C

Cabaguil (Maya People, Yucatan)

One of seven creator gods. Called “Heart of the Sky.”

Cabeiri (Greek) see Caberi.

Caberi Cabeiri, Cabiri, Kabeiroi, Kabirs (Greek)

Also known as: Cyclopes, Qabirim (Phoenicia).

Known in various parts of the ancient world, the Caberi of Samothrace are the children of Zeus and Calliope. Some say they are the children of Uranus. They could be the sons of Hephaestus as they were his helpers at the forge. Others call them descendants of Sydycos (Sydyk) and brothers of Esmun. The Caberi are variously known as spirits of the underground or of fire. They have also been called fertility spirits. They are associated with the tale of the Argonauts and with Demeter and Kore. They are similar to the Dactyls and similar to if not the same as the Cyclopes. The Caberi are identified with the Curetes, Dioscuri, the Corybantes, and sometimes with Persephone, Rhea and Hecate. There are similarities to Kubera of the Hindu and the Roman Penates. See also Ceres; Corybantes; Cyclopes; Dacytls; Demeter; Dioscuri; Ignis; Telchines.

Cabrakan (Maya People, Yucatan) see Hunahpu.

Caca (A) (Roman)

Also known as: Vesta.

Goddess of Excrements. Caca is associated with Cloacina, the Roman goddess who oversees sewers. It is possible that Caca’s father is Vulcan, the god of metal-working. In later times, Caca was succeeded by Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. See also Cloacina; Medusa; Vesta; Vulcan.

Caca (B) Cacia (Greek)

She is the sister of the Italian cattle thief, Cascus. When she learned that he had rustled cattle belonging to Heracles, she told Heracles where to find his animals. Heracles killed Cascus and rewarded Caca with divine honors. A perpetual flame was kept in her sanctuary. See also Cacus.

Cacce-Olmai (Lapp)

This fish god is associated with water and fishermen. He can be destructive if not given the proper sacrifice.

Cacia (Greek) see Caca (B).

Caculha Huracan (Central, South America) see Huracan.

Cacus Kakos (Greek)

Also known as: Coeculus. (Originally, he was probably an ancient Roman god.)

A three-headed, fire-breathing giant. His residence was in a cave on Mount Palatine in Rome. He stole the cattle of Geryon and dragged them by their tails to his cave so their footprints could not be traced. It was one of Heracles’ labors to retrieve the cattle. One of his twelve secondary labors was to kill the cattle thief. Heracles found the cattle, (thanks to Cacus’ displeased sister, Caca) and killed Cacus. See also Caca (B); Heracles; Medusa.

Cadmus (Greek)

The son of King Agenor and either Telephassa or Argiope, Cadmus became the King of Thebes. His siblings are Cilix, Electra, Demodoce, Phineus, Thasus, Europa, Phoenix, and possibly Argos. The gods attended his wedding to Harmonia, the daughter of Aphrodite. He became the father of Agave, Autonoe, Illyrius, Ino, Polydorus and Semele. Sometimes his children are said to be Actaeon, Ino, Pentheus and Semele. When his sister, Europa, was raped by Zeus, King Agenor sent Cadmus to try to find her. He was advised by Apollo’s oracle to follow a cow that he would come upon. When the cow stopped, Cadmus was to found a city and call it Thebes. While in the area he decided to share drinks with the gods. The fierce dragon of Ares turned up in the water well. Cadmus drew his sword and slaughtered it. He took the monster’s teeth and buried half of them. From the teeth armed drago-nmen issued forth from the ground and fought with Cadmus and his men. Eventually they reached a calm and the dragon-men helped him build Thebes. Four of his children died violently, and it was thought to be tied in with Cadmus’ slaying of the dragon. Later, he and Harmonia moved to Illyria where they were changed into beautiful snakes. Cadmus introduced the alphabet and writing into Greece. See Actaeon; Agenor (A); Harmonia (A); Ino; Semele.

Caecinus (Greek)

He is the river god son of Oceanus and Tethys and possibly the father of Euthymus, the Olympic boxer. See also Oceanus; Rivers.

Caelestis (Greek) see Tanit.

Caelus (Greek) see Uranus.

Caeneus (A) (Greek)

Also known as: Caenis.

Caeneus was born a female and named Caenis. She is the daughter of the Arcadian Lapith chieftain, Elatus, and Hippea, the daughter of Antiphus. Caeneus’ siblings are of Ischys and Polyphemus. As Caenis, she changed her sex after being raped by the sea god Poseidon. Caeneus participated in a fracas between the Lapiths and the Centaurs at the wedding party for Perithous and Hippodameia and was changed into a bird by Zeus. See also Polyphemus; Poseidon.

Caeneus (B) (Greek)

He is the Argonaut father of two Argonaut sons, Phocus and Priasus.

Caenis (Greek)

The name taken by Caeneus when she changed her sex to male. See also Caeneus.

Caer Ibormeith (Celtic, Irish) see Angus.

Caer Yewberry (Celtic, Irish) see Angus.

Caesar (Roman) see Dis Pater; Mercury (B).

Cagn (Bushman, Hottentot People, Africa)

Also known as: Coti, I Kaggen, Kaang, Kaggen.

“Praying Mantis.” Creator deity. A shape changer and creator god, his home is known only to the antelopes. Cagn rules with his two sons, Cogaz and Gewi. His wife’s name is Hyrax, or some say Coti, although in some versions Coti is another name for Cagn. Cagn has daughters but their names are not known. Cagn’s power is located in one of his teeth. See also Gaunab; Kaang.

Caillagh ny Groamagh (Isle of Man) see Cailleach Bheare.

Cailleach Bheare (Celtic, Gaelic)

Also known as: Bherri (Northern Ireland), Black Annis (Britain), Boi, Bui, Cailleach Bherri, Cailleach Bheur, Cailleach ny Groamagh (Isle of Man), Cally Berry (Northern Island), Caolainn, Hag of Beare (Ireland).

“Mountain Mother.” Cailleach Bheare is known as the controller of the weather of winter months, a mover of islands and a builder of mountains. She is also known as queen of the Limerick fairies. She is the epitome of longevity and repeatedly passes from youth to old age. During these cycles, Cailleach Bheare has many husbands and numerous children. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren became people and races. She resides in the old southwest Munster, thought to be the home of the dead. Under the name of Boi she is the wife of the god, Lugh. As Caolainn, she is the ruler of a healing well in County Roscommon in Ireland. Cailleach has red teeth and one eye in the middle of her blue-black face. Her hair is matted and she wears a kerchief. Over her gray clothing she wears a faded plaid shawl. See also Cailleach Bheur; Cally Berry; Lugh.

Cailleach Bheur Cailleach Bheare (Irish, Scottish)

Also known as: Cailleach Mor, Carlin.

Winter season. Cailleach Bheur, a ferocious mother goddess known as a hag, is reborn every October 31. She is responsible for the falling of snow. During February, her power is dissipated by the appearance of Brigantia (also known as Brigit) in her aspect as springtime. With the approach of warmer weather, Cailleach Bheur places her staff under a holly bush and turns to stone. Her son is a god of youth (possibly an aspect of Mabon and Angus mac Og), whom she pursues battles with constantly. In other myths, she has more than one son; all giants, but none as powerful as she. See also Adder; Angus; Black Annis; Brigantia.

Cailleach Mor (Scottish) see Cailleach Bheur.

Cain Kain (Gnostic, Semite, Muslim)

Also known as: Kabil (Arabic).

Deity of soil or agriculture. Eldest son of Adam. Murderer of his brother, Abel. Father of Enoch, Irad, Mehiyya-El, Methusha-El, Lamech, Jabal, Jubil and Tubal-Cain (Tubal-Kain). The last three were said to be deities. The Koran names them Kabil (Cain) and Habil (Abel). Cain founded the city of Un-ug. See also Abel; Banbha; Itzamna.

Caipre (Celtic) see Etan.

Cairbe (Irish) see Bress.

Cairima Salm (Persian) see Thrita.

Caitya (Buddhist) see Stupa.

Cajolom (Maya People, Yucatan) see Hunahpu; Qaholom.

Cakra-Samvara (India) see Dorje Phagmo.

Caksusi (India) see Apsarases.

Calais (Greek)

An Argonaut. One of the Boreades. Calais is the son of the wind god Boreas and Oreithyia. He is the twin of Zetes. His other siblings are Chione, Cleopatra and Haemus. Calais and Zetes accompanied the Argonauts. When they rescued Phineus from the Harpies they were given wings. Heracles killed the twins and they were turned into birds or winds. See also Argonauts; Boreas; Harpies; Phineus; Zetes.

Calakomanas (Hopi, Zuni People, North America) Corn or maize goddesses.

Calchas (Greek)

Soothsayer. Calchas, the son of Thestor and Megara and advisor to Apollo, was the most famous seer of the Greeks of his period. His siblings are Alcmaon, Leucippe and Theonoe (also known as Eidothea). He is the father of Cressida and Briseis (although some legends indicate that her father was Brises of Lyrnessus). Calchas’ prophecies about the Trojan War were accurate as was his warning that the Greeks would lose the battle without the assistance of Achilles. He advised the Greeks to build the Trojan Horse. He also advised Agamemnon to sacrifice Iphigenia so the proper winds could guide his fleet to Troy. A vain man, he was certain that he was the most powerful seer and the he could not be outdone in his field. He accepted a guessing game challenge by Mopus and when he failed to ascertain the correct number of figs on a tree, he strangled on his own vanity or died of envy. See also Achilles; Agamemnon; Briseis; Iphigenia; Phineus.

Cale (Greek) see Charities.

Callalamma (India)

She is one of the Mutyalammo goddesses who are deities of the household. Her function is to preside over the buttermilk. See also Mutyalammo.

Calli (Aztec People, Mexico)

One of the four year-bearers or year gods. Calli is in charge of the west region. He is god of those mortals who live in that space and time. See also Acatl; Tecpatl; Tochtli.

Calliope Kalliope (Greek)

Muse of epic poetry. Talented musician on any instrument. One of the nine Muses. Calliope is the daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne. She is said to be the mother of the Corybantes (lovers of music and wild dancing) by Zeus; of Hymen, the composer and god of marriage; Ialemus, also a composer; and Linus, composer of songs, by Apollo; of Rhesus, the Thracian prince, by the Strymon River; of the Sirens, all of whom had beautiful voices, by the river god Achelous; and of Orpheus, the most famous of poets by Oeagrus. Calliope taught her friend Achilles how to sing among friends at banquets. Zeus asked her to mediate the disagreement between Aphrodite and Persephone over Adonis. See also Adonis; Aphrodite; Corybantes; Muses; Persephone; Sirens; Zeus.

Callirius (Gallo-Roman) see Silvanus.

Callirrhoe (A) (Greek)

She is the Oceanid daughter of Oceanus and Tethyus. Her spouse was Chrysaor. She could be the mother of Cerberus; Echidna and Geryon. With Manes, she had a son, Cotys. See also Ceto; Chrysaor; Oceanids; Tethyus.

Callirrhoe (B) (Greek)

The river god, Scamander, is her father. Her spouse is Tros and her children are Assaracus, Cleopatra, Ilus and Ganymede. A fountain in Attica is named for her on the spot that she committed suicide.

Callirrhoe (C) (Greek)

She is the daughter of Amphione and Niobe. Callirrhoe and four of her sisters were killed by the warrior goddess, Artemis. Apollo killed five of her six brothers. See also Apollo; Artemis; Niobe.

Callirrhoe (D) (Greek)

Lycus of Libya is her father. When her lover, Diomedes, deserted her, she committed suicide. See also Diomedes.

Callirrhoe (E) (Greek)

Achelous, the river god, is her father. Her siblings are Castalia, Peirene and possibly the Sirens. She became the second wife of Alcmeon and the mother of Acarnan and Amphoterus. See also Achelous.

Callisto Kalisto (Arcadian, Pre-Hellenic, Greek)

Also known as: Calliste, Kalliste.

Originally Callisto was a Pre-Hellenic goddess. When Arcadia was invaded by the Greeks, she was reduced to the status of a nymph. Her attributes were given to the Greek goddess Artemis. As a nymph, she is the daughter of Lycaon, Nycteus, Ceteus, or Zeus. She is the sister of Pallas. Earlier, she was the nymph companion of Artemis. An affair with Zeus caused her death by the hands of Artemis, but she gave birth to a son named Arcas (ancestor of the Arcadians). She is depicted in animal form as a mother bear. In human form, she is shown as a young athlete racing through the woods. There is a tale wherein Artemis accidentally killed Callisto and was so upset that she took her name and her symbols and called herself Artemis Calliste. She is sometimes confused with Artemis because her symbol is also a she-bear. See also Artemis; Zeus.

Cally Berry (Irish)

She is known as the “water hag” or the “old gloomy woman,” who protects lakes from being drained and controls the weather. She is generally thought to be the same as Cailleach Bheare.

Calyce (Greek) see Aeolus (A); Canace.

Calydon (A) (Greek) He is the son of Thestius.

Calydon (B) (Greek)

His parents are Ares and Astynome. Artemis, the goddess of hunting, caught him peeking at her while she was bathing. She turned him to stone. See also Ares; Artemis; Astynome.

Calydon (C) (Greek)

He is the son of Aetolus, the king of Elis, and Pronoe, who is the daughter of Phorbus.

Calydonian Boar Hunt (Greek)

The boar represents the sun causing drought. Oeneus was the king of Calydon, husband of his niece Althaea and later Periboea. He was the father of Deianira who killed Heracles and then committed suicide, Gorge who was possibly changed into a guinea fowl by Artemis, Toxeus who was killed by Oeneus, Olenias, Perimede, Tydeus one of the Seven against Thebes, Laocoon (by a servant woman) and possibly Meleager an Argonaut. His parents are Porthaon, the first king of Calydon, and Euryte, the daughter of Hippodamas. His siblings are Alcathous who was slain either by his nephew Tydeus or Oenomaus the king of Pisa, Agrius who expelled Oeneus from the throne and eventually committed suicide, Melas the friend of Heracles, Sterope who was possibly the mother of the Sirens by Achelous and Leucopeus. When he neglected to make the expected annual sacrifices to the goddess Artemis, she sent a monstrous boar to his area to deplete the crops and ravish the land and its people. Oeneus sent word to other Greek cities for assistance with the offer of the boar’s skin as a trophy to the victor. A marvelous assortment of warriors and heroes, including their hostile neighbors the Curetes, arrived to conquer the beast. Apparently the only female to join the hunt was the skilled Atalanta with whom Meleager fell in love. Meleager, the son of either Oeneus or Poseidon, felled the vicious boar and was awarded the skin which he gave to Atalanta. This caused dissension and resulted in a war between the Calydons and the Curetes. Artemis transformed Meleager into a guinea fowl after his death and Althaea’s guilt for her role in his demise caused her suicide. Oeneus, the hospitable host of deities and celebrities, who introduced the art of wine making to his constituents, was said to have died in Argos at an advanced age. For details of the battle between the Calydonians and the Curetes see Althaea. See also Artemis; Jason.

Calypso Kalypso, Kalupso (Greek)

Immortal nymph. Death goddess. Calypso is either the daughter of Atlas and Tethys, Atlas and Pleione or of Oceanus and Tethys. She is said to be the sister of Hyas, the Hyades, the Hesperides, Maia and the Pleiades. The shipwrecked Odysseus was offered safe harbor and her love when he was washed ashore on her island Ortygia (also spelled Ogygia, Ogugia) in the Ionian Sea. They have two children, Nausinous and Nausithous. After seven years together Odysseus was homesick and longed for his wife and family. Calypso tempted him with the offer of eternal youth and immortality if he would remain with her, but Zeus sent Hermes with a message instructing her to let him go. In some versions of this myth, Calypso and Odysseus are said to be the parents of Telemachus and Telegonus. More often, Odysseus and Penelope are the parents of Telemachus and Odysseus and Circe are the parents of Telegonus. Calypso’s name means “to hide.” Calypso is shown in a cavern surrounded with alder (a shrub or tree that grows in cool moist places), which was sacred to the deity of death, Cronus. In the branches sit Cronus’ sea-crows and Calypso’s horned owls and falcons. To compare to other nymphs see Naiads. See also Hesperides; Oceanids; Oceanus; Odysseus; Scylla; Zeus.

Cama (India) see Kama.

Camalotz (Maya People, Yucatan People, Yucatan)

Demon. After the gods created mankind from various materials they decided to destroy them in a flood. Camalotz helped by cutting off the heads, while Xecotcovach ate their eyes, Cotzbalam devoured their flesh and Tucumbalam ground their bones and sinews. See also Alom; Cotzbalam; Tzakol; Xecotcovach.

Camaxte (Aztec People, Mexico; Mexico) see Texcatlipoca.

Camaxtle (Aztec People, Mexico; Mexico) see Xipe Totec.

Camaxtli (Aztec People, Mexico; Chichimees, Tlascalan People, Mexico)

Also known as: Tezcatlipoca, Xipe Totec; Yoamaxtli.

