You must have surely heard a lot of people talking about the end of the world fast approaching with the doomsday being predicted to be coming in the year 2012. What exactly is the significance of planetary alignment in 2012, you may ask. The answer lies in carefully studying the Mayan calendar. According to this calendar the day, 21/12/2012 will be of great significance. According to the ancient scriptures of the great Mayan Civilization, planetary alignment in 2012 would herald the beginning of a new age.
While there are many who may argue that the civilization existed too long ago, for the prediction to be taken seriously, there are certain other important aspects that you need to look into. For instance, while the prediction in itself may appear absurd, you should not forget that it is based on the movement of stars and planets. Planetary alignment in 2012 is therefore, something that we do not have any control on.
One more factor that needs to be carefully considered is that the Mayans possessed supreme astronomical and mathematical skills. Not only did this knowledge help them create a calendar 3,500 years ago, it also helped them to create a complex mathematical calculator too. This unique calculator was used in conjunction with the planetary movements to arrive at the particular doomsday date by the ancient Mayans.
Planetary alignment in 2012 assumes importance because of a unique lining up of planets during this day. It is predicted that the sun will lineup with the center of the Milky Way on 21/12/2012. This planetary alignment in 2012 is something that an extremely rare occurrence. In fact, it is known to happen only once in 25,800 years. The ancient Mayans believed that these celestial events will have a direct impact on the lives of all living beings and that it will herald the beginning of a new age.
Learn much more about the significance and severity of the events in 2012 and how you can be prepared to save yourself and your loved ones.
If you are really interested in knowing more details, then this is the most important message you wil ever read- Click Here
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_K.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Important Facts About Astronomy - 2012
Are you wondering about what this astronomy 2012 is all about? If you have ever read about the Mayan calendar, you would have come to know about astronomy 2012 and about end of the world on December 2012. Many people claim that the end of life on Earth is nearing. Though this claim was made during the past years, there is a lot of hype going on about this freaking news.
The Mayan calendar predicts that the "long cycle" will come to an end on December 21, 2012. Mayans are highly skilled people and are capable of creating many different calendars. It is said that the information available in the calendar is very accurate. So will this news about the end of life on earth be true? What do astronomers think about this December 2012?
Astronomy facts regarding December 21, 2012
This date is considered to be the date of winter solstice. Of course, Winter solstice happens every year, but with no ill effect. Besides Winter solstice, others claim that the Earth and the Milky Way's center will align together, leading to undesirable disasters. As long as this alignment takes place, it would cause a sudden end of our planet.
Viewing the sky- December 21, 2012
Though this prediction was made several years ago, the hype about this date has been on the rise for many years. Many people are waiting eagerly to see what is going to happen on December 21, 2012. While there is no accurate basis for end of times paranoia, this news certainly won't stop the gullible. In this growing buzz of information, it is becoming very difficult to discern the real truth about this end date.
Do you wish to know about astronomy facts regarding the year 2012, then click right here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janani_Jaan
The Mayan calendar predicts that the "long cycle" will come to an end on December 21, 2012. Mayans are highly skilled people and are capable of creating many different calendars. It is said that the information available in the calendar is very accurate. So will this news about the end of life on earth be true? What do astronomers think about this December 2012?
Astronomy facts regarding December 21, 2012
This date is considered to be the date of winter solstice. Of course, Winter solstice happens every year, but with no ill effect. Besides Winter solstice, others claim that the Earth and the Milky Way's center will align together, leading to undesirable disasters. As long as this alignment takes place, it would cause a sudden end of our planet.
Viewing the sky- December 21, 2012
Though this prediction was made several years ago, the hype about this date has been on the rise for many years. Many people are waiting eagerly to see what is going to happen on December 21, 2012. While there is no accurate basis for end of times paranoia, this news certainly won't stop the gullible. In this growing buzz of information, it is becoming very difficult to discern the real truth about this end date.
Do you wish to know about astronomy facts regarding the year 2012, then click right here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janani_Jaan
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
2012 - Will We Ascend to the 4th Dimension by Activating Our DNA?
Something is happening out there, and within. Life is speeding up, changes are happening at a faster pace than ever before, what we used to rely on doesn't seem to be there any more. We are dreaming more lucidly than ever. Things are no longer as they seemed. What is happening?
One possible reason is that we are on the brink of an evolutionary leap, to the 4th or higher dimensions. The Mayans predicted that on December 21, 2012, our current world phase would end, to be replaced by the next one, repeating a cycle that has occurred approximately every 5,000 years since the beginning of time. A number of other religions, races and belief systems say that a major event will occur in the early part of this century, that will change our way of life completely.
Part of this process is said to be causing the acceleration we are experiencing at the moment, and will continue to experience at an ever-increasing pace until 2012, as we get closer to the 4th dimension.
