Myths, legends, and superstitions

[druboyks]

For those of who don't know who I am or what I am doing, my name is druboyks. Well, that part is obvious...now for the what...I am a person who leaves reading legends, myths, and superstitions of ages long since gone. Seeing as how I have read too much, it would be impossible for me to find a beginning for my knowledge, therefore let us start in the middle. B4 I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to make a few points clear:

1. I am posting here as an outlet for my knowledge.
2. Someone has expressed interest in hearing, or rather reading, what I have to say.
3. THIS IS NOT FANFIC. All of this is based entirely on research that I have done, except for the parts where I tell otherwise.
4. Maybe this will inspire others to create stories of their own, just as it has done for me.
5. As for whether or not any of it is real, that is solely up to you. Some people believe in these myths, others say it is hogwash. Again, you make the call.
6. I do take requests...what I mean is if there is a legend you want me to research, I will do my best to do so. Having said that it is my choice whether or not I take up your legend and tell you the origins, etc.
7. For every legend, there are several versions. In other words some ancient Egyptians believed the Earth was created by Isis, others believe by Geb...let's just leave it at that. I will do my best to post what I find.

I think that is all I will say about this; now on with the show.

According to one Halloween superstition, in order to make a wish come true one must secretly cut a lock of witch's hair. Then at midnight upon All Hallow's Eve, stand at the top of a hill, focus clearly upon what it is that you desire, speak the desire, and blow the lock of hair to be carried by the winds. This must all be done in alone in secret, and you must tell no one the wish, or it shall not come true. It is unclear as to how long it will take for the wish to come true, but I would guess it would come true by next Halloween.

[Archer]

I heard that one before but I don't know if it's true.I mean, where'd you find a witch in the first place.Maybe it was done in medieval times.When witches were still around.Maybe they are now but no one knows for sure.

[Admin]

^^ I am interested in Egyptian myths and legends ^^
i.e. Egyptian Gods such as Isis, Horus, Seth, Ra...

[Archer]

Which one you wanna know bout, FP??Tell me and I'll try and go in depth ^^

Amun - God of Creation
Anuket - Goddess of the Nile
Anubis - Guide of the dead to the afterlife
Apep - God of Evil (Literally as he is the one who opposes light and all that is goos including Ra)
Apis - An animal deity/Sacred animal
Aten - Disk of the sun, originally Ra's aspect (Was controlled by Ra)
Hathor - Goddess of love, beauty and music
Horus - Sky God
Isis - Goddess of motherhood and fertility
Nu - God of waters
Osiris - Lord of the dead
Ra - Sun God
Seth - Desert God

and more if you want to know bout some particular one, post it's name.There is also stuff bout magic, their idea bout afterlife and etc. etc.

[druboyks]

Hmmm, I'll research Egyptian...

Meanwhile another superstition states that in order to get unwanted house-guests out, you must take the house-hold broom to the center room, turn it upside down, and let it sit in the corner of said room. Again, forgot how long it takes for them to leave...was it 3 days or a week? This works especially well for relatives, and in-laws.

[Kyonko]

Wow... Someone's into the same stuff as me. Though I feel you are lacking UFO's and Cryptids off of things. As both are tied intermittenly with alot of the afformentioned things. After all, the building of the pyramids would be technically impossible to have happend in the time mentioned as they would have to be setting a new block every five seconds to have built it in the time specified and mentioned in offical ancient records.

I might also point out that the Bermuda Triangle should also be a subject to cover, as in fact I know of a guy who's Great Grandfather served aboard the Cyclops that vanished in the Bermuda Triangle. If Great Grandfather had gotten drunk on shore leave and failed to report back in time. This was a blessing because as of that time, his Grandfather hadn't been born.

Over all though, we should refrain from posting made up things and stick with the true myths, legends, and superstitions as only making up ones would hinder the chance of learning more through the study of said subjects. So anyways... I suppose I offer my encyclopedic knowledge up too on this topic. ^^;

[druboyks]

RE: making things up

Yeah, I agree; making things up can only confuse the situation. I do my best to post things that find evidence for (ie. from books of well repute).

RE: Aliens and cryptids
I will leave that in your well researched hands. I never really felt the as potent of a draw that my aforementioned topics of choice have. Feel free to add your own or to start your own thread covering both of these topics. I'll just stick with what I know (well there is a mention of a Cryptid within US boarders that is similar to olde Nessy. I will post more on that when I have the book in front of me).

[druboyks]

Sorry y'all been busy with work.

So as for Egyptian mythos, according to legend if one knew the true name of someone or something, that would give you power over that person or thing. Thus, true names were heavily guarded. This is similar to one American-Indian (aka. Native American) belief that if one uses the name of something or someone, they could in fact bring said thing or person back into one's life. This is also similar to Gypsy belief that death and evil spirits can be confused if no one uses a persons real name while said person is either dying, giving birth, or otherwise in need of medical attention. It makes you wonder whether or not there really is such a thing as power in names; especially when so many different cultures, who may or may not be aware of the others' beliefs, place so much stock in this sort of thing.