Creator deity. Son of Ometecuhtli (Tonacatecuhth) and Omecihuatl (Tonacacihuatl). Brother of Tezcatlipoca, red, blue, white and black; Quetzalcoatl, and Huitzilopochtli. One of the gods who were instructed by their parents to create the world. He was said to be a God of vegetation, God of thunderstorms and War God, sometimes associated with tornadoes and hunting. Some believe that Camaxtli is identical or similar to the deities of various early races: Curicaveri of the Tarascan, Mixcoatl of the Chichimec, Otontectli, and Xocotl of the Tepanec and Otomi people, and Huitzilopochtli of the Aztec People, Mexico. See also Coxcoxtli; Huitzilopochtli; Legend of the Four Suns; Mixcoatl; Tezcatlipoca; Yoamaxtli.

Camazotz (Maya People, Yucatan People; Yucatan)

Bat god of Xibalba. Hun Hunahpu and his twin brother Vukub Hunahpu were sacrificed by the people of the hellish underworld, Xibalba. The blood-thirsty bat god, Camazotz, used his claws to cut off Hun Hunahpu’s head. The head was placed in a barren tree, likely to ward off ill-wishers. Hunahpu regained his life, but Camazotz was defeated. See also Hunahpu; Ixbalanque; Xibalba.

Camdhen (India) see Kamadhenu.

Camenae Camena, Carmenai (Roman)

Also known as: Carmentes, Casmenae.

They are fountain nymphs, spirits of springs and rivers and goddesses of prophecy in Roman mythology. Their leader is Carmenta. The most famous of the Camenae is Egeria. They are worshiped in the same month as the Fons. On October 13, their festival day, known as Fontinalia, wreaths are thrown into wells for good luck. They are identified with the Greek Muses. See also Egeria; Fons; Muses.

Cameiro (Greek) Another name for Cleothera (q.v.).

Campe (Greek)

A monster female dragon who guarded the Hecatoncheires and Cyclopes in the underworld prison of Tartarus until Zeus released them. See also Cyclopes; Erebus; Hades; Hecatoncheires; Tartartus.

Camulos (Celtic) see Camulus.

Camulus Camulos (Celtic)

Also known as: Cumhal (Gaelic), Coel, Cole (British), Cocidius (British).

Ancient war god. As Cumhal, he is the father of Finn. Camulus equates with Mars. See also Albiorix; Cocidius; Tuetates.

Camunda (India) see Kali.

Canace (Greek)

She is the daughter of Aeolus of Magnesia and Enaret. She has seven brothers and six sisters. Her brothers are Athamas, Cretheus, Deion, Macareus, Perieres, Salmoneus, Sisyphus, and six sisters: Alcyone, Arne, Calyce, Peisidice, Perimele and Tanagra. By Poseidon she became the mother of Aloeus, Epopeus, Hopleus, Nireus and Triopas. When her father found out that she was having sex with her brother Macareus, he demanded that she commit suicide. See also Aeolus (A); Aloeides; Aloeus; Arne; Epopeus.

Canache (Greek) see Aeolus (A).

Canapa (Peru) see Coniraya.

Canda (India) A Demon. See also Durga; Kali.

Candelifera (Roman)

Goddess of childbirths.

Candi (India) see Kali.

Candra (India) see Chandra.

Candramas (India) see Chandra.

Candulus (Greek) see Heliades.

Canola (Irish)

This goddess invented the Irish harp.

Canopic Vases (Egypt) see Amset; Horus.

Canopus (India) The South Star. See also Agastya.

Canthus (Greek) see Argonauts.

Cantul-Ti-Ku (Maya People, Yucatan People, Yucatan) see Ahmucen-Cab; Becabs.

Caoineag Caointeach (Scottish)

Another name for the Banshee.

Capaneus (Greek)

He is the son of Hipponous and Astynome. His marriage to Evadne produced Sthenelus, who is one of the Epigoni. Capaneus, the inventor of the scaling ladder and one of the “Seven against Thebes,” was killed when Zeus hurled a thunderbolt at him for bragging that he could not be stopped from entering Thebes. There is a possiblity that Capaneus was brought back to life by the great physician, Asclepius (q.v.). See also Adrestus; Astynome; Hipponous.

Caphaurus (Greek)

Also known as: Cephalion.

He is the shepherd son of Ampithemis and Tritonis and brother of Nasamon. When the Argonauts Canthus and Eribotes attempted to steal his sheep, he killed them. Subsequently, he was killed by other Argonauts.

See also Acacallis; Argonauts.

Capheira (Greek) see Telchines.

Capra (Greek) see Aegipan.

Caprakan (Maya People, Yucatan People, Yucatan)

An evil spirit of mountains and earthquakes. Destroyer of mountains. He was put to death by the hero twins Hunahpu and Ixbalanque. Caprakan is the son of the giant Gukup Kakix and Chimalmat, and brother of Zipacna. See also Hunahpu and Ixbalanque.

Capricorn (Greek) see Aegipan; Amaltheia.

Capys (Greek) see Anchises.

Car (Greek)

Also known as: Carius, Carys, Great God Ker, Karu, Karus, Q’re.

First king of Megara. Solar King. He is the son of Phoroneus and Cerdo, Peitho or Teledice. His siblings are Niobe and Teledice. Car founded Megara, the principal city of Megaris, on the Isthmus of Corinth and established the worship of Demeter. His hair was shaved off annually before his death. At the annual feast of Comyria (hair trimming), young men mourned him and had their hair shorn. These men were later known as Curetes. The name Car may have derived from Artemis the moon goddess, Caria or Caryatis. See also Apis (B); Curetes; Niobe (B); Phoroneus; Satyrs.

Caragabi (Choco People, Colombia, South America)

Caragabi was born from the saliva of the high god Tatzitzebe. He is the creator of humans and animals (who were made from some humans), the sun, moon, and stars, and he filled the tree which holds the spirit of life. He taught the people to gather food plants. Tutruica, his rival, is always trying to reverse Caragabi’s work. After the world has been destroyed by fire, Caragabi will return.

Cardea (Roman)

Goddess of thresholds and door pivots. Hunter. Cardea had to devise numerous ways to protect her virginity. Her love was Janus, the god of beginnings and endings, who is also a god of doors. Cardea transferred her powers to Janus. See also Janus.

Caria (Greek) see Car.

Carian Pirates (Greek) see Bellerphon.

Cariclo (Greek) see Cheiron; Oceanus.

Caridad (Africa) see Ochun.

Caridwen (Celtic) Corn goddess. Patroness of poetry.

Carius (Greek) see Car.

Carlin (Scottish)

Spirit of Hallowmas, the eve of winter. On this night, ghosts of the dead appear on earth. To protect farmers from their visitations, ears of corn made in Carlin’s likeness are put on display. See also Cailleach Bheur.

Carmenai (Roman) see Camenae.

Carmenta (Greek) see Carmentis.

Carmentes (Roman) see Camenae.

Carmentis Carmenta (Roman)

Also known as: Nicostrata, Postverta.

Birth Goddess. Goddess of Healing. Goddess of the Future. She is one of the Camenae (prophetic nymphs linked with the Muses). Carmentis, a fountain nymph, is possibly the mother and Hermes the father of Evander (he introduced the Greek alphabet, the flute, lyre and triangular harp into Italy). There are writers who say that Carmentis adapted the Greek alphabet to the Latin language. See also Evander (B); Postverta.

Carna (Roman) Goddess of the heart and other body organs. Goddess of over-hinges. See also Cardea.

Carpo (Greek)

“Autumn.” Goddess of autumn season. Carpo, one of the Horae, is the daughter of Zeus and Themis, who is the Titan daughter of Uranus and Gaea. Carpo is worshipped with Thallo, who is the personification of spring. See also Horae; Thallo.

Carpus (Greek) see Chloris; Zephyrus.

Caryatids (Greek) see Artemis.

Caryatis (Greek) see Artemis; Car.

Carys (Greek) see Car.

Casmenae (Roman) see Camenae.

Cassandra Kasandra (Greek)

Also known as: Alexandra.

Goddess of prophecy. Cassandra is the daughter of the king of Troy, Priam, and the moon goddess Hecuba. She came from a large family of eleven sisters and fifty brothers. Some of her siblings were her twin Helenus, who was her only brother to survive the Trojan War; Paris, who was abandoned at birth; Polyxena, who was sacrificed; Hector, the brave leader of the Trojans who was killed by Achilles; Deiphobus, also a brave warrior, who was forced to marry Helen; and Creusa, who was captured by the Greeks, rescued, and then disappeared. Cassandra had twin sons, Teledamas and Pelops, by her master Agamemnon. Cassandra promised to marry Apollo if he conferred the gift of prophecy upon her. When he fulfilled her wish she reneged and refused to marry him. Incensed, he rendered her gift worthless by making everyone who heard her prophecies disbelieve her. She fled to Athena’s sanctuary after the fall of Troy, was raped by Ajax the Lesser and awarded as a prize to Agamemnon. He ensconced her in his chariot and took her to his home in Mycenae. Like everyone else he ignored her accurate visions of doom. Cassandra, Agamemnon and their infant twins were murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. A shrine near Amyclae was erected in Cassandra’s honor under the name of Alexandra. See also Aegisthus; Agamemnon, Ajax the Lesser; Apollo; Athena; Clytemnestra; Creusa; Hector; Hecuba; Paris; Pelops; Teledamas.

Cassiepeia (Greek) see Cassiopeia.

Cassiopea (Greek) see Cassiopeia.

Cassiopeia Cassiepeia, Cassiopea, Kessiepeia (Greek)

Night goddess. She is the daughter of Arabus who is the son of Hermes. She married Cepheus, the king of Ethiopia and became the mother of Andromeda. She is also the mother of Atymnius, by Zeus. (Atymnius was the possible lover of Minos.) Poseidon sent a flood to the country because of the displeasure of the Nereids caused by Cassiopeia’s constant and irritating bragging about her daughter. Andromeda was offered as a sacrifice but was saved by Perseus. See also Andromeda; Hermes; Perseus.

Cassotis (Greek) see Naiads.

Castalia (Greek) see Naiads.

Castalius (Greek) see Cephissus.

Castor and Pollux Castor and Pollus, Kastor and Polydeukes (Greek)

Also known as: Dioscures, Dioscuri, Polydeuces (the name also used by the Greeks for Pollux).

Assistants to men and women in battle. Gods of weights and measures. Gods of commerce. Assistants to people traveling. Protectors of sailors. Zeus came to Leda in the form of a swan. They engaged in sex and she delivered two eggs. Each egg contained a brother and sister (Castor and Clytemnestra, Pollux and Helen). (In the Homeric version, Castor and Pollux are the sons of Leda and king Tydracus.) The brothers are commonly known as the Dioscuri. Castor became a famous horse trainer and Pollux became a well known boxer. When their sister Helen (the wife of Menelaus) was abducted by Theseus, the brothers were able to rescue her in Aphidnae. While they were there, they overtook the city. The brothers were also involved in the Argonauts expedition, and in the Calydonian Boar Hunt. They became involved in an episode with Lynceas and Idas (the sons of Alphaeus) where they stole a herd of oxen from Arcadia. Idas steered the oxen to his home in Messene. The displeased brothers ransacked the city and retrieved the oxen. From this incident a feud developed between Lynceas and Idas and Castor and Pollux. Castor was killed. The death of his dear brother sent the grieving Polydeuces begging to Zeus for his own death. Zeus told Polydeuces that he could make a choice of staying on Olympus with the gods for the rest of time, or he could share the fate of Castor and stay one day on earth and one day on Olympus for the rest of time. He chose the fate of his brother. After their deaths they became the constellation Gemini. Castor and Pollux were extremely popular in Greece and in Rome. See also Academus; Argonauts; Calydonian Boar Hunt; Curetes; Helen; Leda.

Castor and Polydeuces (Greek) see Jason.

Caswallwan (Celtic)

Son of Bile (q.v.).

Cataclothes (Greek) see Harpies.

Catamitus (Roman) The Roman name for the Greek Ganymede (q.v.).

Catequil (Inca People, Peru)

God of lightning and thunder. God of twins (possibly). In early times, he was propitiated by the sacrifice of children. He is one of the attendants of Mama Quilla (q.v.). Catequil is associated with Cuycha, the rainbow.

Catha (Etruscan)

Sun deity.

Cathena (Mojave People, North America)

Also known as: Quakuinahaba.

First woman. Virgin sister of Ku-yu.

Catreus (Greek) see Acacallis; Ariadne; Minos; Pasiphae.

Caucasian Eagle (Greek)

His parents are Typhon, the destructive one hundred–headed whirlwind, and the monster, half-woman half-snake, Echidna. For a list of his monster siblings, see Echidna. See also Chimaera; Typhon.

Cauldon of Dagda (Celtic) see Dagda.

Caurus (Greek) see Harpies; Zephyrus.

Cauth Bodva (Celtic)

“War Fury.” This is a name for the goddess of war, Badb Catha.

Cave of Refuge (Inca People, Peru) see Pacari.

Cavern of the Seven Chambers (Aztec People, Mexico) see Chicomoztoc.

Cavillaca (Inca People, Peru) see Coniraya; Pacha-Camak.

Ce Acatl (Mexico) see Quetzalcoatl.

Ceacht (Celtic, Irish)

Goddess of medicine. See also Dagda; Dia’necht.

Cearas (Celtic, Irish)

God of fire. An aspect of Dagda (q.v.).

Ceasar (Irish) see Cessair.

Cebrew (Greek) see Rivers.

Cecrops (Greek) see Agraulos; Gaea.

Cedalion (Greek)

Cedalion is a dwarf, possibly the son or father of the fire god Hephaistos. The goddess Hera assigned Cedalion the job of teaching Hephaistos the art of metal working. When the giant hunter Orion was blinded, he hoisted Cedalion to his shoulders and the dwarf led Orion to the sun where he was healed by Apollo. See also Hephaistos; Orion.

Celaeno (A) (Greek) She is the daughter of Poseidon and Ergea.

Celaeno (B) (Greek) One of the Harpies (q.v.)

Celaeno (C) (Greek)

One of the fifty daughters of Danaus, known as the Danaids. See also Asteria; Danaids; Danaus; Hypermnestra.

Celaeno (D) One of the Pleiades (q.v).

Celestial Kings (China)

Guardians. These deities replaced the two door guards, Shen-t’u and Yu-lu, who in turn were replaced by the Sniffing and Puffing Generals. The Celestial Kings are similar to the Buddhist divinities, Dhartarastra, Vaisravana, Virudhaka and Virupaksha, who were entrance guards. See also Men-shen.

Celestial Mandarin (China) see Ch’eng Huang.

Celestial Toad (China)

A title for the moon goddess, Chang-O.

Celeus (King) (Greek)

King of Eleusis. With Eumolpus, the co-founder of Eleusinian Mysteries. Teacher of agriculture. Inventor of agricultural tools. King Celeus married Metaneira. Their children are Demophon, possibly Abas and Triptolemus, and four daughters. See also Abas (C); Demophon.

Celmis (Greek)

With Acmon and Damnameneus, Celmis is one of the three original Dactyls (q.v.).

Cenchreis (Greek)

The spouse of Cinyras, she is the mother of Adonis and Myrrha. See also Adonis; Cinyras; Myrrha.

Cengus (Celtic) see Aengus.

Cenn Cruaich (Celtic)

Known as the “Lord of the Mound,” first born children were sacrificed to him. His likeness was produced in gold, surrounded by twelve stones.

Centauras (Greek) see Centaurs.

Centauroi (Greek) see Centaurs.

Centaurs Centauras Centauroi, Kentaurs Kentauros (Greek).

Cloud deities. The race of half-man, half-horse, Centaurs live in the mountains of Thessaly. They are the children of Ixion and Nephele, who is cloud-shaped like Hera, the queen of heaven. In some renditions of this myth, Centaurus is named as the Centaurs’ father. It is possible that he is the father of some of the Centaurs. Only the centaur Cheiron is the son of Cronus and Philyra, and the centaur Pholus is the son of Selenus and an ash-nymph (possibly Philyra). It is always difficult for the Centaurs to bridle their passions. They are renowned for their abusive treatment of nymphs and human women. The name Centaurs is probably derived from the Turanian word for manbeast. They are described as half-man, half-horse, or the upper torso, arm and head of a man with the body of a horse or ass. Centaurs are similar to the Gandharva. They are associated with Atalanta. Generally, the Centaurs are said to be followers of Dionysus. See also Cheiron; Ixion; Nephele; Nessus.

Centeal (Mexico) see Cinteotl.

Centeatl (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cinteotl.

Centeol (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cinteotl.

Centeotl (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cinteotl.

Centimanes (Greek) see Hecatonchires.

Centimani (Greek)

This is the Roman name for the Hecatonchires (q.v.). See also Aegaeon.

Centipede (Egypt)

Also known as: Sepa.

Protector against harmful animals and enemies of the gods. Sepa (meaning “centipede”) is a minor god mentioned in the Pyramid Texts. As a charm, he is summoned to ward off malevolent animals and enemies of the gods. He is connected with the necropolis and linked with Osiris as a mortuary god. See also Osiris.

Centzon Huitznahuas Centzon Totochtin, Centzonhuitznauac, Centzonuitznaua (Aztec)

Also known as: The Four Hundred.

Evil deities. Star gods of the South. They are the sons of Coatlicue born prior to the birth of her son Huitzilopochtli. When the Centzon Huitznahuas and their sister Coyolxauhqui found out about the impending birth of their brother they became enraged and attempted to murder their mother. Huitzilopochtli sprang from his mother dressed in full battle gear. He killed his siblings using his powerful weapon, a fire serpent named Xiuhcoatl. The Centzon Huitznahuas are also known as the “Four Hundred Southerners.” The Four Hundred Northerners are called Centzon Mimixcoa. See also Centzon Mimixcoa; Coatlicue; Huitzilopochtli.