Some say that the activation of dormant DNA strands will happen at that time, as part of our spiritual and physical evolutionary path. This will be apparently experienced as a spiritual awakening, or ascension to 4th dimensional living, which will see the expansion of our 3-dimensional world into a completely new experience. This experience will result in a lighter physical body, increased mental and spiritual abilities, and connections to other dimensions.
Each of our DNA strands are said to vibrate at a particular rate, and so can be activated with particular frequencies, by sounds that we can hear, and sounds that we cannot hear. These frequencies are apparently being emanated by the universe at the moment, affecting our abilities, and speeding up our daily life. Things we never knew existed will suddenly become a reality. Abilities we never had will suddenly emerge, and will vary according to the energy patterns we already hold.
For example, some will excel in healing abilities, and move objects with telekinesis, others may see into multi-dimensions. Many of us will be able to communicate telepathically, and manifest wonderful and self-fulfilling outcomes. We will be guided by our existing interests, and soul journey. As part of this process, new synapses will be forged in the brain to widen our sphere of reference.
The skeptical mind may dismiss this whole theory as ridiculous. However, there is another part of the mind we could also use, one that is not restricted by self-limiting beliefs. Now is the time to break free and open up to new possibilities.
This is an exciting time to be alive! This momentous event can be described as strings of energy pulsating through the universe, raising the octaves of life's being, and creating a major evolutionary shift. Once the process is complete, everything will synchronise in perfect harmony, and the world will experience the magnificent symphony of life, in all its beauty
Angela Clarke is an author, having published her first novel 2012 The Symphony http://www.2012thesymphony.com , a story based on the Mayan Calendar predictions for 2012, in December 2008. Before becoming an author, she was a business consultant. Angela lives between London and Southern France.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Clarke
One possible reason is that we are on the brink of an evolutionary leap, to the 4th or higher dimensions. The Mayans predicted that on December 21, 2012, our current world phase would end, to be replaced by the next one, repeating a cycle that has occurred approximately every 5,000 years since the beginning of time. A number of other religions, races and belief systems say that a major event will occur in the early part of this century, that will change our way of life completely.
Part of this process is said to be causing the acceleration we are experiencing at the moment, and will continue to experience at an ever-increasing pace until 2012, as we get closer to the 4th dimension.
Some say that the activation of dormant DNA strands will happen at that time, as part of our spiritual and physical evolutionary path. This will be apparently experienced as a spiritual awakening, or ascension to 4th dimensional living, which will see the expansion of our 3-dimensional world into a completely new experience. This experience will result in a lighter physical body, increased mental and spiritual abilities, and connections to other dimensions.
Each of our DNA strands are said to vibrate at a particular rate, and so can be activated with particular frequencies, by sounds that we can hear, and sounds that we cannot hear. These frequencies are apparently being emanated by the universe at the moment, affecting our abilities, and speeding up our daily life. Things we never knew existed will suddenly become a reality. Abilities we never had will suddenly emerge, and will vary according to the energy patterns we already hold.
For example, some will excel in healing abilities, and move objects with telekinesis, others may see into multi-dimensions. Many of us will be able to communicate telepathically, and manifest wonderful and self-fulfilling outcomes. We will be guided by our existing interests, and soul journey. As part of this process, new synapses will be forged in the brain to widen our sphere of reference.
The skeptical mind may dismiss this whole theory as ridiculous. However, there is another part of the mind we could also use, one that is not restricted by self-limiting beliefs. Now is the time to break free and open up to new possibilities.
This is an exciting time to be alive! This momentous event can be described as strings of energy pulsating through the universe, raising the octaves of life's being, and creating a major evolutionary shift. Once the process is complete, everything will synchronise in perfect harmony, and the world will experience the magnificent symphony of life, in all its beauty
Angela Clarke is an author, having published her first novel 2012 The Symphony http://www.2012thesymphony.com , a story based on the Mayan Calendar predictions for 2012, in December 2008. Before becoming an author, she was a business consultant. Angela lives between London and Southern France.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Clarke
December 2012 Doomsday - Top Reasons Why 21-12-2012 is the Most Important Date in Mankind's History
If there is one day that the entire mankind is eagerly waiting for, then it has to be 21st December 2012. If there is something that many of the major religions have in common then it must be on December 2012 Doomsday predictions. Almost every major religious text has got references to this being the time when major changes could occur in our planet. Among all the references, perhaps the most significant and well known is the prediction of December 2012 Doomsday by the Mayan Calendar. According to the world will enter a new age on the particular date. With the Mayans civilization being extremely knowledgeable in both astronomy and mathematics, the prediction has generated lot of interest around the world. Let us take a look at 4 top reasons why the December 21st, 2012 is so important.
