sword and magician’s rod. She is identified with the Egyptian Isis. See also Mercury.

Addane (Celtic)

Also known as: Abac (Irish), Avanc (Celtic).

A water monster, sometimes described as a dwarf, Addane’s abode is Lake Llyon Llion. After causing a great flood, he was dragged from his home by oxen belonging to Hu Gadarn. In a variation, he was killed by Peredur.

Addephagia (Roman)

Goddess of good cheer. She is generally shown as a smiling matronly woman surrounded by emblems of eating and drinking.

Adder (British Isles, Christians, Druids)

Evil serpent deity. The sly and crafty adder is thought by some to be an aspect of Eris, the goddess of strife. The Christians believed that the adder was a form of the devil. And, the Druids carried amulets (adder stones) as charms. An adder is said to have caused the Battle of Camlan (between Arthur and Mordred) and is also said to be the source of power of the ancient goddess Cailleach Bheur. Even though snakes were said not to exist in Ireland, the story is historically documented that the Milesius (natives of Ireland) carried banners with the symbol of a snake twisted around a rod, rather than the usual coat of arms. In Ireland, the adder was depicted as a green snake god. See also Arthur; Cailleach Bheur; Eris.

Addittee (India) see Aditi.

Addu (Aramaean)

Also known as: Adad, Adapa, Marduk.

Storm god. Addu is one of the fifty names that Anu proclaimed should be bestowed upon Marduk. Addu could have been a forerunner of Marduk or he could have merged with Marduk. It is possible that Addu is only an aspect of Adad. See also Adad; Adapa; Marduk.

Ade (Hebrew) see Adam.

Adee (Haida, Kwakiutl, Tlingit, Tsimshian People, North America)

Also known as: Idi.

Semi-divine creature. Adee, also known as the “Thunderbird” is described as an eagle with an extra head on its abdomen. Adee lives in a mountain lake and is strong enough to carry a whale with its talons.

Adekagagwaa (Iroquois People, North America)

A name for the sun as a Great Spirit. He controls the wind god Ga-oh, the thunder or storm god Hino and the god of winter, Gohone. See also Hino.

Adharma (India)

Brahma as the destroyer of all things. See also Anrita; Brahma; Maya People, Yucatan (C).

Adhibudda (India) see Adhibuddha.

Adhibuddha Adi-buddha, Adhibudda (Buddhist; India)

Also known as: Buddha, Swayambhu (Nepal).

Adibuddha is the primordial Buddha without beginning or end. He was manifested from the syllable AUM, and is self-existent. All things are manifested by him and emanate from him. The Dyhani Buddhas evolved from Adhibuddha. Adibuddha is said to be revealed in the form of a blue flame coming out of a lotus. See also Adam (Arabic, Christian, Semitic); Amida; Buddha; Dhyani Buddhas, P’an Ku (China); Purusha; Samantabhadra, Vajrasatwa.

Adhidevatas (India) see Devis.

Adhiratha (India) see Radha.

Adi (India) A shape changing demon. See also Vasistha.

Adi-Buddha (India) see Adhibuddha.

Adi-Pati (India) see Ganesha.

Adi-Siki-Taka-Pikone-no-Kami (Japan) see Three Goddesses of Munakata.

Adit (India) see Aditi.

Aditi Addittee, Adit, (Brahmanic, Hindu, Vedic; India, Iran)

Also known as: Deva-Matri (Mother of the Gods), Devaki (Inca People), Shakti.

Aditi, the “Mother of Worlds” is said to be self-formed. Originally, she was the mother of the early Persian Asuras and Asuris (demons), and the gods and goddesses known as the Suras and the Suris. Later, she was considered the mother of all gods. In some texts, she is called the daughter of Daksha, the wife of Kasyapa and mother of Vishnu in his avatar as Vamana. In her avatar as Devaki, she gave birth to Vishnu in his avatar as Krishna. For this reason, Vishnu is sometimes referred to as Aditi. In other texts she is the daughter of Vasus the god of wealth, the sister of the Aditya, the wife of Vishnu and mother of the Rudras. She is also portrayed as the mother of Daksha, and the mother of Indra, or the attendant of Indra. Danu (Diti) is said to be her sister and rival. There are indications that she could be the mother of Agni, the fire god. More frequently, she is known as the mother of the Adityas, a group of six, seven, eight, or twelve gods. Varuna is known as chief of the Adityas. In one well known myth, she has twelve children and she throws one of them, Martanda (the sun) also known as Vivasvat, into the sky. Her son, Indra, is said to have given his mother earrings which appeared on the water’s surface when the gods churned the ocean. These earrings were stolen by the demon Naraka and returned to her by Krishna. Aditi is often invoked with Mitra and Varuna for protection, freedom from disease, and forgiveness from sin. Aditi has many titles; among them are; “The Boundless Whole,” “Eternal Space,” “Mystic Space,” “Cosmic Space,” “The Celestial Virgin,” and “The Supporter of the Sky.” She is invoked for the cure of headaches, epilepsy and insanity. The goddess Devaki is an incarnated form of Aditi. There is a close correspondence between Aditi and the Tibetan goddess Tho-ag, also spelled Tho-og, who is known as “The Eternal Mother,” “Space,” “The Eternal Ever-Present Cause of All,” and “The Form of All Existence.” In one description, Aditi is described as an earth cow milked by the earth goddess Prithu. Her milk appeared in the form of grain and vegetables. Aditi as the “Boundless Whole,” or “Cosmic Space” and similar titles, represents infinite space. Her children, the Adityas symbolize the stars. Aditi corresponds with the goddesses Vach and Diti (also known as Danu). For information about Diti, see Maruts. See also Adityas; Asuras; Daksha; Devaki; Devis; Indra; Kasyapa; Krishna; Maruts; Mitra; Rudra; Shakti; Surya; Vach; Vamana; Varuna; The Vasus; The Vedas; Vishnu; Vivasvat.

Aditya (India) see Adityas.

Adityas, The Aditya (singular), Agni (Hindu, Vedic; India, Persia)

Originally the Adityas, known as great warriors, thought to be of Persian origin, were a triad of three divinities: Varuna (guardian of the night), Mitra (guardian of the day), and Angra Mainyu. In time, the deities of the triad changed to Agni, Vayu and Surya and then to Agni, Indra and Surya. At a later date they were the six, seven, eight or twelve sons of the goddess Aditi. Immortal sun gods, their element was eternal light. In one record, Aditi has seven sons: Ansa, Aryaman, Bhaga, Daksha, Mitra, Surya and Varuna. Dhatri, Indra, Martanda, Savitri, and Vishnu were added later, increasing their number to twelve. The leader of the Adityas was Varuna. Martanda the sun, also known as Vivasvat, was born from a dead egg and thrown into the sky by his mother. Groups of Vedic gods, like the Adityas, Maruts, Vasus and Ribhus, often appear as rays of the sun, as stars or as constellations. They are sometimes spoken of in human form or as having been ancient sacrificers. In astrological traditions, the number of Adityas is given as twelve. This identifies them with the positions of the sun in each of the months of the year and with the astrological signs. Compare the Adityas to the Amesha Spentas (Persia). See also Adita; Angra Mainyu; Bhaga; Daityas; Daksha; Devaki; Dhatri; Indra; Kasyapa; Mitra; Parjanya; Pushan; Ribhus; Sakra (named by some as an Aditya); Savitri; Surya; Varuna; Vasus; Visasvat; Vishnu; Vrita.

Adlet (Eskimo People, Canada and Greenland)

Also known as: Erqigdlit.

An Eskimo woman who was the spouse of a red dog bore him ten offspring. Five of the children were dogs who were put in a boat and set to sea. They are the ancestors of the Caucasians. The other five offspring are blood-drinking monsters known as Adlet. Their offspring are the Erqigdlit.

Adlinden (Eskimo) see Adlivun.

Adliparmiut (Eskimo) see Adlivun.

Adlivun (Eskimo People)

Also known as: Adlinden.

Adlivun, the home of the sea goddess Sedna is located at the bottom of the ocean. It is the place of judgment for mortals who died a non-violent death. They stay in Adlivun for one year. Guarded by a huge dog, Adlivun can only be reached through a shaman known as an angakok. The Greenland Eskimo people say that all the dead, except murderers, eventually reach Adliparmiut. Located further away than Adlivun, it is a dark and stormy place, but it is not as bad as Adlivun. In some myths it is said that spirits from Adlivun, dressed in old clothes, bring disease and death to their villages. See also Agoolik; Aipaloovik; Nerivik; Sedna.

Ad’meta (Greek) see Admete.

Admeta (Greek) see Admete.

Admete Ad’meta, Admeta (Greek)

Admete, a deified mortal, is the daughter of Eurystheus and Antimache, and a priestess of Hera’s temple. Hippolyte, the queen of the Amazons, owned a girdle (belt) that Admete coveted. Her father, who designated the twelve labors of Heracles, made Heracles fetch the girdle as his ninth labor. Initially, this labor did not seem taxing. Heracles and his friends docked their ship at Themiseyra. Hippolyte boarded, they entertained one another and she promised him the belt. The goddess Hera, aggravated at the ease of the transaction, disguised herself as an Amazon and spread the rumor that Heracles had abducted their leader. The warrior women attacked the ship and Heracles, thinking he had been duped by Hippolyte, killed her and took the belt. See also Eurytheus; Hera; Heracles; Hippolyte.

Ad’metos (Greek) see Admetus.

Admetus Ad’metos (Greek)

Admetus, a deified mortal, and the king of Pherae, is the son of Pheres and Periclymene (Clymene). His maternal grandfather, Minyas, was said to have built the first treasury. His siblings are Idomene, Lycurgus, and Periopis. He joined his cousin Jason’s Argonauts and both were members of the Calydonian Hunt Club. In some legends, Jason gave Pelias’ daughter Alcestis to Admetus to marry after he helped him reclaim his father Aeson’s throne from Pelias. The more popular version is that Zeus sent Apollo to work in Admetus’ court for a year as part of his punishment for slaying the cyclops. Admetus was extremely kind to the god, and Apollo, in gratitude, insured that his cattle (or ewes) all bore twins. Pelias, the father of Alcestis, a beautiful and popular woman, consented to her marriage to Admetus provided that he pick her up in a chariot pulled by lions and boars. Apollo insured that Admetus could keep the promise. It is said that Admetus neglected to offer the traditional sacrifice to the goddess Artemis prior to his marriage. On his wedding night, instead of finding his wife in bed, he found the bed full of snakes. Again, Apollo came to the rescue and placated Artemis. Later, after having two children, Eumelus and Perimele, Admetus fell ill. The Fates, dying to destroy Admetus, promised to spare his life, after Apollo, or in some myths, Zeus, intervened and it was agreed that he would be saved if a family member would voluntarily die in his place. Admetus asked his elderly parents, but they refused. So, Alcestis, out of love for her husband, swallowed poison. In some tales Heracles arrived and rescued her from death and in others Persephone, queen of the underworld, sent her back to the world. Admetus became a god when Apollo gave both him and his wife immortality. See also Alcestis; Apollo; Argonauts; Artemis; The Fates; Jason; Pelias.

Adn Adan, Aden, Dar al Thawab (House of Recompense); (Islamic)

Good souls will live in mansions in this paradise. See also Eden.

Adonaios (Greek) see Adonai.

Adon (A) Adonai (Semitic)

A title of honor meaning “lord.” In the Old Testament Adonai is substituted for the Hebrew tetragram YHWH. See also Adonis.

Adon (B) (Middle East) The brother of Astarte (q.v.).

Adonaios (Greek) see Adonis.

Adonay (Greek) see Adonis.

Adonia (Greek)

A festival following harvest to mourn the death and celebrate the rebirth of Adonis (q.v.).

Adonis Adon (Egypt), Adonai (Hebrew), Adonay, Adonaios, Aidoneus

Also known as: Alevin, Emut (Egypt), Hey-Tau (Egypt) (Phoenicia, Syrian, later, Greek).

Of Semitic origin, the worship of Adonis was widely spread throughout the ancient world. Adonis is the son of Cinyras who was the king of Paphos in Cyprys and Cenchreis or Metharme, or the son of Phoenix and Alphesiboea, or the son of Cinyras and Cinyras’ daughter Myrrha (Smyra). The prevalent myth is that Cinyras, himself a handsome man, bragged that his daughter Myrrha (Smyra) was more beautiful than Aphrodite. Incensed, Aphrodite made Myrrha, under the influence of wine, seduce her father. Cinyras, angry when Myrrha became pregnant, chased her with a sword. The gods changed her into a myrrh tree which eventually split open revealing the infant Adonis. To save the child from being slain by his father, Aphrodite stole him, hid him in a box and entrusted him to Persephone. When Persephone opened the box and saw the beauty of the child she decided to keep him for herself. Aphrodite appealed to Zeus to judge who should keep Adonis. In one rendition, Zeus appointed the muse Calliope to be the mediator. It was decided that Adonis would spend equal portions of the year between the goddesses, Aphrodite in the celestial realm and Persephone in the underworld. Furious, Aphrodite caused the death of Calliope’s son, Orpheus. Aphrodite and Adonis had two children, a son Golgos, founder of Cyprian Golgi and a daughter Beroe, founder of Beroea in Thrace. Some say that Adonis not Dionysus was the father of Aphrodite’s son Priapus. It is said that Adonis was killed by a boar while hunting. A variation is that the boar was a weapon of the god Ares who, jealous of Aphrodite’s love for Adonis, killed him. Identified with Eshmun (Phoenicia), Tammuz (Babylon) and Osiris (Egypt). Adonis was considered a prototype of Hay-Tau. The story of Adonis and Aphrodite is similar to Diana (of the Wood) and Virbius. The rivalry between Aphrodite and Persephone for the love of Adonis is similar to the rivalry of Artemis and Phaedra for the love of Hippolytus. The gods Diarmuid (Celtic), Osiris and Tammuz were all associated with fertility and killed by boars. A large stone carving found at Ghineh portrays Adonis at rest with a spear awaiting the attack of a boar while Aphrodite is seated as though in mourning. The boar represents the slayer and the slain. Following the annual harvest a festival known as Adonia is held to mourn the death and celebrate the rebirth of Adonis. See also Angus (Celtic); Aphrodite; Ares; Calliope; Cinyras; Naiads; Persephone; Priapus (A).

Adranos (Italy) see Adranus.

Adranus Adranos (Sicilian) An ancient deity of Italy.

Adrastea (Greek) see Adrastia.

Adrasteia (Greek) see Adrastia.

Adrastia Adrastea, Adrasteia, Adrestea (Greek)

Nymph of fate. Adrastia, a nymph of Crete, is a daughter of the beekeeper Melisseus and sister of the nymph Ida (also called Io) of the Cretan Mount Ida. It has been said that their father, Melisseus, is also their mother, Melissa the goddess, the Queen-bee who annually kills her male consorts. Adrastia and Ida were given the responsibility to care for the infant Zeus after he had been left in Crete by his mother Rhea because she was frightened that Cronus, her brother who was also her husband, would kill him. They fed the infant milk from the goat Amaltheia and probably honey, considering their origins. To keep Cronus from hearing the baby cry, the artistic Curetes, who assisted them, beat their shields with swords. In another version Adrastia is the goddess of fate who was later called Nemesis. Amaltheia (meaning “tender”) the maiden-goddess; Io, the nymph-goddess; and Adrastis (“the inescapable one”) are one of the moontriads. Adrastia gave her charge a beautiful ball which Aphrodite, the goddess of love, later used to try to bribe her son, Eros. Adrastia may be the same as Nemesis and may have been another name for Rhea. See also Adrastis; Amaltheia; Cronus; Curetes; Rhea; Zeus.

Adrastos (Greek) see Adrestus.

Adrastus (Greek) see Adrestus.

Adrestea (Greek) see Adrastia.

Adrestus Adrastos, Adrastus (Greek)

King of Argos. Adrestus, the king of Argos, is the son of Talaus and Lysimache, though some think that his mother was Eurynome or Lysianassa. His siblings are Astynome; Eriphyle, who with her husband was killed by their son; Mecisteus; Aristomachus; Metidice; Pronax; and Parthenopaeus, one of the Seven Against Thebes. Adrestus married his niece Amphithea, the daughter of his brother Pronax, and became the father of Aegialeus; Aegialeia; Argeia, who was killed by Creon; Cyanippus, a king of Argo; Hippodameia; and Deipyle. Adrestus was the leader and thanks to his magic winged horse Arion, he was the only survivor of the Seven Against Thebes. This campaign was facilitated to aid Polynices, the son of Oedipus, gain the throne of Thebes from his brother, Eteocles. Since the city had seven gates, it was decided that each side would post a hero at each gate. The seven attackers were Adrestus; Polynices; Tydeus (Tydus) of Calydon; Capaneus, the nephew of Adrestus; Hippomedon, the cousin or nephew of Adrestus; Parthenopaeus, the Arcadian chieftain and brother of Adrestus; and Amphiaraus, the brother-in-law of Adrestus and the greatest prophet of his time, who knew the event would fail. The Thebans defending the city were Actor, Hyperbius, Lasthenes, Melanippus, Megareus, and Polyphontes. The brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, ended up in one-on-one combat and destroyed one another fulfilling the curse of their father, Oedipus. It was a barbaric battle and although the deities Athene and Zeus were on hand, for the most part they merely observed the mortals at war. Ten years later, the sons of the Seven Against Thebes decided to avenge their fathers. This group was known as the Epigoni (“those who come later”). In this battle, Aegialeus, the son of Adrestus, was killed and Adrestus, an old man, died of grief. Seven Against Thebes is known as one of the main episodes in the Theban cycle of myths. The list of attackers varies slightly. Some say that Meciteus, the brother of Adrestus was one of the group and that Tydeus was excluded. See also Adrastia; Amphithea; Apsyrtus; Eurydice (C); Hippodamia (A); Oedipus.

Adrija (India) “Mountain Borne.” See also Parvati.

Adrika (India) see Apsarases and Satyavati.

Adrisyanti (India) see Parashara.

Adsullata (Celtic)

She is a river goddess and patroness of the river Savus in Noricum.

Adu Ogyinae (Ashanti People, Africa)

The first people to inhabit earth came from holes in the ground made by a worm. Seven men, some women, a dog and a leopard were created. Their leader was Adu Ogyinae.

Adununkisum Uyungsum (Saora People of India)

Sun god. See also Angajan; Babusum; Bomersum; Ilinbongasum; Labosum; Ringesum; Tobardasum.

Aeacides (Greek) The descendants of Aeaucus (q.v.).

Aeacus Aiakos (Greek)

Aeacus, the king of Aegina became a demi-god and a judge in the underworld. He is the son of Zeus and Aegina, or possibly Europa. He married Endeis, the daughter of Cheiron, and fathered Peleus and Telamon, and another son, Phocus, by the nereid Psamathe. He became the grandfather of Achilles and Ajax. His sons, Peleus and Telamon, killed their half-brother Phocus, and the population of Oenone (Oenopia) was decimated by the plague; ants covered everything. In other myths it is written that this tragedy was the consequence of Pelops’ murder of Stymphalus or Aegeus’ treacherous acts toward Androgeus. Nonetheless, Zeus transformed the insects into humans, whom Aeacus called the Myrmidons (ants). Some legends say that Aeacus, the son of Aegina, as a young man, lived alone on the island. Lonely, he prayed for companionship; his prayers were heard; the ants were converted to mortals. He renamed the island Aegina after his mother and became king. Aeacus, Apollo, Poseidon and others built the walls of Troy. While they were working, they were attacked by three snakes. Two of the reptiles died and the third attacked the section of the wall built by Aeacus. Apollo correctly interpreted this incident as an omen that Aeacus’ descendants would wreak havoc over Troy for the following thirty years. After his death, Aeacus, renowned for his integrity, was made a judge in Hades along with Minos and Rhadamanthys. Other myths say that he was a lonely gatekeeper. The descendants of Aeacus are known as Aeacides. See also Aegina; Ajax the Greater; Cheiron, Europa; Hades; Minos; Myrmidons; Peleus; Rhadamanthys; Styx; Telamon.