Centzon Mimixcoa

Also Known as: The Four Hundred Northerners.

(Aztec People, Mexico) Star gods. See also Centzon-Huitznahuas.

Centzon Totochtin (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Four Hundred Rabbits, Pulque Gods.

They are the four hundred deified rabbits who are gods of drunkenness and licentiousness, who were thrown into the face of the moon. Some of their names are Texcatzoncatl, Colhuatzincatl, and Ometochtli. They are associated with Xochipilli. See also Centzon Huitznahuas; Colhuatzincatl; Ometochtli; Patecatl (discoverer of peyote); Texcatzoncatl.

Centzonuitznaua (Aztec People, Mexico) see Centzon Huitznahuas.

Centzonhuitznauac (Aztec People, Mexico) see Centzon Huitznahuas.

Ceos Coeus (Greek)

God of night. Ceos, a Titan is the son of Gaea and Uranus. He is the father of Asteria by his sister, the original moon goddess Phoebe, and Mnemosyne by Leto, the goddess of the night. Hesiod called him the father of Leto and Asteria by Phoebe. He is also named the father of the witch goddess Hecate in some references. The name Ceos means “intelligence.” See also Aurora; Cronus; Eos; Eurynome (A); Gaea; Hecate; Leto; Titans; (The) Two Auroras.

Cephalion Caphaurus (Greek)

Another name for Caphaurus (q.v.). See also Acacallis.

Cephalus (A) (Greek)

His parents are the god Hermes and the dew, personified by Herse, and his brother is Ceryx. He is the possible father of Phaethon by Hemera (Other possiblities for Phaethon’s parents are Tithonus and Eos.) See also Eos; Hermes.

Cephalus (B) (Greek)

He is the son of the King of Phocis, Deion, and Diomede, the daughter of Xuthus, “the thievish one.” His siblings are Actor, Aenetus, Asteropeia and Phylacus. His first wife was Prods, whom he accidentally killed. He was sentenced to the island of Taphos and while there he helped Amphitryon conquer Taphos. At a later time, Clymene became his second wife, and they became the parents of the Argonaut Iphicles. See also Actor (A); Diomede; Xuthus.

Cepheus (A) (Greek)

The King of Ethiopia. He married Cassiopeia and became the father of Andromeda (q.v.). See also Cassiopeia.

Cepheus (B) (Greek)

King of Tegea. Argonaut. His parents are Aleus and Neara. He is the father of Aerope, Echemus, Sterope, and unnamed others. The kingdom of Tegea could not be destroyed as he held a lock of hair from Medusa’s head that had been given to him by the goddess of love, Athena. When he went to sail with the Argonauts, he gave the lock of hair to his daughter, Sterope. See also Aerope; Medusa; Sterope.

Cephissus (Greek)

River god. Cephissus is one of the three thousand sons of Oceanus and Tethys, known as the Rivers, and brother to his three thousand sisters, the Oceanids. As a river, the Cephissus flows into the Saronic Gulf near Athens. As a deity, Cephissus and the nymph Leiriope are the parents of the vain Narcissus. Cephissus is thought to be the father of Thyia, although Castalius has also been called her father. Either Cephissus or Andreus is the father of Eteocles, a king of Boeotian Orchomenus, who was the first man to name the three Graces and sacrifice to them. To compare to other river gods, see Achelous, Acheron, Alpheus, Asopus, Cocytus, Inachus. See also Graces; Narcissus; Oceanids; Oceanus; Rivers; Tethys.

Cer (Greek)

Goddess of violent death. She is the daughter of the underworld darkness, Erebus, and the goddess of the night, Nyx. Her siblings are Aether, the god of light; Charon, ferryman of dead souls; Oneiroi (also known as Dreams); Hypnos (also known as Somnus, the god of sleep); Momus, the god of fault-finding; Moros; Nemesis, the goddess of retribution; Thanatos, the god of death. See also Aether; Charon; Erebus; Hypnos; Keres; Nemesis; Nox; Thanatos.

Ceramus (Greek)

He is the son of Dionysus and Ariadne (qq.v).

Cercaphus (Greek)

An intelligent man, known for his interest in astronomy, Cercaphus is one of the Heliades. It was either Cercaphus or Macar who were the first to sacrifice to Athena. See also Athena; Heliades.

Cerberus Kerberos (Greek)

Watchdog of Hades. Cerberus, the offspring of Echidna and Typhon, is a three-headed (or fifty-headed) dog with a voice of bronze who is the watchdog of Hades. Stationed at the gates of death, Cerberus allows people to enter but devours them if they try to leave. Only twice has he been negligent in his duties. Once was when the sweet music of Orpheus put all his heads to sleep. The second time was when Heracles in his quest to accomplish his twelfth labor was to bring Cerberus from the underworld to King Eurystheus. He strangled each of the monster dog’s heads and rendered it unconscious. Heracles then carted the animal to the king, who was so petrified at the sight of the beast that he hid and demanded that Heracles return it to the portals of Hades. Heracles merrily accommodated the king and returned Cerberus to his owner, Hades, demanding and receiving a payoff from him. In the Roman version it was Sibyl conducting Aeneas through hell who brought sleep upon Cerberus by feeding him honey-cake seasoned with poppy seeds. See also Chimaera; Echidna; Hades; Heracles; Orpheus; Tartarus; Typhon.

Cercopes (Greek)

The Cercopes are gnomes with two tails who are known for thievery. They are the sons of Oceanus and Theia. See also Oceanus; Passalus; Theia.

Cercyon (Greek)

King of Eleusis. This king, son of Hephaistos, required all visitors to wrestle with him. In the end, he was killed by Theseus. See also Hephaistos; Theseus.

Cerdo (Greek)

“The Wise.” She is the wife of Phoroneus and the mother of Car. See also Car; Niobe (B); Phoroneus.

Ceres Kerres (Greek)

Also known as: Angerona (Etruscan), Cabiria (a derivative of Babylonian Kabiri or Cabiria), Demeter (Greek).

Earth Mother. Agricultural goddess. Goddess of grain and corn. Goddess of fruit and flowers. One of the twelve great Olympians. Chief of the Penates (household deities). Ceres is the daughter of Cronos and Rhea. She became the mother of Arion by Poseidon and Proserpine by Jupiter. It is thought that Ceres replaced the early agriculture goddess Tellus Mater or possibly Kerres. She is shown as a wheat ear. Ceres is associated with Liber and Libera, who were also earth deities. She is the Roman equivalent of the Greek Demeter. The word cereal is derived from her name. See also Angerona; Baubo; Cabiri; Demeter; Evander (B).

Ceridwen (British, Celtic) see Keridwen.

Cerklicing (Latvia)

God of fields and corn.

Cermait (Celtic) “The Honey-mouthed.” See also Ogma.

Cernobog (Slavic) see Chernobog.

Cernunnos Cernunnus (Celtic)

Possibly a god of animals or an underworld deity. Various depictions indicate he might be a god of providence or plenty. Some writers think he might be a fertility deity. Later Christians tended to assimilate him to Satan. Cernunnos is depicted as horned, sitting cross-legged, holding a collar in one hand and a ram-headed serpent in the other hand. He is flanked by animals. Sometimes he is shown with a beard and sometimes with three heads. In some depictions he has the legs of a serpent. He is also depicted as the antlered stag of the Celts. Dances were performed around him near the small temples. He is similar to Shiva in his aspect as Pashupati. Cernunnus resembles the Slavic Chernobog. See also Sucellos.

Cerridwen (British, Celtic, Welsh) see Keridwen.

Ceryx (Greek)

He is the son of the messenger of the gods, Hermes, and Herse, the personification of dew, and brother of Cephalus. See also Agraulos; Hermes; Herse.

Cesair (Irish) see Cessair.

Cesar (Irish) see Cessair.

Cesara (Irish) see Cessair.

Cesarea (Irish) see Cessair.

Cessair Ceasar, Cesar, Cesara, Cesarea, Cesair (Irish)

Cessair, possibly a moon goddess, is said to be Noah’s granddaughter, and the daughter of Bith and Birren. In legend, she was refused entry into the ark and fled with her husband, Fintan (also spelled Finntain), along with Ladru, another man and fifty women to Inisfail, which is now Ireland. Forty days after arriving on the island all except Fintan perished in the Great Flood. Ladru became known as the “first dead man of Erin.” Fintan survived as a salmon. Through the centuries he assumed many shapes as he watched Ireland’s history develop. He lived to be six hundred years old and he verbally transmitted this history to more recent generations. The next influx of people to the island were Partholon and his followers. See Banbha, said to be the first settler in Ireland. See also Partholon.

Cethe (Celtic)

He is the brother of Cian and Cu, and the son of Dia’necht (q.v.).

Ceto (Greek)

Sea monster. Ceto is the sea monster daughter of Pontus and Gaea, or Oceanus and Gaea. In one myth, she married her brother, Phorcys, and became the mother of Callirrhoe (also called Echidna), the sea monster Scylla, the Gorgons, the Graiae and the dragon Ladon. In other legends she is said to have been her brother Phorcys’ daughter, a result of his union with their mother Gaea. They became the parents of the Gorgons. In yet another version of this myth she was one of the fifty Nereids, the water nymphs, who are children of Nereus and his sister/wife Doris. See also Callirrhoe; Doris; Echindan; Gaea; Gorgons; Graiae; Hesperides; Ladon; Medusa; Nereids; Nereus; Oceanus; Pontus; Scylla.

Ceus (Greek) see Ceos.

Cexochitl see Cinteotl.

Cezalcouati (Mexico) see Kukulcan.

Cghene (Isoko People, Southern Nigeria, Africa)

He is the Supreme Being and the creator of all. His abode is in the sky, which is a part of him. He rewards the just and punishes the unjust. The intermediary between Cghene and mortals is known as an oyise, also called uko Cghene (“messenger of Cghene”). It is made from the oyise tree, and is about eight feet long. It stands on the grounds of the eldest family member. Each morning he throws his used chewing stick before the pole and prays for the family and village members.

Ch-Ien Niu Kien Niu (China)

Heavenly cowherd. Husband of Chih-Nii (q.v.).

Cha-dog-ma (Tibet)

Also known as: Vajra-Shringhala (Sanskrit). See also Hayagriva; Kinkini-Dhari; Vajra-Shringhala.

Ch’an Tzu-fang (China)

God of the fire or furnace or hearth. See also Tsao Chun; Tsao-Shen; Tsao-wang.

Chaac (Maya People, Yucatan) see Chac.

Chac Chaac (Maya People, Yucatan)

Also known as: “B” (possibly), Xib Chac.

Rain god. Patron of agriculture. Chac is analogous to the Aztec god Tlaloc. The Mayas sacrificed to Chac for rain. Elsewhere he is referred to as one of a triad with Hobnel and Ah-Kluic, who are both gods of plenty. During festivals, human sacrifices, particularly children, were offered to the rain god. An important part of the ceremonies was to listen to the prophecies of a shaman named Chilam. He is often depicted in Mayan temples, wearing a mask, or sometimes as having a tapir’s nose, tusks, and holding an axe. He is also shown with body scales, long whiskers, his abundant hair bound up above his head. One may also see him in wells, rivers, and streams, often net fishing. See also “B”; Chacs; Tlaloc.

Chacs (Maya People, Yucatan)

Minor rain deities. The ruler of the Chacs is Chac. Initially there were four Chacs, one for each point of the compass. During spring festivals, the hearts of wild animals were sacrified to the Chacs. They are associated with the Becabs and Itzamna (q.v.). The Chacs, depicted as old men, are similar to the Tlalocs and their ruler, Tlaloc. See also Becabs; Chac; Tlalocs.

Chadanta (Buddhist; India)

Chadanta was the Bodhisattva in another life. He appeared as a white elephant with six tusks. As an elephant he had two wives, one who was jealous of the other. The jealous woman desired to be reincarnated as a human princess. Her wish was granted and in her next life she was a princess who grew up and married the King of Benares. When she remembered her prior life, she sent a hunter out to search for her husband, the white elephant with six tusks. His instructions were to kill him and return his tusks to her. The hunter tracked Chadanta, captured him in a pit, and wounded him with his arrows. Chadanta asked the hunter what motivated him to visit harm upon him. The hunter relayed his instructions to the elephant. When Chadanta realized that it was his fate to die in this manner, he helped the hunter fulfill his task. The hunter was unable to saw through the elephant’s tusks. Chadanta relieved him of his task by sawing off his own tusks. He died in his own blood. When the news reached the queen, she too died.

Chafura (Egypt) see Khepri.

Chahuru (Pawnee People, North America) Water Spirit.

Chaitraratha (India) Celestial Garden. See also Kuvera.

Chak-na-rin-chhen (Tibet) see Ratnasambhava; Vairocana.

Chak-yu-ma (Tibet) see Ankusha.

Chakra (Hindu; India)

This magic weapon, shaped like a wheel, was given to Vishnu by Shiva to destroy demons. The Chakra symbolizes the sun.

Chakra Sambara Heyvajra, Sambara (Buddhist; Nepal)

Chakra Sambara, an aspect of Sambara, the deity of supreme bliss, is also a manifestation of Heyvajra, the central figure of Vajrayana Buddhism. Chakra Sambara is depicted embracing his consort Vajrabarahi in a mystic position which symbolizes the union between wisdom and method leading to ultimate bliss. See also Sambara (B).

Chakravala Buddhist Universe (Buddhist; India)

The Buddhist Universe of Chakravala has three planes above, around and below Mount Meru. The lower plane is the abode of a specific type of sinner. It contains one hundred and thirty-six hells reserved for the enemies of Buddha. The lowest realm of hells is known as Avici. The minimum stay in this realm is twenty-five thousand years until the soul is reborn. Around the peak of Mount Meru is the Heaven of the Four Great Kings. This plane is populated with pretas (ghosts), animals, demons and men. The Four Great Kings guard the entrance to Sukhavati, the Buddhist paradise. Above the Heaven of the Four Great Kings is the Heaven of the Thirty-three Divinities. This is also called the Heaven of Sakra (Indra). There are twenty-four heavens above the Heaven of the Thirty-three Divinities. Six of these heavens are for souls who relish the pleasures of the senses. The twenty remaining heavens are known as the Chyana Lokas and the Arupa Lokas. The Arupa Lokas are the regions of Abstract Meditation. The Chyana Lokas are the dwelling places of enlightened souls. See also Dhartarastra (for a description of the Heaven of the Four Great Kings); Lokapalas; Sukhavati (Paradise); Visvakarma; Yidak.

Chakrisvari (India)

A Yakshini with sixteen arms. See also Yaksha and Yakshini.

Chala (India)

Goddess of fortune.

Chalchihuitzli (Aztec People, Mexico) see Chimalmatl.

Chalchiuhcihuatl (Mexico) see Xilonen.

Chalchiuhtlicue Chalchihuitli’cue, Chalchihuitlicue Chalchiuhcueye (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Acuecueyotl, Apoconallotl, Atlacamini, “Emerald Lady,” “I” (possibly), Petticoat of Blue Stones (sometimes called this name).

Chalchiuhtlicue is known as a beneficent and a malevolent deity. She is the Goddess of the East, ruler of the water sun Nahuiatl, goddess of the sea, springs, and all running water. She is the protector of newborn babies and of marriages. She ruled the fourth universe, which the flood destroyed. Tlaloc is her brother and perhaps her spouse. In some renditions, she is the spouse of Tlaloctecutli who was created to rule the waters. Sometimes she appears as the wife of Quetzalcoatl. She is the Lord of the Third Hour of the Day, and the Sixth Hour of the Night. She wears a skirt covered with jade. Her headdress is similar to that of Tlazolteotl. Her colors are blue and white. She is associated with flowers and mushrooms and often carries amaranth stems. Sometimes she is depicted as a snake or frog. The Mayan water goddess “I” (q.v.) may be the same as Chalchiuhtlicue. She preceeded the Mayan rain and thunder god Chac (q.v.). See also Acuecueyotl; Legend of the Four Suns; Lords of the Day Hours; Lords of the Night Hours; Ometecutli and Omeciuatl; Quetzalcoatl; Tlaloc; Tlaloctecutli.

Chalchiuhtonatiuh (Aztec People, Mexico) see Legend of the Four Suns.

Chalchiuhtotolin (Aztec People, Mexico) see Tezcatlipoca.

Chalciope (Greek)

Also known as: Iophossa

She is the daughter of the king of Colchis and his first wife, the nymph Asterodeia, and half-sister of Absyrtus and Medea. Chalciope was the first wife of Phrixus. Their children are Argus, Cytissorus, Melas, Phrontis and Presbon. Thessalus is her son by Heracles. She persuaded her sister to help Jason in his search for the Golden Fleece, after the Argonauts rescued her four sons from a shipwreck. See also Aeetes; Argus; Golden Fleece; Medea; Phrixus.

Chalcipe (Greek) see Argus (D).

Chalcodon (Greek)

King of the Abantes of Euboea. The son of Abas and Ocaleia, his siblings are Acrisius and Proetus. Amphitryon killed him at Thebes. See also Abas (A); Acrisius; Amphitryon; Proetus.