1. The Mayans were extremely skilled in creating mathematical and astrological apparatus and they created their calendar 3,500 years ago. The calendar clearly mentions that there would be major changes that would take place in the world, come December 2012 Doomsday.
2. There are many among the scientific community who believe that due to global warming, solar storms would be entering the earth in large quantities by 2012 and this could trigger off a series of catastrophes. This is how they feel that the Mayan December 2012 Doomsday prediction would ultimately destroy all life on earth.
3. There are many geologists who believe that there could be major volcanic eruptions around the world in 2012. This is being equated with the December 2012 Doomsday prediction and being seen as one of the ways that the world will be destroyed, if it were to occur.
4. A vast majority of people who believe in the Mayan Calendar predict that there could be mass destruction of life on earth in the year 2012 because of the shift of earth's two poles.
Learn much more about the significance and severity of the events in 2012 and how you can be prepared to save yourself and your loved ones.
If you are really interested in knowing more details, then this is the most important message you wil ever read- Click Here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_K.
1. The Mayans were extremely skilled in creating mathematical and astrological apparatus and they created their calendar 3,500 years ago. The calendar clearly mentions that there would be major changes that would take place in the world, come December 2012 Doomsday.
2. There are many among the scientific community who believe that due to global warming, solar storms would be entering the earth in large quantities by 2012 and this could trigger off a series of catastrophes. This is how they feel that the Mayan December 2012 Doomsday prediction would ultimately destroy all life on earth.
3. There are many geologists who believe that there could be major volcanic eruptions around the world in 2012. This is being equated with the December 2012 Doomsday prediction and being seen as one of the ways that the world will be destroyed, if it were to occur.
4. A vast majority of people who believe in the Mayan Calendar predict that there could be mass destruction of life on earth in the year 2012 because of the shift of earth's two poles.
Learn much more about the significance and severity of the events in 2012 and how you can be prepared to save yourself and your loved ones.
If you are really interested in knowing more details, then this is the most important message you wil ever read- Click Here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_K.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunrise and Its Importance in Mythology
Sunrise in one's life depicts the heralding of a new beginning. May it be the clock striking midnight to mark one's birthday or the day of a special occasion, like an anniversary or a wedding. Sunrise brings hope and as a very popular Indian saying goes, "Every night is followed by sunrise", which means that every period of darkness and trouble is followed by a sunrise, which will bring a solution and a time to celebrate.
Sunrise and the Sun Gods have played important roles for centuries through the mythologies of various cultures. The Greek, Chinese, Indians, Egyptians and many more have given the Sun much importance, so let's look at the impact the Sun has had on mankind for centuries depicting its importance to all.
Chinese Mythology
The Chinese believed that there were ten Suns and one used to arrive as the other one used to leave to bathe. There are many versions of this story, but this is how the most popular version goes. This is from the chapter called "The Systems of the Heavens" by Huai-nan Tzu, with a little addition by other scholars of that time. The ten suns used to bathe in the T'iang Valley where the Leaning Mulberry (the tree) stood tall. The nine suns stayed on its lower branches whilst the tenth sun resided on its top branch. Another version goes that in the middle of a great wasteland, there was a mountain called Neih-yao Chun-ti, next to which was the Yang Valley. Next to the Yang Valley was the Leaning Mulberry, which was an old three hundred leagues tall tree with mustard plant leaves. On this tree one sun arrived, borne by a crow (sometimes three legged) as the other sun left. The whole process of sunrise to sunset from Yang (sunny) Valley or Yu Yuans's riverbank to Meng Valley covers Nine Provinces and Seven halts, depicting times during the day.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Helios personified the sun. The Greek poet Homer often called him only the Titan or Hyperion. He wrote that Helios was the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia and described him as the brother of the Selene, the goddess of the moon, and of Eos, the goddess of dawn. This is also what is believed to have given birth to the common Greek words for the sun, moon and dawn. Helios was believed to be a handsome god who had a crown of a shining aureole of the sun and he drove the chariot of the sun every day across the sky to the earth after circling Oceanus and then after passing the world ocean, he returned East at night time. It was believed that the chariot of the sun was drawn by solar steeds or fire darting steeds that were later named Phlegon, Aeos, Pyrios and Aethon.
Egyptian Mythology
The God of the sun in ancient Egypt was called Ra (pronounced Rah or sometimes even as Re). He became a major deity by the fifth dynasty and was primarily identified as the mid day sun god, as there were other deities that depicted other positions of the sun. Ra changed over time and soon came to be recognised as the god of all the times of the day. The cult of Ra was based from Heliopolis, which means the City of the Sun. Ra was also later merged with another god, Horus and was called Re-Horakhty. He was believed to command the earth, sky and the underworld. He is associated with the Falcon, which was the symbol of the sun deities and is represented by the sun disc as his symbol.
