Mythology

Eurybia (Greek mythology) Eurybia (mythology) Eurybia, daughter of Gaia and Pontus, is a minor Greek sea deity whose name means “wide force.” She is traditionally the consort of the Titan Krios and mother of several important…

Eurystheus: King of Tiryns and Opponent of Heracles Eurystheus Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, was the king who assigned the Twelve Labours to Heracles. A figure of Greek myth associated with Tiryns and Mycenae, he is portrayed as jealous, petty…

Evil eye: belief, protective symbols, and cultural traditions Evil eye A cross-cultural belief that a look can bring misfortune; how different societies interpret, prevent, and ritualize the 'evil eye' and its protective symbols and practices.

Ewok — small forest-dwelling species from the Star Wars universe Ewok Ewoks are a diminutive, tribal species introduced in Return of the Jedi, native to the forest moon of Endor. Known for primitive technology, courage in the Battle of Endor, and mix…

Excalibur — the legendary sword of King Arthur Excalibur Excalibur is the legendary sword associated with King Arthur in British tradition; a symbol of sovereignty, martial power, and mythic justice with varied medieval origins and moder…

Eye of Horus (Wadjet): Ancient Egyptian symbol of protection and power Eye of Horus The Eye of Horus, also called the Wadjet or Udjat, is an ancient Egyptian emblem representing protection, royal authority, and cosmic balance. It appears in amulets, funerary art,…

Fairy (folklore creature) Fairy A fairy is a mythical, often small supernatural being from folk traditions; associated with nature, magic, varied roles, and wide cultural adaptations from oral lore to modern medi…

Fairy tale A fairy tale is a short narrative from oral or literary tradition featuring magic, archetypal characters, and lessons; distinct from myth and legend and widely adapted across cultu…

The Fall of Man (Genesis narrative) Fall of Man Biblical narrative in Genesis about Adam and Eve's disobedience and expulsion from Eden, and its religious and cultural interpretations in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions.

Faunus — Roman god of forests, fields and fertility Faunus (mythology) Faunus is an ancient Roman deity associated with woods, pastures, and the fertility of flocks and fields. He appears in literature and ritual and was later identified with the Gree…

Faust: the legend, its adaptations, and cultural meaning Faust Faust is a legendary figure who trades with the Devil for knowledge or pleasure. The story evolved from early German ballads into major literary, musical and cultural works; "Faust…

Featherfoot — an Australian Aboriginal spirit and sorcerer Featherfoot Featherfoot is a figure in some Australian Aboriginal traditions, depicted as a sorcerer or malevolent spirit that follows and kills victims. Stories explain sudden deaths, social…

Fenghuang: the Chinese mythic bird and its cultural roles Fenghuang Fenghuang (鳳凰, Fènghuáng) is a prominent bird in Chinese mythology symbolizing virtue, the empress, harmony, and auspicious events; often paired with the dragon in art and ritual.

Fenrir: The Great Wolf of Norse Mythology Fenrir Fenrir is the monstrous wolf of Norse myth—son of Loki and Angrboða—bound by the gods and fated to kill Odin at Ragnarök before being slain by Víðarr. Overview, origins, and cultur…

Fiery flying serpent A creature described in the Hebrew Bible whose imagery mixes burning, flight and serpent symbolism. Interpreted variously as a supernatural being, a venomous viper (Echis coloratus…

Finnish Maiden (Suomi-neito): national personification of Finland Finnish Maiden The Finnish Maiden, or Suomi-neito, is the allegorical young woman who represents Finland in art, literature and public symbolism, embodying national identity, nature and civic vir…

Five Suns (Aztec cosmogony) Five Suns An overview of the Aztec 'Five Suns' creation myth describing four previous worlds and the present age, its main figures, symbolic meanings, and cultural importance in Mesoamerican…

Folk hero A folk hero is a widely admired figure—real, exaggerated, or mythical—celebrated in popular tradition for deeds that reflect communal values, often resisting perceived injustice an…

Folklore: traditional expressive culture, forms, history, and significance Folklore Overview of folklore — the stories, music, rituals, beliefs and customs of communities, their forms and study (folkloristics), history, cultural roles, and ways to preserve and eng…

Folkvangr: Freyja's Field in Norse Afterlife Belief Folkvang Folkvangr (Old Norse Fólkvangr) is the meadow where the goddess Freyja receives part of those slain in battle. It appears in the Old Norse sources and contrasts with Odin’s Valhall…

Forbidden fruit: origin, symbolism, and cultural meanings Forbidden fruit An overview of the phrase “forbidden fruit,” its origin in Genesis, later identifications (apple, fig, etrog, etc.), theological and cultural interpretations, and how the metaphor…

Forseti: Norse god of justice and mediation Forseti Forseti is a Norse deity associated with justice, reconciliation, and the settling of disputes. Known as "the presiding one," he is attested sparingly in medieval sources and linke…

Fortuna: Roman goddess of luck, fate, and prosperity Fortuna (mythology) Fortuna is the Roman deity associated with fortune and chance, worshipped in varied forms from bounty to caprice; she influenced Roman cult practice and later Western ideas of the…

Fountain of Youth: the legendary spring of rejuvenation Fountain of Youth A summary of the Fountain of Youth legend: origins, historical attributions, cultural parallels and modern legacy, including associations with Herodotus, India and Juan Ponce de Le…

Four Sons of Horus Ancient Egyptian funerary deities who protected the internal organs of the dead, guarded the cardinal points, and were depicted as human or animal-headed figures associated with ca…

Freyja — Norse goddess of love, fertility, war and magic Freyja Freyja is a major Norse goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, seiðr (sorcery), war, and the dead. She appears widely in medieval sources and in modern culture and schola…

Freyr: Norse god of fertility, prosperity, and fair weather Freyr Freyr, a major Vanir god in Norse myth, is associated with fertility, good harvests, kingship and peace. He owns a golden boar and a magical ship and figures in tales of love, sacr…

Frigg: Norse goddess of marriage, motherhood and domestic wisdom Frigg Frigg (Frigga) is a principal Norse goddess associated with marriage, motherhood, household, and foresight; wife of Odin and mother of Baldr in the Old Norse tradition.