Chalcon (Greek) A Myrmidon. See also Telchines.

Chalmecatciuatl (Aztec People, Mexico)

Paradise. This is the heaven where the Tree of Milk grows. It is reserved for children. When Tlaloc is in residence, it is called Tlalocan. May be similar to Iztaccihuatl (see Mixcoatl). See also Mictlan; Tlaloc.

Chalucas (Zoque People, Mexico; possibly originally Maya)

Also known as: Homshuk (Popoluca People), Kondoy (Mixe People).

Culture hero. There is little known about Chalucas. He might have been a corn spirit. The few legends available indicate he defeated enemies and started present day civilization.

Champ-pa (Tibet) see Maitreya; Mamaki.

Chamunda (India)

This is the name of the goddess Kali in her bloodthirsty manifestation as the slayer of the demons Chanda and Munda. In battle, her mount is the buffalo. See also Kali.

Chanda (India) see Durga.

Chanda Maharoshana (Nepal) see Chandamaharoshana.

Chandamaharoshana Chanda Maharoshana (Buddhist; Nepal)

Also known as: Acala, Akshobhya, Mahachandrarosana.

Chandamaharoshana is an aspect of Akshobhya. He bears on his crown the effigy of Akshobhya. Worshipped in secret, he is kept secluded from public gaze. He has one face, two arms and squinted, slightly red eyes. His bare fangs are framed by a beastly face. A jewelled headdress decorated with a garland of severed heads adorns his head. In his right hand he carries the sword and in his left hand the noose around his raised index finger against his chest. His left leg touches the ground and his right leg is slightly raised. Clothed in tiger skin, he is adorned with jewels. White snakes compose his sacred thread. See also Acala; Akshobhya; Tara.

Chandi (Buddhist, Hindu; India)

Also known as: Devi, Durga-Kali, Tou Mu (China).

Chandi, meaning “fierce,” is an aspect of the Great Mother Devi. It is also the name applied to Durga-Kali, who is an aspect of Devi, in her terrifying aspect when she slays the demon Mahisha. Compare Chandi to Marichi (A) and Tou Mu (Chinese). See also Devi; Durga; Kali.

Chandika (India)

“The Burning,” or “The Fierce.” See also Durga; Kali.

Chandra Candra (Hindu, Vedic; India)

Also known as: “Bright One,” Candramas, Soma.

Chandra the moon god was created from the churning of the milk ocean which produced soma and amrita, the beverages of the gods. Once considered an independent god, Chandra was later assimilated by Soma. In some renditions, Chandra is the lover of the beautiful goddess of dawn, Ushas, or Surya, the sun goddess. The goddess Rohini (also known as Red Cow) is the wife of Chandra and Soma. Chandra’s steed is the antelope. He rises up from the ocean each night and influences the lives of mortals from birth until death. Chandrakanta is the moon-gem prized by healers. It is said to reduce fevers and eliminate headaches. The Chandrakanta is retrieved from ponds at midnight by divers who are willing to risk having spells cast upon them by water nymphs. The stone is created by the rays of the moon falling on water that is free of all pollutants. In Vedic mythology, Chandra is one of the eight attendants of Indra, who are known as the Vasus. See also Amrita; Asvins; Kurma; Parvati; Rohini; Soma; Surya (B); Ushas; Vasus.

Chandra-Prabha (India) see Gwakko-Bosatsu.

Chandrakanta (India) Sacred moon-gem. See also Chandra.

Chandraprabha (Jain; India)

Lord of the moon and ruler of the present age, Chandraprabha is the eighth of twenty-four forebears of Jainism.

Chang (Buddhism, Taoism; China)

Also known as: Chang Hsien, Chang Kung, Chang-Sien, Chang Yuang-Hsiao, Immortal Chang.

God of male children. This ancient deity of Szechwan is still worshiped in a ceremony using a bow of mulberry and arrows of silkworm wood. Chang is the father of Kien fan. He protects all children from the Celestial Dog, Tien Kou (Serius). Originally, Chang was responsible for the birth of male children, but later he was responsible for the birth of all children. He is the father of two mortal writers; Su Shi and Su Ch’e. Chang is shown as an old man bending a bow pointed at the sky. He is the counterpart to Avalokitesvara who is a deity of women. See also Avalokitesvara.

Chang Fei Khang Fei (China)

Deity of butchers. See also Fan K’uei.

Chang Hsien (China) see Chang.

Chang-Kuo-Lao Chang Kuo (China)

One of the Eight Immortals. He is known by his miraculous donkey. After traveling thousands of miles in a day, he is folded up like a piece of paper. Chang-Kuo-Lao is depicted as an old man, usually riding a donkey backwards and carrying a feather in his hand. See also Arhats; Chung-Li-Ch’uan; Eight Immortals; Han Chung-Li.

Chang-O Ch’ang-0 (China)

Also known as: Heng-O, Vai-Yin Huang-Chun, Yueh-Fu Ch’ang O.

Goddess of the moon. Chang-O’s husband Yi, the Excellent Archer, possessed the drink, or pill, of immortality. He was furious to learn that his wife had taken the potion in his absence. Fearful, Chang-O sought refuge in the moon. This ancient legend is still part of traditional belief. Chang-O’s other titles are “The Celestial Toad” and “The White Beauty.” She is shown as a beautiful young lady. (In some versions Chang-O is a male deity.) See also “I” (A); Yi.

Ch’ang-Sheng T’u-Ti (China)

Also known as: God of the Place.

Guardian. They are a group of deities who guard the home and its contents. Ch’ang-Sheng T’u-Ti and his wife Jui-k’ing fujen are usually named as head of this group. See also Ch’uang-kung; K’eng-san-ku.

Chang-Sien (China) see Chang.

Chang Tao-ling (China)

Also known as: Vien-shih (Celestial Master).

He is the founder of existing Taoism. Born in the second century (common era), he was deified in the eighth century. He was the recipient of numerous divine revelations during his life. Chang Tao-ling also prepared the drug of immortality. With the aid of his magic talismans and magic powers, he successfully overcame eight king-demons. After passing his wisdom and learnings on to his son, he ascended to the heavens with his wife and two disciples. See also Chang-O; Lao-tzu.

Chang Tung-Ch’ang (China) see Ch’eng Huang.

Chang Yuang-Hsiao (China) see Chang.

Chango (Africa, Caribbean, Central America, South America)

Warrior god. He defends mortals against enemies who want their land, wealth and women.

Channa (India) see Buddha.

Chantico (Aztec People, Mexico)

Fire goddess of the home and hearth. Fertility goddess. Chantico is generally associated with wealth and precious stones. She appears with a golden face. Her symbols are a red serpent and cactus spikes.

Chaos (Chinese, Babylonian, Greek)

There are variations of the creation myth in Greek mythology. Hesiod said that Chaos, also known as “The Gap” came into being first, followed by the earth, Gaea. Next followed Tartarus, the dark abyss below Hades, which was followed by Eros (Love). (Eros is not to be confused with Aphrodite’s son, who appeared in later works.) All things followed these creations. Chaos gave birth to Nyx (Night) and Erebus (Darkness). Gaea bore Uranus (Sky), Ourea (Mountains), and Pontus (Sea). (See also Gaea.) In the Orphic creation myth, Chaos, Erebus, and Nyx existed at the beginning. In the Pelasgian creation myth, Eurynome, the Goddess of All Things, emerged from Chaos, and from the North Wind, also called Boreas, her consort Ophion was created. In the Olympian version, Mother Earth emerged from Chaos and bore her son, Uranus (Sky). In Greek mythology, Darkness existed first and Chaos sprang from Darkness, or that the God of All Things, sometimes called Nature, appeared in Chaos and separated the elements. It is also said that the goddess Aphrodite (foam born) who rose from the sea is the same as the wide-ruling goddess who emerged from Chaos, called Eurynome, in the Pelasgian creation myth, and in Syria and Palestine as Ishtar, or Ashtaroth. In Babylonian mythology, Chaos is a feminine principle meaning mother of all gods and is personified by the goddesses Neith and Tiamat. Air and Chaos, who existed in the beginning, created Kolpia (the wind) and Potos (desire) in the Phoenician Creation Legend of Philo Byblos. In a Chinese version Chaos was likened to an egg and from this egg was born Phan-ku. When the parts of the egg separated the heavy elements became earth and the light, pure elements became the sky. These became Yin and Yang. Also in Chinese mythology, Ch’i and Tien Li were created from Chaos. Phan-ku of China is represented as a squatting man holding the egg of Chaos which is symbolized as Yin and Yang. For the role played by Chaos in the Pelasgian creation myth see Eurynome (A). To compare to the Orphic creation myth see Phanes; for the Homeric version see Oceanus; for the Olympian version, see Gaea. See also Aether; Air; Boreas; Erebus; Nox; Pan-ku; Tartarus.

Chapala (India)

Goddess of fortune.

Chaquen (Chibcha People, Bogota, South America)

Guardian and god of boundaries. See also Bochica.

Char (Armenian) see Devs.

Charis Aegle (Greek) see Aegle; Aglaia; Graces.

Charites (Greek) see Graces.

Charities, The (Greek) see Aglaia; Graces.

Charon Kaharon (Greek)

Ferryman of the dead. Charon is the son of Erebus and Nyx. His siblings are Aether, Cer, Dreams, Hemera, Hypnos, Momus, Moros, Nemesis and Thanatos. He ferries the souls of the dead over the waters of the rivers Styx and Acheron in a leaky rotting boat, to Hades. He receives payment for each passenger. (This is why the ancient Romans put a coin [the obolus or obol] into the mouth of a corpse before burial.) If a coin is not produced, the spirit must wait a hundred years, then Charon could ferry them across at no charge. Sometimes he is shown as an aged or grumpy boatman, sometimes with a scraggly white beard and wearing a dirty cloak hanging from his shoulders by a knot. See also Acheron; Aether; Cocytus; Erebus; Golden Bough; Heracles; Keres; Nemesis; Nox; Styx; Tartarus.

Charumati (India)

She is the daughter of Krishna and Rukmini. See also Rukmini; Sisupala.

Charun (Etruscan)

God of death. His hammer, which is normally used when he accompanies Mars in battle, is also used to kill his victims. See also Hades.

Charvi (India) see Kuvera.

Charybdis (Greek) see Amphitrite; Gaea; Nereids; Scylla.

Chasca (Inca People, Peru)

Dawn goddess. Created by Viracocha, Chasca brings forth flowers and protects young women. She is identified with the planet Venus and is worshiped as an attendant of the Sun. In depictions, she is shown surrounded by clouds who are her messengers. See also Viracocha.

Chavah (Babylonia) see Eve.

Chawa (Babylonia) see Eve.

Chebeldei (Siberia)

Also known as: Abaasy, Abasy.

Inhabitants or spirits of the underworld. Chebeldei is a black spirit of the underworld who has a very long nose. Many of these underworld spirits are partly or completely composed of iron, and black in color. Their noses are eighteen meters long. See also Abaasy.

Cheiron Chiron, Kheiron, Kiron (Greek)

Instructor. Cheiron is the immortal son of the underworld god Cronus and the nymph Philyra. Unlike his uncouth fellow Centaurs, Cheiron was intelligent, cultivated and gentle. Sometimes he is referred to as the chief of the Centaurs. He was renowned for his knowledge and skills in the healing arts, music and archery. Cheiron also had the gift of prophecy. He taught the art of war to many of the famous heroes; Actaeon, Achilles, Asclepius, Jason, Heracles and Podalirius. Cheiron was accidently shot by one of Heracles’ poisoned arrows. Although he was immortal, he chose to die and pass his immortality to the Titan Prometheus (q.v.). Cheiron was said to have married Cariclo. He is the father of Endeis, Ocyrrhoe (Menalippe), and Thea. (The gods changed Ocyrrhoe into a horse because of her gift of prophecy.) Cheiron is depicted as a man with a horse’s body. See also Acastus; Achilles; Actaeon; Aeacus; Aeolus (B), Aristaeus; Centaurs; Cronus; Nessus; Oceanus; Jason.

Chelidon (Greek) see Aedon.

Chelovek (Russia) see Domovoi.

Chem-pa (Tibet) see Mi-Lo Fu.

Chembe (Africa) see Bumba.

Chemosh Kemosh (Canaan, Moabite, Semite, Sumer; possibly of Egyptian origin)

Also known as: Baal-Peor, Kammus, Kamus, Shamash (Sumer).

Chemosh, thought by some to be a deified mortal king, was the national war god of the Moabites when they fought against Israel. He was worshiped along with Eshmun and Melqart, who were said to be the brothers, sons, or husbands of Astarte. Mentioned in the Bible, he was worshiped by Solomon. As Baal-Peor this deity was androgynous. As a male he was a sun god and as female, a moon goddess. Chemosh is shown as a phallus, cone, pillar or tree branch. He is associated with Ishtar (q.v.). See also Astarte; Baal; Eshmun; Shamash.

Ch’en (Maya People, Yucatan)

Also known as: Grandmother.

Moon goddess. She was the first woman to have sexual intercourse.

Ch’en Ch’i (China) see Men Shen.

Chen Wu Cheng Wu (China)

Also known as: Hsuan T’ien Shang Ti, Pei-chi Chen Chun (“God of the North Pole”).

God of the north. God and ruler of the abode of darkness. He is the reincarnation of T’ien Pao. See also Hsuan T’ien Shang Ti (q.v.).

Chen Jen (Taoist; China)

“Perfect Ones.”

Chen Jen is generally used to describe those who reached perfection and are suitable for worship. The Chen Jen do not have physical bodies. They can travel between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Chen Resik (Tibet) see Avalokiteswara.

Ch’eng Huang Ch’eng-huang shen (China)

Also known as: Celestial Mandarin, Chang Tung-Ch’ang, Shui Jung, Yang Ki-Sheng, Yu-K’ien, Yung-Ku Wang.

God of the city. God of walls and ditches. As Shui Jung, he is one of the “Eight Spirits” (Pa Cha). Double walls surrounded all cities. The ditch between the walls was called huang while the walls were called ch’eng. Worship of Ch’eng Huang is probably from the Yao dynasty around 2357 B.C.E. Each village had its own Ch’eng Huang. They are called T’u-ti (Gods of the Place). Some versions say the original god (or founder) has one name, and is usually worshiped instead of Ch’eng Huang. Some of the gods of walls and ditches are Yank Ki-sheng, Yu-K’ien, Chang Tung-ch’ang, and Yung-ku wang. Ch’eng Huang is associated with Mr. White (Po-lao-ye), Mr. Black (Hei-lao-ye), Mr. Horse-face, and Mr. Ox-face. See also Ma-Mien; Men Shen.

Cheng Lung (China) see Heng and Ha; Men Shen.

Cheng Wu (China) see Chen Wu.

Chenrezig Chenrgzi (Buddhist; Tibet)

An incarnation of Buddha and the national tutelary deity of Tibet, Chenrezig is the four-armed herdsman. His mantra is “Om man-ni pad-me hum.” See also Buddha.

Chenrgzi (Tibet) see Chenrezig.

Chent-Ament (Egypt) see Osiris.

Chepera (Egypt) see Khepri.

Cherakan-Ixmmucane (Maya People, Yucatan) see Chirakan-Ixmucane.

Cheresi (Bodhisattva) (Hindu; India) see Bodhisattva Cheresi.

Chernobog Cernobog, Czarnobog, Zcernoboch (Slavic)

Evil deity. Chernobog is the black god who is opposite of Byelobog, the spirit of light. See also Byelobog.

Cherruve (Araucanian People, Chile, South America)

Depicted as man-headed serpents, the Cherruve are spirits of shooting stars who are under the command of the weather and thunder god, Pillan. See also Auchimalgen; Pillan.

Cherub Choreb, Kerub (Roman; originally, possibly Assyrian)

Also known as: Cherubim (plural).

Messengers. In Biblical lore they were pictured as two figures of gold whose wings covered the mercy seat on the Ark. Although often shown as cupid-like figures, most scholars think they were fierce guardians of holy places. They were possibly derived from the Assyrian guardian creatures placed at the gates of temples. These were bulls with the head of a man and wings of an eagle. Some legends indicate they were of the higher order of angels and were the supreme god’s messengers. The Bible describes them with four faces, four wings, and calf-like feet. See also Angels; Apis (A).

Cherubim (Semite) see Angels; Cherub.

Chespisichis (Greek) see Khensu.

Chhaya Khaya, Shaya (India)

Goddess of the shade. See also Sanja; Tapati.

Chhwaskamini (Buddhist; Nepal)

Also known as: Tara.

Evil spirit. Chhwaskamini is the evil form of the loving goddess Tara who fights off demons and wicked spirits. See also Tara.

Ch’i (A) (China)

The ether. In the beginning there was Ch’i, “ether,” a single cell. This divided into Yin and Yang as a result of the vibrations set in motion by Tao, a force, and thus creation began with the appearance of two opposite ethers, able to produce the elements, which went on to combine and form everything in the universe. See also Chaos.

Ch’i (B) (China)

Ch’i is the son of Yu and the Girl of T’u. His grandfather is Kun. In some renditions, Yu was born from his dead father’s stomach three years after his death. In another myth, Yu turned into a bear while digging through a mountain, possibly in an attempt to hold back flood waters. When T’u saw him in bear form she ran away and changed into a stone. Yu hollered after her “Give me my son.” That stated, the stone split open and Ch’i was born. See also Kun (B).