As said above, Sunrise and the Sun stand for a lot in everyone's life and in today's world you can be unique and gift someone a beautiful sunrise photo to mark a special occasion or to remind them that there is still hope in life. If you are interested, then you can get beautiful photographs from Every Sunrise. For more info about the company and its products, please click here: http://www.everysunrise.com.
http://www.everysunrise.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_R_Simpson
Sunrise and the Sun Gods have played important roles for centuries through the mythologies of various cultures. The Greek, Chinese, Indians, Egyptians and many more have given the Sun much importance, so let's look at the impact the Sun has had on mankind for centuries depicting its importance to all.
Chinese Mythology
The Chinese believed that there were ten Suns and one used to arrive as the other one used to leave to bathe. There are many versions of this story, but this is how the most popular version goes. This is from the chapter called "The Systems of the Heavens" by Huai-nan Tzu, with a little addition by other scholars of that time. The ten suns used to bathe in the T'iang Valley where the Leaning Mulberry (the tree) stood tall. The nine suns stayed on its lower branches whilst the tenth sun resided on its top branch. Another version goes that in the middle of a great wasteland, there was a mountain called Neih-yao Chun-ti, next to which was the Yang Valley. Next to the Yang Valley was the Leaning Mulberry, which was an old three hundred leagues tall tree with mustard plant leaves. On this tree one sun arrived, borne by a crow (sometimes three legged) as the other sun left. The whole process of sunrise to sunset from Yang (sunny) Valley or Yu Yuans's riverbank to Meng Valley covers Nine Provinces and Seven halts, depicting times during the day.
Greek Mythology
In Greek mythology, Helios personified the sun. The Greek poet Homer often called him only the Titan or Hyperion. He wrote that Helios was the son of the Titans Hyperion and Theia and described him as the brother of the Selene, the goddess of the moon, and of Eos, the goddess of dawn. This is also what is believed to have given birth to the common Greek words for the sun, moon and dawn. Helios was believed to be a handsome god who had a crown of a shining aureole of the sun and he drove the chariot of the sun every day across the sky to the earth after circling Oceanus and then after passing the world ocean, he returned East at night time. It was believed that the chariot of the sun was drawn by solar steeds or fire darting steeds that were later named Phlegon, Aeos, Pyrios and Aethon.
Egyptian Mythology
The God of the sun in ancient Egypt was called Ra (pronounced Rah or sometimes even as Re). He became a major deity by the fifth dynasty and was primarily identified as the mid day sun god, as there were other deities that depicted other positions of the sun. Ra changed over time and soon came to be recognised as the god of all the times of the day. The cult of Ra was based from Heliopolis, which means the City of the Sun. Ra was also later merged with another god, Horus and was called Re-Horakhty. He was believed to command the earth, sky and the underworld. He is associated with the Falcon, which was the symbol of the sun deities and is represented by the sun disc as his symbol.
As said above, Sunrise and the Sun stand for a lot in everyone's life and in today's world you can be unique and gift someone a beautiful sunrise photo to mark a special occasion or to remind them that there is still hope in life. If you are interested, then you can get beautiful photographs from Every Sunrise. For more info about the company and its products, please click here: http://www.everysunrise.com.
http://www.everysunrise.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_R_Simpson
A Quick Guide to Greek Mythology
The Greeks believed in many Gods (and many generations of Gods) and believed they had both supernatural powers and human weaknesses. Probably the greatest beings in Greek Mythology are the twelve Olympian Gods who took their name from the place of their dwelling - Mount Olympus.
Zeus
The ruler of the Olympian Gods and God of the sky, thunder and justice. His weapon is a thunderbolt. Married to Hera.
Poseidon
The God of the sea, earthquakes and horses. His weapon is a trident and he is second in power to Zeus.
Hades
God of the underworld and wealth. Lord of the dead.
Hestia
Goddess of the hearth and home. The sister of Zeus.
Hera
The Goddess of women, marriage and childbirth. The reigning female Goddess of Olympia because she was married to Zeus.
Aris
The God of war. The son of Zeus and Hera.
Athena
The Goddess of wisdom, reason, intelligent activity, arts and literature. A daughter of Zeus.
Apollo
The God of the sun, light, healing, medicine, music, poetry, prophecy, archery and truth. Son of Zeus and Leto and twin brother of Artemis
Aphrodite
The Goddess of love, desire, beauty and fertility.
Hermes
The fastest of the Gods and messenger to all the other Gods. God of commerce, thieves, trade and travellers. The son of Zeus and Maia.
Artemis
Goddess of chastity, virginity, childbirth, the hunt, the forest, the moon and the natural environment. The daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo.
Hephaestus
The God of fire and the forge. The son of Zeus and Hera and husband of Aphrodite.
