Z's Myth-folklore Blog

 One of the video mentions how myths are generally very old and how they can be told in different versions. I personally like this idea about myths, as they can be retold different ways; these ways can be just simple syntax changes, overall plot differences, or character additions. If you were to have a favorite myth, or story, it would be nice to know there are different renditions you can choose your favorites from rather than just having one or two versions. Different versions does not equate to the myth being wrong, or a particular version being wrong, it just means there are different perspectives, or all of them have a piece of the picture as a whole. The video gives an example of the story of Zeus & Persephone; the versions are different for example in the scenario that Hades tricks her to eat pomegranate seeds in one version, whereas she wants to eat them herself in another version. These differences can be subtle differences as such, or change the plot as a whole. I al...

"Mara's Defeat" THE light emanating from the hero's body reached even to those realms where Mara, the Evil One, reigned supreme. It dazzled Mara, and he seemed to hear a voice saying: "The hero who has renounced royalty, the son of Suddhodana, is now seated under the tree of knowledge. He is concentrating his mind, he is making the supreme effort, and soon he will bring to all creatures the help which they need. The road he will have taken, others will take. Once set free, he will set others free. Once he has found peace, he will bring peace to others. He will enter nirvana, and he will cause others to enter. He will find wisdom and happiness, and he will give them to others. Because of him, the city of the Gods will be crowded; because of him, the city of the Evil One will be deserted. And you, Mara, a commander without an army, a king without subjects, will not know where to take refuge." Introducing Mara... giving background and setting up plot Mara was f...

 The first encounter: The season had begun to change to winter and the prince wanted to leave the grass in the woods had become a tender green and the birds in the trees were singing of the spring, and how, in the ponds, the great lotuses were unfolding. Nature had broken the chains that winter had forged, and, around the city, those gardens so dear to young maidens were now gaily carpeted with flowers. Then, like an elephant too long confined in his stable, the prince had an irresistible desire to leave the palace. Maya's dream: THE same hour that spring was born, a dream came to Maya as she slept. She saw a young elephant descending from the sky. It had six great tusks; it was as white as the snow on mountain-tops. Maya saw it enter her womb, and thousands of Gods suddenly appeared before her. They praised her with immortal songs, and Maya understood that nevermore would she know disquietude or hatred or anger. Then she awoke. She was happy; it was a happiness she had never felt ...