Ancient Goddesses

Ancient Goddesses PDF Author: Lucy Goodison
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
The nurturing Earth Goddess, the Great Mother worshipped at the dawn of civilization—historical fact or consoling fiction? While Goddess mythologies proliferate and the public devours books by artists, psychotherapists, and enthusiastic amateurs, it is remarkable that those in the field of prehistory have remained largely silent. Did Goddess worship really exist? What actually remains from the earliest cultures, and what can it tell us? What can we learn about the early stages of human religion from the study of prehistoric carvings, pictures, pottery, figurines, and temples? In Ancient Goddesses, historians and archaeologists write accessibly about this intriguing and controversial topic for the first time. Considering a number of significant early civilizations—Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt; “Old Europe;” Early North West Europe; “Celtic” civilization; the Prehistoric Aegean; Malta; the Ancient Near East; Old Testament Israel; Çatalhöyük; and Archaic Greece—these experts review the most recent evidence so that readers can make up their own minds. Contributors include Ruth Tringham and Margaret Conkey, University of California, Berkeley; Lynn Meskell, New College, Oxford; Fekri Hassan, University College, London; Karel van der Toorn, University of Amsterdam; Joan Westenholz, Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem; Elizabeth Shee Twohig, University College, Cork; Caroline Malone, New Hall, Cambridge; Mary Voyatzis, University of Arizona; and Miranda Green, University of Wales College.

Ancient Goddesses

Ancient Goddesses PDF Author: Lucy Goodison
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Get Book Here

Book Description
The nurturing Earth Goddess, the Great Mother worshipped at the dawn of civilization—historical fact or consoling fiction? While Goddess mythologies proliferate and the public devours books by artists, psychotherapists, and enthusiastic amateurs, it is remarkable that those in the field of prehistory have remained largely silent. Did Goddess worship really exist? What actually remains from the earliest cultures, and what can it tell us? What can we learn about the early stages of human religion from the study of prehistoric carvings, pictures, pottery, figurines, and temples? In Ancient Goddesses, historians and archaeologists write accessibly about this intriguing and controversial topic for the first time. Considering a number of significant early civilizations—Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt; “Old Europe;” Early North West Europe; “Celtic” civilization; the Prehistoric Aegean; Malta; the Ancient Near East; Old Testament Israel; Çatalhöyük; and Archaic Greece—these experts review the most recent evidence so that readers can make up their own minds. Contributors include Ruth Tringham and Margaret Conkey, University of California, Berkeley; Lynn Meskell, New College, Oxford; Fekri Hassan, University College, London; Karel van der Toorn, University of Amsterdam; Joan Westenholz, Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem; Elizabeth Shee Twohig, University College, Cork; Caroline Malone, New Hall, Cambridge; Mary Voyatzis, University of Arizona; and Miranda Green, University of Wales College.

A Handbook of Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient Near East

A Handbook of Gods and Goddesses of the Ancient Near East PDF Author: Douglas R. Frayne
Publisher: Penn State Press
ISBN: 1646021290
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 443

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Book Description
From the tragic young Adonis to Zašhapuna, first among goddesses, this handbook provides the most complete information available on deities from the cultures and religions of the ancient Near East, including Anatolia, Syria, Israel, Sumer, Babylonia, Assyria, and Elam. The result of nearly fifteen years of research, this handbook is more expansive and covers a wider range of sources and civilizations than any previous reference works on the topic. Arranged alphabetically, the entries range from multiple pages of information to a single line—sometimes all that we know about a given deity. Where possible, each record discusses the deity’s symbolism and imagery, connecting it to the myths, rituals, and festivals described in ancient sources. Many of the entries are accompanied by illustrations that aid in understanding the iconography, and they all include references to texts in which the god or goddess is mentioned. Appropriate for both trained scholars and nonacademic readers, this book collects centuries of Near Eastern mythology into one volume. It will be an especially valuable resource for anyone interested in Assyriology, ancient religion, and the ancient Near East.

Gods & Goddesses of Ancient China

Gods & Goddesses of Ancient China PDF Author: Trenton Campbell
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica
ISBN: 1622753941
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 161

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Book Description
This authoritative volume examines the two main faiths, Confucianism and Daoism, that developed before China had meaningful contact with the rest of the world. Aspects of Buddhism later joined features of these faiths to form elements of Chinese ideology and, with the beliefs in immortals and the worship of ancestors, they led to a popular religion. The narrative describes the gods and goddesses that dominated China's mythology and folk culture, roughly from the 3rd millennium to 221 BCE, including the Baxian (Eight Immortals), Chang'e (moon goddess), Guandi (god of war), the Men Shen (door spirits), and Pan Gu (first man).

The Complete Gods and Godesses of Ancient Egypt

The Complete Gods and Godesses of Ancient Egypt PDF Author: Richard H Wilkinson
Publisher: National Geographic Books
ISBN: 0500284245
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
A comprehensive guide to the deities of ancient Egypt: their origins and their central role in the lives of the Egyptian people Worshipped for over three-fifths of recorded history, Egypt’s gods and goddesses are among the most fascinating of human civilization. The lives of pharaohs and commoners alike were dominated by the need to honor, worship, and pacify the huge pantheon of deities, from the benevolent to the malevolent. The richness and complexity of their mythology is reflected in countless tributes throughout Egypt, from lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to humble household shrines. This book examines the evolution, worship, and eventual decline of the numerous gods and goddesses—from minor household figures such as Bes and Tawaret to the all-powerful deities Amun and Re—that made Egypt the most theocratic society of the ancient world, and made Egyptians, according to Herodotus, “more religious than any other people.” Now available in paperback, with hundreds of illustrations and specially commissioned drawings, this title remains the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the deities that lay at the heart of Egyptian religion and society.