Daedalus and Icarus
Daedalus was a famous sculptor and builder who built a great maze called "The Labyrinth" under the Palace of Knossos in Crete in which King Minos kept a monster: half man half bull (the Minotaur) in. The structure consisted of such a complicated tangle that it was impossible to get out of it. After the maze was complete, King Minos did not want Daedalus to be able to tell it's secret to anyone else, so he imprisoned him and his only son Icarus in a tall tower. Daedalus and Icarus did not like being prisoners, so started trying to think of ways to escape. After observing the birds from the windows of the tower, Deadalus decided to make wings out of bird feathers and wax for him and his son so they may fly away and be free. When tying the wings to his son Daedalus warned his son not to fly too close to the sea as the damp from the waves would wet the feathers making them too burdensome to fly with and not to fly too high in the sky as the sun would melt the wax. Icarus was so fascinated with the flight that he forgot about his father's warnings and started to soar higher and higher. As he climbed into the sky his wings started to melt, when Icarus realised what was happening he tried to fly lower again but it was too late the wings broke apart, he fell into the water and drowned.
Theseus and Ariadne
King Minos (the King of Crete) had a powerful navy of which all of Greece was afraid. He agreed with King Aegues (of Athens) that he would not attack Athens if the people of Athens agreed to send seven boys and seven girls as food for the Minotaur every year. When it became time to send the boys and girls to Crete, Prince Theseus (the son of King Aegeus) wanted to save the children and all those who may be sent in the future, so decided he would go with them to kill the minotaur. King Aegeus begged his son not to go as he was afraid his son would be devoured by the minotaur too. But Theseus was insistent and he set sail for Crete in a boat with a black sail, promising his father that the boats sail would be changed to a white one to announce if he had won and lived to come home. When they arrived in Crete they were met by King Minos and his daughter Ariadne. Princess Ariadne immediately fell in love with Prince Theseus and decided to help him with his mission. That night she gave to Theseus a sword and a ball of thread and instructed him to tie the ball of string to the door of the labyrinth where the minotaur lived and unroll it as he went through the maze so he could use it to find his was back out again once he had killed the minotaur with the sword. Prince Theseus did exactly as instructed and after he found the minotaur a big battle was fought which Theseus won by slaying the minotaur and was able to leave the labyrinth using the ball of thread to guide him.
Pandora's Box
According to greek mythology Pandora was the first woman on earth and was created by the God Zeus in an act of revenge against man. He instructed Hephaestus to create a beautiful woman who the Gods endowed with every charm (together with curiosity and deceit) and sent her to earth as a present for Epimetheus, who fell in love with her and they married. As a wedding gift Zeus sent Pandora a beautiful box which he told her never to open and gave the key for the box to Epimetheus. Over time Pandora became very curious about the contents of the box and several times begged Epimetheus to let her open it, but each time he said 'No'. Finally one day when Epimetheus was asleep Pandora stole the key and opened the box. As she lifted the lid to take a peek inside terrible things flew out of the box, every kind of disaster man had never know before: disease, despair, malice, greed, hatred, violence, cruelty and war. Unable to catch all these things before they flew away Pandora slammed down the lid and turned the key, keeping only the spirit of hope inside which Zeus had included to help keep people going when the nasty things got them down.
For holidays in Greece and Greece holidays, visit http://www.passporttogreece.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Edwards
Zeus
The ruler of the Olympian Gods and God of the sky, thunder and justice. His weapon is a thunderbolt. Married to Hera.
Poseidon
The God of the sea, earthquakes and horses. His weapon is a trident and he is second in power to Zeus.
Hades
God of the underworld and wealth. Lord of the dead.
Hestia
Goddess of the hearth and home. The sister of Zeus.
Hera
The Goddess of women, marriage and childbirth. The reigning female Goddess of Olympia because she was married to Zeus.
Aris
The God of war. The son of Zeus and Hera.
Athena
The Goddess of wisdom, reason, intelligent activity, arts and literature. A daughter of Zeus.
Apollo
The God of the sun, light, healing, medicine, music, poetry, prophecy, archery and truth. Son of Zeus and Leto and twin brother of Artemis
Aphrodite
The Goddess of love, desire, beauty and fertility.
Hermes
The fastest of the Gods and messenger to all the other Gods. God of commerce, thieves, trade and travellers. The son of Zeus and Maia.
Artemis
Goddess of chastity, virginity, childbirth, the hunt, the forest, the moon and the natural environment. The daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo.
Hephaestus
The God of fire and the forge. The son of Zeus and Hera and husband of Aphrodite.