Aeaea (Greek) An epithet of Circe (q.v.).

Aebh Aobh (Celtic; Irish)

Goddess of mist (or personification of mist). Foster daughter of Bodb Dearg, and wife of Ler. Her three children were changed into swans by her sister, Aeife (or Aoife). See also Bodb Dearg; Ler.

Aeculapius (Greek, Roman) see Aesculapius.

Aed Aedh, Aodh (Celtic)

Also known as: Hugh.

Possible weather god. Son of Dagda. Slain for seducing Conchean’s wife. As Hugh he was changed into a swan by Aeife. In one version Aedh was the mortal son of Eochail Lethderg, Prince of Leinster. He was carried off by two Sidh-women. After escaping their clutches he was restored to human life by St. Patrick.

Aedh (Celtic) see Aed.

Aedon Aedon (Greek)

Also known as: The Nightingale.

Aedon was either the daughter or wife of Zethus (king of Thebes), and mother of Itylus, whom she murdered accidentally, mistaking him for her nephew Amaleus, the son of Niobe. In a variation; Aedon is the daughter of Pandareus and Harmothoe (Hormothoe). Intensely jealous of her sister, Niobe, who is adored by her six sons and six daughters, she attempts to murder her sister’s son, Sipylus, and kills her own son, Itylus by mistake. Grief-stricken, she attempts suicide, fails, and is transformed into a nightingale. It is said that the mournful song of the bird is Aedon lamenting her dead son. In another myth, she is the wife of the artist, Polytechnus of Colophon. Here, Aedon is an artist as well and it is said that the competition between the couple caused bitter quarreling. Polytechnus further enraged his wife when he allegedly raped her sister, Chelidon. In revenge, the two women killed his son, Itys, and gave his flesh to Polytechnus as food. Appalled, Zeus turned them all into birds. Aedon became a nightingale, Chelidon, a swallow, Polytechnus, a woodpecker, her father, Pandareus, an osprey, her mother, Hormothoe, a halcyon, and her brother, a hoopoe (an Old World bird, with patterned plumage, a fan-like crest, and a slender, down-ward curving bill). See also Niobe; Tereus; Zethus.

Aeegeus (Greek) see Medus.

Aeeiouo (Coptic)

This is one of the gods Jesus is supposed to have prayed to. See also Pistis Sophia.

Aeeta (Greek) see Aeetes.

Aeetes Aeeta (Greek)

Aeetes, king of Colchis was the son of Helios and Perseis (Perse), and the brother of Perses, Pasiphae who gave birth to the monster Minotaur, and Circe the sorceress. His first marriage to the nymph Asterodeia resulted in the birth of Chalciope (also known as Iophossa) and perhaps Absyrtus (also spelled Apsyrtus.) Others feel that Absyrtus was the son of Aeetes and his second wife, Eidyia (daughter of Oceanus), by whom he became the father of the sorceress and moon goddess, Medea. Aeetes was known as a cruel leader and his people were said to be barbarians. He lived in a marvelous palace built by the famous smith and artisan, Hephaistos. Phrixus arrived on the back of the golden flying ram trying to escape from his wicked stepmother and eventually married Chalciope. The ram was sacrificed and its fleece entrusted to Aeetes, who had it guarded by the monster Argus. When the hero Jason arrived to claim the fleece, Aeetes initially resisted but later gave Jason an extremely difficult task to perform before handing over the magic fleece. Aeetes was paranoid because an oracle had said that he would die at the hands of a foreigner. He also feared that one of his sons would kill him as they had befriended the Argonauts, who as outsiders were a worry to him. It was his daughter Medea who magically arranged for Jason to capture the fleece and who eloped with the Argonaut. Aeetes was deposed by his brother, Perses, but Medea returned to Colchis, killed her uncle and restored her father to the throne. Aeetes death is questionable. In some versions, he is cruelly murdered by Medea and Jason, or by Medea’s son, Medus (Medeius), and in other versions he is killed during a fight with the Argonaut Meleager. This is part of the story of Jason and the Argonauts. See also Apsyrtus; Argus (D); Chalciope; Golden Fleece; Hephaistos; Helius; Jason; Oceanids; Pasiphae; Phrixus.

Aega (Greek) see Aex.

Aegaeon Aegeon (Greek)

Also known as: Briareus, Obriareus.

According to the Olympian Creation Myth, the weather god Aegaeon was one of the first children born of the sky god Uranus and his mother, Gaea, although Poseidon has been called the father. His siblings were Cottus and Gyges. They were said to be semi-humans giants, each with one hundred hands and some say each had fifty heads. Following their births came the three Cyclopes: Brontes, Steropes and Arges. Aegaeon was called Briareus, meaning strong, or Obriareus by the gods and Aegaeon by mortals. The three brothers were known as the Hecatoncheires and the Centimani. Briareus is said to represent hurricanes; Cottus, volcanoes; and Gyges, earthquakes. The brothers assisted Zeus in his battles with the Titans, but not willingly. Aegaeon (Briareus) was chosen to arbitrate in a contest between Poseidon and Helios over the ownership of Corinth. He divided the isthmus between the two. Aegaeon represents violent seas or storms. Compare to the storm deities and destructive natural forces: harpies and chimaera. See also Aegaeon; Briareus; Chaos; Cyclopes; Gaea; Hecatonchires; Tartarus; Titans.

Aege (Norse; Teutonic)

This little known god of the sea was once an enemy of the Aesir, but later gave feasts for them in his golden hall.

Aegeon (Greek) see Aegaeon.

Aeger (Teutonic) see Aegir.

Aegeria (Roman) see Egeria.

Aegeus (Greek) see Aegis.

Aegiale (Greek)

One of the Heliades. Daughter of Apollo or Helios and Clymene. See also Aegle (A).

Aegialeia (A) (Greek)

She is the daughter of Adrastus and Amphithea. Her siblings are Aegialeus, Argeia, Cyanippus, Deipyle and Hippodameia. She married Diomedes and later had an affair with her husband’s friend’s son Cometes. See also Adrestus; Amphithea; Heliades; Hippodameia; Sthenelus.

Aegialeia (B) (Greek)

This is an older name of the city of Sicyon.

Aegialeius (Greek) see Aegialeus.

Aegialeus (A) (Greek)

He is the son of Inachus the river god who was also and first king of Argos and his father’s sister, Melia. His siblings are Io, Hera’s attendant, and Phoroneus, who was the first to erect an altar in honor of Hera. See also Inachus; Melia.

Aegialeus (B) (Greek)

He is the son of Adrestus and his father’s niece Amphithea. His siblings are Aegialeia, Argeia; Cyanippus (he may be his son and not his brother); Deipyle; and Hippodameia. Aegialeus was the only one of the Epigoni, who are the “Sons of the Seven against Thebes,” to be killed. His father was the only survivor of the “Seven Against Thebes.” See also Amphithea; Apsyrtus; Phoroneus.

Aegimius (Greek)

He was the progenitor and king of the Dorians.

Aegimius’ paternal grandparents were Hellen and the nymph Ortheis (Orseis). His father was Dorus and his mother was one of Cretheus’ daughters. His brother, Tectamus, became the king of Crete. In conflict with the Lapiths (Lapithœ) of Mount Olympus, Aegimius called upon Heracles for assistance. The demigod led the Dorians in battle and defeated the Lapiths, killing Coronus. In payment, Aegimius offered Heracles a third of his kingdom. Heracles refused but requested Aegimius to hold it in trust for his sons. After the death of their father, the Heraclids lived in Doris and assisted the Dorians in their invasion of the Peloponnesus. Aegimius’ sons, Pamphylus and Dymas, were killed. Subsequently, the Dorians honored the men by naming three main divisions of their people for them and for Hyllus. See also Coronus; Heracles.

Aegina Aigina (Greek)

A river nymph, Aegina is the daughter of the river god Asopus, and Metope. She has nineteen sisters and three brothers. Impregnated by Zeus, possibly in the form of a flame, he whisked her to the island of Oenone (Oenopia), where she gave birth to a son, Aeacus. Her father, anxious to know who abducted his daughter, manipulated the king of Corinth, Sisyphus, into telling him that the perpetrator was Zeus. This disclosure is thought by many to be the reason that Sisyphus ended up in Hades, doomed for eternity to push a huge boulder to the top of a hill, only to have it roll down again. Zeus had to throw thunderbolts at the bereft father to end his persistent haranguing of the god. The jealous goddess Hera dropped a snake into Aegina’s water supply and killed the woman. In time, her son Aeacus renamed the island Aegina, in honor of his mother. The island of Aegina became the home of the Myrmidons, the ants who were changed into mortals by Zeus. According to some, Aegina was also the mother of Menoetius by Actor. There are myths that say that Europa and not Aegina was the mother of Aeacus. Compare Aegina to Europa. To compare to women who were seduced by Zeus in other forms; see Antiope, Danae, Europa and Leda. See also Actor (A); Aeacus; Asopus; Hera; Menoetius; Pelasgus (B); Sisyphus.

Aegipan Aigi’pan (Greek)

Also known as: Pan.

Some authorities say Aegipan was another name for Pan, but early writers said that he was a son of Zeus and the nymph Aex or the goat Boetis. Aex, the daughter of Pan or the sun god Helius may have been a goat and not a nymph. It was the hide of Aex or Amaltheia which was used to make the sacred Aegis of Zeus. Aegipan assisted Hermes in recovering the sinews belonging to Zeus and stolen by Typhoeus. Aegipan is either the constellation Capricorn or Capra. He is sometimes shown as a goat with the lower body of a fish. See also Aegis; Aegisthus; Almaltheia; Hermes; Pan; Typhon for other goat-related myths.

Aegir Aeger (Norse; Teutonic)

Also known as: Alebrewer, Gymir, Hler.

Aegir, “master of the sea,” was the son of the giant Fornjotr (also known as Farbuti). His siblings were Kari (the air) and the god of evil, Loki (fire). A giant, he married the pale, sea goddess of death, Ran (robber), who in some legends, is also his sister. They had nine daughters, also giants, who represented the waves and were all the mothers of Heimdal, the defender of heaven. Although Aegir was not included in the ranks of the gods, he was very friendly with them. And, as a brewer for the gods, he often entertained, especially during flax harvesting, in his sea palace in the western ocean of Vanaheim by the island of Hlesey (also known as Cattegat). His abode was said to be well-lit by the gold he had collected from shipwrecks, for if he appeared above the waves, it was to sink ships and ransack them of their cargo. A portion of his wealth came from the tithes offered to him from Saxon pirates who hoped to stay on good terms with him. His servants were Fimafeng and Eldir. Aegir is depicted as an elderly man with a long white beard, claw-like fingers, wearing a black helmet. Sometimes he is depicted as a dragon that surrounds the worlds. For an account one of Aegir’s banquets, see Loki. See also Fornjotr; Heimdal; Kari; Loki; Mimir; Niord; Ran; Thor.

Aegis Aegeus, Aigis, Egis (Greek)

In early Greek mythology, the Aegis was the storm cloud that surrounded Zeus’ thunderbolt. Later in myth it became his sacred shield. It was created by the fire god Hephaistos from the hide of the goat Amaltheia, who nursed Zeus at birth. In other versions, the Aegis was made from the hide of Aex (also spelled Aega), thought by some to be a goat and by others to be a nymph who was the daughter of either the sun god Helius or of Pan, the shepherd god. Occasionally Zeus loaned his shield to other deities and eventually he gave it to Athena (Athene). When Perseus, the son of Zeus, chopped off Medusa’s head and presented it to Athena, she had it attached to her Aegis. This magical breastplate had the capacity to make the wearer invulnerable and to turn enemies to stone. In some writings Aegis was an early king connected in legend with Minos. In Roman mythology, the Aegis was the breastplate of Jupiter and Minerva. Some say Aegeus was a form of Poseidon. For goat-related legends see Amaltheia, Aegisthus and Aegipan. See also Aegeus; Athena; Fafnir; Hephaistos; Jupiter; Medusa; Minerva; Minos; Minotaur; Perseus; Poseidon.

Aegisthus Aighistos, Aigisthus (Greek)

Aegisthus, the prince of darkness and deity of murderers, was born as the result of an incestuous relationship by his father, the king of Mycenae, Thyestes, and Pelopia, who was also Aegisthus’ sister. Married to Clytemnestra, they were the parents of Erigone, who later committed suicide, and Aletes, who was murdered. As an abandoned infant, Aegisthus was suckled by a goat. His sister/mother Pelopia married her father’s brother, Atreus; they recovered Aegisthus and raised him. In time, his true identity came to light and he murdered his stepfather/uncle and some say he also killed his natural father. The silence broken, his mother Pelopia, who did not know that it was her father who had raped and impregnated her, committed suicide. Aegisthus also conducted an affair with his stepbrother Agamemnon’s wife, Clytemnestra, despite a warning from Hermes. The lovers plotted and murdered Agamemnon and the doubted prophetess, Cassandra, whom Agamemnon had won as a prize when the Greeks overcame Troy. They settled down, had their family and Aegisthus ruled Mycenae for seven years. Then another step-brother, Orestes, the son of Agamemnon, returned from exile and with the aid of his childhood friend, Pylades, he murdered Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. This act drove Orestes temporarily insane. For goat-related legends, see Amaltheia, Aegis, Aegipan. See also Agamemnon; Cassandra; Clytemnestra.

Aegle (A) Aglaea, Aigle (Greek)

One of the Heliades. Goddess of radiance. Aegle is the daughter of Apollo and Clymene, or Helios and Clymene. Her siblings are Aegiale (also known as Phoebe), Aetheria and Phaethon. She is the half-sister of Phaethusa, Lampetie and Lampethus. When her brother Phaethon died, her grief was so overwhelming that she turned into a poplar tree and wept tears of amber. In other renditions, the sisters, Aegiale, Aetheria, Aegle, Lampetie and Phaethusa were transformed by the gods into poplar trees when they died. Compare Aegle to Hesperides. See also Aglaia; Graces; Heliades; Helius; Phaethon.

Aegle (B) (Greek)

Also known as: Charts.

One of the Graces. She is the daughter of Zeus and Eurynome. See also Graces.

Aegle (C) (Greek)

One of the Hesperides, who are the guardians of the golden apples. See also Hesperides.

Aegle (D) (Greek) She is the daughter of Asclepius (q.v.).

Aegle (E) (Greek)

She is the daughter of Panopeus and Neaera, sister of Epeius and lover of Theseus (q.v.).

Aegle (F) (Greek) Aegle is the name used for more than one nymph.

Aegus (Greek) see Aether.

Aegyptus (Greek)

King of Egypt. He is the son of Belus and Anchinoe, the twin brother of Danaus, brother of Phineus, Thronia and Cepheus (possibly). Following the instructions of the Oracle at Delphi, he sacrificed his daughter Aganippe to save Egypt from a drought. His fifty sons married the fifty daughters of Danaus. See also Agenor (A); Danaides; Danaus; Eurydice (C).

Aeithlius (Greek) see Aeolus (A).

Aello Aellopuus (Greek)

A whirlwind deity, Aello, one of the harpies, is a daughter of Thaumas and Electra, or Neptunus and Terra, or Poseidon and Gaea, or Typhon and Echida. Her sister harpies were Podarge (Celaeno) and Ocypete. Initially depicted as beautiful, swift bird-like maidens, who could carry mortals, they evolved into loathsome creatures who harangued and sometimes snatched mortals. The harpies personify the sudden destructive forces of nature such as tornadoes or whirlwinds. Aello is possibly the same as Aeolus who was a son of Hellen and the nymph Orseis. This male version was also a keeper of the winds. The three harpies may be Athena in her triple-goddess form as a sudden destroyer. Aello is shown with a body of a bird, the pale face of emaciated woman and having claws of a lion on her hands. See also Aeolus (B); Briareus; Chimaera; Graeae; harpies; Phineus; Sirens.

Aellopuus (Greek) see Aello.

Aeneas Aeneus, Aineias (Greek)

A deified mortal, and sun deity, Aeneas is often called the founder of the Roman race. He is the son of Anchises the king of Dardania and the love goddess Aphrodite. He had one brother, Lyrus, who died childless. Raised by nymphs and trained by Cheiron the centaur, he grew up to become a warrior. With Acamas and Archelous, he was a leader of the Dardanian troops. During the Trojan War, armed with weapons forged by the fire god Hephaistos, he was seriously injured by Achilles. His mother rescued him from the battlefield and he was nursed to health by the goddess of hunting, Artemis, and the powerful goddess, Leto. He was kept from returning to battle by Poseidon, who explained to the gods that Aeneas and his descendants would one day rule Troy. At the fall of Troy, he escaped, holding high the sacred flame and carrying his elderly father on his back. Married to Creusa, they were separated during the flight and she died. Their son, lulus (also known as Ascanius), stayed with him. He enlisted twenty ships of Trojans and went in his search of his promised empire. He encountered many obstacles: a miserable run-in with the harpies; wretched weather whipped up by Aeolus, the god of winds; and an obsessive affair with Dido deliberately instigated by Venus, which threw him off track. He obtained permission from the gods to visit his father in the underworld for advice and purification. Eventually, he arrived in Italy where he fought bitterly with the fearless warrior and king of Rutali, Turnus, whom he killed. He married his opponent’s daughter Lavinia and they became the parents of Aeneas Silvia (Silvius). Aeneas died in western Sicily with great honors bestowed upon him. To compare to others who visited the underworld; see Heracles and Orpheus. See also Aeolus (B); Anchises; Evander (B); Golden Bough; Hephaistos; Poseidon; Venus.

Aenetus (Greek) see Actor.

Aeneus (Greek) see Aeneas.

Aengus (Celtic) see Angus.

Aeoina Kamui (Japan) see Okikurumi.

Aeolia (Greek)

She is the daughter of Amythaon, who with his half-brother Neleus re-instituted the Olympic Games and Idomene or possibly Bias, the king of Argos and Pero. She married Calydon, the son of Aetolus and Pronoe and became the mother of Epicasta, who married Agenor and Protogeneia. See also Agenor; Amythaon; Bias; Calydon; Pero.

Aeolus (A) (Greek)

Also known as: Aeolus (B) (possibly).

The ruler Aelous is the great grandson of Prometheus, known as the father of mortals, the grandson of Deucalion the builder of the ark and a survivor of the Deluge. He is the son of Hellen, the king of Phthia (some say founder of the Greek race) and the nymph Orseis (also known as Ortheis). Hellen divided up the Greek lands between his three sons, Dorus of the Dorians, the thievish Xuthus who was possibly the king of Athens, and Aeolus. Aeolus received Thessaly and called the inhabitants of this area, Aeolians. He married Enarete, the daughter of Deimachus. Their sons are Cretheus the first king of Iolcus, Athamas who was possibly the king of Achaea, and the cunning Sisyphus. Salmoneus the king of Elis, and Perieres the king of Messenia are also their sons, as are Magnes the human magnet, Macar (also known as Marareus), and Deion the king of Phocis. It is possible that Aeolus is the father of Aeithlius by Protogeneia, although he is generally thought to be the son of Zeus. Their daughters are Canace, Peisidice, Alcyone who drowned herself, Calyce, Perimele who was thrown into the sea by her father and turned into an island by Poseidon, Tangara and Arne (her mother may have been Hippe). Canace was instructed to kill herself with a sword for committing incest with her brother Macar who also killed himself. Aeolus then committed suicide. See Aeolus (B) the god of the winds who is often regarded as the same as Aeolus (A) by many late authors. For details of Deion’s marriage see Actor (A). For detail’s of Perieres’ marriage, see Gorgophone. See also Argus (D); Arne; Boreas; Deucalion; Hellen; Promethus; Sisyphus.

