The Moon in Ancient Mythologies and Religions
The Moon has been a source of fascination for humans since ancient times. Its many phases and cycles have been the subject of myths and legends, and have played a significant role in the development of many of the world’s religions.
In this article, we explore the role of the Moon in various ancient mythologies and religions, from the Sumerians to the ancient Greeks, and examine how it has been woven into our spiritual and cultural beliefs. We also discuss how the Moon has been an important source of inspiration for artists and writers, and has been immortalized in literature, art, and film.
The Moon in Sumerian Mythology
The Sumerians were an ancient people who lived in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3800 BCE. They were among the first to develop writing and astronomy, and their myths and legends are some of the oldest in existence.
In Sumerian mythology, the Moon was associated with Nanna, the god of wisdom and fertility. Nanna was believed to be the son of the sky god Anu and the earth goddess Ki, and was said to ride across the sky in a crescent-shaped chariot. The crescent shape of the Moon was associated with Nanna’s horns, and a full Moon was believed to be a sign of his power.
The Sumerians also believed that Nanna was responsible for controlling the tides, and his influence over the waters was linked to fertility and abundance.
The Moon in Babylonian Mythology
The Babylonians were a Semitic people who lived in Mesopotamia around 1800-1600 BCE. They were influenced by Sumerian mythology, and their own myths and legends reflect this influence.
In Babylonian mythology, the Moon was associated with Sin (also known as Nanna-Suen), the god of fertility and of the night sky. Like Nanna in Sumerian mythology, Sin was believed to ride across the sky in a crescent-shaped chariot. He was also said to be responsible for controlling the tides, and his influence over the waters was linked to fertility and abundance.
The Babylonians also believed that Sin had two children, Utu (the sun god) and Ishtar (the goddess of love), who represented day and night respectively. The waxing and waning of the Moon was seen as a representation of their eternal battle for power.
The Moon in Ancient Greek Religion
The ancient Greeks were one of the most influential civilizations in history, and their religion was no exception. In ancient Greek religion, the Moon was associated with Artemis, the goddess of hunting and chastity. She was said to be the daughter of Zeus, king of the gods, and Leto, goddess of motherhood.
Artemis was often depicted as a huntress with a bow and arrow, and her association with the Moon was believed to be related to her ability to hunt in the night. The phases of the Moon were seen as a representation of her ever-changing moods, with a full Moon symbolizing her power and a new Moon representing her vulnerability.
The Moon in Hindu Mythology
Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with its origins stretching back to at least 3000 BCE. In Hindu mythology, the Moon is associated with Chandra, the god of beauty and love. He is said to be the son of Surya (the sun god) and Sangya (goddess of dawn).
Like many other lunar deities, Chandra is often depicted as riding across the sky in a chariot. His influence over the tides is seen as a symbol of his power over life and death, and he is associated with fertility and abundance. The phases of the Moon are also seen as a representation of his ever-changing moods, with a full Moon symbolizing his power and a new Moon representing his vulnerability.
The Moon in Other Mythologies
The Moon has been an important source of inspiration for many cultures around the world, from ancient Egypt to medieval Europe. The Egyptians associated it with Thoth, the god of wisdom and knowledge; while in Norse mythology it was connected to Mani, the god who rode across the sky in a chariot pulled by horses. In Chinese mythology it was associated with Chang’e, the goddess who flew to the Moon after stealing an elixir of immortality.
In medieval Europe, the Moon was associated with Diana, goddess of hunting and chastity; while in Aztec mythology it was linked to Coyolxauhqui, goddess of war. The Native American tribes also had their own lunar deities, such as Hiawatha’s grandmother who is said to have come down from the Moon to teach her grandson how to use his bow and arrows.
The Moon in Art and Literature
The Moon has been an important source of inspiration for artists and writers throughout history. It has been immortalized in literature, art, music, film, and other forms of media.
In literature, it has been used as a symbol for love (e.g., Romeo & Juliet), longing (e.g., The Great Gatsby), mystery (e.g., Dracula), fear (e.g., Frankenstein), freedom (e.g., To Kill a Mockingbird), or sorrow (e.g., Wuthering Heights). In art, it has often been used to evoke feelings of loneliness or longing (e.g., Caspar David Friedrich’s The Wanderer Above The Sea Of Fog).
In film, it has been used as a symbol for romance (e.g., Annie Hall), mystery (e.g., Blade Runner), or horror (e.g., The Shining). In music, it has been used as a metaphor for love (e.g., “Fly Me To The Moon”), sorrow (e.g., “Moon River”), or hope (e.g., “Moon Over Bourbon Street”).
The Moon in Ancient Mythologies and Religions
The moon has been an object of fascination for humans since the earliest times. It has inspired poets, writers, and artists, and has been the subject of many myths and legends in different cultures. In ancient mythologies and religions, the moon played a significant role in the beliefs and practices of the people. Let’s explore some of the most notable examples of the moon’s significance in ancient mythologies and religions.
1. Ancient Egyptian Mythology
The ancient Egyptians worshipped the moon as a god named Thoth. Thoth was the god of knowledge, writing, and wisdom, and was often depicted as a man with an ibis head, or sometimes as a baboon. Thoth was also believed to be the creator of the calendar and the inventor of writing, which were both closely associated with the moon.
In addition to Thoth, the ancient Egyptians also worshipped the goddess Isis, who was associated with the moon. Isis was the goddess of fertility and motherhood, and was often depicted with a crescent moon on her head. The ancient Egyptians believed that the waxing and waning of the moon were associated with the fertility cycles of women.
2. Ancient Greek Mythology
In ancient Greek mythology, the moon was associated with the goddess Selene. Selene was the goddess of the moon, and was often depicted as a beautiful woman riding a chariot pulled by two white horses. Selene was also associated with the night, and was believed to drive her chariot across the sky at night, lighting up the darkness with her silver light.
The Greeks also believed that the moon was associated with magic and witchcraft. They believed that the full moon was a time when magical powers were at their strongest, and that witches and sorcerers could perform powerful spells and incantations during this time.
3. Hindu Mythology
In Hindu mythology, the moon was associated with the god Shiva. Shiva was one of the most important gods in the Hindu pantheon, and was often associated with destruction and renewal. The moon was believed to be a symbol of Shiva’s purity and spiritual enlightenment, and was often depicted as a crescent moon on his forehead.
The Hindu religion also has a festival called Karwa Chauth, which is celebrated by women who fast from sunrise to moonrise for the safety and longevity of their husbands. It is believed that the moon’s energy and power during this time will bring good fortune and blessings to the family.
4. Native American Mythology
In Native American mythology, the moon was associated with the goddess of the hunt, and was often referred to as the “Hunter’s Moon”. The full moon in October was believed to be a time when hunters would have the best chance of catching game, as the animals were easier to spot in the moonlit night.
The moon was also a symbol of renewal and rebirth in many Native American cultures. It was believed that the moon’s light had healing powers, and that it could help to bring balance and harmony to the world.
Conclusion
The moon has played an important role in the beliefs and practices of many ancient cultures. From the Egyptians to the Greeks, the Hindus to the Native Americans, the moon has been worshipped, revered, and feared. Its waxing and waning has been associated with fertility, magic, and spiritual enlightenment. Today, we still look up at the moon in wonder and amazement, and its mysteries continue to captivate and inspire us.