Fukurokuju: Japanese Deity of Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity Fukurokuju Fukurokuju is one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods, symbolizing happiness, wealth and long life. He is known for an elongated forehead and animal companions—crane, turtle, and a legenda…

Fulla — handmaid and attendant of the Norse goddess Frigg Fulla Fulla (Old Norse Fulla or Volla) is a minor Germanic and Norse deity known as one of Frigg's trusted attendants, keeper of her box and shoes, and the recipient of the queen of the…

Gabriel (archangel and given name) Gabriel Gabriel is an angelic figure in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, known chiefly as a divine messenger; the name is also a common given name with many international forms and a femin…

Gabrielle — feminine form of Gabriel (given name) Gabrielle Gabrielle is a feminine given name derived from the Hebrew name Gabriel, meaning roughly ‘God is my strength.’ Common across languages, it has many variants, diminutives, and cultu…

Gaheris — Knight of the Round Table Gaheris Gaheris, an Arthurian knight and nephew of King Arthur, is one of the Orkney brothers. Portrayals vary from valiant companion to tragic victim; he appears in medieval French and En…

Gaia (Greek mythology): the primordial personification of Earth Gaia (mythology) Gaia, also Gaea, is the ancient Greek personification of the Earth, a primordial deity who produced the Titans, Cyclopes and other beings. Her figure influenced cult, poetry, and m…

Galahad: the Grail Knight of Arthurian Legend Galahad Galahad, son of Lancelot and a Knight of the Round Table, is the idealized grail knight in Arthurian legend. Celebrated for purity and spiritual perfection, he succeeds in the ques…

Ganesha: Elephant-Headed Deity of Wisdom, Success, and Remover of Obstacles Ganesha Ganesha (Ganapati, Vinayaka) is a major Hindu deity with an elephant head, revered as the remover of obstacles, patron of beginnings, arts, and learning. Worship is central to many…

Ganon (Ganondorf) — recurring antagonist of The Legend of Zelda series Ganon Ganon, also called Ganondorf, is the principal antagonist of The Legend of Zelda series — a powerful sorcerer-warrior who alternates between humanoid and monstrous forms to oppose…

Ganymede (mythology): Trojan prince and cup-bearer of the gods Ganymede (mythology) Ganymede, a handsome youth of Troy in Greek myth, was carried to Olympus by Zeus to serve as the gods' cup-bearer. His story influenced art, literature, and later astronomical nami…

Garden of Eden: Biblical account, meanings, and cultural influence Garden of Eden The Garden of Eden is the garden in which the Bible places the first humans, Adam and Eve. The story appears in Genesis and the Tanakh and has shaped religious, literary and artist…

Gareth (Knight of the Round Table) Gareth Gareth, an Arthurian knight nicknamed "Beaumains", is known for arriving at Arthur's court in disguise, undertaking a famed rescue quest, and dying in the conflict described in Mal…

Garuda: the mythic bird of Hindu and Buddhist traditions Garuda Garuda is a large mythical bird in Hindu, Buddhist and Southeast Asian cultures, known as Vishnu's mount, enemy of snakes, and a widespread symbol in art, literature and national e…

Gautam (Hindu sage) Gautam Gautam is a revered rishi (sage) in Hindu tradition, counted among the saptarishis. He appears in Vedic and epic literature and is associated with the Gautama gotra, early dharma l…

Geb — Ancient Egyptian god of the Earth Geb Geb is the Egyptian deity who personifies the earth. An important figure in the Heliopolitan Ennead, he is associated with soil, vegetation, earthquakes, royal lineage and the bala…

Gefjun (Norse goddess) Gefjun Gefjun is a minor but distinctive figure in Norse myth, associated with a famous ploughing myth, debated etymology, and interpretations as a virgin, a fertility deity, or a counter…

Genesis creation narrative: the biblical account of the world's origin Genesis creation narrative Overview and analysis of the two creation accounts in Genesis 1–2, their structure, theological themes, historical reception, and influence in Judaism and Christianity.

Genie (Jinn): Spirits of Middle Eastern Folklore and Religion Genie An overview of genies (jinn): origins, characteristics, religious views, regional beliefs across the Middle East and beyond, and their role in literature, folklore and modern cultu…

Geras — personification of old age in Greek myth Geras Geras is the ancient Greek personification of old age, a minor deity born of Nyx and mentioned in early Greek poetry. He symbolizes decline and mortality rather than an active cult…

Gerðr (Gerda) — Norse giantess and consort of Freyr Gerðr Gerðr is a jötunn of Old Norse myth who becomes the wife of the god Freyr. Her story appears in the Eddas and is often read as a personification of seasonal change and fertility.