Daedalus and Icarus
Daedalus was a famous sculptor and builder who built a great maze called "The Labyrinth" under the Palace of Knossos in Crete in which King Minos kept a monster: half man half bull (the Minotaur) in. The structure consisted of such a complicated tangle that it was impossible to get out of it. After the maze was complete, King Minos did not want Daedalus to be able to tell it's secret to anyone else, so he imprisoned him and his only son Icarus in a tall tower. Daedalus and Icarus did not like being prisoners, so started trying to think of ways to escape. After observing the birds from the windows of the tower, Deadalus decided to make wings out of bird feathers and wax for him and his son so they may fly away and be free. When tying the wings to his son Daedalus warned his son not to fly too close to the sea as the damp from the waves would wet the feathers making them too burdensome to fly with and not to fly too high in the sky as the sun would melt the wax. Icarus was so fascinated with the flight that he forgot about his father's warnings and started to soar higher and higher. As he climbed into the sky his wings started to melt, when Icarus realised what was happening he tried to fly lower again but it was too late the wings broke apart, he fell into the water and drowned.
Theseus and Ariadne
King Minos (the King of Crete) had a powerful navy of which all of Greece was afraid. He agreed with King Aegues (of Athens) that he would not attack Athens if the people of Athens agreed to send seven boys and seven girls as food for the Minotaur every year. When it became time to send the boys and girls to Crete, Prince Theseus (the son of King Aegeus) wanted to save the children and all those who may be sent in the future, so decided he would go with them to kill the minotaur. King Aegeus begged his son not to go as he was afraid his son would be devoured by the minotaur too. But Theseus was insistent and he set sail for Crete in a boat with a black sail, promising his father that the boats sail would be changed to a white one to announce if he had won and lived to come home. When they arrived in Crete they were met by King Minos and his daughter Ariadne. Princess Ariadne immediately fell in love with Prince Theseus and decided to help him with his mission. That night she gave to Theseus a sword and a ball of thread and instructed him to tie the ball of string to the door of the labyrinth where the minotaur lived and unroll it as he went through the maze so he could use it to find his was back out again once he had killed the minotaur with the sword. Prince Theseus did exactly as instructed and after he found the minotaur a big battle was fought which Theseus won by slaying the minotaur and was able to leave the labyrinth using the ball of thread to guide him.
Pandora's Box
According to greek mythology Pandora was the first woman on earth and was created by the God Zeus in an act of revenge against man. He instructed Hephaestus to create a beautiful woman who the Gods endowed with every charm (together with curiosity and deceit) and sent her to earth as a present for Epimetheus, who fell in love with her and they married. As a wedding gift Zeus sent Pandora a beautiful box which he told her never to open and gave the key for the box to Epimetheus. Over time Pandora became very curious about the contents of the box and several times begged Epimetheus to let her open it, but each time he said 'No'. Finally one day when Epimetheus was asleep Pandora stole the key and opened the box. As she lifted the lid to take a peek inside terrible things flew out of the box, every kind of disaster man had never know before: disease, despair, malice, greed, hatred, violence, cruelty and war. Unable to catch all these things before they flew away Pandora slammed down the lid and turned the key, keeping only the spirit of hope inside which Zeus had included to help keep people going when the nasty things got them down.
For holidays in Greece and Greece holidays, visit http://www.passporttogreece.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Edwards
Greek Mythology Hercules - The Mortal Who Became a God
When Hercules was born to Alcmene, she named him Herakles. But in Roman, Herakles is pronounced Hercules, which is the name we use for Hercules to this day. Hercules in Greek mythology is a great figure of valor and muscle strength. Hercules bravery earned him a place among the gods. After he left the mortal world, he found a position on Mount Olympus, the gods' dwelling place.
Zeus, the King of the gods was an unfaithful husband. He had a weakness for worldly pleasures. He fell in love with Alcmene, the wife of Amphitryon. In a short time, Alcmene conceived Hercules. This angered Hera and she tried to kill Hercules. Hercules survived his first fatal assault with a miracle.
When Hercules reached adulthood he became a famous warrior. He also fell in love with a beautiful woman called Megara. Megara became the mother of Hercules' children and together they made a happy family. However, things were to be different. Hera took a vow to irritate Hercules during his lifetime. She tricked Hercules into a wild rage. In his rage, the mortal god Hercules killed his family. This was exactly what Hera wanted!
When Hercules returned to his normal state of mind, he saw things were beyond remedy. He prayed to Apollo to get rid of his crime. Apollo was the sun god who could read into the future. We find in Greek Mythology that Hercules requested his advice. Apollo assigned him ten important tasks (later it was turned to twelve) as the way of purifying his soul.
The Delphic oracle sent him to Tiryns where the king Eurystheus ruled. Hercules was expected to serve him as laborer for twelve years of his life. However, the difficult service was not fruitless. Apollo promised him immortality. He was to become a god. However, the great Hercules of greek mythology had one problem, Hera. She actually kept her promise to make Hercules' life as wretched as she could. Nevertheless, with the assistance of Hermes and Athena, Hercules pulled off his term of twelve years with excellence. In addition, he became the greatest mortal on the earth to become a god.