Chi (China)

Chi is the soul or the total being; the unexplainable manifestation that controls the body.

Chi-Haya-Buru (Japan) see Kami.

Ch’i-Lin (China)

God of animals. This unicorn is one of the “Head of All Animals,” known as Ch’i-Lin. It doesn’t eat living vegetation and never walks on green grass. It appears at the birth of good leaders, or sages. Ch’i-Lin has the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, and the hooves of a horse. It is multi-colored on the back and yellow on the belly.

Chi Sheng Sien-Shi (China) see Confucius.

Ch’i-ti Red Lord (China) see Shang Ti.

Ch’i-You (China)

God of war, weapons, smiths and dancers. He is the son, grandson, or minister of Shen-nung (“Divine Farmer”). Ch’i-You eats stone, iron and sand. His head is iron, his brow bronze, he has sharp pointed horns, four eyes, six arms, eight fingers and eight toes. His hair bristles like spears. He either has a human body with feet of an ox, or a beast body and human voice.

Chia Chie (Muyscaya People, Colombia, South America)

Also known as: Huytaca, Suetiva, Xubchasgagua.

Chia is the moon goddess mate of Bochica, or in some myths, Cuchaviva. From jealousy and as a mischievous prank, Chia used her magic to flood the land. Bochica punished Chia by banishing her to a permanent home in the sky, where she was transformed into the moon, and became a primary goddess of women. In an alternate tale, Chia told mortals that merrymaking, joy and laughter should supplant the severe rule of laws made by Bochica. This angered Bochica, who turned her into an owl. To spite him, she helped Chibchachum flood the plain of Bogota. There were few survivors. If she became displeased with a man, he had to dress as a woman to avoid being punished by her. Chia is often confused with Hunthaca, the spouse of Nemquetcha. She is the same as Suetiva (q.v.). See also Bochica.

Chibcha People — Creation Legend (Colombia, South America) see Bachue; Chimaqua.

Chibchacum Chibchachum (Muyscaya People, Colombia, South America)

He holds up the earth. When this god is tired, he shifts the weight on his shoulders and causes earthquakes. See also Bochica.

Chibiabos (Algonquin People, North America) see Chipiapoos; Manibozho.

Chibilias (Maya People, Yucatan) see Ix-chel.

Chichen Izta (Maya People, Yucatan) see Itzamna.

Chickcharney (Andros Island, Bahamas)

A small, feathered, furred spirit of the forest.

Chicomecoatl Chicomexochit (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Seven Snakes, Xilonen.

Goddess of crops, particulary maize. Goddess of plenty. She is associated with Coatlicue because of her powers of fertility. She is similar to Ceres, and is identified with Tonacacihuatl. Chicomecoatl is possibly represented as a red ear of corn. See also Ceres; Coatlicue; Xilonen.

Chicomexochitl (Mexico) see Tonacatecutli.

Chicomoztoc (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: The Seven Cities of Cibola (possibly).

Place of origin. In the creation myth, the Aztec race emerged from the Cavern of the Seven Chambers, also known as Chicomoztoc, after a great natural disaster. See also Legend of the Four Suns.

Chiconamictlan (Aztec People, Mexico) see Chicunauhmictlan.

Chiconauapan (Aztec People, Mexico) see Chicunauhmictlan.

Chicuna (Andean People, Peru) “Lord of All Things.” Creator deity.

Chicunauhmictlan Chiconamictlan (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Apochquiahuayan, Chiconauapan, Mictlan.

Home of the Dead. Chicunauhmictlan, frequently shortened to Mictlan, is the ninth pit where the “lords of night” rule over the affairs of men. It is the abode of Mictlantecutli and Mictlanciuatl who live in a windowless home. Xiuhtecutli is also a resident of Chicunauhmictlan. The dead are given magical spells and a water vase for their trip to the Home of the Dead. They use spells to help them when they pass the monsters guarding the “clashing mountains.” They also pass eight deserts, and eight hills. After meeting the “Lord of the Dead,” Mictlantecuhtli, the dead souls mount a red dog sacrificed at their death and follow the nine-fold stream in the underworld. They are then allowed to take their rest in Chicunauhmictlan. Chicunauhmictlan is the opposite of Omeyocan (q.v.). See also Chicuna; Legend of the Four Suns; Mictlantecutli.

Chie (South America) see Chia.

Ch’ien Niu (China) see Kengiu (Japan).

Ch’ien-T’ang (Taoist; China)

Chief of the river gods. A Dragon King. He is the brother of Ling Hsu, who is a king of one of the local rivers. One of the legends associated with this deity is that he caused a nine-year flood. See also Dragon Kings.

Ch’ih Kuo (China) see Mo’li Shou.

Chih-Nii (China) see Chin Nu.

Chih Nu (China) see Chih Nii; Chin Nu.

Chih-Wen (China)

Water dragon. His depiction, sometimes shown as a fish with a raised tail, is carved on bridges and roofs to ward off fire.

Ch’ih Yeo (China)

Satan. He is the head of eighty-one brothers who are described as having the bodies of beasts. Huang-Ti captured him and cut him to pieces.

Chikisanti (Ainu People, Japan)

Goddess of elm trees. The ancient Ainu People believed that the elm tree was the first tree. Chikisanti is the mother of the first man, Pon Okikurumi, by Okikurumi. See also Okikurumi.

Children of Don, The (Britain, Wales)

Deities of Wales and Britain, similar to the Irish Tuatha De Danann. The two most important of the Children of the Don are the all-powerful god Gwydion, a beneficent teacher who controlled war and peace, and his sister-wife Arianrhod. See also Arianrhod; Gwydion.

Children of Llyr, The (Britain, Wales)

Popular deities of the ancient Welsh and British people. Llyr became the father of Manawyddan by Don’s daughter Penardun and of Bran and Branwen by Iweridd. See also Llyr; Manawyddan.

Chilenga (Africa) see Lisa.

Chimaera Chimera, Chimaira (Greek)

A Lycian monster. Storm deity. The Chimaera is the offspring of the whirling hurricane Typhon and Echidna, an eternally youthful, half-nymph, half-snake monster. The Chimaera did not fare well in the appearance department, nor did her siblings who are the Sphinx, Hydra, Cerberus, the Caucasian Eagle, the Crommyonian Sow and the Vultures. Raised by the Lycian chieftain, Amisodaurus, the Chimaera, personification of evil, ravaged the land and killed the innocent. Bellerophon, the slayer of monsters, had been sent by Iobates, the king of Lycia, to perform numerous dangerous tasks. Outfitted with the golden bridle on the winged Pegasus, he flew through the air, confronted the monster and slew it. Chimaera is shown with three heads or the head of a lion, goat, or snake, or with the front parts of a lion, the center of a goat and a snake’s tail, and she breathes fire. In medieval times, the Chimaera was associated with lust. In current interpretations, it has been seen as an allegory of an Achaean capture of the White Goddess’s shrine on Mount Helicon. It is also thought to represent an initiation. To compare the Chimaera (the essence of a storm cloud) with wind deities see Aeolus, Borea, Eurus, Notus, Zetes, and Zephyrus. To compare the Chimaera to other destructive forces of nature see Aegeon, Aello, Bellerophon, Harpies, Pegasus, and Typhon (A). See also Cerberus; Echidna; Hambaris; Hydra; Sphinx.

Chimaira (Greek) see Chimaera.

Chimalman (Aztec People, Mexico) see Chimalmatl.

Chimalmatl Chimalman (Aztec, Toltec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Chalchihuitzli (“Precious Stone of Sacrifice”).

Ancestor of the Toltec people. She is the earth-born virgin wife of Mixcoatl and the mother of Quetzalcoatl under his name Citlallatonac. She died during childbirth and was given the title Chalchihuitzli. In other renditions, she is known as the mother of Quetzalcoatl by Camaxtle (also known as Texcatlipoca). She might be related to Huitzilopochtli (q.v.). See also Camaxtle; Ilancue; Mixcoatl; Texcatlipoca.

Chimata-no-Kami (Japan)

Also known as: Sanzu-no-Kawa.

God of cross-roads. According to some, he was a phallic deity who was removed by Buddhism. He is one of the gods of roads known as Sae-no-kami. See also Sanzu-no-kawa.

Chimera (Greek) see Chimaera.

Chiminagua Chiminigagua, Chiminiquagua (Chibcha People, South America)

Also known as: Bochica.

Creator deity. Before anything existed, light was enclosed by Chiminagua. He rose and freed the light, then created mankind. In the tale of Chibcha myth, Chiminagua was the creator of all. When the world began, the light was in Chiminagua and all was darkness. He set the light free, creating blackbirds to carry it over the earth. In some renditions, Bochica was given the name Chiminizagagua, meaning “Messenger of Chiminagua.” See also Bochica; Suetiva.

Chimini-Pagus (Chibcha, Muyscaya People, South America)

This is the name of the casket that contained light in the beginning. In the Creation Legend, it was sent to earth where blackbirds scattered the light. See also Chiminagua.

Chiminigagua (Colombia, South America) see Chiminagua.

Chiminiquagua (Colombia, South America) see Chiminagua.

Chiminizagagua (Chibcha People, Bogota, South America) see Bochica.

Chin (Maya People, Yucatan)

He is the god of death and one of the Becabs (q.v.). See also Acat.

Chin Chia (China)

Also known as: Mr. Golden Cuirass.

God of Scholars. Protector of weak students. Avenger of evil actions. Occasionally he sometimes accompanies Chu I or K’uei Hsing as an attendant of Wen Ch’ang. Chin Chia is shown with a flag and a sword. See also Chi I; Wen Ch’ang.

Ch’in Ch’iung (China) see Men Shen.

Chin Neu (China) see Chin Nu.

Chin Nu Chih Neu, Chih-Nii, Chih Nu, Kien Niu (China)

Also known as: Heavenly Spinster, Spinning Damsel, Stellar Goddess, Weaver Damsel.

The goddess of spinners and weavers, Chin Nu, is the daughter of the Jade Emperor Yu Huang. One day Chin Nu came to earth from heaven to bathe. An ox, who was the guardian spirit of a cowherd, advised him to take Chin Nu’s clothing. She was unable to return to heaven without her clothes, so she stayed and wed the cowherd. They had two children. Seven years passed and Chin Nu found her clothes and returned to heaven. Her spouse was very upset. He consulted with the ox. It was agreed that he would carry the children in baskets on a pole across his shoulders, and he would grasp the ox’s tail and go to heaven in search of his wife. When he encountered her father, he demanded that he be permitted to see Chin Nu. Yu Huang gave her husband, Ch’ien Niu, a star to the west. Chin Nu’s star is to the east of the Heavenly River. Because of their positions they are only reunited on the seventh day of the seventh month each year. On that day all the magpies each take a twig and build a bridge for them across the Heavenly River. Her husband became known as the Celestial Herdsman. In a variation of this myth, Chin Nu wove fine garments without seams for her father Tung Wang Kung (also known as Yu-ti). This so pleased him that he gave her in marriage to Ch’ien Niu, the Heavenly Herdsman, a star in the constellation Aquila. Then, because the goddess had too little time for his robes, the Jade Emperor put the Milky Way between his daughter and her husband. It was believed that once a year, crossing by a bridge made by magpies, the couple was reunited. In some versions, it is the queen who placed the Milky Way between the lovers. See also Kengiu (Japan).

Ch’in Shu-Pao (China) see Hu King-te; Men-shen.

China — Creation Legend see Ch’i

Ching-Tu (Buddhist; China)

Also known as: Kun-Lun Mountain.

Heavenly paradise. The legend is the same as that of the Kun-Lun Mountain. See also Jodo; Kun-Lun.

Ching Yuh (Korea) see Kengiu (Japan).

Chinnamastica (India) see Kali.

Chinnigchinich (Native North American)

Creator. He is an orphan who created men and women out of clay. It is he who taught the people the art of medicine.

Chinnintamma (India)

She is one of the Mutyalammo goddesses who are deities of the household. She functions as head of the home. See also Mutyalammo.

Chinta-Mani (India) see Cintamani.

Chintamani Lokeswar (Nepal) see Lokeswar.

Chinvat Bridge Chinvat Peretu, Cinvat (Persian)

Also known as: Bridge of the Gatherer, Bridge of the Requiter.

This bridge spans from Mount Tera, the peak of the cosmic Mount Alburz, to heaven. Upon death, all souls cross Chinvat Bridge. The beams of the bridge are many-sided and of varying thickness. When a righteous soul arrives, the thick rim appears. When a sinner arrives, the thin and sharp beam is presented and the soul drops to a hell below. On the rim of Mount Alburz is the Arezur ridge, the gateway to hell, where demons congregate. Mithra, Sraosha and Rashnu are the judges of the dead souls. Indra made the bridge shrink as souls passed over it, thus dropping them into the abyss. See also Aeshma; Alburz (Mount); Amesha Spentas; Andra; Hariati (Mount); Mithra; Rashnu; Sraosha; Yazatas.

Chione (A) (Greek)

She is the daughter of Boreas and Oreithyia. Her siblings are Calais, Cleopatra, Haemus and Zetes. The seductive sea god, Poseidon, impregnated Chione and she bore Eumolpus whom she threw into the sea. He was rescued by his father and raised by his half-sister, Benthesicyme. See also Acacallis; Autolycus (A); Boreas.

Chione (B) (Greek)

In one day, Chione had two children by two different gods: Autolycus by Hermes and Philamon by Apollo. See also Autolycus; Philamon.

Chipiapoos (Potawatomi People, North America)

God of the dead. Brother of the trickster, Nanabojo. Chipiapoos was pulled under the ice by demons. He is similar to Chibiabos. See also Manibozho; Nanabojo.

Chiquinau (Nicaragua, Central America)

“God of Nine Winds.” God of the air. He is one of the creator gods who are ruled by Tamagostad and Zipaltonal. He is associated with Ciaga; Ecalchot; Misca; Quiateot; Vizetot.

Chirakan-Ixmucane Cherakan-Ixmmucane (Maya People, Yucatan)

Creator. This goddess was created when four of the gods who created the world split themselves and became four additional deities. She is associated with Ixpiyacoc, Ixmucane, Hunahpu-guch and Hunahpu-utiu. Chirakan-Ixmucane, Ajtzak and Ajbit were among the thirteen deities who tried to create mortals from various materials. See also Alom; Legend of the Four Suns.

Chiron (Greek) see Cheiron.

Chiruwi (Africa)

Spirits. The Chiruwi are both good and bad. They have half-bodies, one eye, one ear, one leg, and one arm.

Chitra-ratha (India) see Gandharvas.

Chitragupta (India) Registrar of the Dead. See also Yama.

Chitrangada (A) (India) Wife of Arjuna (q.v.).

Chitrangada (B) (India) Half-brother of Vyasa (q.v.).

Chiu Kung (China)

Also known as: Chiu I.

“Nine Palaces.” “Mountains of the Immortals,” (also known as Hsien Shan). “Territory of the Immortals,” (also known as Hsien Ching). Chiu Kung is the residence of the Fairies. See also Hsi-hua; Tung Wang.

Chiun (Hebrew) see Rephaim.

Chiutcoatl (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cinteotl.

Chixu (Pawnee People, North America) The Ghosts.

Chlevnik (Russia, Slavic)

One of the Domovoi who are household spirits, the Chlevnik is the spirit of the cattle shed or barn. To prevent harm to new animals and to be successful in raising cattle, the Chlevnik must be appeased with an offering. In some areas, the farmers attempt to drive the Chlevnik away by beating on the walls to frighten it. See also Bannik; Domovoi; Kikimori; Ovinnik.

Chloris (Greek)

Also known as: Meliboea, Flora (Roman).

Goddess of flowers. Goddess of fertility. Chloris is the personification of spring. She is the daughter of Amphion and Niobe. Her eleven brothers and sisters were murdered by Apollo and Artemis. She alone survived. In some traditions she is the wife of Zephyrus (who is the West Wind) and a son, Carpus, the personification of fruit. She has also been called the wife of Neleus. As the wife of Neleus, she is the mother of thirteen children. Chloris was a participant and winner in the Heraean Games. The Heraean Games were held every four years at Olympia and were only for female participants. They were initiated by Hippodameia in honor of Hera. At one time, the women, classed by age, with the youngest first, ran with their hair flying loose and a bare shoulder. See also Amphion; Apollo; Artemis; Flora; Niobe; Zephyrus.

Chnemu (Egypt) see Khnum.

Chnoumes (Egypt) see Khnum.

Choco People — Creation Legend (Colombia, South America) see Caragabi

Choctaw People — Creation Legend (North America) see Aba

Chonchonyi (Araucanian People, Chile, South America)

This evil deity has a large head with long, flapping ears which he uses as wings to fly about as he preys on the sick and weak.

Chonsu (Egypt)

God of the Moon.

Choreb (Roman) see Cherub.

Chos-Rgyal Phyi-Scrub (Tibet) see Yama.

Choun (Inca People, Peru) see Inti; Manco Capac; Virococha.

Chousorus (Phoenician) see Oulomos.

Christ Khristos (Greek) “Anointed One.” See also Jesus.

Chronos (A) (Greek) see Cronus.