Aeolus (B) (Greek)

Also known as: Hippotades, Aeolus (B) (possibly).

God of the winds, and father of the winds, Aeolus is the son of Poseidon and Arne (also known as Melanippe), who is the daughter of Aeolus (A) and the brother of Boeotus, or the son of Hellen the king of Phthia, and Hippe who was the daughter of Cheiron the centaur. Aeolus married Gyane (Cyane), the daughter of King Liparus. They took up residence on the cloud island Lipara (Liparus) that floated around the celestial realm. The couple had six daughters and six sons. Each son married one of his sisters. Initially, either Zeus or Hera appointed Aeolus to be a guardian of the winds. In time his status was raised to father of the winds. In myth, he is said to have invented the sail. His position allowed him to order the invisible energy to do his bidding; he could whip up a storm or delicately rustle a blade of grass. It is said that Odysseus docked his ship at the Lipara Islands and was entertained by the wind god. When he was ready to depart, Aeolus gave him a wind bag and cautioned him not to open it. His suspicious or curious crew decided to throw caution to the winds, opened it, and let loose a tempest which caused a torturous journey until they reached Laestrygones. For other wind deities see Astraeus; Boreas; Notus; Zephyrus. To compare to storm deities see Chimaera; Harpies. Compare Aeolus to Fu-jin (Japan). See also Aello; Aeneas; Aeolus (A); Aquilo; Astraeus; Cheiron; Eos; Harpies; Hellen; Hera; Poseidon; Zeus.

Aeons Aion (Post-Christian Gnostics)

Also known as: Eon.

Age of the universe. Aeons are also deities who were the offspring of Bathos and possibly Sige. Nous and Aletheia begot Logos and Zoe. From this pair came Agape, Ageratos, Anthropos, Autophyes, Bythios, Ecclesia, Ecclesiasticus, Elpis, Henosis, Macaria, Metricos, Mixis, Monogenes, Paracletos, Patricos, Pistis, Sophia, Synerasis and Theletas. Each of these were paired as male and female. The feasts of Agape were held in worship at many of the rites of these deities. See also Achamoth; Archons; Pistis Sophia.

Aepytus (A) (Greek)

King of Messenia. He is the youngest son of Cresphontes and Merope. His two brothers and his father were killed by Polyphontes, who overthrew the throne. Aepytus was raised by Cypselus, his mother’s father. He regained the throne when he killed Polyphontes (q.v.).

Aepytus (B) (Greek)

King of Arcadia. He is the son of Eilatus, who is the son of Merope. Aepytus raised Evadne, the daughter of Poseidon and Pitane. She became the mother of the prophet Iamus by Apollo. See also Merope.

Aer and Arura (Phoenicia)

In the beginning there was Time. From time came Desire and Darkness. From these two deities came Aer (air) and Arura (breath). Aer was intelligence, and Aura represented movement. From these two came the cosmic egg. In some versions Aer was the offspring of Uranus. Compare to Aether (Greek).

Aeracura (Celtic, Irish, Greek)

It is possible that Aeracura was a forerunner of Dis Pater. In ancient mythology she was thought to be an earth deity and is identified with the god of fields, trees and forests, Silvanus. She is also known as the Celtic earth mother of the Rhine Valley. Aeracura is shown with a basket of fruit or a horn of plenty. See also Dis; Dis Pater; Silvanus.

Aerolith (Syria)

Followers of Baal worshipped this stone which is said to have fallen from heaven. See also Baal.

Aeron (Celtic) Goddess of war and slaughter.

Aerope (Greek) see Agamemnon; Ares.

Aeropus (Greek) He is the son of Ares and Aerope. He is also the father of Echemus who was the king of Arcadia. See also Ares.

Aerth (Teutonic) see Hertha.

Aertha (Teutonic) see Hertha.

Aes Sidhe (Celtic) see Dana.

Aesar (A) (Teutonic) see Aesir.

Aesar (B) (Celtic, Irish)

Also known as: Aesus, Asus (Roman), Dia, Logh.

Aesar is thought to be an ancient creator god or god of fire and intelligence. He may have been a Druid deity and possibly a god of destruction. He was a consort of Eire. See also Aesir; Aesus.

Aesculapius (Greek) see Asclepius.

Aeshma (Zoroastrian; Persia)

Also known as: Aesm (Pahlavi dialect).

One of Angra Mainyu’s assistants, Aeshma is the demon of wrath, fury, lust, and outrage. He constantly stirs up strife and war. If he is not successful in creating chaos among the good, he will do so among his colleagues, the demons. Aeshma assails the souls of the dead as they approach Chinvat Bridge. This fiend is in opposition to the Amesha Spenta Vohu Manah and is held in check by Sraosha, the personification of obedience and devotion, who will eventually defeat him. Aeshma may be the same as Asmodeus (q.v.). See also Ahura Mazda; Amesha Spentas; Angra Mainyu; Chinvat Bridge; Daevas; Sraosha; Vohu Manah; Yazatas.

Aesir Aesar, Aisar, A’sas (Norse; Teutonic)

Originally a race of war gods, the Aesir are sky deities led by Odin and Frigg. Their home is in Asgard. The Aesir are the opponents of the sea gods known as the Vanir who are led by the god Njord’s children Freyr and Freyja. After a long battle which no one won, they agreed to a peaceful settlement and exchanged hostages. The Vanir gave Njord and his son Fryr to the Aesir. The Aesir gave Henir to the Vanir. There are several lists with the names of the Aesir. One list names Balder, Heimdall, Loki, Odin, Thor and Tyr. Usually the number of Aesir is said to be twelve. They are Balder, Bragi, Hermoder, Henir, Hodur, Loki, Odin, Svipdag, Thor, Tyr, Vali, and Vidar. In another list the following names are given of deities who at one time or another were considered Aesir: Balder, Baugi, Bragi, Forseti, Frey, Heimdal, Henir, Hodur, Loki, Njord, Odin, Thor, Ullur, Vali, and Vidar. Their female counterparts are the Asynjor. Their names are Beda, Bil, Eir, Fimila, Fjorgyn (also known as Jord), Freyja, Frigga, Frimla, Fulla, Gefion, Gerd, Gna, Hnossa, Horn, Mardoll, Nanna, Saga, Sif, Sigyn, Skadi, and Vanadis. The name Aesir may be derived from the Sanskrit Asura, or possibly the Egyptian cognate name of Asar who was form of Osiris. The name Aesir is similar to Asar (Egyptian), Asari (Babylonian), Assur (Assyrian), Azur (Hebrew) and Esar (Turkish). The name may have originated in Asia. See also Aesar; Asgard; Balder; Bil; Bor; Bragi; Forseti; Frejya; Freyr; Frigga; Fullar; Gefton; Gerd; Gladsheim; Gna; Heimdall; Henir; Hodur; Hofud; Jord; Jotun-heim; Mimir; Nanna (A); Odin; Sif (A); Sigyn; Skadi; Thor; Tyr; Vali; Vanadis; Vanir; Vidar; Yggdrasil; Ymir.

Aesm (Persia) see Aeshma.

Aeson (Greek) see Jason and Admetus.

Aesus Æsus (Roman)

Also known as: Aesar.

Aesus is possibly a fire god or a supreme deity, or possibly a Druid supreme being. Aesus is also the Roman name for deity. Not much else is known. See also Aesar (B); Dia.

Aether Aethre, Aithre (Greek)

Also known as: Ether.

He is the god of storms and winds, god of light, and god of the upper air or sky. Aether is the son of Erebus and Nyx. His siblings are Cer the goddess of violent death, Charon the ferryman of the dead, Hemera who personifies day, Hynos the god of sleep, Moros the god of destiny, Nemesis the goddess of retribution, and Thanatos the god of death. Aether has also been called the father of Uranus or Nxy and Uranus. In the Orphic tradition, Aether and Chaos sprang from Chronos or Time. In certain renditions Aether appears in the feminine form as the daughter of Pittheus (a mortal king) and Aegeus (sea) who deserted her. She is also said to be the mother of Theseus (Sun). Aether represents the upper sky, or upper air, the realm closest to the earth, as opposed to air. As a geographical location it was said by some to be the abode of Zeus. For additional information on the Orphic tradition, see Phanes. Compare Aether to the Phoenician Aer and Arura. See also Chaos; Erebus; Uranus.

Aetheria (Greek)

She is one of the Heliades. Her parents are Helios and Clymene. See also Aegle (A); Heliades.

Aethiolas (Greek) see Helen.

Aetholides (Greek)

Also known as Pythagora (possibly).

Renowned for his perfect memory, he is the son of Hermes and Eupolemia. During the Argonautic expedition, he was the herald. See also Abaris; Eupolemia.

Aethon (Greek) see Helius.

Aethra (A) (Greek)

Aethra is the mother of Theseus. She was abducted by the Dioscuri and taken to Troy where she became the servant of Helen of Troy. Her grandsons, Acamas and Demophoon, liberated her. See also Acamas (A); Demophoon; Dioscuri; Theseus.

Aethra (B) (Greek)

Another name for the Oceanid Pleione (q.v.).

Aethre (Greek) see Aether.

Aethus (Greek) see Arethusa (A); Arethusa (B).

Aetna (Roman) Mountain goddess. See also Fuji; Pele.

Aetolus (Greek) see Apis (B).

Aex (Greek)

Also known as: Aega (Greek). See also Aegipan; Aegis; Helius.

Af (A) (Egypt)

Af is the spirit of Ra during the first hour of the night as he journeys through the underworld. At that time he is called the “Sun of Night” which is a dead god (body) or flesh.

Af (B) (Africa) see Afa.

Af (C) (Hebrew)

In Gehenna (Hebrew), Af is one of the three angels: Af, Khema and Mashkhith.

Af-Osiris (Egypt) see Osiris.

Afa (A) (Samoan) Storm god.

Afa (B) (Dahomey People, Africa)

Also known as: Af. The androgynous god of wisdom, Afa was consulted on matters of marriage and sexual problems.

Afau (Egypt)

One of the gods who accompany Osiris during the Second Hour of the Night. See also Osiris; Shesat Maket Neb-S; Tuat.

Afi (Norse; Teutonic)

Also known as: Grandfather.

Deified mortal. Afi and Amma are the ancestors of the race of peasants. Heimdall slept between Afi and Amma who were Grandfather and Grandmother. From the union with Amma Karl was born. He later married Snor. They had ten sons and ten daughters. Of the ten sons there is Breid, Boddi, Bondi, Brattskegg, Bui, Bundinskeggi, and a daughter named Brud. See also Heimdall; Karl; Rig.

Afreet Affreet (Arabic)

Also known as: Afrit, Ifrit.

Unclean spirits, or evil genii.

Afrit (Arabic) see Afreet.

Afu, The (Egypt)

Protectors. They are gods who are mentioned in the Pyramid Texts. Their duty is to minister to Osiris in Second Hour of the Night. See also Tuat.

Ag (India) see Agni.

Aga-mi-ketsu-no-Kami (Japan)

Probably a deity of food. She was sent by the Emperor Yuryaku to be the companion of Amaterasu. She might be the same or similar to Ukemochi-no-Kami (q.v.). See also Amaterasu.

Agaku (Babylonia) see Marduk.

Agamede (Greek) see Actor (C).

Agamemnon (Greek)

Sun hero. Argonaut. Agamemnon is the son of Atreus and Aerope or according to some, the son of Atreus’ son Pleisthenes and Cleolla. As the son of Atreus, he and his brother Menelaus were known as the Atreidae, meaning sons of Atreus. He may have been the brother of Pleisthenes and Anaxibia. Agamemnon married Clytemnestra and became the father of Iphigenia (Iphigeneia), Iphianassa, Electra (also known as Laodice), Chrysothemis, and Orestes. Homer names Iphigenia, Iphianassa, and Electra, Laodice. Others say that Iphigenia was raised by Clytemnestra but was actually the daughter of Helen and Theseus. He was also the father of Chryses by his slave Chryseis, and the father of the twins Pelops and Teledamas by his “war prize,” Cassandra. Agamemnon murdered Clytemnestra’s first husband, Tantalus, and brutally killed their baby before he married her. Agamemnon was a rich and powerful king of Mycenae who became the commander of Greek forces at Troy. He was able to convince Clytemnestra and Helen’s father, Tyndareus, to choose his brother Menelaus as Helen’s fiancé. In the meantime, Helen was abducted by Paris, the Trojan prince and Menelaus appealed to Agamemnon to take his forces to rescue her. As he was preparing to do so, he boasted to the huntress Artemis that he was more skilled then she. Infuriated, she sent either calm seas or violent storms to immobilize his ships. The prophet Calchas advised Agamemnon that only the sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia would quell the rage of Artemis. Pulled between his duties as a father and as a commander-in-chief he prepared his daughter for sacrifice. It is said that at the last moment, Artemis or Hera substituted a stag for the young woman and took her away to be a priestess. In some legends, she became the goddess Hecate. Agamemnon’s act incurred the wrath of Clytemnestra, who was never certain if her daughter had been sacrificed, for she never saw her again. For details about his relationship with Cassandra, see Cassandra. For details pertaining to the murderous deaths of Agamemnon and Cassandra see Aegisthus; Cassandra; Cinyras; Clytemnestra. See also Achilles; Calchas; Helen; Iphigenia; Menelaus; Orestes.

Aganippe (Greek)

Fountain of the Muses. Nymph of the fountain. Aganippe lived in the spring of the same name at the foot of Mt. Helicon and provided inspiration to all who drank from her waters. Aganippe, known as the nymph of inspiration, is the daughter of Permessus, a river god. See Naiads for other classes of water nymphs. See also Danae; Muses.

Aganju (Yoruba People, Africa)

In some myths Aganju is the son of Odudua and the brother/spouse of Yemoja. They became the parents of several river goddesses and of Ogun, Olokun, Orunjan, Shango, Shankpanna and others. See also Obatala; Ogun; Yemoja.

Aganus (Greek) see Helen.

Agapae (Greek) see Agape.

Agape Agapae (Greek)

Early Christian love feasts which were forbidden by the Church in C.E. 391. Epiphanius, before he became a saint, was lured into a Syrian Gnostic group, the Phibionites. He reported their rituals in detail and went on to renounce the group and approximately eighty of his associates. See also Aeons.

Agas Xenas Xena Aqas-Xena-Xenas (Chinook People, United States)

This deity of the evening star became the father of Siamese twins who were separated by Blue Jay (q.v.).

Agasaya “The Shrieker” (Semitic) see Ishtar.

Agassou (Dahomey People, Africa)

He is a panther fetish god of the royal household.

Agastya (Hindu; India)

Also known as: Dattoli, Kalasi-Suta (Son of a Jar).

A Rishi and a divine teacher of science, religion and literature, Agastya was also a priest and poet. After death he was assigned a place in the heavens where he became the ruler of Canopus, the South Star. In one legend, Agastya was born as a result of the seed spilled by Varuna and Mitra (in some versions it is Surya, not Varuna), when they were filled with desire for the beautiful nymph Urvasi. Their sperm was collected in a jar of water, and in time, Agastya was born in the shape of a beautiful fish. He was later reborn as a child. The Vindya mountains wanted to be higher than Meru Mountain and were growing at a rate that threatened to block the sun’s rays. The gods asked Agastya for assistance. He packed up his family and journeyed to the south. When he met Vindya, he requested the boon of the mountains to not grow until he returned at another time. His boon was granted, but Agastya continued south and never returned. Since that time, the mountains have never grown. When he was offended by the ocean he drank it up and found his enemies the Daityas, who were at war with the gods, hidden under the water. From various animal parts he molded a beautiful young woman who became his spouse Lopamudra. In later years, while living as a hermit on the mountain slopes, he provided lodging for Lakshmana, Rama, Sita, who were in exile. He gave Rama the bow of Vishnu, the quiver of Indra and the dart of Brahma. In southern India he lives invisibly on Agastya’s hill in Travancore and is venerated as the divine teacher of science, Sanskrit literature, and the Hindu religion. See also Brahma; Daityas; Indra; Mitra; Rakshasas; Ravana; Rishi; Surya; Urvasi; Vishnu; Vrita.

Agathadeamon (Greek) see Agathos Diamon.

Agathodiamon (Greek) see Agathos Diamon.

Agathos Diamon (Greek)

Also known as: Agathadeamon, Agathodiamon.

Deity of health, good fortune and life. This ancient Greek spirit is the oracle of the future and teacher of wisdom. He is the spouse of Tyche Agathe (also known as Agatha).

Agave (Greek)

Agave is the daughter of Cadmus and Harmonia. Her siblings are Autonoe, Illyrius, Ino, Polydorus, and Semeie. She married twice, her first husband was Echion. They had a child, Pentheus, who became the King of Thebes. Pentheus and his mother Agave ridiculed Dionysus, who in turn forced her and her sisters, to rip Pentheus to pieces. Her second husband was the king of Illyria, Lycotherses whom she murdered so her father Cadmus could take over the throne. Dionysus drove Agave insane after being ridiculed by her and her son, Pentheus. Agave and her sisters ripped Pentheus to pieces. See also Cadmus; Dionysus; Harmonia (A); Ino; Nereids; Semeie.

Agbe (Dahomey People, Africa)

Also known as: Arge Woyo (Haitian).

Agbe, the son of Mahu and Lisa is the chief god of the Xevioso or Thunder pantheon. His mother (also known as Sogbo) placed him in charge of world affairs. Agbe’s abode is the sea. When he has a conference with his mother he must join her where the sky and the sea meet. Although powerful, he was never instructed in the art of rain-making. He sends the water from the sea up to his mother, who causes it to fall from the sky as rain. Lightning at sea is caused by Agbe and lightning on ground by Sogbo. The Haitian deity Arge Woyo belongs to the Rada Pantheon and is also a sea deity. He has a son Agweto and a daughter Agweta. See also Aylekete; Leza; Mahu; Rada.

Agdistis Agdos (Greek)

Also known as: Cybele.

Deified object. In some renditions, Agdo was a natural rock from which the world sprang forth. The “Great Mother” is said to have slept on this rock. (Cybele of Asia Minor was known as “Great Mother.”) Zeus couldn’t impregnate her so he impregnated Agdo, the rock and produced Agdistis. Agdistis, born with both male and female organs, frightened the other gods. Liber, the ancient Roman god of fertility drugged a well from which Agdistis drank. After he fell asleep, Liber tied his foot and phallus together with a strong hair rope. In trying to get free Agdistis castrated himself and his blood fertilized the earth. It is thought by some sources that the castrated Agdistis grew up to become Cybele. Nana (also known as Naa), a river nymph, placed a pomegranate from a tree that grew in the area in her bosom and from this came her son Attis (Atys, Atos) who became the consort of Cybele. In a variation of this portion of the myth, Attis was born from an almond that grew from the severed genitals of Agdistis. Attis also castrated himself and became a pine tree. Note: Liber is often confused with the Greek Iacchus who is the son and possibly husband of Demeter and is identified with Bacchus. See also Attis; Cybele.

Agditis (Greek) see Agdistis.

Agdos (Greek) see Agdistis; Cybele.

Agemo (Africa)

Also known as: Sky God’s Messenger.

He is a chameleon.

Agenor (A) (Sidon, Syria, then to Greece)

Also known as: Auga-nur (Semitic).

