Mythology of the Moon

Based on the Astronomy class ‘the moon’


Throughout history, many mythological tales have been told of the moon, its origin and its growth in our universe. Whether these mythological tales are true or not, they create an interesting background upon the element which provides so much for earth.

Many mythological tales links the moon with the menstrual cycle of a woman. In many cultures, it is believed that the cycle of the moon, in distinction with the suns annual cycle, can be linked with this, though when these tales are told, this is not one that is mentioned unambiguously. This myth links closely with the tales of the Greek Goddesses Selene and Phoebe and their Olympian successor Artemis, also with their Roman counterparts Luna and Diana. They are known as female lunar deities. These cultures rarely feature a male sun god linking the female closely with the moon.

Many neopagan authors and feminist scholars also claim that there was an original Great Goddess in ancient cultures that was linked with the moon and it is said that this later formed the basis of religions that we know now. If you go back further in time, there is mentioning of male lunar deities, though as specified before, throughout time the stated female luna deities are the ones that society is more familiar with.

Many words have also derived from the moon, or the ‘luna’. Words such as lunacy, lunatic and loony are all derivative of the moon due to the strong belief that the moon is a cause of insanity, a belief that has been around for years and still exists today. If we take a look at the mythological creature, the werewolf, as an example; Werewolves are known to take their form, or ‘power’ from the full moon, a stage in the moons cycle where the moon is strongest. The more ancient texts are non-existent to this form of ‘insanity’, though, and worship the moon as a source of great power which is good and pure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moon_(mythology)

Did word get out that I love it when my name is said in an essay? Lol, great read Mr. Elfie (couldn't resist) - 50 points.