Chronos (B) (Greek)

This is the name of one of the sun god Helius’ horses. See also Helius.

Chrysaor (Greek)

Chrysaor and his brother, Pegasus, sprang from the blood of Medusa at the time she was decapitated by Perseus. His father is the sea god Poseidon. Chrysaor married the Oceanid Callirrhoe. He is the possible father of the female monster Echidna and Geryon, the owner of the flocks stolen by Heracles as his tenth labor. See also Callirrhoe; Echidna; Heracles; Medusa; Oceanids; Pegasus; Perseus.

Chryse (A) (Greek)

Also known as: Comana

She is the daughter of Halmus, the king of Boeotian Orchomenus. Her relationship with Ares produced a son, Phlegyas, who later became the king of Orchomenus. See also Ares; Phlegyas.

Chryse (B) (Greek)

She is the daughter of Pallas, who is the son of Lycaon and Cyllene. See also Pallas.

Chryseis (Greek)

Also known as: Astynome.

When she was captured by the Greeks during the battle at Troy, she became the concubine of Agamemnon (q.v.).

Chryses (A) (Greek)

He is the son of Chryseis and Agamemnon. See also Agamemnon; Chryseis.

Chryses (B) (Greek)

His parents are Poseidon and Chrysogeneia and his son is Minyas.

Chryses (C) (Greek)

He is one of the many children of Hermes (q.v.).

Chryses (D) (Greek) He is the father of Chryseis (q.v.).

Chrysippe (Greek) see Danaus.

Chrysippus (Greek) He is the son of Pelops (q.v.).

Chryson (Greek) see Telchines.

Chrysothemis (A) (Greek)

Also known as: Iphianassa, Iphigeneia.

She is the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Her siblings are Electra and Orestes. See also Agamemnon.

Chrysothemis (B)

In the Pythian games, the Cretan Chrysothemis won first prize for poetry and music.

Chthon (Greek)

An epithet of Gaea, the personification of earth. See also Gaea.

Chu (China)

Spirit of the Grain. Chu is the son of Shen-Nung, the god of agriculture. See also Hou Chi; Shen-Nung.

Ch’u Chiang (China) see Chu-kiang.

Chu I (China)

Also known as: Lu Ch’i, Mr. Red Coat, Mr. Red Jacket.

Chu I is an assistant to Wen Ch’ang (also known as Wench’ang ti-kun, or Wen-ti) the god of literature. Chu I’s mortal name is Lu Ch’i and the dates given for his life are approximately C.E. 780–784. He is usually shown with K’uei Hsing (also spelled K’ue-sing), another assistant. Sometimes he is shown with Chin Chia. Chu I and Chin Chia are identified as helpers and protectors of weak candidates. Chu I has the green face of an Immortal, the lips of a dragon and the head of a panther. See also Chin Chia; Wen Ch’ang.

Chu Jung (China)

Also known as: The Red Emperor.

Chu Jung was originally the Red Emperor who reigned for two hundred years. Later he became the god of the Fourth Month and the god of fire. He punishes those who break the laws of heaven.

Chu-kiang Ch’u Chiang (Buddhist; China)

The ruler of the second of the Chinese hells (T’i-Yu), he judges thieves and murderers by placing them in front of a mirror which reflects their evil actions. See also Kshitigarbha; Ti-Yu.

Ch’uan Hou (China) see T’ien Hou.

Chuan-Lun Chuan-Lun Wang (China)

God of hell. Of the ten hells in Chinese mythology, Chuan-Lun is the ruler of the tenth and last hell. He pronounces the final sentence and assigns the soul to one of six states. See also Kshitigarbha; Ti-Yu.

Ch’uang-Kung (China)

Also known as: Lord of the Bed.

One of the deities of the bed or bedroom. Along with his mate, Ch’uang-mu, he protects the bed. He is possibly worshiped for his ability to allow a woman to have a child. Ch’uang-Kung is one of a group called “Gods of the Place.” See also Ch’ang-sheng t’u-ti; Ch’uang-Mu.

Ch’uang-Mu (China)

Also known as: Lady of the Bed.

Goddess of the bed or bedroom. Paired with Ch’uang-Kung, lord of the bed. She is one of a group called “Gods of the Place.” See also Ch’ang-sheng t’u-ti; Ch’uang-Kung.

Chuchulain (Celtic) see Cuchulain.

Chukum (Colombia)

God of boundaries and foot-races. He is one of deities worshiped with Bochica (q.v.).

Chukwu (Ibo People, Africa) Supreme god.

Chunda (A) (Buddhist; India)

Chunda, a benign goddess, is shown with a smiling face, four or sixteen arms, holding a lotus, rosary and a begging-bowl.

Chunda (B) (Hindu; India)

Chunda and Munda, two demon spies, were sent by Sumbha and Nisumbha to kill the goddess Durga. They approached her with their army, and she promptly devoured all of them. See also Durga.

Chung-Li-Ch’uan (China)

High god. He is sometimes known as the chief of the Eight Immortals (Pa Kung). His function is to revive the dead. Chung-Li-Ch’uan is shown as a fat bearded man, sometimes with a bare stomach, sometimes clothed. He carries a fan and the peach of immortality. See also Arhats; Eight Immortals; Han Chung-Li; Pa Hsien; Pa Kung.

Chung-Liu (China)

Also known as: Tsao Shen.

God of the Shaft. It refers to the air shaft in the center of the old houses. In some versions, Chung-Liu is one of the gods of the inner-doors. See also Tsao Shen.

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

Churning of the Ocean (India) see Kurma.

Chuvalete (Cora People, Central America)

This is the morning star who protects worshipers from the fierce sun.

Chuvash (Russian) see Kaba.

Chwezi (Uganda, Africa)

Tribal deities of the forces of nature. There are nineteen Chwezi, each with a function: earthquakes, rain, moon, et cetera. Some say the Chwezi are culture heros.

Chyavana (India) see Asvins; Mada.

Ciaga (Nicaragua, South America)

Water god. Under the rule of Tamagostad and Zipaltonal, Ciaga shared in creation with Ecalchot, Quiateot, Misca, Chiquinau, and Vizetot. See also Chiquinau; Ecalchot; Quiateot; Vizetot; Zipaltonal.

Cian Kian (Celtic)

Minor sun deity. Later an evil deity. Cian, a shepherd, is the son of the divine physician, Dia’necht, and the father of Lugh by Ethlinn the moon goddess, who is the daughter of Balor. Cian permitted Gavidjeen, Go’s cow, to return to Balor, its former owner. With the aid of the sea god, Manannan Mac Llyr (Manannan Mac Lir), he reached Balor’s abode in the underworld of the sea (some say an island). Here he met Ethlinn, who had been locked in a tower by her father. They slept together and Lugh was born of their union. Cian deserted her with the cow and child in tow. Again, Manannan Mac Llyr rescued him, but now demanded compensation. Cian gave him his son, Lugh, whom the sea god raised to become the sun hero. Some time later, Cian noticed his enemies approaching: the three sons of Tuirenn (Brian, Iuchar and Iucharba). Magically, he turned himself into a pig. When they realized what he had done, they changed into hounds and gave chase, overcame, and killed him. They attempted to bury him six times but only on the seventh attempt did he stay under the ground. His son Lugh found the body and vowed vengeance. An addendum to this myth tells of Cian as a druid later in life. Evil, he delighted in changing his pupils, the children of Tuirenn, into hares and pursuing them as a hound. They banded together, struck him with his staff, thus causing Ireland to divide into the North and the South. For comparison see Danae and Zeus. See also Balor; Dia’necht; Lugh; Manannan Mac Llyr; Tuatha De Danann.

Cibola, The Seven Cities of (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Chicomoztoc (possibly).

In legend, the Seven Cities of Cibola are the cities from which the Aztec People originated.

Cigfa (Celtic) see Pryderi.

Cihauteto Cihuateteo (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Cihuacoatl (possibly).

The Cihauteto are five women who died in childbirth. They became demon goddesses who return to earth in terrible form to frighten humans. They are known to linger around crossroads.

Cihuatcoatl Cihuacoatl, Ciuacoatl (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Ilamatecutli, Itzpapalotl, Quilaztli, Tamazcalteci, Teteoinnan, Tlaltecuhtli, Tlatecutli, Tonantzin.

“Women Snake.” Mother goddess. Earth goddess. Goddess of childbirth. She is the mother of Mixcoatl. She often comes to earth to weep at the crossroad market where she abandoned her infant son. Instead of finding her son, she finds a sacrificial knife. See also Ciuateteo; Ilamatecuhtli; Itzpapalotl; Tlaltecuhtli; Tonantzin.

Cihuateteo (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cihauteto.

Cilix (Greek)

His parents are King Agenor and Telephassa or Argiope. See also Agenor (A).

Cilla (Greek)

She is the daughter of the King of Troy, Laomedon, and Strymo, who is the daughter of the river god Scamander (also known as Xanthus). See also Hesione; Scamander.

Cin Cinni (Turkey)

One of a group of spirits known as Onlar, the Cin are spirits who can cause insanity, paralysis, or other illnesses. Shape-changers and tricksters, the Cin can appear visible or invisible. Certain prayers or curses can keep the individual safe from their evils.

Cinni (Turkey) see Cin.

Cintamani Chinta-Mani (Hindu; India)

Also known as: Divya-ratna (Divine Jewel), Pearl of Price.

The wish-granting gem, made by Brahma, that contains all of the world’s knowledge. See also Kshitigarbha; Ratnasambhava.

Cinteotl Centeal, Centeotl (Aztec, Toltec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Cexochitl, Chiutcoatl, Cihuatcoatl, Tonacajoha, Tzinteotl.

God of maize. Grandson of “Our Grandmother,” Toci. He is depicted as a young man with a yellow body. A jagged black line moves down his brow, across his cheek, and down to the base of his jaw. He often has maize in his headdress or maize growing from his head. See also Cihuatcoatl; Lords of the Night Hours; Tlazolteutl; Tzinteotl; Xilonen.

Cinvat (Persia) see Chinvat Bridge.

Cinyras (Greek)

His lineage is uncertain. He could be the son of Sandorcus of Syria, or of Paphus, Apollo, or Pygmalion. Cinyras was the king of Paphos in Cyrus, he was wed to either Cenchreis or Metharme. His children are Adonis and Myrrha. (There is a possibility that Myrrha is Adonis’ mother.) His other children are Braesia, Laogore, Mygdalion and Orsedice. Cinyras, a suitor of Helen, did not go to the Trojan War. Instead, he promised Agamemnon that he would send fifty ships. Forty-nine of the ships were made of clay. The fiftieth ship was commanded by Cinyras’ son Mygdalion. After an incestous relationship with his daughter Myrrha, Cinyras committed suicide. See also Adonis; Agamemnon; Cenchreis; Helen.

Cipactli (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Coxcox, Coxcoxtli, Huehuetonacacipactli (Fish God; “Old Fish God of our Flesh”).

“Crocodile.” Fish god. Sea monster. Cipactli is another name for Coxcoxtli (q.v.). See also Legend of the Four Suns; Tiamat.

Cipactonal Cipactli, Cipattoval (possibly) (Aztec People, Mexico) see Omeciutal.

Cirape (Crow People, North America)

Also known as: Little Coyote.

He is the younger brother of the Trickster.

Circe Kirke (Greek)

Also known as: Aeaea, Angita (Italian), Marica (Roman).

“The Enchantress.” Sorceress. She is the daughter of the sun, Helios, and the Oceanid, Perse, and the sister of Aeetes, Pasiphae and Perses. Her first marriage was to Odysseus. Their children are Ardeas, Agrius and Telegonus (some say she was the mistress of Odysseus and had only one son by him). Her second marriage to Telemachus produced a son, Latinus (some say he is the son of Odysseus). She is also the mother of Comus by Bacchus. Her charms enticed men and her use of sorcery changed them into swine. Circe, madly in love with Glaucus, poisoned Scylla and turned her into a monster. Circe dwells alone in the western island of Aeaea, denoting the setting sun. Her visitors are changed into animals. Aeaea is one of two islands of the same name. Aeetes’ abode was the eastern island, denoting the rising sun. See also Aeetes; Angita; Calypso; Glaucus; Helius; Oceanids; Odysseus; Pasiphae; Perses; Skylla.

Cisa Ciza Zisa (German)

Possibly a harvest goddess as her festival was September 28.

Cissos (Greek) see Dionysus.

Cit-Bolon-Tum (Maya People, Yucatan)

Also known as: Boar with the Nine Tusks.

God of medicine.

Citalicue (Aztec People, Mexico)

A name of the “God of All Existence.” See also Tloque-nahuaque.

Citlalatonac Citlallatonac (Aztec People, Mexico) see Nata and Nena.

Citlalinicue Citlalicue (Aztec People, Mexico) see Nata and Nena.

Ciuacoatl (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cihuatcoatl.

Ciuateteo Cihuateteo, Ciuapipiltin (Aztec People, Mexico) see Cihuateto; Tlaloc; Tlalocan; Xolotl.

Ciza (German) see Cisa.

Cleio (Greek)

Muse of history. She is one of the nine Muses. Her symbols are a wreath of laurel and a scroll. She is often shown with Cadmus, holding a writing implement. See also Cadmus; Muses.

Cleite (Greek)

She is the daughter of Meropes, the king of Percote. Her siblings are Adrastus, who was killed in the Trojan War by Diomedes; Arisbe, who was the first wife of Priam and the mother of Aesacus; and Amphius, who was also killed in the Trojan War by Diomedes. See also Adrastus; Danaus; Diomedes.

Cleitus (Greek)

He is the son of Mantius and brother of Polypheides. Eos, the goddess of dawn, fell in love with his beauty and abducted him. See also Boreas; Eos.

Clemenus (Greek) see Phaethon.

Cleodora (A) (Greek) A Danaid. She is one of the fifty daughters of Danaus. See also Danaid; Danaus.

Cleodora (B) (Greek)

She is the nymph mother of Parnassus by the sea god, Poseidon.

Cleolla (Greek)

Cleolla is the spouse of Pleisthenes, the king of Argos and Mycenae, and the mother of Anaxibia, and possibly Agamemnon and Menelaus. See also Agamemnon.

Cleone (Greek)

The river god Asopus is her father and Metope is her mother. See also Asopus; Metope.

Cleopatra (A) (Greek)

Her parents are the north wind, Boreas, and Oreithyia, the daughter of Erechtheus and Praxithea. See also Althea; Boreas; Danaus; Harpies; Phineus; Zetes.

Cleopatra (B) (Greek)

She is the daughter of Idas and Marpessa, the wife of Meleager and the mother of Polydora. See also Meleager; Polydora.

Cleopatra (C) (Greek)

One of the fifty daughters of Danaus known as the Danaids. See also Aegyptus; Danaids; Danaus.

Cleopatra (D) (Greek)

Her parents are Tros, the son of Erichthonius and Astyoche, and Callirrhoe, daughter of the river god, Scamander. See also Callirrhoe; Ganymedes; Scamander.

Cleopatra (E) The name of seven queens of Egypt.

Cleostratus (Greek)

His lover was a young man from Thespiae named Menestratus who saved him from being eaten alive by a dragon who attacked people in the area every year.

Cleta (Greek) see Graces.

Clio (Greek)

She is the mother of Hyacinth by Pierus. See also Muses.

Cloacina (Roman)

Also known as: Venus.

Underworld deity. This goddess looks after sewers. In ancient times, she was in charge of the sewers of the Cloaca Maxima which drained the Forum. See also Caca.

Clotho Klotho (Greek)

Goddess of fate. Clotho is the youngest of the three Moirai. Called the Spinner, she spins the thread of life. Her parents are Zeus and Themis. Her sisters are Lachesis and Atropos. See also Ariadne; Atropos; Fates; Moirai; Themis.

Clothru (Celtic, Irish)

Fertility goddess. Clothru and Ethne, were the wives of Conchobar after Medb left him. She is known as the sister of Bres, Ethne, Lother, Medb, and Nar. In some renditions, Clothru is the wife of Cian.

Cluracan (Celtic, Irish) see Cluricaune.

Cluricanes (Celtic)

Depicted as wrinkled, old men, these elves are known for their knowledge of hidden treasure. See also Dulachan; Elves.

Cluricaune Cluracan (Celtic, Irish)

Wine deity. Cluricaune is similar to the Leprechaun, but is associated with the caring of wine or beer barrels. He is also a shoemaker like the Leprechaun. See also Leprechaun.

Clutoida (Celtic) Goddess of the river Clyde. See also Sequana.

Clymene (A) (Greek)

She is the daughter of the extremely wealthy Minyas. See also Alcimede; Atalanta; Cephalus; Periclymene.

Clymene (B) (Greek)

Her parents are Oceanus and Tethys. She married Iapetos and became the mother of Atlas, Epimetheus, Monoetius and Prometheus. See also Epimetheus; Heliades; Minyas; Oceanids; Oceanus; Phaethon; Tethys; Themis.

Clymene (C) (Greek) She is one of the fifty daughters of Nereus and Doris known as the Nereids. See also Doris; Nereids; Nereus.

Clymene (D) (Greek) Catreus, the king of Crete, is her father. Her siblings are Aerope, Althaemenes and Apemosyne. See also Aerope; Catreus.

Clymenus (A) (Greek) He is the father of Eurydice. See also Eurydice (C).