Deified mortal or sun god. Fire deity. Agenor, the king of Phoenicia, is the son of Poseidon and Libya who is the daughter of Epaphus and Memphis. Agenor is the twin brother of Belus and brother of Lelex. His mother Libya may have been the mother of Lamis by Agenor’s uncle Belus. Agenor married Telephassa also known as Argiope. Their sons are Argus (possibly); Cadmus who became king of Thebes; Cilix who accompanied Cadmus and Phoenix in their search for the kidnapped Europa; Phineus the king of Thrace; Phoenix who became king of Phoenicia; and Thasus. They had one daughter Europa, who was raped by Zeus in the form of an eagle. Belus, king of the Egyptians married Anchinoe who was the daughter of the god Nile. They were the parents of twins, Aegyptus and Danaus, a daughter, Thronia, and possibly Cepheus. Aegyptus had fifty sons and Danaus had fifty daughters who were known as the Danaids. Agenor and Belus were thought to be ancestors of Dido, queen of Carthage and the Persian kings. See also Aegyptus; Agenor (B); Danaids; Danaus; Dido; Europa.

Agenor (B) to (G) (Greek)

There are numerous men named Agenor in Greek mythology. Agenor (B) was the king of Argus, son of either Ecbasus, Triopas, or Iasus. Agenor (C) is the son of Pleuron and Xanthippe (see Hippodamus). Agenor (D) is the brave Trojan, the son of Antenor and Theano. Agenor (E) was or Belus the father of Dido, Anna and Pygmalion, but not thought to be Agenor (A). Agenor (F) was the name of a man engaged to Andromeda and killed by Perseus. Agenor (G) is the son of Phegeus. See also Agenor (A).

Ageratos see Aeons; Nous.

Aghyu Gugu (Cherokee People, North America) see Unelanuhi.

Agilma (Babylonia) see Marduk.

Aglaea (Greek) see Aglaia.

Aglaia Aegle, Aglaea (Greek)

Also known as: Charis, Ocaleia, The Shining One.

Nymph. Worshipped throughout Greece. Aglaia, the daughter of Zeus and Eurynome is one of the Graces. Three of her sisters are Euphrosyne, Thalia and Pasithea. Homer called Aglaia by the name of Charis (Grace). Like the Muses with whom they lived on Olympus, they loved to sing and dance, and like the Muses, they were companions and attendants of Athena or Aphrodite. Early writers indicate that Aglaia was the wife of the fire god Hephaestus while later poets name Aphrodite as his wife. For other possibilities of Aglaia’s parentage, see Graces. Not to be confused with Aglaea the mother of the twins Acrisius and Proetus by Abas. See also Charities; Muses; Proetus.

Aglaope (Greek) see Sirens.

Aglauros (Greek) see Agraulos.

Aglaurus (Greek) see Agraulos.

Agloolik (Eskimo)

Good spirit. Agloolik, a good spirit who lives under the ice, aids the hunters and fishers in overcoming obstacles in their daily lives. See also Adlivun; Aipaloovik; Sedna.

Agnar (Norse; Teutonic)

Hero or god of light. Brother of Geirrod. In a complicated tale they were saved by Odin and Frigga.

Agnayi (Hindu; India) see Agni.

Agne (India) see Agni.

Agnen (Tupinamba People, Brazil)

A fisher deity. See also Ariconte.

Agneya (India) Son of Agni. See also Karttikeya.

Agneyastra (India) A magic weapon. See also Sagara.

Agneyi Suada (India)

Daughter of Agni. See also Agni; Rishi.

Agni Agne, Agnis (Brahmanic, Hindu, Tantric, Vedic; India; possibly of Persian origins).

Also known as: Ag, Agni Yavishta, Agoni (Slavic), Anala, Asani (Lightning), Bhava (Existence), Brhaspati (Lord of Devotion), Dhumakety, Grahapati, Grhapati (Lord of the House), Hotar (The Invoker), Isana (Ruler), Jatavedas (All-knowing), Mahadeva (Great god), Moloch, Narasamsa (Praise of Men), Ogoni (Slavic), Pasupati (Lord of Cattle), Pav, Pavaka (The Purifier), Pramati, Rudra (Roarer), Sarva (All), Skambha (Support), Slayer of Rakshasas (Slayer of Evil Spirits), Surya, Tanunapat (Son of Self), Trita, Tryambaka, (Three-Mothered or Three-Eyed), Ugra (Dread), Vaishwanara (Universal Man), Yavishta.

Agni’s name means “The Knower.” The master of the universe, he is also the god of fire, sun and lightning. In the Vedic tradition, his parents are the earth goddess Prithivi and Dyaus the sky god. Born fully grown and eternally youthful as an all-consuming flame, he immediately devoured his parents. To sustain himself, he lapped up the clarified butter known as ghee, which was poured on the sacrificial fire. Sometimes, like his rival, and some say twin brother Indra, he sustained himself on the magic soma. His other siblings are the goddess of dawn Ushas and the goddess of the starlit night, Ratri. Other legends pertaining to his birth: he was born in wood from plants and springs to life whenever fire is ignited; he was born of the sky god Dyaus and brought to earth by the demigod Matarisvan; he was created from the friction of two stones generated by Indra; he was born of the waters and generated the first germ of life; he was created by Indra and Vishnu; he was created by the friction of fire sticks, his mother the lower and his father the upper; the fire sticks are his two mothers; he was generated by the ten fingers called ten maidens; he was the son of Prajapati (the Creator) and Ushas and was given eight names, which constitute his eight forms; he was born from the breath of Prajapati along with Indra, Soma and Parameshthin Prajapatya; Agni was the supreme ruler of the earth, Vayu or Indra ruled the air, and Surya ruled the sky; Angi encompassed all three worlds and their gods; therefore he was thrice-born. He is constantly born and reborn in the celestial realm as the sun. He is born again in the atmosphere, where he ignites the rain clouds and appears on earth as lightning. He is born a third time by priests and followers in the form of the sacrificial fire. He also presides at the altar and hearth where he is kindled at dawn or immediately before day breaks. In this form, known as Grhapati, he constantly dies and is reborn. He offers warmth, protection and nourishment to mortals. To worshipers, he bestows domestic health and welfare, and consumes their enemies. The smoke from his fires rises to the heavens and becomes the clouds, which form the rain. In the form of lightning, he is known as Trita, and blazes at the heart of the sun. As the sun, he is known as Surya. When Agni is worshipped as the fire, lightning and sun, he is known as Tryambaka the Three-mothered. So it is, that wherever there is fire, there is Agni. The followers of Brahma consider his mother as Sandili. The goddess Lakshmi is also indicated as his possible mother. It is also said that he is the son of Brahma, Kasyapa and of Aditi or Angiras the king of the Manes. He is said to be the husband of Suada (also spelled Suadha, Svaha and Swaha and known as Agnayi) and father of Pavaka, Pavamana and Suci. He is the father of Karttikeya (also known as Skanda). Agni carries the Asu or Manas which is the spiritual principle to the sun after cremation of the body. He is invoked as a celestial deity and a domestic deity for he knows the realm of the gods as well as he knows the realm of the household. Agni is invoked to dispel the powers of the evil spirits known as rakshasa. A slayer of demons, he battles the flesh-eating Kravyad, who is a rakshasa (evil spirit). When ill, Agni is invoked alone or with Soma and Varuna, to drive away the fire of fever. He is invoked for abundance and prosperity and the forgiveness of sins. The river goddess Saraswati appears as his attendant or consort. Agni has two faces (Sun fire and Earth fire), three heads growing red flames and three legs (one perhaps a euphemism for the phallus, or the three fires of an individual’s life), wearing a garland of fruit. He is said to have tawny flowing hair, golden teeth and he is flame red in color. He is equipped with seven tongues, each with a name, with which he laps up the ghee (sacrificial butter) and a distended stomach. The name of Agni’s first tongue is Kali the goddess of destruction. She represents the dark side of Agni, his ashes and ambers. Agni has seven arms (to span the continents) and has also been depicted with three bodies. He rides on a ram. He symbolizes the creative life-giving spark of the universe. In his hideous form, he has iron tusks and roars like a bull. Agni’s three heads symbolize his triple birth. His seven arms are rays of light. His two faces represent the creative and destructive nature of fire. Depicted on his ram with four arms and two heads, he holds his attributes: a fan to fan fire, an ax, a torch and the sacrificial ladle. Flames shoot from his mouth and seven rays are emitted from his body. The eight aspects of Agni are Asani (lightning), Bhava (existence), Isana (ruler), Mahadeva (great god), Pasupati (lord of cattle), Rudra (roarer), Sarva (all), Ugra (dread). Agni’s mount is the ram. In the practice of yoga, Agni relates to mindfulness and wakefulness, or the fire of the mind and the Kundalini, or fire at the base of the spine. The goddess Sarasvati represents the element of water. The etymology of the goddess Suada’s name means “a good offering through fire.” Mystically, it means “so be it” which is the ending of many mantras. Kravyad (Flesh Eater) is depicted with red hair and shiny fangs. Sometimes Brhaspati (also called Brahmanaspati) is considered to be the same as Agni. In Agni’s creation myth, Matarisvan is not to be confused with a later wind god of the same name. Agni is identified as the Rudra Shiva aspect of Shiva (destructive). Compare Agni to Cronus (Greek), Fuji (Japan), Hephaistos (Greek), Hestia (the Greek hearth goddess), Pele (Hawaiian), Vahagn (Armenian), and Vesta (Roman). For a myth about Agni and Bhrigus see Bhrigus. The mythology of Agni and Indra is similar (q.v.). See also Angirasa; Apam Napat (Inod-Iranian); Arjuna; Asuras; Brahma; Brhaspati; Daksha; Dikpalas; Durga; Dyaus; Garuda; Jogina; Kali; Kama (A); Karttikeya; Kasyapa; Kravyad; Krishna; Kuhu; Lokapalas; Matarisvan; Mitra; Moloch; Parvati; Prajapati; Prithiva; Ratri; Ravana; Rishi; Rudra; Sarasvati; Skamba; Soma; Surya; Tvashtri; Urvasi; Ushas; Vahagn; Varuna; Vasistha; Vasus; Vedas (The); Vishnu; Vourukasha; Yama.

Agni Yavishata (India) see Agni.

Agnimukha (India) “Fire Face.” See also Yaksha and Yakshini.

Agnis (India) see Agni.

Agoneus (Greek) see Hermes.

Agoni God of Fire (Slavic) see Agni.

Agothyathik (Africa) see Aywel.

Agras (Finnish)

God of twins. God of grain (possibly). In some myths, Agras is the patron of turnips.

Agrasandhani (India) List of mortal’s deeds. See also Yama.

Agrat Bat Mahalat Igirit (Hebrew)

On Wednesday and Friday evenings, Agrat Bat Mahalat, the ruler of 180,000 demons, climbs into her chariot and hunts everything that moves. See also Lilith (queen of the demons).

Agraulos Aglauros, Aglaurus (Greek)

The goddess of agriculture and fertility Agraulos is the daughter of Cecrops, the king of Attica, and Agraulos, the daughter of Actaeus. Her sisters are Herse, Pandrosus, and possibly Erysichthon. Hermes approached Agraulos and paid her for the opportunity to have sex with her youngest sister, Herse. The young woman took his gold but denied Hermes his wish as she was jealous of her sister’s good luck. What she didn’t know was that the goddess Athene had instilled feelings of envy within the young woman. Infuriated, Hermes turned Agraulos to stone and raped Herse who had two sons by him, Cephalus and Ceryx. Her sisters and her mother were asked to care for a casket and instructed not to open it. Ignoring the command, they lifted the lid and found hidden inside, the child Erichthonius, who had serpent’s tails for legs. The sight of him drove two of the sisters insane. They leapt to their deaths from the top of the Acropolis. Agraulos and her sisters are known as the Augralids. Agraulos is not to be confused with Agraulus (Aglaurus), the daughter of Actaeus and the mate of Cecrops. Cecrops, the father of Agraulos has a man’s body and a snake’s tail. See also Ares; Cecrops.

Agreaskoui (Iroquois) see Areskoui.

Agreus (Greek) see Agrius (A).

Agri-manios (Greek) see Angra Mainyu.

Agriskoue (Iroquois) see Areskoui.

Agrius (A) Agreus (Greek, Sumerian)

Also known as: Agrotes.

Giant. High god. Agrius is the son of Gaea and brother of Thoas, and one of the Giants. In the war between Giants and gods, Agrius and Thoas were battered to death by the Fates who used brazen clubs or they were killed by Heracles. As Agreus, he was said to be part of the pantheon of Melqart (Melkart) of the Sumerians. The name is said to mean “hunter.” One of the names of the Babylonian god Gebal was Agroueros. See also Fates; Gaea; Giants; Hippolytus; Melkart.

Agrius (B) to (E) (Greek)

There are other men by the name of Agrius in Greek mythology. Agrius (B) was a Centaur who attempted to kill Heracles but was killed by him. Agrius (C) was possibly the father of Thersites, who was known as the ugliest man in the Trojan War; not to be confused with Agrius the king of Calydon. Agrius (D) was the son of Odysseus and Circe. Agrius (E) was the king of Calydon, son of Porthaon and Euryte who committed suicide when his sons were killed by Diomedes the son of Tydeus. See also Agrius (B); Agrius (D); Agrius (E); Circe; Diomedes; Heracles; Odysseus.

Agro-manyus (Persia) see Angra Mainyu.

Agroata (Greek) see Agrius (A).

Agros Agrotes, Agroueros (Phoenician)

Also known as: El.

Hunter, or high god. Son of Technites and Geinos. Grandson of Agreus and Halieus. Associated with Melqart. See also El.

Agrotes (Greek) see Agrius.

Agroueros (Phoenician) see Agros.

Agrouneros (Greek) see Agrius (A).

Agu (Akkadian)

Also known as: Aku.

Male Moon God. See also Aah (Egypt); Sinu (Semitic).

Aguilo (Greek) see Aquilo.

Agunua Argunua (Solomon Islands, Melanesia)

Serpent deity. Agunua created men and one woman, as well as the sea, land and storms. It is said that he created rain because he was thirsty. He instructed his brother to plant a yam from which sprang the original banana, coconuts, and almond trees. One day, his brother planted a batch of yams incorrectly and from that time forth certain plants became inedible forever. See also Gainji; Tagaros.

Agusaya (Babylon)

Also known as: Ishtar.

Goddess of loud-crying. She is an aspect of Ishtar, who is also a the goddess of loud-crying or wailing. Agusaya is associated with Ea and Saltu (discord). See also Ishtar.

Agwe (Haitian)

Voodoo god of waters, wind, thunder, boats and seashells. He lives on an underwater island. A blue-colored ram is sacrificed in his honor. Similar to St. Ulrique of the Catholics.

Agweta (Dahomey People, Africa) see Agbe.

Agweto (Dahomey People, Africa) see Agbe.

Agyieus (Greek) see Apollo.

Agyieyus (Greek) see Apollo.

Ah (Egypt) see Aah; Astarte.

Ah (Egypt) see Astarte.

Ah-hetep (Egypt)

Sovereign Chief. One of the four chiefs guarding the Fifth Division (hour) of Tuat. See also Tuat.

Ah-Kiuic (Maya People, Yucatan)

Also known as: Echauc.

God of plenty and of merchants. He is one of the triad of Chac and Hobnel. See also Chac Mol; Hobnil.

Ah Puch (Maya People, Yucatan) see Ahpuch.

Ah Puchah (Maya People, Yucatan People, Yucatan People, Yucatan) see Ah Puch.

Ah-uuc-chek-nale (Maya People, Yucatan) see Ahmucen-Cab.

Aha (Egypt) see Bes.

Ahalya (Brahmanic, Hindu; India)

An early goddess, some say that Ahalya, “Night,” was the first woman created by Brahma. The spouse of the sage Gautama, her great beauty caught the attention of the promiscuous god Indra. His overtures to her were on the verge of being satisfied when Gautama walked in on them. He cursed Indra with a thousand marks of the yoni (female sex organ). Later, he reconsidered his curse and transformed the yoni to one thousand eyes. The lighter sentence was given because the actual sex act had not taken place. Indra, overcome with passion, convinced the moon to assume the shape of a cock and to crow while it was still night. When Gautama heard the familiar sound, he rose and left to perform his morning prayers. Indra seized the opportunity and assumed Gautama’s form and entered Ahalya’s bed. This time Gautama caught them and turned his wife to stone. She remained in that state until many years later, when Vishnu, in his incarnation as Rama, kicked her. Once again alive, she was reunited with Gautama. Indra was cursed to become a eunuch and was only saved from his fate by the intervention of the gods. See also Brahma; Indra; Indrani; Rama; Vishnu.

Ahana (India) see Athena.

Ahans (India) see Asvins.

Aharman (Persia) see Angra Mainyu.

Ahat (Egypt)

Also known as: Ahet, Ahit, Ehat, Ehet

Protector deity. Ahat is the cosmic cow who nurses and protects the sun god, Ra. See also Amen; Ra.

Ahau-Chamahez (Maya People, Yucatan)

Lord of the Magic Tooth. A god of medicine.

Ahayuta Achi (Zuni People, North America)

They are twin culture heroes, or according to some, twin gods of war. They protect gamblers and mischief-makers. They are also responsible for destroying monsters and rapists. Protectors of Zuni villages, they live inside mountains. The Ahayuta Achi provided men with implements, and taught them to hunt. The twins are the sons of Dripping Water but were raised by Spiderwoman, their grandmother.

Aherat (Middle East) see Asherah.

Ahet (Egypt) see Ahat.

Ahhazu Ach-Chazu (Babylonia, Sumer)

Also known as: Labasu.

Demon of death, disease and pestilence. Ahhazu is probably the same as Labasu and one of the group of twelve demons of the Sumerians. These include Alu, Lamashtu, Lilith, Lilu, and Utukku. See also Als; Lilith.

Ahi (Egypt, Persia, India.)

Also known as: Azi, Azhi Dahaka, Vrita.

Ahi is the Persian Azhi Dahaka (meaning “biting snake”). The Vedic Ahi, (his alternate name is Vritra) is the celestial snake who withheld rain, and was defeated by Indra. In other interpretations, Ahi is the son of the serpent god Danu and Vrita. To the Egyptians Ahi represented daytime. Ahi is depicted as a dragon or a snake. Ahi is comparable to Visvarupa and Azhi Dahaka (qq.v.). See also Angra Mainyu; Azi; Ihi; Vrita; Zohak.

Ahi-Mu (Egypt)

One of the forty-two Assessors (judges of the dead). See also Assessors.

Ahiah (Hebrew) see Jehovah.

Ahimsa (India) see Narayana (C).

Ahit (Egypt) see Ahat.

Ahkinshok (Aztec People, Mexico)

No particular function, but may be one of the day gods. He lives below the earth and has several titles: Guardian of Bees, Owner of the Days, and Spirit of New Fire. See also Kasin; Yumchakob.

Ahkushtal (Aztec People, Mexico)

Birth deity. Little shown, but appears to be associated with other gods below the earth. See also Kasin; Yumchakob.

Ahmakiq (Aztec People, Mexico)

Wind deity. His function is to lock up the winds that destroy crops. Patrons of medicine and other workers who tend ill humans can be locked up or otherwise controlled by this god. He lives below the earth. See also Yunchakob.

Ahmes-Neferatari (Egypt) see Amenhotep I.

