Mythology of Death
In the myths of many societies, the origin of death is a theme. Death is a fundamental characteristic of human existence, so the history of its origin appears in human societies to be universal. It is a form of cosmological myth (a kind of myth that describes the roots and challenges of a society). There is no universal type of these myths, but each region does have its own particular kinds.
Thanatos, the personification of death in ancient Greek religion and mythology. The goddess of the desert was Thanatos ‘ child Nyx, and the god of sleep, the sister Hypnos. The moment given to them by the Fates disappeared when he came to men to take them to the underworld. The Warrant Herakles, which wrestled him for the sake of saving the life of Alkestis, Admetus ‘ wife, had once defeated Thanatos and tricked him by Sisphus, King of Corinth, who wanted a second chance in life. Deities connected with death take various types, based on the culture and religion. Psychopomps, underworld gods and deities of the resurrection are prevalent.
Mythology Death myths societies origin death theme Death fundamental characteristic human existence history origin appears human societies universal form cosmological myth kind myth describes roots challenges society There universal type myths region kinds Thanatos personification death ancient Greek religion mythology The goddess desert Thanatos child Nyx god sleep sister Hypnos The moment Fates disappeared men underworld The Warrant Herakles wrestled sake saving life Alkestis Admetus wife defeated Thanatos tricked Sisphus King Corinth wanted chance life Deities connected death types based culture religion Psychopomps underworld gods deities resurrection prevalent The origin death theme myths cultures Death universal feature human life stories origin universal human cultures form cosmological myth type myth explains origins culture problems faces type myths universal region characteristic types Such myths frequent topic study field comparative mythology Thanatos ancient Greek religion mythology personification death Thanatos son Nyx goddess night brother Hypnos god sleep appeared humans carry underworld time allotted Fates expired Thanatos defeated warrior Heracles wrestled save life Alcestis wife Admetus tricked Sisyphus king Corinth wanted chance life Deities death forms depending specific culture religion referenced Psychopomps deities underworld resurrection deities commonly called death deities religious texts The term colloquially refers deities collect rule dead deities determine time death However types included article Many incorporated god death mythology religion death birth major parts human life deities deities religion religions single powerful deity object worship death deity antagonist primary deity struggles The term death worship derogatory term accuse groups morally abhorrent practices set human life monotheistic religions death commonly personified angel deity polytheistic religions complex deities governing natural phenomena aspects human life common deity assigned function presiding death This deity life humans commonly simply rule afterlife belief single religion separate deities performing tasks The deity question good evil neutral simply job sharp contrast lot modern portrayals death deities inherently evil death feared Hades Greek mythology common target The inclusion departmental deity death religion pantheon glorification death commonly condemned term death worship modern political rhetoric death deity good chance male female functions steer gender fertility earth deities female storm deities male single religion mythology death gods genders existing time envisioned married couple ruling afterlife Aztecs Greeks Romans monotheistic religions god governs life death However practice manifests rituals traditions varies number factors including geography politics traditions influence religions AfricaPervasively myths African cultures death This supreme people young grow people die heaven live stories eternal life lost flaw greed curiosity stubbornness arrogance punishment disobedience result human indifference Other themes failure message delivered humans severing link heaven Earth Sometimes result accident North AmericaCoyote common trickster figure North American myths The origin death common theme Native American mythology The myths plateau tribes blame origin interference trickster figure Coyote The Chiricahua Apache myth blames Coyote The plains tribes ascribe result unfavorable chance For Blackfeet account Old Man Old Woman arguing people die Old Woman magic ensure sign agreed desired result Among native peoples Western United States common explanation death result debate people animals favour death immortality For story Thompson Indians Raven wanted death men Coyote preferred sleep death outvoted Crow Fly Maggot sided Raven Raven daughter die Raven wanted reverse choice But Coyote trickster decision irrevocable OceaniaIn Oceania common myth originally people power rejuvenate shedding skin snake However woman frightens grandchildren resumes skin mandates death future generations PolynesiaIn Polynesian mythology death result hero Māui swallowed Hades Night escaped mankind immortal birds accompanied burst laughing awakening Hine nui crushed Māui death hopes immortality Further Māui Māori mythology Seeks immortalityWestern civilizationChristianityAdam Eve Albrecht DürerAccording Christianity death consequence Fall Man prior innocence Book Genesis Mythology Death ZodiacPage