Hercules In Greek Mythology - What Made Him So Special?
The honorable penance of Hercules and his eventual success is what makes him so special. His success brought him immortality, which would have been unthinkable for ordinary mortals. Hercules' first task was to peel off the skin of the horrifying Nemean Lion after capturing one. His next task was to kill The Lernean Hydra. The Lernean Hydra was a serpent with nine heads, which never gave peace to the lives of those around it. The third task for him was to bring a Hind (a sacred red deer) from Ceryneia to the king. The deer was the pet of Diana, the Moon goddess.
The fourth task for Hercules was to bring a live Erymanthian Boar. It was very dangerous to men and animals living around the mountain Erymanthus. Then Hercules was asked to clean up King Augeas' stables in one day. Are you thinking what is so great about it? King Augeas had an awesome amount of cattle of cows, bulls, goats, sheep and horses. Hercules proposed to King Augeas that he would clean the stable only if he rewarded Hercules with a tenth of his cattle.
After this success, Eurystheus was planning to make something tougher for Hercules. He commanded Hercules to force out an enormous flock of birds, which assembled at a lake near the town of Stymphalos. Goddess Athena helped him with a pair of bronze krotala, an item similiar to castanets. The Cretan Bull was an easy task for Hercules. Hercules wrestled the bull, and then delivered it back to King Eurystheus.
The eighth task was to bring the Man-Eating Horses of Diomedes. It was followed by the battle against the Amazonian female army to get the belt of Hippolyte, the queen. The tenth labor was an awesome one. Hercules had to go around the world, to bring the cattle of the Monster Geryon. It had three heads and three sets of legs all attached at the waist.
The tricky assignment was the eleventh one. Eurystheus asked Hercules to get the Apples of the Hesperides. These were the golden apples gifted by Hera to Zeus. These apples were strictly guarded by a hundred-headed dragon, named Ladon, and also by Hesperides, daughters of Atlas. The other obstacle was that Hercules had no idea where these apples of Hesperides were located. Eventually, Hercules found the location from Nereus whom he seized until Nereus gave him the location of the apples of Hesperides.
Then Hercules found out through Prometheus, whom Hercules had helped, that he would have to have Atlas retrieve the apples. Hercules agreed to hold the sky and the earth while Atlas retrieved the apples. When Atlas returned with the apples, he told Hercules that if he would hold the sky and earth for the rest of time, that he would take them to Eurystheus himself. But Hercules fooled Atlas by asking him to hold the earth until he padded his shoulders. Atlas took Hercules place holding the earth, and Hercules picked up the apples and ran.
After making the great Hercules do all sorts of unbelievable errands, Eurystheus made sure that he did not succeed the last time. So, he ordered Hercules to abduct Cerberus, the underworld beast. Did you ever hear a living man visiting the Hades? However, Greek mythology tells us Hercules was no ordinary man. He was a hero.
He eventually did complete all the tasks, purified his soul and rescued the princess of Troy from a ravenous sea-monster. He also facilitated Zeus to beat the Giants in a great battle for the control of Olympus. He married again, to the charming Deianira. She presented him a cloak, which was coated with what she mistakenly thought to be a magic love potion. She was told that the balm would make the person love her forever.
Ironically, it was poison, which burned Hercules skin. Hercules, not being able to endure the pain asked his friends to kindle a fire. Then Hercules placed himself on the fire to be burned up alive. But the gods looked down, and Zeus thought that Hercules had suffered enough. So he asked Hera to end her anger toward Hercules, which she did. Then Hercules was brought to Olympus in Athena's chariot by Zeus' request.
This Greek mortal Hercules is undoubtedly the greatest hero of Greek Mythology. Hercules is still considered to be the perfect mythical character.
© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy currently has a website dealing with Reviews of Coffee Related Products such as coffee makers, espresso makers, coffee, k-cups, and more plus articles on coffee enemas and other coffee and health related topics. He also has a website of Reviews of Small Appliances such as ice cream makers, vacuum cleaners, mixers, irons, toasters, food processors, and many other appliances.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Wilson
Zeus, the King of the gods was an unfaithful husband. He had a weakness for worldly pleasures. He fell in love with Alcmene, the wife of Amphitryon. In a short time, Alcmene conceived Hercules. This angered Hera and she tried to kill Hercules. Hercules survived his first fatal assault with a miracle.
When Hercules reached adulthood he became a famous warrior. He also fell in love with a beautiful woman called Megara. Megara became the mother of Hercules' children and together they made a happy family. However, things were to be different. Hera took a vow to irritate Hercules during his lifetime. She tricked Hercules into a wild rage. In his rage, the mortal god Hercules killed his family. This was exactly what Hera wanted!