Ahmucen-Cab (Maya People, Yucatan)

Creator. The legend is rather confusing, but essentially the deity came down and covered the faces of the Oxlahun-ti-Ku, who were thirteen gods. Ahmucen-cab had other names, a sister and children but neither his other names nor the names and faces of any of them were seen. It is possible Oxlahun-ti-Ku was one of his names and he was captured by Bolon-ti-Ku (nine gods) after he brought down stones and trees. In the legend the Bolon-tsac-cab (nine orders) covered the world with a blanket of seeds and went back to the thirteenth heaven. The world was then formed. After this the legend follows that of the Legend of the Four Suns, except the four Becab (also known as Cantul-ti-Ku) destroyed this world then placed the mortal Kanxib-yui on the new world they created. The story proceeds with the goddess Itzam-kab-ain, who is a female whale with alligator feet, impregnated by Ah-uuc-chek-nale. Thus, the world began. See also Bacabs; Legend of the Four Suns.

Ahoeitu (South Pacific)

He is the king of Tonga, the son of the sky god Eitumatupua, and the earth goddess Ilaheva. See also Eitumatupua.

Ahpuch Ah Puch, Ah Puchah (Maya People, Yucatan)

Also known as: Ahpuch Yum Cimil, Eopuco, Hanhau.

God of death. A demon, Ahpuch slayed the Becabs. In one of his several aspects, he is the ruler of the ninth sector (or layer) of the underworld. In another version he was called a “Demon Destroyer” and “Lord of Death.” See also Becabs; Ek Ahau; Hanhau.

Ahpuch Yum Cimil (Maya People, Yucatan) see Ahpuch.

Ahrenkonigin (Austrian) Goddess of the Harvest.

Ahriman (Persia) see Angra Mainyu; Drujs.

Ahrimanes (Persia) see Aryaman.

Ahsonnutli and Yolaikaiason (North America) see Atseatsan and Atseatsine.

Ahti Ahto (Finland)

Also known as: Kaukomieli, Lemminikainen.

God of the waters and fishermen. Consort of Wellamo (also spelled Vellamo). They live deep under the sea in a place known as Ahtoia (Atola). He is holder of the treasure Sampo. Some say Lemminkainen bore the epithet Ahti so he could be both god and hero. His servants are Vetehinen, and Tursa a sea monster. He is shown with a beard of moss. See also Lemminikainen; Naaki.

Ahto (Finland) see Ahti.

Ahu (Egypt)

One of the principal gods shown in the Pyramid Texts.

Ahuehuete (Aztec People, Mexico)

Tree of life. The only two survivors of the great deluge were a man and woman who climbed this tree. Some say their names are Nala and Nina.

Ahura (Persia) see Ahura Mazda.

Ahura Mazda Ahura, Asura, Auramazda (Manichean, Zoroastrian, Zurvan; Persian, Iranian)

Also known as: Bag-Mazda, Horomazes (Greek), Hormazu, Ohrmazd (Iranian), Ormazd (the later name of Ahura Mazda under the Sassanians), Oromazez, Ormuz, Ormuzd, Thraetaona.

Ahura Mazda (“Wise Lord”) is the creator of all good, and the Supreme God of the Zoroastrians. His adversary and opposite is Angra Mainyu. Ahura Mazda is the president of the council of six ministers (sometimes seven), known as the Amesha Spentas, also called the “Augmentative Immortals.” The Ame-sha Spentas, three male and three female, are said to be aspects, personifications, or attributes of Ahura Mazda. Some scholars believe that they are based on ancient gods. In later times they were thought of as gods or archangels. Ahura Mazda revealed himself to humans through the Amesha Spentas. After the creation of the Amesha Spentas, the Yazatas were created, followed by the creation of the universe and mortals. In one myth, Angra Mainyu was born from Ahura Mazda during a moment of doubt. In another, Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu existed but were separated by the Void. It happened that Angra Mainyu came upon Ahura Mazda and his light and following his nature attempted to destroy him. He refused Ahura Mazda’s offer of peace, which was conditional upon him praising the Good Creation. In the orthodox tradition, an agreement was reached. History spans twelve thousand years. The first three thousand years were allocated to creation. The second three thousand years passed according to the will of Ahura Mazda. The third three thousand years are mixed with the will of Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu. In the fourth three thousand year period, Angra Mainyu and all evil will be destroyed. There are variations of this creation myth, and some are based on a nine thousand year cycle. The Zurvan tradition considers the first nine thousand years as the period of the rule of evil. Evil will be defeated during the final three thousand years. In the Zoroastrian tradition, Angra Mainyu created the sky. It served as a cover to enclose the world and to trap Angra Mainyu. Originally, the world was in an ideal state. The first man, Gaya Maretan, shone like the sun, until Angra Mainyu, persuaded by the female demon, Jahi, woke from a deep sleep and attacked creation. In the Manichean tradition, there are two realms: light, ruled by the Father of Greatness, and dark, ruled by the Prince of Darkness. Originally, the two realms existed in a balanced state. The Prince of Darkness, attracted by the light, upset this balance by permeating light, including the light of the Primeval Man. The god Mithra attempted to punish the demons of darkness. From the skins of the defeated demons, he created the skies; the mountains were made from their bones. The earths (four or eight in number), the ten firmaments, the zodiac, the constellations and planets were created from their flesh and excrements. Uncontaminated light particles were used to create the sun and moon, while the stars contained partially contaminated substance. The animal and vegetable world, came into existence, and because of their origin, they contained undelivered light particles. Ahura Mazda is depicted as a bearded man with a winged, plumed body and a sacred tree. In an ancient bas relief Ahura Mazda is depicted in the same costume that King Darius I (521–486 B.C.E.) wore: a wide-sleeved tunic with a circle representing the sun’s disk at the waist of his long robe, a cap on his head and a long beard on his face. He has wings and is poised in the air. He is also shown enclosed in a winged circle. He appears bearded, stately in demeanor, in a stance of benediction. In another depiction, he is shown putting on the solid heavens as a garment and covering himself with his symbol, flames of fire. The Zoroastrians use one hundred and eight names to denote the attributes of Ahura Mazda. He is vaguely connected with Khaldi (Armenian, Iranian). See also Aeshma; Akhtar (The); Ameretat; Amesha Spentas; Anahita; Angra Mainyu; Aramzad (Armenia); Asha Vahishta; Asuras (India); Atar; Avesta; Bag-Mashtu; Bundahish; Chinvat Bridge (for life after death); Fravashi; Gaokerena Tree; Gaya Maretan; Haoma; Hariati (Mount); Hvare-khshaeta; Jahi; Khshasthra Vairya; Mitra; Nairyosangha; Rapithwin; Rashu; Spenishta (sacred fire); Spenta Armaiti; Thrita; Tishtrya; Varuna (India); Vayu; Vohu Manah; Yazatas; Yima.

Ahy (Egypt) see Herusmatauy.

Ai (A) (Akkadian, Egypt) see Aah.

Ai (B) (Norse; Teutonic)

Also known as: Great Grandfather.

God of Serfs. Ancestor of the race of serfs. Husband of Edda. Heimdall (also known as Rig) slept between Ai and Edda. From his union with Edda came Thrall who married Thir and from their union sprang the race of Thralls or serfs. See also Aah; Heimdall; Thrall.

Ai (C) (Estonian)

Also known as: Hai (Hebrew).

Thunder god.

Ai (D) (Teutonic) see Dwarfs.

Ai-Willi-Ay-O (Eskimo) see Sedna.

Aiai (Hawaii)

Aiai, the son of Ku-ula-kai, the god of abundance in the sea, followed his father’s instructions and set up numerous fishing grounds around the island. When his son Punia came of age he too was instructed in this trade. Father and son worked together and expanded to other islands. See also Ku-ula-kai; Ku and Hina.

Aiaiakuula (Hawaii, Polynesia)

Goddess of fishers. See also Kuula.

Aiapakal (Tierra del Fuego)

The shamans, known as Yakamouch, converse with the god Aiapakal and gain their power from the spirit, Hoakils. See also Yakamouch.

Aiakos (Greek) see Aeacus.

Aiapaec (Peru) Supreme Deity.

Aias (Greek) see Ajax the Greater.

Aibheaog (Celtic) Ancient fire goddess.

Aida-Wedo (Haiti)

The rainbow snake goddess. See also Damballah.

Aides (Greek) see Cocytus; Hades.

Aidne (Celtic)

Fire god. He created fire for the Melesians by rubbing his hands together.

Aido Hwedo (Dahomey People, Africa; Haiti)

Aido Hwedo is the great rainbow serpent who served as the vehicle for the goddess Mahu as she created the universe. His excrement formed the mountains. When Mahu had completed her creation, she realized that the earth was too heavy. She had Aido Hwedo coil himself beneath the planet to keep it from toppling. Heat disturbs Aido Hwedo, so the seas were created to keep him comfortable. Whenever he shifts, an earthquake occurs. When he has finished eating the iron bars beneath the sea, he will devour his tail and the world will come to an end. Believers are careful not to incur the wrath of the great serpent, for he is very jealous. Before marriages take place, special offerings are presented to Aido Hwedo and relatives invoke him not to harm the newlyweds. See also Damballah; Mahu.

Aidoneus (Greek) see Adonis.

Aife (Celtic) see Aeife.

Aigamuchab (Hottentot, Africa)

Ogre. Little known about this fellow, except he is a cannibal with eyes on top of his feet.

Aighistos (Greek) see Aegisthus.

Aigi’pan (Greek) see Aegipan.

Aigina (Greek) see Aegina.

Aigis (Greek) see Aegis.

Aigisthus (Greek) see Aegisthus.

Aigle (Greek) see Aegle.

Ailanthus (China)

This tree of paradise has a beautiful flower that has an offensive aroma. Tenacious, it can grow under the most adverse of conditions.

Aileili (Celtic) see Mider.

Aillen (Irish) see Aine.

Ailo (Hebrew) see Lilith.

Ailuros (Egypt) see Bast.

Aimon Kondi (Arawak People, New Guinea)

In the Creation Legend, Aimon Kondi set the world on fire. Marerewana and his people sought refuge in caves. A great deluge followed, and the survivors escaped in canoes. See also Makonaima.

Aindra (India) see Aindri.

Aindri Aindra (India) see Arjuna; Indra; Indrani.

Aine (Irish)

Aine was known as the Irish goddess of love and thought by some to be a moon goddess, fertility goddess and goddess of cattle. She is variously called the sister of Aillen and daughter of the fertility Eogabal, or the sister of Fenne (Fennen) and daughter of Eogabal. Eogabal in this version was a king of the Tuatha de Danann, and Aine was the wife of Gerold, the Earl of Desmond. Their child was Earl Fitzgerald. A variation on this theme is that Gerold Iarla (Earl Gerald of Desmond) came upon Aine bathing in a river and raped her. Gerald, a magician of repute, turned into a goose and disappeared, although others say that Aine killed him with her magical powers. He is said to live in the waters of Loch Gur. Every seven years he makes an appearance mounted on a white horse which trots around the perimeter. In another rendition, Aine is known as the wife and daughter of Manannan Mac Llyr. A feast, Midsummer Night, was held in her honor. Farmers waved straw torches over the fields and cattle to insure replenishment. In later times, as Aine she was worshipped as a fairy queen in South Munster. Aine is sometimes identified with Dana, and she has been said to be identical to Anu. See also Anu; Dana; Manannan Mac Llyr.

Aineias (Greek) see Aeneas.

Aino (Finland) see Vainomoinen.

Ainu-rak-kur (Japan) see Okikurumi.

Aion (A) (Gnostic) see Aeons.

Aion (B) (Phoenician) see Kolpia.

Aior-Pata (Greek) see Amazons.

Aipaloovik (Eskimo)

Evil god of the sea. Aipaloovik lives deep in the ocean and is a danger to all fishermen or those who venture out to sea. See also Adlivun; Agloolik.

Air (A) (Phoenician)

In the Creation Legend of Damascisu, Air is the son of Omicle and Potos (meaning desire), who with his sister Aura became the parent of Otos (meaning reason). See also Air (B); Aura, Kolpia (for the Creation Legend of Philos Byblos).

Air (B) (Phoenician)

In the beginning, Air and Chaos existed. Their union produced Kolpia (Wind) and Potos (Desire). (From the Creation Legend of Philo Byblos). See also Air (A); Chaos; Kolpia.

Air (C) (Phoenician)

Air and Ether engendered Oulomos in the Creation Legend of Mochus. See also Air (A); Air (B); Oulomos.

Air, God of (Egypt) see Shu.

Airavarta (India) see Airavata.

Airavata Airavarta, Airawata (India)

Indra’s divine white elephant. See also Dikpalas; Indra; Kurma; Lokapalas; Swarga.

Airawata (India) see Airavata.

Aireskoi (Iroquois) see Areskoui.

Aireskouy (Iroquois) see Areskoui.

Airmid (Celtic)

The goddess of witchcraft and herb lore, she is the daughter of Dia’necht and the sister of Miach. It was Airmid and Miach who healed King Nuada. See also Dia’necht; Nuada.

Airya Iraj (Persian) see Thrita.

Airyano Vaejo (Iranian)

Heaven or Eden. This is a place of bliss where no one grew old until Ahriman (earlier known as Angra Mainyu) came and brought ten months of winter each year.

Ais (A) (Armenia) see Devs.

Ais (B) (Greek) see Hades.

Aisar (Norse) see Aesir.

Aither Aither (Greek)

Deities of light. Heavenly light. In Hesiod’s version of creation, the god Aither and goddess Hemera (Day) were born of Gaea (Earth), Tartarus (Underworld) or Eros (Love). In other traditions, Hermera is the daughter of Erebus (Darkness) and Nyx (Night). She is also said to be the mother of Phaethon by Cephalus. Phaethon was kidnapped by Aphrodite to be the protector of her shrine. For siblings of Hemera, see Aether.

Aithre (Greek) see Aether; Aither.

Aithuia (Greek) see Athena.

Aitvaras (Prussian, Lithuanian)

This little demon of good fortune is found behind the big stove in the house. He feeds on leftover food. In Lithuanian legend, he is known to steal items, usually corn, milk, meal and coins to bring to his master. When he is flying he appears like a fiery tail. In the house he looks like a cock. A family can purchase him or acquire him from the egg of a seven-year-old cock. He must be fed omelets. For the price of one’s soul he can be purchased from the devil. Once in a while, he is found and his identity is not known when he is brought into the house. Once ensconced, it is difficult to drive him away, although he can be killed. See also Domovoi.

Aiwel (Africa) see Aywil.

Aiwel Longar (Africa) see Aywel.

Aiyai (Tamil People, India)

Aiyai is an ancient goddess of hunters. Followers’ severed heads were offered to her in sacrifices. Dressed in leopard skin and wearing a tiger’s teeth necklace, she wields a black sword and carries a bow. Her mount is a stag decorated with snakes. See also Kali; Karitay.

Aiyanar (India) see Gramadeveta.

Aizen Myo-O (Japan) see Aizen-Myoo.

Aizen-Myoo Aizen Myo-O, Aizenmyo-o, Aizenmyo-wo (Buddhist, Shinto, Japan)

Also known as: Raga-vidyaraja (Buddhist).

God of Love and Sexual Desire. His look is supposed to portray the suppression of passionate lusts. In some versions he is regarded as secret. According to legend he manifests the state when agitation becomes enlightenment and the passion of love becomes the compassion for everything that lives. According to some the moment of agitation takes the form of a Vajrasattva and becomes Aizen-Myoo. Pictured as a red, glaring, three-eyed, frowning god, with six arms, and an unusual hair arrangement. He also has a lion head nestled in his hair. He carries a bell, a stick, a bow and arrow, a thunderbolt and a lotus in his hands. In some forms he can have two heads and two, four or six arms.

Aizenmyo-o (Japan) see Aizen-Myoo.

Aizennyo-wo (Japan) see Aizen-Myoo.

Aja (Babylon) see Aya.

Aja Ekapada (Hindu; India)

Aja is a lightning god and the name signifies a one-footed goat. Aja Ekapada may symbolize the swiftness of the strike of the lighting bolt. In the Vedic tradition, the goat is called Aja. A-ja means “unborn.” See also Rama.

Ajagava (India) Shiva’s Sacred Bow. See also Shiva.

Ajan (Islamic) see Jinn.

Ajatar Ajattara (Finnish)

Devil of the Woods.

An evil female dragon who suckles snakes and causes disease.

Ajattara (Finnish) see Ajatar.

Ajax the Greater (Greek)

Also known as: Aias.

Warrior and hero. Ajax, the son of Telamon and Periboea or possibly Eriboea, is known as “the greater” because of his height. It has been said that he was the tallest of the Greeks. His consort was Tecmassa and their child was Eurysaces. A prince or king of Salamis, and one of Helen’s suitors, Ajax was considered almost as powerful and brave as Achilles and proved himself a hero when the Greeks attacked Troy. It was Ajax who lifted Achilles’ body from the battle while Odysseus held the enemy at bay. Later it was decided that either Ajax or Odysseus should be given the armor of Achilles. A secret vote was taken and Odysseus received the honors. Ajax, ashamed and humiliated, suffered a breakdown and began to slaughter sheep, believing the animals to be his enemies. A vestige of sanity remained and it is said that he committed suicide rather than taking the chance of killing his colleagues. In other versions of his death he was said to have been murdered by Paris, Odysseus or Teucer and from his blood the purple hyacinth sprang forth. See also Acamas (C); Achilles; Aeacus; Ajax the Lesser; Helen.

Ajax the Lesser (Greek)

Ajax the Lesser is the hero son of Oileus, the king of Locris, who was an Argonaut and one of Apollo’s lovers. Ajax’s mother was either Eriopis or Rhene. Swift of foot, he had a reputation for being able to outrace all but Achilles, although in another legend he was placed at the funeral games of Patroclus and he lost a race to Odysseus. He was often in the company of Ajax the Greater and although he was a courageous warrior, he was also a brute and a braggart. It is said that when the Greeks conquered Troy, Ajax the Lesser raped Cassandra, one of Athena’s priestesses. Athena struck back by causing a shipwreck when he was en route home. He survived by clinging to a rock and declaring that he did not need the assistance of the gods to remain alive. This incensed the sea god Poseidon who with his trident ruptured the rock and Ajax sank to his death in the sea. See also Ajax the Greater; Athena; Cassandra; Poseidon.

Ajbit (Maya People, Yucatan)

Creator deity. One of thirteen gods who tried to create man from wood after two other attempts had failed. See also Ajtzak; Tzakol.

Aji-suki-Taka-hi-kone (Japan) see Aji-suki-takahikone.

Aji-suki-takahikone Aji-suki-Taka-hi-kone (Japan) see Take-mi-kazuchi; Taki-tsu-hiko.

Ajita (Buddhist; India)

Also known as: A-shih, Ma-p’am-pa (Tibet), Me-phem-pa (Tibet), Maitreya, Mi-Lo Fu (China).

A deified mortal who is the second arhat (one of sixteen, later eighteen apostles). He is usually depicted in a meditative pose with his head covered. See also A-shih; Abheda; Maitreya; Mi-Lo Fu (China).

Ajnesvara (India) see Vishnu.

Ajorsum (Saora People, India)

This snake god lives in streams. For other deities see Adununkisum; Arsi Basum.

Ajtzak (Maya People, Yucatan)

Creator deity. Ajtzak belongs to a group of creator gods who attempted to create humans from wood. The other deities are Hunahpu, Hunahpu-Guch, Ixmucane, and Ixpiyacoc.

Ajuna (India) see Garuda.

Ajy-khoton (Yakut) see Ajysyt.

Ajysit (Yakut) see Ajysyt.

Ajysyt Ajysit, Ijaksit (Yakut People, Siberia)

Also known as: Ajy-khoton.

Ajysyt is goddess of childbirth and domestic animals, particularly cattle. She brings the new soul from heaven to the child being born and writes the child’s fate. She is always depicted laughing. See also Khotun.