Clymenus (B) (Greek) His father is Aeneas, king of Calydon.

Clymenus (C) (Greek)

King of Olympia. Fifty years after the flood, he went to Crete. Clymenus restored the Olympic Games.

Clymenus (D) (Greek) King of Arcadia.

Clymenus (E) (Greek)

King of Boeotian Orchomenus. His father is Presbon. Clymenus was killed in a fight with the Thebans. His death was avenged by his son, Erginus.

Clytemnestra (Greek) see Aegisthus; Cassandra; Helen; Leda.

Clytia Clytie (Greek)

Clytia, an Oceanid, is one of the three thousand daughters and three thousand sons of Oceanus and Tethys. She was the spiteful lover of the sun god Helius who informed King Orchamus of Persia, the father of Leucothoe, that the sun god was sleeping with his daughter. He punished her by burying her alive. The rejected Clytia withered away and became a flower, the heliotrope. In another myth, Clytia was the devoted lover of Apollo. Whenever the god would abandon her she would transform herself into a heliotrope. Heliotropes turn their heads to follow the journey of the sun through the sky each day. See also Apollo; Helius; Hyacintos; Oceanids.

Clytie (Greek)

Another name for Merope, the daughter of Pandareus and Harmothoe.

Clytius (Greek) see Giants; Hesione.

Cmok (Slavic) see Zmek.

Coatepec (Aztec People, Mexico)

“Serpent Mountain.” The dwelling place of Coatlicue (q.v.).

Coatlicue Couatlicue (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Tlazoltoeotl, Tonantzin, Serpent Lady (sometimes called this name), Serpent Petticoated, Serpent Skirt.

“Serpent Skirt.” Mother goddess. Earth goddess. She is the mother of a daughter, Coyolxauhqui, and four hundred sons known as the Centzon Huitznahuas. Coatlicue is one of the spouses of Mixcoatl. One day, when she was sweeping, a ball of feathers fell into her bosom. She became pregnant. Her four hundred sons and her daughter were so outraged they decided to murder her. As they were about to put Coatlicue to death, the new child Huitzilopochtli came out of his mother’s womb, fully clad in armor. He killed both his sister and brothers with a serpent weapon called Xiuhcoatl. It is said that a few of his brothers escaped to Uitzlampa “Place of Thorns” in the south. Coatlicue’s dwelling was on Coatepec mountain. She is presented as the crocodile Cipactli or as a giant frog. See also Centzon Huitznahuas; Chicomecoatl; Legend of the Four Suns.

Coatrischie (Haiti)

Hurricane goddess. See also Atabei; Guabancex.

Cocalus (Greek) see Minos.

Cocidius (British)

Also known as: Alator, Albiorix (Celtic), Belatucador, Camulus, Condates Coritiacus, Loucetius, Rigisamos (Celtic), Totates.

War god. Cocidius was also worshiped under the above names. He is identified with Mars.

Cockatoo Man (Australia) see Mars.

Cocytus Kokytus (Greek)

Also known as: The Wailing River.

River god. As a river god, Cocytus is one of the three thousand sons (the Rivers) and three thousand daughters (the Oceanids) of Oceanus and Tethys. He is said to be the father of Menthe, who was discovered in a compromising situation with Aides, the son of Cronus and Rhea and she was changed into a mint plant by the jealous goddess Persephone. As a river, the Cocytus is a tributary of the river of sadness, the Acheron, in Epirus. The echoes of unburied souls are doomed to wander along the banks of the Cocytus wailing and groaning for one hundred years after death. If properly buried and with the correct fare, dead souls are allowed to board the boat of the ancient boatman Charon, who will ferry them across the river. The other rivers of the Underworld are the Phlegethon (river of fire), Lethe (river of forgetfulness) and Styx (river of the unbreakable oath). To compare to other river gods, see Achelous; Acheron; Alpheus; Asopus; Cephissus; Charon; Cronus; Erebus; Hades; Inachus; Lethe; Oceanids; Rivers; Styx; Tartarus. See also Cronus; Persephone; Rhea.

Coeculus (Greek, Roman) see Cacus.

Coelus (Greek) see Uranus.

Coem (Tupi-Guarani People, Brazil) see Hermitten.

Coeranus (Greek) see Abas (B).

Coeus (Greek) see Ceos.

Cogaz (Bushman, Hottentot People, Africa)

The son of Cagn and brother of Gewi, he is possibly a creator deity. See also Cagn.

Colhuacan (Aztec People, Mexico)

Emergence myths. See also Chicomoztoc.

Colhuatzincatl (Aztec People, Mexico)

One of the pulque gods, Colhuatzincatl is the son of Cinteotl. He is associated with the Centzon Totochtin. See also Patecatl.

Colla (Inca People, Peru) see Ayar Aucca; Manco Capac, Tahuantin Suyu Kapac.

Colossus of Rhodes (Greek) see Helius.

Comana (Greek) This is another name for Chryse (q.v.).

Combalus (Syrian)

God of vegetation. Knowing of his inevitable death and of his trip to the underworld, he rejected his earth goddess and castrated himself for the redemption of mortals.

Cometes (Greek)

He is the son of Sthenelus, brother of the king of Argos, Cylarabes, husband of Antigone, and father of Asterion. He committed adultery with Diomedes’ wife, Aegialeia. See also Asterion; Diomedes; Sthenelus.

Comus see Bacchus; Circe.

Con (Inca People, Peru) see Coniraya.

Con Ticci Viracocha (Inca People, Peru) see Virococha.

Con Ticci Viracocha Pachayachachic (Inca People, Peru) see Virococha.

Conaire, King (Celtic) see Dagda.

Conchean (Celtic) see Aed.

Conchobar, King (Celtic) see Clothru; Cuchulain; Dech’tire.

Confucius (China, Japan)

Also known as: Chi-Sheng Sien-Shi, Wen Chung.

Deified mortal. Although debate still reigns as to whether Confucius is considered a god and worshiped as such, the fact is that most think he was a mortal. His religion (Confucianism, Fu Chiao) is that of the learned and is generally associated with scholars and officials. He is the grandfather of Tsi-si. According to some history Confucius was born in 551 B.C.E. and died in 479 B.C.E. Confucius is usually shown seated and wearing imperial costume. He is said to be a reincarnation of Wen Chung (q.v.).

Coniraya (Inca People, Peru)

Also known as: Coniraya Viracocha.

Supreme being. Creator of all things. Responsible for irrigation, and terracing the fields. Coniraya came to earth dressed in ripped and torn rags, like a begger. He was scorned by everyone. He came upon Cavillaca, a beautiful young virgin goddess. She was sitting under a lucma tree. Coniraya turned himself into a bird, fashioned his sperm in the likeness of the lumca tree’s fruit and watched her eat it. She became pregnant and had a child. When the child was a year old she found out that the ragged Coniraya was the father. She was so full of shame and so angry that she took the child and ran off to the sea coast. When they arrived, mother and child walked into the water and became rocks. Coniraya went in search of Cavillaca and the child. Along the way, he encountered many adventures. When he finally reached the coast he found that they had turned to stone. While there he met Pachacamac’s two daughters. He had sex with the eldest and then attempted to bed the younger woman. She apparently was not interested for she turned into a pigeon and flew away. Coniraya was so furious he took Urpihuachacs a few fish, which were the only fish in existence. He threw them into the sea. That is how fish came to populate the waters. See also Pachacamac; Viracocha.

Conopa (Inca People, Peru)

Also known as: Huasi-Camayoc.

Household deities. Little information is available about the Conopa. We do know that several thousand of these idols were destroyed by the Spaniards. See also Lars.

Consus (Roman)

Grain deity. Earth deity (possibly). Information is sparse regarding Consus. He is worshiped in the same month as Ops.

Coon (Greek) see Acamas (B).

Copacati (Inca People, Peru)

This lake goddess would not tolerate worship to other deities. She was known to have toppled temples or submerged them under the waters of Lake Titicaca. This lake is a few miles from the ruins at Tiahuanaco. With Mama Cocha, Copacati was a mother goddess of the lake. See also Mama Cocha.

Copreus (Greek) see Pelops.

Coqui-Xee (Mixtec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Coqui-Cilla, Piye-Tao, Zapotec Quetzalcoatl.

Creator deity. He is the creator of all things but himself uncreated. The Mixtec people were his first creation, followed by Cozaana, the deer god and Huichaana, the deer goddess. See also Mixcoatl.

Corb (Celtic) He is a god of the Fomonians (q.v.).

Corcyra (Greek) see Asopus.

Core (Greek) see Kore; Persephone.

Cori Ocllo (Inca) see Tahuantin Suyu Kapac.

Cornucopia Cornu Copiae (Greek)

Horn of Plenty. Under the secret care of the nymphs, the infant Zeus was suckled by the goat Amaltheia, whose horn he gave to the nymphs, endowing it with the power to be filled with whatever its possessor wished. According to another tradition, the cornucopia is Achelous’ or Amalthea’s broken horn which was filled with fruits and flowers by the Naiads. See also Achelous, Amaltheia.

Corona Borealis (Greek) see Ariadne.

Coronis (A) (Greek)

She is the Thessalian princess daughter of the king of Orchomenus, Phlegyas, and the possible sister of Ixion, the King of the Lapiths of Thessaly. Apollo and Coronis had an affair that produced the great healer, Asclepius. Sometime later, she was unfaithful. As she prepared to marry Ischys, she was killed by Apollo or Artemis. See also Apollo; Artemis; Asclepius; Ischys.

Coronis (B) (Greek)

Coronis, the daughter of Coroneus of Phocis, was loved by Poseidon. Athena changed her into a white crow. After taking bad news to Athena, she was turned into a black crow by the fiery goddess.

Coronis (C) (Greek) She is the daughter of Ares.

Coronis (D) (Greek)

One of the Hyades, she is the daughter of Atlas and Pleione. See also Hyades.

Coronus (A) (Greek)

The son of Apollo and Chrysorthe, he was the king of Sicyon until Epopeus, the son of Poseidon and Canace, deposed him. See also Antiope; Epopeus.

Coronus (B) (Greek)

An Argonaut and leader of the Lapiths, Coronus, the son of Caeneus and father of Leonteus and Lyside, was killed by Heracles.

Corus (Greek)

Weather god. Known as the northwest wind, Corus is the son of Aeolus and Aurora. Wherever he goes, he drives clouds of snow before him. His five brothers are Aquilo, Boreas, Eurus, Notus and Zephyrus. See the individual entries for information about these brothers. See also Aeolus.

Corybantes Korybantes, Kurbantes (Phrygian)

Also known as: Curetes; Galli.

Known as the crested dancers and sometimes called divine, the priests, known as Corybantes, worship the Phrygian goddess Cybele in wild frenzied dances during which they clash spears and shields. They are thought to be the children of Apollo and Thalia or Athena, Zeus and Calliope, or Corybas or Cronus and Rhea. Ovid calls them people born of rainwater. The Corybantes rites are similar to the Satyrs who attend Dionysus. See also Adrastia; Curetes; Cybele; Helius; Rhea; Satyrs.

Corybas (Greek) see Corybantes; Cybele.

Corynetes (Greek) Another name for Periphetes (q.v.).

Cosmocrator (Gnostic) The devil.

Cosmology of Assur (Sumerian)

A myth that mentions the birth of the first two ancestors of mankind, Ulligarra and Zalgarra, from the blood of the gods known as Lamga.

Coti (Hottentot People, Africa) Another name for Cagn (q.v.).

Cottus Cotus, Cottys, Kottos (Greek)

Nature deity. One of three brothers known as the Hecatonchires. They fought on the side of Zeus in the war with the Titans. They each have fifty heads and a hundred hands. See also Aegaeon; Gaea; Hecatonchires; Titans.

Cottys (Greek) see Cottus; Hecatonchires.

Cotus (Greek) see Cottus; Hecatonchires.

Cotzbalam (Maya People of Yucatan)

Demon. The gods, dissatisfied with the men they had created with various materials, destroyed them by a flood. Cotzbalam assisted by devouring their flesh. See also Camalotz; Xecotcovach.

Couatlicue (Mexico) see Coatlicue.

Couretes (Greek) see Curetes.

Coventina (Celtic) Covetina (British)

Goddess of springs and waters. This water goddess is depicted holding a goblet in one hand as she lies comfortably on a leaf that floats on the water.

Covetina (British) see Coventina.

Coxcos (Aztec People, Mexico) see Coxcoxtli.

Coxcox Cox-cox (Aztec People, Mexico) see Coxcoxtli.

Coxcoxtli Coxcos, Cox-cox, Coxcox, Kox (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Teo-Kipaktli, Tezcatlipoca.

First man, survivor of flood. Husband of Xochiquetzal. The Aztec Noah. Some say their names were Nala (male) and Nina (female) or Nata and Nana. They escaped the flood (in a hollowed out tree) that destroyed all mankind and lived on the mountain, Colhuacan. Their children, who were dumb, were given speech by a dove but could not understand each other because all the languages were different. See also Cipactonal. This tale is similar to that of Nata and Nana (qq.v.). Associated with Tezcatlipoca, Citlallatonac and Citlalicue. See also Xochiquetzal.

Coyolxauhqui (Aztec People, Mexico)

Also known as: Golden Bells, Tecciztecatl (god of the moon).

Moon Goddess. She is the only daughter of Coatlicue. Her four hundred brothers are the Centzon Huitznahuas. With her brothers, she plotted to murder her mother who had been divinely impregnated with Huitzilopochtli. He emerged from his mother’s womb fully dressed in battle gear, intent upon revenge. Coyolxauhqui was decapitated, and he threw her head to the sky where it became the moon. Some say her death was an accident, then in remorse he cut off her head. Huitzilopochtli killed most of his four hundred brothers. Coyolxauhqui replaced the moon god, Tecciztecatl. See also Centzon Huitznahuas; Coatlicue; Huitzilopochtli; Meztli; Tecciztecatl; Yohualticitl.

Coyote (Native North Americans)

Also known as: Ola’li (Maidu People, N.A.), Sedit (Wintun people), Ueuecoyotl (Aztec People, Mexico).

Coyote appears with many faces. He can be a creator or a teacher of the people. In some myths, Coyote is a cunning and creative trickster god, or folk-hero. He can appear with both attributes in the same story. Coyote is worshiped by numerous Indian People. He may be a god of dancers. In one myth, he created the earth and all living creatures. He built a boat in which he drifted while the earth was covered with water. He then told two ducks to dive and bring back mud. One duck did not return, the other did what he was told. Coyote created earth from this mud. Sihu, the elder brother of Coyote, is identified with Montezuma. In a Maidu myth, Ola’li came out of the ground with his dog Kaudi (So’lla) or Rattlesnake. In legends of the Achomawi People of California, their creator emerged from a small cloud. The creator was assisted by Coyote who emerged from a mist over the land. The Zuni people say that Coyote taught them to live in peace. The Chemchuevi tell of Coyote and Puma creating man. The Crow people credit Coyote and his brother Cirape for creating the earth and everything on it. In the mythology of the Navaho, man and woman lived in the first world which was too small. They moved up to the second world, left it and went to the third world. This world was the home of the water monster Tieholtsodi. Coyote kidnapped the monster’s children. Tieholtsodi retaliated by flooding the world. Coyote, the first man, and the first woman went up to the fourth world. The water monster followed them. They moved on to the fifth world which is our present world. Coyote finally returned Tieholtsodi’s children. After death, people returned to the fourth world. The Poma People call Coyote the younger brother of the creator god, Madumda. Coyote is similar to Xolotl of the ancient Mexican people. See also Cirape; Italapas; Olle; Ueuecoyotl.

Cranaus (Greek) see Cronus.

Crantaeis (Greek) see Hecate.

Crataeis (Greek) see Phorcys; Scylla.

Cratus (Greek) see Styx.

Credne Creidne, Creidhne (Celtic)

God of Artificers and Braziers. Credne is a Tuatha De Danann, an ancient race of gods. One of the triad of divine craft-smith gods, his specialty was metal work. With his companions, Goibniu and Luchta (also known as Luchtaine), they forged the weapons used by the Tuatha De Dananns in the war known as the First Battle of Magh Tuiredh, against the evil Fomorians. Their weapons came with the guarantee that whomever was wounded by them would not survive. Credne also assisted the divine physician, Dia’necht, in forging an artificial hand for king Nuada. The Celts held the smiths in high esteem, as they were thought to possess magical abilities to heal through charms, spells and the implements they produced. These implements, weapons, ploughs and utensils were vitally important to their existence (not to be confused with Creidne, an Irish female warrior). Compare with the Greek metal workers, Dactyli. See also Dia’necht; Goibniu; Hephaistos; Tuatha De Danann.

Cree People, Canada — Creation Legend see Wisagatcak.

Creiddylad (Celtic)

Another name for Creudilad (q.v.). See also Llyr.

Creidhne (Irish) see Credne.

Creidiylad (British, Irish) see Creudilad.

Creidne (Irish) see Credne.

Creirwy (Celtic)

She is the beautiful daughter of Keridwen and sister of an extremely ugly brother Avagdu. See also Keridwen.

Crenae (Greek) see Naiads.

Creon (Greek) see Adrestus; Antigone; Ares; Eurydice (C).

Creseusa (Greek) see Creusa (A); Glauce.

Cresphontes (Greek) see Aepytus.

Cressida (Greek) see Calchas.