When Hercules returned to his normal state of mind, he saw things were beyond remedy. He prayed to Apollo to get rid of his crime. Apollo was the sun god who could read into the future. We find in Greek Mythology that Hercules requested his advice. Apollo assigned him ten important tasks (later it was turned to twelve) as the way of purifying his soul.
The Delphic oracle sent him to Tiryns where the king Eurystheus ruled. Hercules was expected to serve him as laborer for twelve years of his life. However, the difficult service was not fruitless. Apollo promised him immortality. He was to become a god. However, the great Hercules of greek mythology had one problem, Hera. She actually kept her promise to make Hercules' life as wretched as she could. Nevertheless, with the assistance of Hermes and Athena, Hercules pulled off his term of twelve years with excellence. In addition, he became the greatest mortal on the earth to become a god.
Hercules In Greek Mythology - What Made Him So Special?
The honorable penance of Hercules and his eventual success is what makes him so special. His success brought him immortality, which would have been unthinkable for ordinary mortals. Hercules' first task was to peel off the skin of the horrifying Nemean Lion after capturing one. His next task was to kill The Lernean Hydra. The Lernean Hydra was a serpent with nine heads, which never gave peace to the lives of those around it. The third task for him was to bring a Hind (a sacred red deer) from Ceryneia to the king. The deer was the pet of Diana, the Moon goddess.
The fourth task for Hercules was to bring a live Erymanthian Boar. It was very dangerous to men and animals living around the mountain Erymanthus. Then Hercules was asked to clean up King Augeas' stables in one day. Are you thinking what is so great about it? King Augeas had an awesome amount of cattle of cows, bulls, goats, sheep and horses. Hercules proposed to King Augeas that he would clean the stable only if he rewarded Hercules with a tenth of his cattle.
After this success, Eurystheus was planning to make something tougher for Hercules. He commanded Hercules to force out an enormous flock of birds, which assembled at a lake near the town of Stymphalos. Goddess Athena helped him with a pair of bronze krotala, an item similiar to castanets. The Cretan Bull was an easy task for Hercules. Hercules wrestled the bull, and then delivered it back to King Eurystheus.
The eighth task was to bring the Man-Eating Horses of Diomedes. It was followed by the battle against the Amazonian female army to get the belt of Hippolyte, the queen. The tenth labor was an awesome one. Hercules had to go around the world, to bring the cattle of the Monster Geryon. It had three heads and three sets of legs all attached at the waist.
The tricky assignment was the eleventh one. Eurystheus asked Hercules to get the Apples of the Hesperides. These were the golden apples gifted by Hera to Zeus. These apples were strictly guarded by a hundred-headed dragon, named Ladon, and also by Hesperides, daughters of Atlas. The other obstacle was that Hercules had no idea where these apples of Hesperides were located. Eventually, Hercules found the location from Nereus whom he seized until Nereus gave him the location of the apples of Hesperides.
Then Hercules found out through Prometheus, whom Hercules had helped, that he would have to have Atlas retrieve the apples. Hercules agreed to hold the sky and the earth while Atlas retrieved the apples. When Atlas returned with the apples, he told Hercules that if he would hold the sky and earth for the rest of time, that he would take them to Eurystheus himself. But Hercules fooled Atlas by asking him to hold the earth until he padded his shoulders. Atlas took Hercules place holding the earth, and Hercules picked up the apples and ran.
After making the great Hercules do all sorts of unbelievable errands, Eurystheus made sure that he did not succeed the last time. So, he ordered Hercules to abduct Cerberus, the underworld beast. Did you ever hear a living man visiting the Hades? However, Greek mythology tells us Hercules was no ordinary man. He was a hero.
He eventually did complete all the tasks, purified his soul and rescued the princess of Troy from a ravenous sea-monster. He also facilitated Zeus to beat the Giants in a great battle for the control of Olympus. He married again, to the charming Deianira. She presented him a cloak, which was coated with what she mistakenly thought to be a magic love potion. She was told that the balm would make the person love her forever.
Ironically, it was poison, which burned Hercules skin. Hercules, not being able to endure the pain asked his friends to kindle a fire. Then Hercules placed himself on the fire to be burned up alive. But the gods looked down, and Zeus thought that Hercules had suffered enough. So he asked Hera to end her anger toward Hercules, which she did. Then Hercules was brought to Olympus in Athena's chariot by Zeus' request.
This Greek mortal Hercules is undoubtedly the greatest hero of Greek Mythology. Hercules is still considered to be the perfect mythical character.
© Copyright Randy Wilson, All Rights Reserved.
Randy currently has a website dealing with Reviews of Coffee Related Products such as coffee makers, espresso makers, coffee, k-cups, and more plus articles on coffee enemas and other coffee and health related topics. He also has a website of Reviews of Small Appliances such as ice cream makers, vacuum cleaners, mixers, irons, toasters, food processors, and many other appliances.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Wilson
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