Ak (Akkadian) see Nebo.

Aka (Turkish) see Akha.

Aka-Kanet (Araucanian People, Chile) see Akanet.

Aka Manah Aka-Manah, Akah Manah, Ako-Mano, Akoman (Persia)

He is known as the demon of vile thoughts and discord. Aka Manah was created by Ahriman to be one of his assistants. See also Angra Mainyu; Daevas; Darvands; Vohu Manah.

Akadja (Dahomey People, Africa; Haitian) see Bossu.

Akalo (Solomon Islands)

The Akalo is the friendly ghost of the dead or the soul of the living. The Akalo is caught with a diminutive rod and placed in a container with the skull, jawbone, tooth and a lock of hair from the deceased. When illness strikes offerings are made to the Akalo. Offerings are also presented at the beginning of the yam harvest. The ghosts of mortals with spiritual power become Li’oa. See also Agunua.

Akamas (Greek) see Acamas (A).

Akanet (Araucanian People, Chile)

Also known as: Aka-Kanet, Algue.

Although a protector of man, this deity of fruit and grain can be cruel at times. He may have originated as a culture hero. Akanet presides over harvest festivals. His counterpart and possible twin is the evil Guecubu (his name means “The Wanderer Without”). See also Epunamun; Pillan.

Akar (Egypt) see Aker.

Akara (Egypt) see Aah.

Akasagarbha (Japan) see Dhyanibodhisattvas; Gundari-Myoo; Kokuzo-Bosatsu; Kshitigarbha; Samantabhadra.

Akatauire (Polynesia) see Rangi.

Akbal (Aztec People, Mexico) see Huecomitl.

Ake (Polynesia) see Aokeu.

Akebiu (Egypt)

Deities of crying. “The Wailers.” These are four bearded gods found in the eleventh sector of Tuat. See also Tuat.

Akeneh (Egypt)

Akeneh is a serpent demon mentioned in “The Text of Unas,” a king in the fifth dynasty. This text describes magical methods to destroy serpents and barbarous beasts. Other serpents mentioned are, Amen, Antaf, Hau, Heka, Hekret, Hemth, Nai, Senenahemthet, Setcheh, Tcheser-tep, Thethu, and Ufa. See also Ab-esh-imy-duat; Ab-ta; Apepi; Apophis.

Aker (Egypt)

Also known as: Akar, Akeru.

Guardian animal. Earth god. A double-headed lion god who guards the gate of the dawn through which Ra the sun god passes each morning. He is connected with Set as a deity of gloom and of early dawn and twilight when demons are about. The keeper of the gates that open to the underworld address the deceased soul by saying, “the gates of the earth-god [Aker] are opened unto you.” (From “The Pyramid Texts.”) Aker is represented in one version as a narrow piece of land with a human or lion head at either end. In another version these symbols guard the entrance and exit of the underworld and are depicted as a double-headed lion or sphinx seated back to back. One faces the west, where the sun begins its travels into the night and one the east, where the sun appears each morning. See also Teta, and Unas (the god-eating god), who were early kings in the fifth and sixth dynasties. Because the kings were as powerful in the afterworld as when mortal, it is said that the bones of Aker tremble when these deified kings pass through. Aker is sometimes identified with Qeb. See also Unas.

Akeru (Egypt) see Aker.

Akesi (Egypt) see Aaru.

Akethor (Teutonic) see Thor.

Akewa (Toba People, Argentina) Sun goddess.

Akh (Egypt)

The Akh is thought of as a spirit of a god who dwells in heaven and matches the human counterpart. At death, the Ka (double) splits and turns into a bird, the Akh, which flies into the afterlife and turns again into the Ka. The Ba (soul) stays behind on earth. See also Ba; Ka.

Akha Aka (Assyro-Babylonia, Burait, Turkey)

Also known as: Acca Larentia (Roman), Alka, Akha, (Lapp), Ekhi (Accadian), Sar-Akha (Lapp), Ummu (Assyrian).

A Mother Goddess. The Lapps call her Sar-Akha (“Lady Mother”). The Akkadian word Ekhi is rendered Ummu (mother) in Assyrian. See also Acca Larentia.

Akhekh (Egypt)

Akhekh is an aspect of the evil god Set. Shown as a griffin, he has the body of an antelope and the head of a bird. The head is surmounted by three uraei and wings. See also Set.

Akheloos (Greek) see Achelous.

Akhem-Sek (Egypt)

Celestial beings who are called “Those who never go down.”

Akhen (Egypt)

Also known as: Ab-esh-imy-duat, Ab-She.

Serpent monster. The meaning of Akhen’s name is likely indicative of his personality; it means “to split” or “wear out the eyes.” A monster serpent, his responsibility is to guard the seventh section of the underworld (Tuat) as Ra, the sun god passes in his boat. See also Ab-Esh-Imy-Duat; Ab-she; Ab-ta; Akeneh; Apepi; Apophis.

Akhet-nen-tha Akhenaten, Ikhnaten (Egypt)

Also known as: Amenhotep IV.

Akhet-nen-tha is the son of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiy. When he succeeded his father, he moved his court from Akhenaten in Thebes to Tell el-Amarna. He forbade the worship of Amen and devoted himself to the worship of Aten. This period in Egyptian history is known as the Amarna Heresy. He was married to the beautiful Nefertiti. For further information on this period, see also Amen; Aten.

Akhmiu (Egypt) see Tuat.

Akhrokhar (Gnostic) see Pistas Sophia.

Akhtar, The (Persia)

They are the twelve constellations created by Ahura Mazda, who are regarded as generals of his army. Other stars or constellations mentioned are Hapto-iringa, Satavaesa, Tishtrya and Vanant. See also Ahura Mazda; Hapto-iringa; Tishtrya; Yazatas.

Akhtya (Zoroastrian; Persia)

Chief of the demon magicians and sorcerers known as the Yata. See also Pairikas; Yata.

Aki-bime-no-Kami (Japan) see Ukemochi.

Aki-Yama no Shitabi-onoko (Japan)

God of Winter. He is called the frost man of the autumn mountain. His brother is Haru-Yama-no-Kasumio-noko.

Akinetos (Gnostic) see Aeons; Nous.

Akka (A) Aka (Estonian, Finnish)

Also known as: Emader-Akka, Rauni.

Harvest deity. Wife of Jumala and later, Ukko. She is sometimes said to be a goddess of female sexuality. She created the bodies of mankind after Jumala created their souls. Akka is shown as a triangle or six-sided polygon. The mountain ash is her symbol. See also Jumala.

Akka (B) Aka, Ekki (Turkey) Mother goddess.

Akkruva Avfruvva (Finno-Ugric)

Also known as: Havfru.

Goddess of rivers. This presumably lovely half-woman, half-fish, fills the rivers with fish. See also Havfru.

Akna (A) (Maya People, Yucatan)

Mother goddess. Birth goddess (possibly). Wife of Akanchob. She is associated with the Becabs (q.v.).

Akna (B) (Eskimo)

“Mother.” Goddess of childbirth.

Ako-Mano (Persia) see Aka Manah.

Akoman (Persia) see Aka Manah.

Akongo (Nagombe People, Africa)

Supreme god. This god once lived with people on earth or as some say, heaven. The turmoil created by humans was unbearable to him. He went off into the forest and has not been seen again. Akongo placed the giant Libanja in the east and the giant Songo in the west to hold up the sky with poles. When they let go of the poles it will be the end of the world. See also Amma; Nommo.

Akra (Persia) see Simurgh.

Akrura (India)

Chief Demon of Kansa’s Court. See also Kansa; Syamantaka.

Aksak (Chaco People, South America)

Creator. Beetle who created men and women from clay.

Akselloak (Eskimo) The good spirit of rocking stones.

Akshobhya Akshyobhya (Nepal), Aksobhya (Tibet); (Buddhist; India)

Also known as: Dhyani Buddha Gozanze-Myoo (Japan), Gozanze-Myoo (Japan), Heruka (wrathful aspect), Trailokyavijaya (terrible aspect).

Akshobhya, the god of consciousness, is the second of the Dhyani Buddhas (Buddhas of meditation). He is the guardian of the East. His consort (sakti) is Locana, known as the Buddha Eye and in some renditions, Mamaki. The Japanese deity, Gozanze-Myoo, one of the Godai-Myoo (Five Great Kings), is an aspect of Akshobhya and one of the protectors of Buddhism. In some traditions of Buddhism, particularly in Nepal, Akshobhya is said to originate from the blue syllable “Hum.” He is believed to represent the primordial cosmic element of Vijnana (consciousness). In Bardo, the Tibetan Buddhism after-death state, Akshobhya and Locana appear embracing. They are accompanied by two male bodhisattvas, Kshitigarbha the Essence of Earth and Maitreya the Loving One. There are also two females: Lasya, a bodhisattva of dance, and the bodhisattva Puspa, the goddess of flowers. The name Akshobhya means “Immovable.” Akshobhya has one face and two arms and is blue in color. He exhibits the bhusparsa mudra (pose), which is the earth-touching gesture. This gesture commemorates Gautama Buddha’s victory over temptation by the demon Mara. The right arm rests over the right knee. The palm is turned inward and the fingers extended downward with the middle fingers touching the ground. The left hand rests on the lap with the palm upward. This gesture is also characteristic of Sakyamuni. When represented in the shrine he always faces the east as this is the area he protects. His symbol is the thunderbolt, denoting spiritual and mystical power. His vehicle is a pair of elephants. His consort Locana’s color is blue. Her emblems are the kapala (skull cap) and vajra (thunderbolt). Her mudras are varada; the arm pendant, fingers extended outward, palm turned outward, and vitarka; the arm bent, fingers extended upward, except index finger, which touches the tip of the thumb, palm turned outward. The varada signifies charity and the vitarka signifies argument. The Buddha Eye, in this case, means spiritual awakening. See also Amida; Avalokitesvara; Bhaishajyaguru; Chandamaharoshana; Dhyani Buddhas; Gozanze-Myoo; Heruka; Maitreya; Mamaki; Mara; Prajnaparamita; Ratnasambhava; Trailokyavijaya; Vairocana; Vajrapani; Vajrasatwa.

Akshyobhya (Nepal) see Akshobhya.

Aksobhya (India) see Akshobhya.

Aktiophi (Greek) see Hecate.

Aku (Akkadian) see Agu.

Aku-Thor (Teutonic) see Thor.

Akua (Polynesia) see Atea.

Akuj (Kenya, Africa)

This benevolent deity may be consulted by anyone by throwing a sandal in the air. The way the sandal lands will indicate the answer to a question.

Akupara (Hindu, India)

The tortoise upon which the earth rests.

Akusaa (Egypt) Sunset goddess.

Akycha (Eskimo People, United States) God of the Sun.

Al (A) (Afghanistan)

A female of about twenty years old who feeds upon corpses. She has long nails and teeth and her feet are reversed.

Al (B) (Ugarit, Syria) see El.

Al Ait (Phoenician) God of fire.

Al-Amin (Arabic) see Mohammed.

Al-lat (Arabic) see Allat.

Al Ussa (Arabic) see Al-uza.

Al-Uza Al Ussa, Al-Uzza, AVuzzah (Arabic)

Also known as: Uzzah.

An early Arabic goddess, she formed a triad of desert goddesses with Allat and Menat. Some texts say she is a little known goddess who may represent the planet Venus. In other versions she is an angel whose idol was destroyed by Mohammed. She may have been a sky deity. See also Allat; Unsas.

Ala (A) (Arab) see Alilah; Allah.

Ala (B) Ale (Ibo People, Nigeria)

Also known as: Ane, Lawgiver of Society, Queen of the Dead.

Ala the earth mother is the creator of the living and queen of the underworld. A lawgiver and guardian of morality, her name is used in courts of law to uphold oaths. During planting first fruits and harvest, sacrifices are given at her sacred tree. She is sometimes depicted with a child.

Ala (C) (Sumer)

Bisexual demons who can be impregnated by humans.

Alaghom Naom Alaghom Naum (Gnostic)

Also known as: Iztat Ix, Mother of the Mind.

Alaghom Naom is the supreme goddess and mother of wisdom. She is the creator of mind and thought. Her spouse is the chief deity, Patol. See also Sophia-Prunikos.

Alah (Arabic) see Allat.

Alaisiagae (Teutonic)

Alaisiagae is a name for the goddesses of fate, the Valkyries (q.v.).

Alaka (India) Sacred City. See also Kuvera.

Alakaluf (Tierra del Fuego, South America)

Also known as: Ona, Vaghan.

Supreme deity. He is the spirit who created the world but it was refashioned by others. His abode is beyond the stars. Alakaluf never eats or drinks. If he is angered he can cause sickness of death.

Alakh (Khumbu-patas People, India)

Supreme god who revealed himself to the mendicant Govind, and 63 other disciples in the Himalayas in 1864. They worshipped a leader known as Bhima and his wife.

Alalus (Hittite, Hurrian)

Known as the father of the gods and the king of heaven, Alalus reigned for nine years until he was deposed by his son Anus. Upon leaving the heavenly throne, Alalus descended to Earth where he was fed by Kumarbis, the son of Anus, who later deposed his father. See also Anus; Kumbaris; Ullikummis.

Alambusha (India) see Apsarases.

Alan (Philippines) Deformed forest spirits.

Alastor (Greek)

He is the father of Alastor, who was killed in the Trojan war by Achilles.

Alat (Arabic) see Allat.

Alatuir (Slavic)

The waters under this sacred stone on the paradisaical island of Bouyan cured all illnesses. In later myths, Alatuir became the stone at the crossroads which warned of danger. That myth dissolved into the myth that Alatuir was the stone which served as the base for the Christian cross. See also Bouyan.

Alberich (Teutonic) see Andavari.

Albion (Greek) see Amphitrite.

Albiorix (Celtic)

Also known as: Rigisamos.

War god. Equivalent to Mars (Roman). His titles are “King of the World,” and “Most Royal.” See also Cocidius; Tuetates.

Albors, Mount (Persia) see Alburz, Mount.

Albunea (Greek) A local goddess who wasn’t too well known.

Alburz, Mount Albors, Mount (Persia)

This largest of the cosmic mountains developed over an eight hundred year span when evil plunged through the sky, into the waters, and up through the center of world. The intense quake that resulted caused the growth of Mount Alburz which spreads throughout the cosmos. The base is attached to the sky and the roots hold the earth together. From these roots, all other mountains are created. The peak of this mountain is Mount Tera, located in the middle of earth. Arezur ridge, the gateway to hell, is on the rim of the mountain. Shaken from their places in the universe by the arrival of evil, the sun, moon, and constellations began to revolve around the earth. They now enter the sky each day through one of the one hundred and eighty apertures on the east, and set through the one hundred and eighty apertures on the west side of the mountain. Beyond its peak lies Vourukasha the cosmic ocean. Mithra observes the world from his dwelling on Mount Alburz. See also Chinvat Bridge; Hariati (Mount); Mithra; Tree of Many Seeds; Vourkasha.

Alcaeus (A) (Greek)

He is the son of Perseus and Andromeda (qq.v). See also Gorgophone.

Alcaeus (B) (Greek)

Heracles’ name at birth. His son by Omphale, the queen of Lydia, was also named Alcaeus. Heracles was her slave for three years. They had two other children, Algelaos and Lamus. See also Heracles; Omphale.

Alcaeus (C) (Greek)

He ruled Thasos on the island of Paros with his brother, Sthenelus. They are the sons of the famous athlete, Androgeus.

Alcathous (A) (Greek)

King of Megara. He is the son of Pelops and Hippodamia. For family lineage, see Pelops. See also Calydonian Boar Hunt; Hippodamia (C); Pelops.

Alcathous (B) (Greek)

He is the son of Porthaon and Euryte. He died at the hands of his nephew, one of the Seven Against Thebes, Tydeus or by Oenomaus, the king of Pisa.

Alcemene (Greek)

Alcemene is the daughter of the king of Mycenae, Electryon, and Anaxo, the daughter of Alcaeus and Hipponome, or Electryon and Eurydice. Her first marriage was to Amphitryon. Her twin sons, Heracles and Iphicles have different fathers. Zeus is the father of Heracles. See also Eurydice (C).

Alcestis (Greek)

She is the daughter of Pelias, the king of Iolcus, and possibly Anaxibia, who is the daughter of Bias and Iphianassa. She married the kindly Argonaut Admetus, and became the mother of Eumelas, who won the chariot race at the funeral games of Achilles and Perimele. Alcestis volunteered to die in her husband’s place when he was ill. For details, see Admetus. See also Pelias; Savriti (B).

Alcides (Greek) Epithet of Heracles.

Alcimede (Greek)

She is the daughter of Phylacus and Clymene, who is the daughter of Minyas. The Argonaut Iphiclus is her brother. She married Aeson, the king of Thessaly and became the mother of the Argonaut Jason and possibly Promachus (some say Polymede is his mother). See also Clymene; Jason; Minyas.

Alcimenes (Greek)

He is the possible son of Jason the Argonaut and Medea, the sorceress. See Medea for the siblings of Alcimenes. See also Jason; Pheres (A).

Alcippe (A) (Greek)

Her parents are Ares, the god of war, and Agraulos. Her fraternal grandparents are the great god Zeus and the queen of heaven, Hera. See also Ares.

Alcippe (B) (Greek)

She is the possible mother of Oeneus by Ares. Some say Demonice is his mother.

Alcithoe (Greek) She is the daughter of Minyas (q.v.).

Alcis (Teutonic)

Sky gods; little known twin gods who may be connected with Castor and Pollux (Greek).

Alcmaon (Greek)

He is the son of Thestor and Megara. His siblings are the prophet Calchas, Leucippe and Theonoe. See also Calchas.

Alcmene (Greek) see Eurydice (C); Rhadamantus.

Alcyone (Greek)

She is one of six sisters and seven brothers who are the children of Aeolus and Enaret. See also Aeolus (A); Canace; Enaret.

Alcyoneus (Greek)

Alcyoneus, an evil giant, is the son of Gaea (the earth) born of the blood of the castrated Uranus. His brother, Porphyrion, was the leader of the giants. He and Alcyoneus were known as the strongest of the group. Alcyoneus lived in Pallene, a peninsula in the Aegean Sea. Using magic, he twice stole the sacred cattle belonging to Helius the sun god. Alcyoneus was invincible only if he stayed in his own area. During the battle of the giants and the gods on Mount Olympus, Heracles clubbed or shot him and then dragged him outside of his home territory and he died. In some renditions of this legend, Telamon accompanies Heracles on this adventure. Compare Alcyoneus to Antaeus. For the names of siblings see Giants. See also Aloeides; Gaea; Hippolytus (B); Lamia.

Aldoneus (Greek) see Hades.

Ale (Nigeria) see Ala (B).

Ale-im (Arabic; Hebrew) see Abram.

Alecto Alektro, Allecto (Greek)

Alecto is one of the Erinyes, the goddesses of retributive justice, and personifies of enduring hate. See also Erinyes.

Alegeus (Greek) see Andromeda.

Aleion (Phoenicia) Water Spirit. See also Aleyin.

Alektro (Greek) see Alecto.

Alemona (Roman)

The goddess Alemona is the “Guardian of the Fetus.”

Aletes (Greek) see Aegisthus.

Aletheia (Greek) see Aeons; Nous.

Alexander (Greek) Another name for Paris (q.v.).

Alevin (Greek) see Adonis.

Alexandra (Greek) see Cassandra.