Crete (Greek) see Europa.

Cretheus (Greek)

He is the founder and first king of Iolcus. His parents are Aeolus and Enarete. He has six brothers and seven sisters (for a list of their names see Canace). His first marriage was to Sidero, his second to Tyro and the third to either Demodice or Biadice. See also Aeolus (A); Aegimius; Enaret; Tyro.

Creudilad Creiddylad, Creidiylad, Creudylad (British, Irish)

Goddess of spring. Part of a trio with Gwyn (sun god) and Gwyrthur (underworld god). She is the daughter of Llud, or some say Llyr. See also Gwinn.

Creudylad (British, Irish) see Creudilad.

Creusa (Greek)

There are numerous references to the name Creusa in Greek mythology. See the following entries.

Creusa (A)

Also known as: Creseusa.

Creusa and Glauce burned to death with her father Creon. See also Danaus; Glauce; Jason; Medea.

Creusa (B) A Nereid. See also Nereids.

Creusa (C) A Danaide. See also Aeneas; Danaides.

Creusa (D) A Naiad. See also Naiads.

Creusa (E)

Daughter of Priam and Hecuba, captured by the Greeks, rescued and disappeared. See also Hecuba; Priam.

Creusa (F)

Daughter of Erechtheus, married Xuthus, raped by Apollo and gave birth to Janus. See also Janus.

Creusa (G)

May be the mother of Telamon. See also Creusa (A); Danaus; Medea; Telamon.

Criasus (Greek)

His parents are Argus and Evadne. See also Argus (A); Evadne.

Crimisus (Greek)

River god. He is the son of Oceanus and Tethys. His spouse is Egesta, the daughter of Hippotes, and his son, Acestes. See also Acestes; Oceanus; Rivers; Tethys.

Crino (Greek)

She is the daughter of Antenor, the Trojan prophet, and Theano, who is the priestess of Athena at Troy. See also Acamas (B).

Crius Crios (Greek)

Crius was the Titan son of Uranus and Gaea and sibling of Thaumas, Phorcys, Ceto, Eurybia and Nereus. He married his sister Eurybia and was the father of Astraeus, Pallas and Perses. See also Cronus; Eurynome (A); Gaea; Nereus; Oceanus; Phorcys; Pontus; Styx.

Crnobog (Slavic)

Also known as: Crnoglav.

Underworld deity. The black god of the dead.

Crnoglav (Slavic) see Crnobog.

Crocodile (Egypt) (Greek) see Centipede; Helios; Horus; Suchos.

Crom-Eocha (Celtic) see Dagda.

Crommyonian Sow (Greek)

Also known as: Phaea.

The daughter of Typhon and Echidna, this feral sow raped the Corinth countryside. She is possibly the mother of the Caly-donian Boar. She eventually died at the hand of the hero Theseus, the king of Athens. See also Calydonian Boar; Cerberus; Chimaera; Hydra; Typhon; Vultures.

Cronos (Greek) see Cronus.

Cronus Chronos, Cranaus, Cronos, Khronos, Kronos (Greek)

Also known as: Saturn, Saturnus (Roman).

God of the World. God of Time. High God. Harvest God. A Titan, Cronus is the son of Uranus, who personifies the Sky, and Gaea, the Earth. He is the father, by his sister, Rhea (who is known as the mother of the gods), of Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera. Some versions give him eleven brothers and sisters: Oceanus, Coeus, Crius, Hyperion, Iapetus, Theia, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, and Tethys. He was also the possible father of the Centaur, Cheiron, by Philyra. Encouraged by his mother, he overthrew and castrated his father. From this point, the heavens and earth (creation) continued to develop separately. Cronus, now the supreme ruler, released his brothers, the Titans, with the exception of the Hecatoncheires and the Cyclopes. Next, he swallowed his offspring to prevent his sons from overthrowing him. His wife, Rhea, however, hid the young Zeus from him. When he was older, Zeus rebelled and Cronus was induced to vomit up his other children, who joined with Zeus in a war against their father and some of his Titan colleagues. Zeus also released the Heca-toncheires and the Cyclopes, flung his father and friends into Tartarus, the lowest realm of the Underworld, where the Hecatoncheires guarded them. With this act, the era of the Olympians began, followed by the war of the Olympians against the Titans. Another tradition calls the rule of Cronus the “Golden Age,” where death did not exist and all mortals lived like gods. When his reign in Olympus ceased, he went on to become king on the Islands of the Blessed where mortals, favored by the gods went at death. Some believe he was a deified king who had a son named Anobret, whom he sacrificed and he also may have had a son named Aides. The Orphics said that Aether and Chaos sprang from Cronus as Time. In the Pelasgian creation myth, Cronus is coupled with Rhea as the rulers for the planet Saturn. For the development of the heavens during this period, see Nox. Sometimes he is identified with the Egyptian god Geb. Compare to Agni (India). Compare to Indra (India). See also Adrastia; Ceos; Cocytus; Corybantes; Curetes; Eumenides; Eurynome (A); Gaea; Hecatoncheires; Hestia; Nut; Oceanus; Rhea; Styx; Telchines; Zeus.

Crow (Tlingit People, North American)

By beating his wings, Crow created dry land. He also gave light or fire. Compare to Coyote.

Cteatus (Greek)

He is the son of Actor or Poseidon and Molione. With his twin Eurytus (they are possibly Siamese twins), they are known as the Molionides. See also Actor (B).

Cu (Celtic)

He is the son of the god of medicine, Dia’necht (q.v.).

Cu Chulain (Celtic) see Cuchulain.

Cuchavira Chuchaviva (Chibcha People, Bogota, South America)

Also known as: The Rainbow.

God of air. Part of the Bochica mythology. He was master of the air and rainbow and healer deity. He protected women in childbirth. He was not greatly respected since he was also a god of drunkenness and a protector of drunkards. He is possibly the same as Nencatacoa (q.v.). See also Bochica.

Cuchaviva (South America) see Bochica; Chia.

Cuchu’lainn (Celtic) see Cuchulain.

Cuchu’linn (Celtic) see Cuchulain.

Cuchulain Chuchulain, Cu Chulain, Cuchu’lainn, Cuchulainn, Cuchu’linn, Cuchullin, Culain, Culann, Koo-chul-inn (Celtic)

Also known as: Setanta, Hound of Chulain, Watchdog of Chulain.

God of heat and light. He is the son of Lugh, the sun god, and the mortal woman Dech’tire, who was the wife of the prophet Sualtim (also said to be of virgin birth) and the sister of King Conchobar of Ulster. He is the spouse of Emer. Cuchulain is immune to most magic spells. The witch Scatbvach, “Queen of Darkness,” taught him magic. He was known throughout Ireland as a fearless warrior and a great lover. He received his name when he killed the watchdog of Conchobor, and offered to take the dog’s place. One version of his birth says he was born three times, and is sometimes shown with three heads. Fergus and Cathbad taught him wisdom, courage, and warfare. Amergin prepared him for his special role in society, then Scatbvach taught him sorcery. Cuchulain has seven pupils in each eye, seven fingers on each hand and seven toes on each foot. His hair is three colors and he wears a lot of jewelry. In battle he changes shape drastically; his feet and knees are to his rear and his calves and buttocks to the front. His hair stands on end and on the tip of each strand was a spot of blood or a spark of fire. His mouth spews fire and a long stream of black blood shoots up from his head. One eye is pushed to the rear of his skull and the other sits on his cheek. On his forehead there is a marking known as the “hero’s moon.” In this stage he cannot be contained and has to be doused in three tubs of cold water to keep him quiet. See also Amergin; Blathnat; Curoi Mac Daire; Dechter; Dech’tire; Devorgilla; Fand; Lugh; Manannan Mac Llyr; Morrigu.

Cuculcan (Mexico) see Kukulcan.

Culain (Celtic) see Cuchulain.

Culann (Celtic) see Cuchulain.

Cupara (Jivaro Indian People, Andes, South America)

Parents of the sun, Cupara and his spouse made the moon from mud. The moon became the wife of the sun. Their children were the animals and the tropical plant manioc. The ancestor of the tribe was the sloth.

Cupid Cupido (Roman) see Amor; Brigit; Eros.

Cupra (Etruscan)

An ancient goddess of fertility, she formed a triad with the fire god Tina and the goddess of wisdom, Minerva. Her weapon is the thunderbolt. See also Juno; Minerva; Tina.

Curche (Slavic) see Kurke.

Curetes Couretes, Kouretes (Greek, the aborigines of Aetolis)

Also known as: Corybantes, Gegeneis (children of the earth), Imbrogeneis (children of the rain), Korubantes, Korybantes.

The origins of the Curetes varies. They are said to be the children of Poseidon and Thalassa or Hecaterus and a daughter of Phoroneus. It is also thought that they might be descendants of Hephaestus, or descendants of the Semites or the most ancient people of Crete. One of their functions was to create a great deal of noise so Cronus would not hear the cries of the infant Zeus (the child Kouros) when Rhea gave birth in Crete. In one version, Hera ordered Zeus to put the Curetes to death for hiding his son by Eo, Epaphus. Some say they were priests attached to the worship of Cybele. An inscription was found in Crete, at Palaiokastro, containing the “Hymn of the Curetes,” in honor of Zeus. The uproar made by Curetes, with their dancing, clashing of cymbals and swords in the Corybantic and Dactylic worship is similar to the “devil scaring” techniques practiced by the Chinese and other races in attempts to drive away the powers of evil by making noise. Other references state that the Curetes were the sacred king’s armed companions. The Greek interpretation was “young men who have shaved their hair.” At an annual feast called Comyria, the Curetes shaved their hair to honor Car, the solar king whose hair was shorn annually before his death. In this context they were known as Corybantes. This custom might be of Libyan origin. They are associated with Castor and Pollux, and the Corybantes. Dardunus founded a college of Salian priests who performed the same rites as the Cretan Curetes. Compare the Curetes to the Vedic Maruts. See also Adrastia; Althea; Apollo; Artemis; Calydonian Boar Hunt; Car; Cybele; Satyrs; Telechines.

Curicaveri (Tarascan People, Mexico) see Camaxtli; Huitzilopochtli.

Curoi Mac Daire (Celtic, Irish)

Curoi was a the King of Munster, and a priest of the sun god. He married King Mider’s daughter, Blathnat. He was entrusted with guarding Mider’s magic cauldron. His wife assisted Cuchulain in stealing it from him. When the Tuatha de Danann were defeated, Curoi was killed by Cuchulain, who became his successor. See also Blathnat; Cuchulain; Mider; Tuatha de Danann.

Curupira Korupira (Brazil)

This forest demon is known for his mischief making and his love for tobacco. A guardian spirit of the woods, he assists hunters in their search for game. Curupira has one eye, large ears and is bald. He rides a pig or a deer.

Cusco Huanca (Inca People, Peru) see Tahuantin Suyu Kapac.

Cuycha (Inca People, Peru)

A rainbow deity, Cuycha is one of Mama Quilla’s attendants. Cuycha is associated with Catequil.

Cuzco (Inca People, Peru)

Sacred City. Originally Cuzco was thought to be the center of the earth. It was sought by the legendary family migrating to the east in prehistoric times. Cuzco is the home of Manco-Capak and his sister Mama Occlo.

Cyane (A) (Greek) She is the wife of Aeolus. Her six sons and six daughters married each other. See also Aeolus (B).

Cyane (B) (Greek)

Assaulted by her father, this nymph then offered him as an altar sacrifice.

Cyane (C) (Greek)

After attempting to halt the kidnapping of Persephone, this nymph was turned into a fountain by Hades. See also Hades; Persephone.

Cyanippus (Greek)

He was the king of Argos. His parents are Adrastus, who was the king of Argos, and his niece Amphithea. His siblings are Aegialeus, Aegialeia, Argeia, Deipyle, and possibly Cyanippus and Hippodameia. See also Adrastus; Amphithea; Apsyrtus.

Cyavana (India) see Bhrigus; Mada.

Cybebe (Greek) see Cybele.

Cybele Cybebe, Cybelle, Kubele, Kybele (Greek, Phrygian)

(Asia Minor, known as “Great Mother,” then to Greece and Rome. Cybele may be derived from the Semitic Gebaliah [goddess of Gebal].)

Also known as: Agdistis, Berecyntia (Gaul), Dindymene, Dindymus, Ma, Magna Mater (Roman), Mater Turrita (Roman), Ops, Rhea.

Earth goddess. Healer. Builder of cities. Protector during war. Cybele was a fertility goddess and goddess of caverns, worshipped as mother of the gods in Phrygia and Asia Minor. Worship of Cybele traveled to Greece and Rome. If Cybele began life as Agdistis, her father was Zeus and she was born of the rock Agdos. Or, she could have been the daughter of Uranus and Gaea, or Meion and Dindyme. Cybele was the mother of King Midas by Gordius, king of Phrygia (Gordius of the knot fame) and may also have been the mother of Sabazius (Dionysus). Her great love was for Attis (Atys) and she was possibly the mother of Corybas (later identified with the Corybantes) and Sabazius. She made a pact with Attis to remain celibate. He broke the pact and to satisfy the terms of his agreement he had to castrate himself. When Attis died, Cybele transformed him into a pine tree. She conducted her mourning period under the tree and all growth stopped on the earth. Zeus promised her that the tree would always remain green (evergreen). In another version, Zeus, jealous of Attis’ relationship with Cybele, sends wild boars to rip the handsome young man to pieces. Cybele’s priests, all castrated in her honor or in honor of Attis, were known as the Galli. Cybele was a healer, a protector and she offered immortality to her devotees. Eventually Cybele and the goddess Rhea merged. She wore a turreted crown to signify that she was a war goddess and founder of cities. She was attended by the Corybantes and rode in a chariot pulled by lions; sometimes she held a whip. She was also associated with bees. As Cybele Phrygia, she bears branches in her hands and was associated with a sacred column. Cybele is identified with Rhea, Demeter, and Bona Dea. Cybele’s legends are the same as the mythology attached to the Phoenician mother-goddess Astronoe. Compare Cybele and Attis to Inanna and Dumuzi, Ishtar and Tammuz. See also Agdistis; Arinna; Atalanta; Attis; Corybantes; Curetes; Midas; Rhea; Sabazius.

Cybelle (Greek) see Cybele.

Cyclopes Cyclops, Ky-klopes, Kyklopes; Kyklops (Greek)

Storm or volcano deities. The Cyclopes are the one-eyed giant children of Uranus and Gaea. Their names are Brontes, who personifies Thunder; Steropes, who personifies Lightning; Arges (who is also known as Acmonides and Pyracmon), who personifies sheet lightning. Hesiod and Homer include Acamas, Polyphemus and Pyracmon as Cyclopes. The first Cyclopes were subterranean divinities or fire genii and were assistants of Hephaistos. They were the ones who manufactured the thunderbolts for Zeus, since they were the only ones who knew the process. They helped Vulcan make the thunderbolts for him, the darts for Cupid, the trident for Poseidon, a bronze helmet for Hades, and a shield for Achilles. It was Homer who changed them in his “Odyssey.” Then they became the familiar evil one-eyed giants. They were reported to live on the Island of Sicily. The most famous of these ugly creatures was Polyphemus, who loved Galatea, and who killed Acis. The Cyclopes were in turn killed by Apollo in vengeance for the death of his son Asclepius. The Cyclopes are giants with one eye centered in the forehead. Later the Cyclopes were replaced by the Caberi (q.v.). See also Acamas (D); Acis; Aegaeon; Cronus; Gaea; Galatea; Hecatonchires; Hephaistos; Titans.

Cydon (Greek)

He is the son of Hermes or Tegeates and Acacallis, the daughter of Minos and Pasiphae. See also Acacallis.

Cyena Cyene (India) see Garuda.

Cygnus (Greek)

He is the son of Ares and Pelopia or Pyrene. Cygnus wounded Heracles and Heracles killed him and turned him into a swan. See also Ares.

Cyhiraeth (Celtic)

Originally, she was a goddess of streams. Later, she became a spirit who haunts brooks. Her mysterious cry foretells death.

Cymodoce (Greek)

She is one of the fifty daughters known as Nereids, of Nereus and Doris. See also Nereids.

Cymothoe (Greek)

One of the fifty daughters, known as Nereids, of Nereus and Doris. See also Nereids.

Cynosura (Greek)

A nursemaid to the infant Zeus, this nymph of Mount Ida became the star, Ursa Minor. See also Zeus.

Cynthia (Roman)

Also known as: Diana.

As Cynthia, she is the goddess of the moon. See also Artemis; Diana.

Cynthius (Greek)

Also known as: Apollo

This epithet of Apollo was given because he was born on Mount Cynthius on the island of Delos. Diana was also born in the same place. See also Apollo.

Cyrene (Greek)

Cyrene, a nymph, became the queen of Libya after she killed a violent lion. She is the daughter of Hypseus and Chilidanope. By Apollo, she became the mother of Aristaeus and Autychus. By Apollo or Abas, she is the mother of Abas. Ares is her son by Diomedes. See also Ares; Aristaeus.

Cythera Cythereia (Greek) An epithet of Aphrodite (q.v.).

Cytissorus (Greek)

Cytissorus helped the Argonauts capture the Golden Fleece and assisted them in their escape from Colchis. See also Golden Fleece; Phrixus.

Czarnobog (Slavic) see Chernobog.