Smyrna is the mother of Adonis in Greek mythology. The myth details the incestuous relationship between Smyrna and her father, Cinyras. After discovering her identity, Cinyras draws his sword and pursues Smyrna. She flees across …

The Berserkers were an elite fighting group and a secret shamanic society. These men were said to gain their great strength and power through ritualistic practices that led them to live extreme lifestyles. The Berserkers …

Chiron is a wise and noble centaur, often entrusted with the young heroes of Greek mythology. With his many talents and kind nature, he can train heroes in everything from the deadly arts of hunting …

Nidhogg (Níðhöggr in Norse) is a fierce dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the tree that supports the nine worlds of Norse mythology. This power-hungry monster is sometimes called “the Malice Beater,” an …

Sea monsters are, by definition, any creature that comes from the sea—real or mythical—and is unusually large or threatening. There are hundreds of accounts of these creatures—any culture that has had contact with the sea …

Dharma is a key concept with multiple meanings in Indian religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, and others. There is no single-word translation for dharma in Western languages. Examples include the use of the …

Caribdis is the son of Gaia and Poseidon. She was originally born a nymph who served her father, but because she displeased Zeus, she was cursed and turned into a much-feared sea monster that resides …

Quimbanda is an Afro-Brazilian religion practiced mainly in urban centers in Brazilian cities. It is part of a series of Yoruba religions (idol worship), and belief in these deities has very different practices and names …

Guan Yin. The goddess of compassion. Of all the goddesses, she is highly revered and loved throughout the world. Guan Yin has countless stories and innumerable forms. 1. Myths and Legends of Guan Yin As …