Mythology of Skeletons

Mythology of Skeletons

General Overview

• In various mythologies, skeletons are often depicted as harbingers of death, disease, or the afterlife
• They are frequently associated with the supernatural, the underworld, or the realm of the dead

Greek Mythology

• Skeletons are not directly mentioned, but the Keres, female spirits of death, are described as skeletal figures
• The Keres were believed to roam battlefields, searching for victims to claim

Aztec Mythology

• The Aztecs revered the goddess Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Underworld, often depicted as a skeleton or a skull
• Mictlantecuhtli was associated with death, the afterlife, and the cycle of life and death

European Folklore

• In medieval Europe, skeletons were often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of mortality and the transience of life
• The Danse Macabre, a popular medieval allegory, features skeletons as a reminder of the inevitability of death

Modern Cultural Significance

• Skeletons have become a popular symbol in modern culture, particularly around Halloween and the Day of the Dead
• They are often used to represent the supernatural, the spooky, or the fantastical

Mythology of Skeletons

• In various mythologies, skeletons symbolize death, disease, or the afterlife, and are often linked to the supernatural, underworld, or realm of the dead.

Greek Mythology

• The Keres, female spirits of death, are described as skeletal figures that roam battlefields, searching for victims to claim.

Aztec Mythology

• The Aztecs revered Mictlantecuhtli, Lord of the Underworld, who is often depicted as a skeleton or skull, and is associated with death, the afterlife, and the cycle of life and death.

European Folklore

• In medieval Europe, skeletons symbolized mortality and the transience of life, and were often depicted in art and literature.
• The Danse Macabre, a medieval allegory, featured skeletons as a reminder of the inevitability of death.

Modern Cultural Significance

• Skeletons are a popular symbol in modern culture, particularly around Halloween and the Day of the Dead, representing the supernatural, spooky, or fantastical.

Explore the role of skeletons in various mythologies, including Greek and Aztec mythologies, and their associations with death, disease, and the afterlife.