Yashoda, foster-mother of Krishna Yashoda Yashoda (also Yasoda) is the foster-mother of the Hindu deity Krishna, wife of Nanda in the Puranic tradition; celebrated for maternal devotion, childhood episodes of Krishna, and…
Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) — legendary Chinese ancestor and cultural hero Yellow Emperor An encyclopedic overview of Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor): his traditional biography, attributed innovations, role in mythology and Taoism, historical debate, and cultural significa…
Yeti (Abominable Snowman): Himalayan cryptid and cultural figure Yeti Legendary ape‑like creature of the Himalaya, central to regional folklore and modern cryptozoology. Accounts include footprints, hair samples, and monastery relics, though scientif…
Yggdrasil — the World Tree of Norse Mythology Yggdrasil Yggdrasil is the vast cosmic ash tree at the centre of Norse cosmology. It connects the Nine Worlds, shelters many beings, and plays a central role in myths about fate, sacrifice,…
Ymir: The Primordial Giant of Norse Cosmogony Ymir Ymir is the primeval being in Norse myth whose corpse is shaped into the world. Described in the Poetic and Prose Eddas, his death and dismemberment form the basis of Norse creatio…
Yōkai: Supernatural Creatures of Japanese Folklore Yōkai Yōkai are diverse supernatural beings in Japanese folklore. This article explains their forms, history from classical to Edo periods, cultural roles, common examples, and how they…
Yomi — the Japanese underworld in Shinto myth Yomi Yomi (黄泉) is the Shinto conception of the land of the dead, described in the Kojiki. It is a gloomy realm of decay and impurity distinct from Buddhist hells and linked to rites con…
Ywain the Bastard (Arthurian knight) Ywain the Bastard An illegitimate son of King Urien in Arthurian tradition, Ywain the Bastard appears in later romances as a Knight of the Round Table and is frequently confused with his half-brothe…
Zelus — Greek personification of zeal, rivalry, and devoted emulation Zelus Zelus (Ζῆλος) is the Greek personification of zeal, emulation and rivalry. Son of Styx and Pallas and sibling of Nike, Kratos and Bia, he accompanies Zeus in myth and appears as a…
Zephyrus — the West Wind of Greek Mythology Zephyrus Zephyrus, one of the Anemoi, is the personification of the west wind in Greek myth. Associated with gentleness, spring, and growth, he appears in literature, art, and later Roman t…
Zeus — chief deity of the ancient Greek pantheon Zeus Zeus, the sky and thunder god of ancient Greece, was the ruler of the Olympian gods. This article covers his origins, attributes, major myths, cult and lasting influence.
Zombie: origins, traits, cultural meanings and modern portrayals Zombie A zombie is a reanimated corpse or 'undead' figure from folklore and fiction. This article explains origins, common traits, cultural significance, media portrayals, and how zombies…