[Kyonko]

The power over names thing exists with in all cultures mythos. It is seen in Chinese, Japanese, Slavic, Romanic, English, etc cultures. It's not like it's just regional... There could be an underlying truth about this that we have forgotten. It's also one of the reasons, I prefer to have my real name relatively unknown and have only mentioned it once or twice around those here I trust.

[Archer]

For me, I do believe that names are what reflects us as someone and is our pride an honor.That's why making fun of other people's names is not good.That is also why, I think, people need to think thoroughly before naming their kids.

Anyways, who knows bout the Arthurian legend very well??I mean you know all bout King Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, the knights of the round table and others like Lady Guinevere and Mordred.I kinda want a little more understanding on this one.Anyone can help??

[druboyks]

Re: Arthurian Legends
What do you want to know specifically. There is a lot written on this topic, so narrowing it down will be a big help. My dad, like me, studies myth for fun (no money to be made in getting degrees in this field) and it just so happens that he is an expert in this subject. Hence, I have a few book titles I can recommend to you.

Re: True Names
Although many people know my first and last name (stupid mistake), fewer still know my full name. It is my hope that whatever power they have garnered from this is diminished b/c they don't know what my full name is. Meanwhile, whenever I meet someone new, I try to make it a point to either give them my fake name or at the very least give them my fake last name. I am the only one in the US...nay, the world...with my name. There may be several hundred, or so, John Smiths, but only one me. Kind of scary, ain't it? ("The Dimension Cannon could measure time-lines and it's...it's weird, Donna, but they all seem to converge on you.")

Re: Egyptian mythos
According to one myth of creation, the world was created by eight deities: 4 gods, 4 goddesses. Upon finishing their work, they fled to the Underworld where they oversee their creation and keep order. I can post the full write-up if someone requests it. However, I am not sure about copyright laws.

[Kyonko]

I'm pretty well versed in Arthurian legends, such as the origin of Myrddin (Better known as Merlin). Legends are facinating, plus it doesn't hurt that anime's, manga's, and video games often draw heavily on these... *coughFate/Staycough*

Back on the names tangent, I love my name. I think it fits me and it's cute, plus it holds special connotation and relevance to my own existence, such as my time of birth ect. Due to my families history and cultural history I have about 4 different names, and I mean full names. So even when I give out my name, it's not and should not be giving anyone to much power over me. Also ironically according to American laws, I can legally sign my name and be called what ever I want. So I am legally Kyonko and can sign for packages as such, which makes me have a nearly endless amount of names to be called.

[Archer]

Forgot bout this earlier (way earlier) but regarding true names and the powers gained from that are vast.There is this rule kinda thing that when people go camping in the forest they don't use their real name (or full name) because using it means letting all the spirits living in the forest know your name and it's bad cause if they know your name, they can possess you real easily.

Bout the Arthurian Legend......I'll need some info regarding, Lady Guinevere and the knights of the Round Table.And do you mind if I ask you how did Lancelot become a knight in the first place?? (He ain't of royalty and that already disqualifies him so how'd he get a seat??!!)

[druboyks]

Sorry I have been gone for so long. I have been breaking my back to get to Mexico. Now that I am here, I have a lot of work to do. Part of which is researching Mexican Folklore and Myth; fun, fun, fun. Until I get more info regarding this subject, I will stick with some other topics.

Since Valentines day, approaches I thought I might post something about Love/marriage:

Throw your shoe into a willow tree seven times. If the shoe gets stuck one will eventually wed.

To catch a dragon-fly even once by hand means that one will marry within a year. (I've tried this without any luck. It's harder than it sounds).

To dream of one's future groom/bride, sleep with a slice of wedding cake, taken from another wedding, under your pillow.

To ensure fidelity take your sock and your lovers sock and tie the two together in a knot. Hide this from all at the bottom of a drawer. Others however say that the use of another object works even better, but alas...I cannot say what that is. A sock will work just fine.

If you find anything red upon the ground, pick it up thinking of one's true love and keep it. This will ensure that s/he will come to you. (This one comes from the Gypsies).

Ok. that is all that I shall post for now. I have others, but they get a little to disgusting from here on out. I will be back with some Mexican superstitions and stories ASAP.

[yoshi]

I'm interested in any kinds of stories that include blood and guts, like the demonata siries. I'm sorry I know my spelling sucks this week for some reason so you'll have to mind it. You guys shut of the right click thing so I can't correct it. If you think that that's going to stop people from copying-then think again cuz they can just highlight and click, edit, copy. Sorry for the off topic thing.