Aleyin Aleion (Phoenicia)

Also known as: Aleyn Baal, Amurru, Baal of the Earth, Resheph (Egypt). (Akkadia, Babylonia, Canaan, Phoenicia, Sumer, Ugarit)

Aleyin is the god of clouds, winds, rain, spring, and possibly air or winter. He is the son of Ba’al and the brother of the goddess Anat. Aleyin acted as the intermediary between his father and Mot during their ongoing battle of death and resurrection. Described as a rider of the clouds, he is usually accompanied by seven companions and eight wild bears. As Amurru he is the brother of Qadesh. He is probably the same as Aleyn Baal. See also Anat; Baal; Marduk; Mot; Qadesh; Resheph.

Aleyn (Mesopotamian) see Aleyn-Baal.

Aleyn-Baal Aleyn (Akkadian, Babylonian, Canaanite, Phoenician, Sumerian, Ugarit)

Also known as: Baal, Baal Hammon (Carthage), Baalshamin, Ba’al-zehub (Canaan, Phoenicia, Ugarit), Bel (Akkadian, Babylonian, Sumerian), Hadad, Marduk, Melkart.

“God of the Waters.” Storm and Weather God. He has four hundred and fifty prophets and four hundred priestesses. He perishes at the coming of every summer. See also Aleyin; Ba’alzebub; Baal; Hadad.

Alf (Teutonic) see Dwarfs.

Alf-heim (Teutonic) see Alfheim.

Alfadir (Teutonic) see Odin.

Alfadur (Teutonic) see Odin; Ragnarok.

Alfar (Norse; Teutonic)

There are two groups of Alfar, both dwarfs. One group, the artistic Liosalfar are light elves who live in Alfheim and are ruled by Freyr. The other group, known as evil elves, are the Dockalfar. They live in the underground in Svart-alfa-heim, and are ruled by Wayland the Smith. See also Alfheim; Alvis; Dwarfs; Elves; Freyr; Sindri; Svart-Alfa-Heim.

Alfheim Alf-heim, Alvheim (Norse; Teutonic)

Also known as: Ljosalfaheim.

Alfheim, located in Asgard between heaven and earth is the home of the Liosalfar, or light elves. It is also the abode of Freyr as king of the Alfar. Alfheim is near the sacred well of the Norns at the root of the sacred tree, Yggdrasil. The evil dwarfs live in Svart-alfa-heim. In later myths from England and France, the king of dwarfs was known as Oberon and he ruled along with his wife, Titania. See also Alfar; Andvari; Asgard; Svart-Alfa-Heim; Yggdrasil.

Alfhild (Scandinavia)

Alfhild is a young goddess who dressed as a male warrior to avoid marriage to King Alf. They engaged in battle and found that they were equals in strength. She then agreed to wed him.

Alfrigg (Norse; Teutonic)

He is one of four dwarfs who are gods of smiths. The others are Berling, Dvalin and Grerr. Freyja slept with all four in order to procure the “Necklace of the Brisings.” See also Freyja, Loki.

Algue (Araucanian People, Chile) see Akanet.

Ali (A) (Teutonic) see Vali.

Ali (B)

Also known as: Abu-Turab, Ali ibn, Haidar, Murtaza. (Islamic, Shi’a sect)

The son of Abu Talib, Ali is the cousin of Mohammed, and the husband of Mohammed’s daughter Fatimah. Their marriage ceremony was celebrated in heaven with the archangel Jibril acting as the bride’s guardian. The couple became the parents of two sons, Hassan (also called Hasan and Al-Hasan) and Husayn (also spelled Hussein). Ali became the second Muslim. Mohammed’s wife, Khadija, was the first Muslim. In the Shi’a tradition, Ali is known as the person who received the testament of Mohammed when the prophet knew that death was imminent. See Alah; Mohammed.

Alidat (Babylonyian, Canaanite, Semitic) see Ashtoreth.

Alignak (Eskimo)

Also known as: Aningan, Anningan.

He is the god of the moon, god of the falling snow, storms, eclipses, earthquakes and tides. He is also the protector of animals, the disinherited, and orphans. He can cure sterility in women. Alignak is a ward against the mighty anger of Sedna, goddess of the sea. See also Pinga; Sedna.

Aliki (Hawaii) see Kariki.

Alilah (Arabic)

Also known as: Ala, Allah.

Supreme deity. Ancient deity of the Northern Arabians. In some versions he is the mate of Allat. He is similar to El and Jehovah. Alilah later became Allah.

Alilat (Arabic, Babylonia).

Also known as: Alilta, Halitta, Ilat.

Alilat is a mother goddess, and an earth goddess. She is also thought to be a war goddess similar to Athena. The name Alilat is another name for the early Arabic mother goddess, Ilat. The Greek sage, Herodotus, claimed that Aphrodite was called Alilat. See also Al-Uza; Alilah (A); Aphrodite; Athena; Ilat.

Alilta (Arabic, Babylonia) see Allath.

Alinda (Aborigine People, Australia)

Also known as: The Moon Man.

A god of death. He and Dirima the parrot fish man killed each other and the spirit of Alinda transformed himself into the moon. He decreed that all living things must die, but he would die for only three days, then return to move across the sky. Each dead moon drops into the sea and becomes the empty shell of the nautilus. In a sense he also controls the tides. At high tide the water rushes to fill the moon, then drains back into the ocean until the moon is empty and the ocean is at low tide. See also Purukupali.

Alittu (Mesopotamia) see Ashtoreth.

Aliyan (Canaan)

Son of Baal. Husband of Anat. He was killed by Mot.

Alka (Lapp) see Akha.

Alkuntam (Bella Coola People, Canada)

Also known as: Alkuntam, All-Father.

Great sky-god. Alkuntam is the highest in the hierarchy of deities. With the assistance of Senx, (the sun), mortals were created. The mother of Alkuntam is a cannibal (mosquito) who inserts her long nose into the ears of men and sucks out their brains.

All-Father (Teutonic) see Yggdrasil.

All Swift (Teutonic) see Alsvid.

Allah (Mohammedanism, Islamic; South Arabia)

Also known as: Ala, Alilah.

Sole divinity. The name may derive from Ailiah, a god of Arabia’s pre-Islamic, polytheistic tradition. Similar to El, II, Ilah, Jehova. Certain descriptions of Allah seem to draw upon pre-Islamic tradition as well, especially the characteristics of certain moon deities such as Ilmugah, Kahil, Shaker, Wadd, and Warah. See also Aliliah; El.

Allat Alat, Ilat

Also known as: Alah (Babylonia), Al-Lat, Allath, Allatu, Asa (Syria), Beltis-Allat, El-Lat, Ellat (Sumer), Hallat, Lat (local name), Sad (masculine form); (Arabic, Assyria, Assyro-Babylonia, Chaldea, Sumer).

As Allat, the Nabataean mother goddess, she is called the Queen of Heaven; she is a fate deity, and a defender of cities. She is the morning and evening star. As the morning star, she is a goddess of war. As the evening star, she is the patron of love and prostitutes. Her attributes are a turreted crown and a cornucopia. In pre-Islamic Arabia, she was worshiped by the Arabic people in the form of a large stone. Under the stone, (housed in a wooden structure), precious stones were kept. She was the patron of travelers. Trees in the area were sacred to her (the Valley of Wajj). Allat is one of three desert goddess worshiped by the Arab people before Islam. She was later condemned by the Koran. The other two are Al-Uza and Menat. As a triad, they are known as Unsas. Some think that there is a connection between the Unsas and Arabic angels. She may be the same as the earlier Arabic goddess, Ilat (q.v.). She is comparable to the Semite sun goddess Samas. Compare Allat and Aphrodite (Greek), and Allat and Tyche (Greek). See also Al-Uza; Allah; Allatu; Astarte (Phoenician); Athena (Greek); Ereshkigal; Ishtar; Quadesh (Egypt); Unsas.

Allath (Arabic) see Allat.

Allatu

Also known as: Beltis-Allat (Chaldea), Ereshkigal (Mesopotamia).

Allatu with her mate the god of pestilence and fever, Nergal, rules the underworld, Arallu. Her messenger is Namtaru. Allatu, also the goddess of copulation, is depicted with the body of a woman, the head of a lioness, and the talons of a bird of prey. In each hand she holds a serpent. She is shown suckling two lions. Her name Ereshkigal was borrowed from the Sumerian people of Babylonia. She is thought to be the same as the Phoenician Astarte and the Babylonian Ishtar. She parallels the Greek Persephone. (The name and mythology of Allatu is sometimes attributed to Allat, and vice versa.) See also Allat; Anat; Arallu; Ereshkigal, Ilat; Ishtar; Kore; Namtaru; Nergal; Persephone; Tyche.

Allecto (Greek) see Erinyes.

Allfather (Teutonic) see Ginnunga-gap; Odin.

Alloprosallos (Greek) see Ares.

Almus (Greek) see Sisyphus.

Aloadae (Greek) see Aloeides.

Aloeidae (Greek) see Aloeides.

Aloeides Aloadae, Aloeidae (Greek)

The twin giants, Otus and Ephialtes are known as the Aloeides. They are the children of Iphimedeia and the sea god Poseidon or Aloeus. Some say that Canace was their mother. The noble-looking giants grew a fathom a year. At a very young age, they abducted Ares, the god of war, and imprisoned him in brass chains. They were devoted to one another. Their mischief and constant bragging pressed the nerves of Zeus. He decided to shut them up by hurling a thunderbolt at them but was dissuaded by Poseidon. They stayed on good behavior for a short time and then decided to abduct the warrior goddess Artemis. She appeared to them in the shape of a white doe. They chased her over land and sea and finally caught her in an open space. One brother was in front of her and the other at her back. Artemis darted around and when they threw their javelins, neither saw the other. They each died by the other’s hand. In another tradition, the twins were nine years old when they fought the gods and were killed by Apollo and Artemis. Otus and Ephialtes were the first mortals to worship the Muses of Helicon. See also Alcyoneus; Aloeus; Antaeus; Ares; Canace; Giants; Iphimedeia (A); Muses.

Aloeus (Greek)

He is the son of Poseidon and Canace, or some say Uranus and Gaea (the earth). As the son of Poseidon and Canace, he is the brother of Epopeus, Hopleus, Nireus and Triopas. He married his brother’s daughter, Iphimedeia, and became the father of Pancratis. With his second wife, Eeriboea, either he or Poseidon became the father of the Aloeides. See also Aloeides; Athamas; Canace; Cretheus; Epopeus; Giants; Iphimedeia (A); Poseidon.

Aloka Aloke Nang-sal-ma (Tibet) see Avalokitesvara.

Aloke (Tibet) see Aloka.

Alom (Maya)

Also known as: Hunahpuguch.

Creator. One of the regents who attempted to create men. The others were Tzakol, Bitol and Qaholom (also known as Cajolom). See also Hunahpu; Tzakol.

Aloros (Greek) see Alulim (Sumerian).

Alphaeus (Greek) see Alpheus.

Alphee (Greek) see Alpheus.

Alpheios (Greek) see Alpheus.

Alpheius (Greek) see Alpheus.

Alpheous (Greek) see Alpheus.

Alphesiboea (Greek) see Adonis.

Alpheus Alphaeus, Alphee, Alpheios, Alpheous, Alpheius (Greek)

A river god. Alpheus was one of the three thousand sons of Oceanus and Tethys and a brother of the three thousand Oceanids. He was said to be the father of Orsilochus. As the principal river of Elis, Alpheus saw the nymph Arethusa bathing in his water and changed into human form to pursue her. She fled from him and possibly with the assistance of the goddess of hunting, Artemis, she was transformed into a spring a great distance away from Alpheus. Undaunted, he became a river again and flowed along until he found her and was able to merge with her waters. In some legends, Heracles used the waters of Alpheius in his labors when he had to flush out the Augeian stables. To compare to other river gods, see Achelous, Acheron, Asopus, Cephissus, Cocytus, Inanchus, Rivers, Oceanus. See also Artemis; Heracles.

Alphito (Greek)

Barley or grain goddess. Ancient deity who could be the same as Dione. See also Aphrodite; Dione.

Alrinach (Eastern Europe)

This demon is associated with shipwrecks. It is shown in the form of an old woman.

Als (Armenia, Babylonia, Persia)

Aspects of known as: Al (singular), Alu (Babylonia).

Originally the Als were disease demons. In later times they became childbirth demons who abduct babies from the womb at seven months. They cause blindness to the unborn and miscarriages. Their homes are made in damp, dark corners of stables or houses. They are half-beast, half-human and can be male or female. Als have fingernails of brass, iron teeth, and snakelike hair. They carry iron scissors. Sometimes they are depicted with the tusks of a boar. The king of the Als is chained away in a deep, dark place where he wails continuously. To keep his cohorts away, the woman must surround herself with iron implements. The Babylonian Alu is said to crush men while they are sleeping. Similar to the Jewish Lilith, the Greek Lamia and the Armenian Thepla. See also Ahhazu; Aluqa; Jinn.

Alsvid Alsvider, Alsvinn, Alswid (Norse; Teutonic)

Also known as: All Swift, Hrim-faxi (possibly).

Alsvid, meaning “All Swift” and his companion, Aarvak, meaning “Early Waker,” are the horses that pull the sun chariot of Sol along its course. See also Aarvak; Nat (B); Pegasus (Greek); Sol (B); Svalin.

Alsvider (Teutonic) see Alsvid.

Alsvinn (Teutonic) see Alsvid.

Alswid (Teutonic) see Alsvid.

Altan-Telgey (Mongolian) Earth Goddess.

Althaea (Greek) see Althea.

Althaemenes (Greek) see Acacallis; Pasiphae.

Althaia (Greek) see Althea.

Althea Althaea, Althaia (Greek)

Probably a mother or earth goddess. In legend Althea was the mother of Atabyrius (the pagan Hebrew deity who was represented as the golden calf). She is also known in Greek mythology as the daughter of Thestius and Eurythemis. Her siblings are Hypermnestra, Leda and Plexippus. She became the wife of her uncle Oeneus, and mother of Meleager by Oeneus or possibly Ares. Some say she is the mother of Deianeira (Deianira), Gorge and Toxeus by Dionysus. She may also be the mother of Tyedeus and may possibly have had a son by Poseidon. When her son Meleager was born the Fates predicted a hero’s future for him but Atropos foresaw his death if a brand burning in the fire was not extinguished. Althea removed the brand and hid it. Meleager joined the Argonauts when he was so young that his father sent his cup-bearer, Meleager’s uncle, Laocoon, along to care for him. He went on to marry Cleopatra and became the father of Polydora. When Artemis in anger sent the Calydonian Boar to ravage his father’s lands, he led the hunt, killed the monster and was awarded the skin for a trophy. During the hunt he met and fell in love with the Arcadian huntress Atalanta and it is possible that he may have fathered Parthenopaeus. According to Homer, a fight developed between the Curetes, who felt they should have the boar skin, and the Calydonians. Meleager killed his mother’s brothers and quit fighting when Althea became angry with him. Without his leadership, the Curetes attempted to scale the walls of Calydon. Cleopatra urged him to put aside his anger and act on behalf of the city, which he did and died during the ensuing battle. In another version, Meleager gave the prized boarskin to his love, Atalanta, rousing the ire of his uncles who tried to wrest it from her. Angered, Meleager killed them thus infuriating Althea, who remembered the prophecy of Atropos. She pulled out the brand, rekindled it and watched her son die an agonizing death. Remorseful, she then hung herself. Grief-stricken, Cleopatra also committed suicide. The remaining women in the house of Oeneus were turned into guinea fowl by the revengeful Artemis. Some say she is represented by a flower. See Calydonian Boar Hunt for details about her husband Oeneus. See also Ares; Artemis; Atropos; Fates.

Altjira (Arunta People, Australia)

The All-Father or Sky Dweller, is indifferent to mortals. His voice is like thunder and he has the feet of an emu.

Alu (Babylonian, Sumerian)

Alu is a wicked devil who covers a man like a garment and smothers him. Alu is also one of twelve devils mentioned along with Lilith. The Alu are in the same category as the Als (q.v.). See also Ahhazu; Aluqa; Lilith; Utukku.

Alukah (Canaanite) see Ereshkigal.

Alulei (Marshall Islands, Micronesia)

Also known as: Aluluei.

God of Navigators. He is the son of Palulop. His two brothers are Big Rong and Little Rong. His children are Longorik and Longolap. Alulei has two faces, one looking forward and one looking back. Rata (Polynesia) is similar to Alulei. He is associated with the carpenter god, Solang. See also Palulop.

Alulim (Sumerian)

Also known as: Aloros (Greek).

First man. He descended from the celestial realm and became one of the antediluvian kings. He ruled earth before the flood for either 28,000 or 67,000 years depending on the myth. He corresponds to Adam (Hebrew).

Aluluei (Micronesia) see Alulei.

Aluqa (Arabic)

A seductive female demon who is known to suck her victim’s blood after intercourse. Exhausted, he commits suicide. See also Als.

Al’uzzah (Arabic) see Al-Uza.

Alvheim (Teutonic) see Alfheim.

Alvis Alviss (Teutonic)

Also known as: All Knowing Wise Dwarf.

He is a dwarf who was turned into a stone by Odin or Thor because he had the temerity to woo Thor’s daughter, Thrud. Alvis lives in the underground caves. He promised that he could marry Thor’s daughter. When he went to get his bride he was detained by Thor who asked him questions until daybreak. He was forced to leave alone. See also Alfar; Thor; Thrud.

Alxion (Greek) see Oenamaus.

Am (Egypt) see Amen (B).

Am-Beseku (Egypt) see Assessors.

Am-Kehuu (Egypt) see Tcheser-tep-f; Unas.

Am-Khaibetu (Egypt) see Assessors.

Am-Mit Am-mut (Egypt) see Amit.

Door guard in the Fourth Hour of Tuat. The goddess Ammit consumes souls with fire from her mouth. See also Sekhemus.

Am-Senf (Egypt) see Assessors.

Am-Sit (Egypt) see Amset.

Am-Ta (Egypt) A name for Sekhem.

Ama (A) (Sumerian)

Also known as: Mama, Mami.

Mother goddess. Probably derived from Ana. Similar to Ariadne, Arianrhod, Athena, Marian, and Marianna.

Ama (B) (Teutonic) see Amma (B); Eire.

Ama (C) (Japan) see Ama NoUzume; Ama-tsu-Kami; Kami.

Ama (D) (India) see Parvati.

Ama-Amta (Egypt) A name for Sekhem.

Ama-No-Hashadate (Japan) see Izanami; Kami.

Ama No Hashidate (Japan) see Kami.

Ama-No-Hohi (Japan) see Ame no-Oshido-Mimi.

Ama-No-Kagaseo (Japan) see Amatsu-mikaboshi.

Ama-no-minaka-nushi Ama-no-minakanushi-no-Kami, Ame-no-minaka-nushiy (Shinto; Japan)

Also known as: Kuni-toko-tachi no mikoto (Eternal Land Ruler).