Goddesses

Goddesses PDF Author: Sue Jennings
Publisher: Hay House, Inc
ISBN: 1401930646
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 292

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Book Description
Goddesses explores the ancient wisdom of the goddesses to help you reconnect with the old ways in a modern context. The goddesses are presented in their elements, in their heavenly bodies, or as symbols of the journey of life to give support, provoke us to explore new ideas and challenges, and to bring balance to our lives. The folklore, myth, and traditional associations of the goddesses will inspire you on your journey. · Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, demonstrates that volatile fire energy is life-giving and creative but needs to have focus. · Water goddesses such as Isis, Sedna, and Yemaya offer us wisdom in times of stress and grief. They help us flow in the right direction and remind us that water supports us. · The sun goddesses lead us through our feelings as well as our intellect to our divine spark—the sun within us. If our lives are stormy, we can take comfort from the story of the sun goddess, Ama-terasu-o-mi-kami, and find peace within ourselves. · Cerridwen, the Celtic goddess of poetry, is a source of wisdom, inspiration, and creativity. The reflections, meditations, rituals, chants, and exercises in this book will help you bring about the changes you wish for in your life. Some of the exercises are for you to undertake alone; others you can share with friends, family, and children. Let the goddesses guide and inspire you!

Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities

Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities PDF Author: Charles Russell Coulter
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135963908
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 608

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Book Description
The history of the divine is the history of human thought. For as long as men and women have pondered the mysteries of their existence, they have answered their own questions with stories of gods and goddesses. Belief in these deities shaped whole civilizations, yet today many of their names and images lie buried. The Encyclopedia of Ancient Deities makes those names available to the general reader as well as the scholar. This reference work lists all the known gods through recorded history. Alphabetically arranged entries provide the name of each deity (with alternate spellings), as well as notes on names that may be linguistically or functionally related. The tribe or culture that worshiped the deity is identified, and the god's origins and functions are explained. An extensive bibliography provides opportunities for further research and an exhaustive index provides access to the entries through virtually all names, forms and kinds of deities.

Gods and Goddesses

Gods and Goddesses PDF Author: John Malam
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780872265981
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 56

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Book Description
Discusses the important gods and goddesses of ancient Greece and retells some of the myths about them, including Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Hades.

Gods & Goddesses of Ancient India

Gods & Goddesses of Ancient India PDF Author: Tammy Laser
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica
ISBN: 1622753917
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 175

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Book Description
This encyclopedic volume is a thorough examination of the history of religion in ancient India, detailing each of the gods and goddesses, his or her origins, and how the gods continue to be worshipped today. The history of religion is directly tied to the history of the past one thousand years. World history is an important part of the history curriculum, making this volume a valuable teaching tool, as well as an entertaining read. Vibrant images make it a visual experience.

Uncovering Norse Mythology

Uncovering Norse Mythology PDF Author: Lucas Russo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 198

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Book Description
Delve into the fascinating history of Norse mythology with these thrilling tales of battle and magic... What do you think of when you hear the words "Norse mythology"? Chances are, your mind goes straight to Thor or Odin, some of the most well-known Nordic gods. But their stories barely scratch the surface of the complicated and fascinating myths of ancient Scandinavia. As Germanic tribes clashed and reconciled, a rich and detailed realm of the gods was created through the melding and exchanging of stories and characters that reflected the complicated historical events around them. The clash of the Vanir and the Aesir, or the old and new gods, is thought to be indicative of a real conflict between two tribes that later found a way to coexist. Through developing an understanding of the stories that remain, you will learn about the intricacies of ancient Nordic culture. Beginning with the historical background of the Viking Age, you will become familiar with the creation myth and discover the complicated family trees that the gods and goddesses of Asgard created. You'll uncover the most important figures in Nordic culture and find out how their existence continues to be relevant in the modern day. In Uncovering Norse Mythology, here is just a fraction of what you will discover: How these legends have endured to present day, and the historical relics that have contributed to their longevity The stories, powers, and complicated relationships of the most important Norse gods and goddesses A history of the Viking Age and the unique environment that contributed to the development of their ideals and beliefs How the Norse people explained the nature of natural phenomena such as shuddering earthquakes and rumbling thunderstorms The lasting impact these stories have on the present, and how they have continued to impact our modern world What the meanings of the names indicate about the gods, goddesses, giants, and myriad of other creatures that exist in the collective mythology And much more. From heart-stopping treachery to displays of pure bravery, you'll find yourself immersed in the drama and sorrow of the old gods. Your journey will take you through the Nine Realms as you uncover the philosophy and morals that this ancient culture revered most. If you're ready to step into a new world of magic, adventure, and betrayal, then scroll up and click the "Add to Cart" button right now.

Egyptian Mythology

Egyptian Mythology PDF Author: Geraldine Pinch
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN: 0195170245
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 273

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Book Description
Spanning ancient Egyptian culture--from 3200 BC to AD 400--Pinch opens a door to this hidden world and casts light on the nature of myths and how they relate to the evolution of Egyptian culture. She includes a timeline covering the seven stages in the mythical history of Egypt and outlining the major events of each stage. A substantial A to Z section covers the principal themes and concepts of Egyptian mythology as well as the most important deities, demons, and other characters. This is an ideal introduction for students interested in learning about Egyptian myths, and the culture that created them.