Supreme deity. Ama-no-minaka-nushi (Heavenly Central Lord) is the head of the triad known as the three creator Kami who sprang from chaos (darkness). The secondary deities are Taka-mimusubi (High Producing), and Kamu-mimusubi, (Divine or Mysterious Producing). These deities are also called Kuni no sa-tsuchi no Mikoto (Land of Right Soil of Augustness) and Toyo-kumu-no Mikoto (Rich Form Plain of Augustness). It is thought that Taka-mimusubi represents Kami-rogi (the Divine-Male) and Kamu-mimusbi represents Kami-romi (the Divine-Female). In some traditions, Ama-no-minaka-nushi and Taka-mimusubi are one and the same. The next deities were Uhiji-ni no Mikoto (Mud Earth) and Suhiji-ni no Mikoto also called Suhiji-ne no Mikoto (Sand Earth). They were followed by Oho-to nochi no Mikoto (Great After Door) and Oho-to mahe no Mikoto (Great Before Door). The next deities were Omo-taru no Mikoto (Face Pleasing) and Kashiko-ne no Mikoto (Awful) also called Aya-Kashiko-ne no Mikoto, Imi kashiki no Mikoto, or Awo-kashiki-ne no mikoto, or Ayakashiki no Mikoto. The next deities were Izanagi (Male-who-Invites), and Izanami (Female-who-Invites). In other traditions, Taka-mimusubi and Kamu-mimusubi appeared after Izanagi and Izanami and Taka-mimusubi was their child. These deities are known as celestial deities, Ama-tsu-Kami (Gods of Heaven). The mission of Izanagi and Izanami was to unite and give birth to earthly manifestations, known as Kuni-tsu-Kami. The first created was the Japanese archipelago, followed by Kami; nature, food and fire. Kami is all things that were produced; Kami is the forces of nature. Izanagi and Izanami brought into being the divine rulers of the world. Known as their children, they were Ama-terasu Ohmi-Kami, also known as Amaterasu (Heaven-Illumining Goddess), Tsukiyomi-no-mikato (Moon-Ruler) and Takehaya Susanowo (Valiant-Swift-Impetuous-Hero). The Kojiki (“Records of Ancient Matters”), is the oldest chronicle in Japan. It was written in C.E. 712 by Futo no Yasumuro, the court noble. The Kojiki records the earliest doctrines of Shinto mythology concentrating primarily on the age of the gods. In C.E. 720 the Nihongi (“Chronicles of Japan”) further recorded the myths of the land and included the reigns of the emperors. Mythology and history entwined called the mythical Jimmu Tenno (Sun of Heaven) a great-grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu. He was also credited with being the founder of the empire. All following emperors dated from him and were called divine. In 1946 the emperor Hirohito renounced his divinity. The deities created after the triad emerged from chaos up to and including Izanagi and Izanami are known as the Seven Generation Deities. See also Amaterasu; Amatsu-Mikaboshi, Hiruko; Izanagi and Izanami, Jimmu Tenno; Kami; Kamu-Mimusubi; Susanowo; Takama-no-hara; Three Goddesses of Munakata; Tsuki-Yomi.

Ama-no-Minakanushi-no-Kami (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.

Ama-no-oshiho-Mimi (Japan) see Ame-no-Oshido-Mimi.

Ama-no-Saug-Me (Japan) see Ame no-Oshido-Mimi.

Ama-no-Uki-Hashi (Japan) see Izanami.

Ama No Uzume (Japan) see Ame-no-uzume.

Ama-no-Uzume Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto (Heavenly Alarming Female), (Shinto; Japan)

Also known as: Ama, Otafuku, Udzume, Uzume.

Fertility goddess. Shaman. When the sun goddess Amaterasu descended into the cave named Ame-no-Iwato (Rock Cave of Heaven), she left the universe in darkness. The eight hundred myriad of deities convened to create a plan which would entice her back into the world. The plan included a boisterous dance by the goddess Ama-no-Uzume to be performed at the mouth of the cave. Caught up in the passion of her dance, Ama-no-Uzume stamped loudly on the ground, lowered her skirt and exposed her breasts. Uproarious laughter from the audience of deities piqued Amaterasu’s curiosity. She could not understand the frivolity on the outside when she was secreted in the depths of the cave. They had after all, been saddened by her absence and the resulting darkness, and until now, had been wooing her in attempts to persuade her to leave the cave. She glanced out to investigate, caught sight of herself in a mirror and attracted by her beautiful image stepped out of the cave, bringing light back into the world. This dance became known as the karuga, a pantomimic dance performed at Shinto festivals. The Sarume, an ancient family ruled by female Kimi (a hereditary title), are said to have descended from Ama-no-Uzume. The members of the family performed in ritual dances at court. Later, as recorded in the “Kojiki,” Ama-no-Uzume was requested by Amaterasu to accompany her grandson Ninigi to earth. Her function was to deal with possible enemies. On earth she encountered the hostile giant Saruta-biko and was able to woo and enchant him with her beauty and gestures. In the translation of the Nihongi by Aston, Ama-no-Uzume bares herself before Saruta-biko whom some say she married. The karuga represents the planting of the seed and awaiting the return of the summer sun to nourish its growth. The mirror known as Kagami and also Yata-Kayami was created by the goddess Ishikoridome-no-Mikoto. See also Amaterasu; Kami; Ninigi.

Ama-terasu-o-Kami (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Ama-terasu-o-mi-Kami-meno Mikoto (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Ama-terasu Ohmi-Kami (Japan) see Ama-no-minakanushi; Amaterasu.

Ama-terasu-Oho-hiru-me no Mikoto (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Ama-tsu-Kami (Japan)

Also known as: Kami, Kuni-tsu-Kami.

Celestial deities. The Ama-tsu-Kami are the celestial deities who reside in Takama-no-hara (abode of the gods). Their earthly counterparts are known as Kuni-tsu-Kami. For the Shinto creation myth, see Ama-no-minaka-nushi. See also Ama-no-minka-nushi; Kami; Takama-no-hara.

Ama-tsu-mika-hoshi (Japan) see Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto.

Ama-Tu-piko-nasgisa-take-u-Gaya-puki-apezu-no-mikoto (Japan) see Jimmu Tenno; Toyo-Tama-Bime.

Ama-Tu-Pikone-no-mikoto (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Ama-waka-hiko (Japan) see Ame-no-Oshido-Mimi.

Amaethon Amathaon (British, Celtic, Welsh)

God of Agriculture. He is the son of Don and Beli. His siblings are Govannon, Llud and possibly Gwydion. He is credited with bringing domestic animals to earth from the “land of the gods.” See also Amathaon; Llud.

Amagandar (Tungus People, Africa)

Also known as: Orokannar.

Family of protective female spirits of happiness.

Amahraspands (Persian) see Amesha Spentas.

Amairgin (Celtic) see Amergin.

Amaite-Rangi (Mangaia Island, Polynesia)

A male sky demon. See also Ngaru.

Amalivaca (Orinoco River People, South America)

He is the culture hero who taught the people the arts of life and agriculture.

Amalthaea (Greek) see Amaltheia.

Amalthea (Greek) see Amaltheia.

Amaltheia (A) Amalthaea, Amalthea (Greek)

Also known as: Sibyl (Roman).

A goat. Raised by Pan, Amaltheia is the goat who suckled the infant Zeus in a cave at Lyktos on the island of Crete. One of her horns flowed with ambrosia (a cornucopia) and her other horn flowed with nectar. After her death Zeus kept the horn filled with golden fruit from the Garden of Hesperides to honor Amaltheia. It became known as the “Horn of Plenty.” He used her hide to cover his shield and it became known as the Aegis. It is said that in later times he hung the goat and horn in the sky and it is now known as the constellation of Capricorn. Legend associates Amalthea with Adrastia and Ida as a moon-triad. For goat-related legends, see Aegipan, Aegis, Aegisthus. See also Achelous; Adrastia; Aegis; Amaltheia (B); Cornucopia; Ida; Pan; Zeus.

Amaltheia (B) (Greek)

She is the daughter of the king of Crete, Melissus, and sister of Melissa. This Amaltheia may have fed Zeus the milk from the goat Amaltheia. See also Amaltheia (A).

Amaltheia (C) (Roman)

She is referred to as the Cumaean Sibyl, the prophetess of the Sibylline oracles of Rome. She owned and possibly wrote the nine books of oracular advice. Three of the nine books remained in the Temple of Jupiter until it was destroyed by fire in 83 B.C.E.

Amaltheia (D) (Roman)

She is also known as Deiphobe, Demo, Demophile or Herophile. See also Sibyl.

Amam (Egypt) see Amit.

Amam-Mitu (Egypt)

One of the seven goddess who minister to Osiris in the Second Hour of the Night. See also Shesat Maket Neb-S; Tuat.

Amam-ta (Egypt) see Aai.

Amamet (Egypt) see Amit.

Amamet the Devourer (Egypt) see Amit.

Aman (A) (Egypt) see Amen (B).

Aman (B) (Japan) see Shichi Fukujin.

Amanki

Also known as: Enki (Babylonian).

A water god, Amanki is an aspect of the Sumerian god Enki (q.v.).

Amano-Iwato (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Amanoro (Armenian) Spring goddess.

Amaravati Devapura (City of Gods) (Hindu; India)

Amaravati is the capital city in the celestial kingdom of Swarga. Located on the eastern spur of Meru Mountain, it is said to have a thousand gates and contains fruits of all seasons, jewels and other objects of pleasure. Temperatures do not exist, nor does depression or sadness. The lovely Apsarases add to the beauty of the city. This land of bliss is Indra’s heaven; it is the land of fallen warrior heroes or those who perform penance and sacrifice. The name means “Full of Ambrosia.” Compare to Valhalla (Teutonic). See also Ambrosia; Apsarases; Swarga; Visvakarma.

Amardad (Persia) see Ameretat; Haurvatat.

Amarud (Babylonian) see Marduk.

Amarudu (Babylonian) see Marduk.

Amaruduk (Babylonian) see Marduk; Nimrod.

Amashilamma (Sumerian) Cow Goddess.

Amaterasu (Buddhist, Shinto; Japan) Ama-terasu-o-mi-Kami, Ama-terasu-o-mi-Kami (the Heaven-great-shining-Kami), Ama-terasu Ohmi-Kami, Ama-terasu-Oho-hiru-me No Mikoto, Amaterasu-Oho-hiru-me, Amaterasu-Oho-mi-Kami, Amaterasu-omi-gami, Shimmei.

Also known as: Oho-hiru-me No Muchi (Great Noon Female of Possessor or Great Mistress of the Day), Ten-sho-dai-jin, Tenshodaijin, Tenshoko-daijin, Tenshokodaijin.

Amaterasu is a sun goddess, the founder of sericulture, the guardian of agriculture, the deity of peace and order and the ancestor of the ruling family. She is the daughter of Izanagi and Izanami. She rules the realm of light on ama (heaven) and earth and the Plain to Heaven. She is the sister of the storm god Susanowo (also known as Takehaya Susanowo, Valiant-Swift-Impetuous-Hero) and the moon ruler and ruler of the night, Tsuki-Yomi. Her younger sister, Wakahiru-Me (Wakahirume), is possibly a solar deity. She is the weaver who assisted Amaterasu in weaving garments for the gods in the Plain of Heaven. (See Amatsu-Mikaboshi.) In some traditions, she has an older brother, Hiruko. When Amaterasu was a young goddess, her father, Izanagi, gave her a necklace of jewels named Mi-kuratana-no-Kami, which was an emblem of fertility. She offered her son Ama-No-Oshido-Mimi the opportunity to rule the earth. When he saw the confusion on the planet, he refused to leave the celestial realm. She is the mother of the goddesses Takiri-bime-no-mikoto, Ikiti-simapime-no-mikoto also named Sa-yori-bime-no-mikoto, and Takitu-pime-no-mikoto. Her other sons are Masa-katu-a-katu-kati-paya-pi-Ame-no-oso-po-Mimi-no-mikoto, Ame-no-po-pi-no-mikoto, Ama-Tu-Pikone-no-mikoto, Iku-Tu-Pikone-nomikoto and Kumano-kusubi-no-mikoto. She also has a favored grandson, Ninigi, who was destined to become the ruler of Izuwo province. After her brother, Susanowo, committed atrocities against her, Amaterasu withdrew into a cave and took the light of the world with her. During this period, many evil demons conducted underhanded activities without observation. A multitude of deities approached the cave named Ame-no-Iwato (Sky-Rock-Cave) to show their support and to persuade the goddess to bring her light back to the heavens and earth. Finally they resorted to a plan suggested by the god Hoard Thoughts. A mirror named Kagami (also called Yata-Kayami) and a necklace were hung in a tree. The goddess Ame-no-uzume-no-mikoto, also known as Ama-no-Uzume (Heavenly Alarming Female) performed a frenzied dance called the Kagura. She became boisterous and stripped off her clothing, causing glee in the audience. The gods howled with laughter. Curious, the sun goddess peeked out to investigate the commotion. She was told that they had found a more beautiful woman to take her position. She caught sight of the reflection of a beautiful woman in the mirror and cautiously moved closer to examine it. Several deities apprehended the goddess. Tajikaroo (Prince Mighty Power) placed a barrier made of straw rope named Shiri-kume-na-nawa (Don’t Retreat-Rope) across the entrance to the cave. The light of the world returned and overcame darkness. Other deities involved in convincing her to shine were Ame-no-tajikara-wo and Tuto-Tamu. Dignified, honest, meek in temper, Amaterasu was a brilliant and wise ruler. Besides protecting rice fields, she invented and constructed irrigation canals, organized religious rites, and wove clothing for the gods. In some traditions of her following, she is associated with the god Taka-mi-musubi, (High Producing). He accompanies her as her hidden or higher entity. She also has a female companion, a food goddess, Toyo-uke-no-Kami (Abundance-Bounty Goddess) also known as Toyo-uke-hime (Plentiful-Food-August). Though shrines have been dedicated to her, little is known about her and her origin is disputed. The monk Gyogi (670–749) initiated an offshoot of Shinto, known as Ryobu-Shinto and proclaimed that Amaterasu and Buddha were the same. The name Ten-sho-dai-jin is a current name used for Amaterasu. Amaterasu is depicted as a beautiful woman. The cock is her sacred bird as it greets the morning sun. As well as a sun symbol, the cock is the emblem of vigilance and activity. In early times, a sacred crow named Yata-Garasu, who had several feet, was her messenger. (See Jimmu Tenno for crow symbolism.) She owned three divine rice fields, the Easy-Rice-Field-of-Heaven, the Level-Rice-Field-of-Heaven, and the Village-Join-Rice-Field-of-Heaven. She also developed the art of raising silkworms. The sacred mirror is the symbol of purity. The necklace is a symbol of fertility and spiritual power. One of the rites of worship of the sun goddess is the dance known as the Kagura. It is one of the oldest of the Japanese dances and was later the basis for the No dramas. During an eclipse, another ceremony of the sun goddess is performed. Participants gather and clash metal objects together to signify the occasion when Amaterasu peeked out of the cave to discover why it was so noisy. A great shrine was dedicted to this goddess in the province of Ise. The founder of sericulture, Amaterasu put silkworms in her mouth and reeled silk from them. The goddess Ukemochi had at this time already produced the silkworm from her eyebrows. The act of weaving symbolizes creation and life which represents accumulation, multiplication, and growth. Straw rope is tied around trees at Shinto shrines. At Amaterasu’s principal shrine in Ise, the rope stretches across a ravine through which the sun is seen at dawn. For the Shinto creation myth, see Ama-no-minaka-nushi. For details of her birth, see Izanagi and Izanami. For details of her brother’s outrageous behavior toward her, see Susanowo. See also Ninigi (her grandson), Hikohohodemi (her great-grandson), Hosuseri (her great-grandson), Jimmu-Tenno (her great-great grandson). She is sometimes identified as an aspect of Amita (Amida). She is sometimes identified with Dainachi Nyorai (an aspect of Buddha). Compare Amaterasu’s necklace (Mi-kura-tana-no-Kami) to the Teutonic goddess Freyja’s necklace (Brisinga-men) and the Greek Amazon goddess Hippolyte’s girdle. For details of the sacred treasures of Shintoism, see Susanowo. Compare to Kami-mimusubi, who collected the seeds for food produced by Ogetsu-hime-no-Kami. For the origins of Amaterasu’s food supply, see Ukemochi. See also Ama-no-Uzume; Ame-no-Oshido-Mimi; Haya-ji; Ishikoridome-no-Mikoto; Kusanagi; Ninigi; Okuni-Nushino-Mikoto; Sengen, Take-mi-kazuchi; Three Goddesses of Munakata; Toyo-Tama-Bime.

Amaterasu-Oho-hiru-me (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Amaterasu-Oho-mi-kami (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Amaterasu-omi-gami (Japan) see Amaterasu or Ama-Terasu-Oho-Hiru-Me No Mikoto.

Amaterasu Takehaya Susanowo (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.

Amathaon Amatheon (Celtic)

The son of Anu, he is a wizard who taught his art to his brother Gwydion. When Amathaon stole a dog and a roebuck from Arawn, a fight broke out between Arawn and Gwydion which became known as “The Battle of the Trees.” See also Anu (A); Arawn; Gwydion.

Amathaounta Amathaunta (Egypt, Sumer)

Also known as: Ashima.

She is a goddess of the sea.

Amathaunta (Egypt) see Amathaounta.

Amatheon (Celtic) see Amathaon.

Amatsu-Mikaboshi (Early Shinto; Japan)

Also known as: Ama-no-kagaseo (The Brilliant Male).

God of Evil. God of Stars.

Amatsu-Mikaboshi (The August Star of Heaven) in early times was later identified with the Pole Star, Myo-ken, and later assimilated with Ama-no-Minaka-nushi (The Heavenly Central Lord), the head of the triad who sprang from Chaos. The Nigongi speaks of Amatsu-Mikaboshi. See also Ama-no-Minaka-nushi.

Amatsu-Otome (Japan)

Japanese angels. They are all young, virgin females. Carvings of Buddhist angels from the Asuka period (C.E. 552 to C.E. 645) hang from a canopy in the Kondo (Golden Hall) at Horyu-ji, in Nara, Japan. See also Apsarases (India).

Amatupiko-Pikonagisa (Japan) see Toyo-Tama-Bime.

Amayicoyondi (Pericu People, North American) Sky Mother.

Amazons (Greek, Scythian)

Also known as: Aior-pata, Kakasians, Sauromatai.

Hunters and warrior women. The Scythians thought of them as Airo-pata or “man-slayers,” while the Greeks said the name meant “without breast.” It was their custom to integrate with males from neighboring tribes from time to time. If the children born of these unions were male, they were sent back to their fathers, mutilated, or used as slaves. Female children had a breast removed so they could handle their weapons more effectively. In early times, Io in her cow shape encountered the female warriors. Later, Heracles, in an attempt to secure the girdle of Hippolyte was involved in a battle with them. During the latter part of the Trojan War, they joined Priam, the last king of Troy, in fierce battle against their hated enemies, the Greeks. Their queen, Penthesileia (some say Thalestris), was killed by Achilles. The Amazon female warriors of South America were similar to their valiant sisters. The Amazons worshiped the moon. They are associated with Artemis (q.v.). See also Antiope (A); Hippolyte.

Amba (A) (India) “Mother.”

An epithet for Uma-Parvati. See also Parvati.

Amba (B) (India) A Krittika sister. See also Rishi.

Ambalika (India) see Pandavas; Vyasa.

Ambi (India) see Ambika.

Ambika Ambi, Amvika Devi.

(Hindu, Vedic; India) Ambika, “the Mother” is the moon goddess aspect of the great goddess Devi. She is the spouse and perhaps the sister of Rudra. See also Devi; Parvati; Purusha; Rudra; Sati (A); Vyasa.

Ambrosia (Greek)

Also known as: Amrita (Sanskrit).

Nectar of the gods. Ambrosia is the honey-flavored food of the gods. When served with nectar it preserved their immortality and gave them eternal youth. It was also the ointment used for anointing sacred stones. Ambrosia is similar to the Indian Amrita and Soma. See also Amaravati; Amrita; Chandra; Haoma; Soma.

Amburaja (India) see Varuna.

Amchimalghen (Araucanian People, South America)

Every person has an invisible, beneficent nymph known as Amchimalghen in attendance.

Ame-no-hohi (Japan) see Ama-no-oshido-mimi; Amaterasu.

Ame-no-ina-fune (Japan) see Izanami.

Ame-no-iwato (Japan) see Amaterasu.

Ame-no-minaka-nushi (Japan) see Ama-no-minaka-nushi.