Shuten-dōji is the most infamous oni demons from Japanese mythology. He was said to be a monstrous, towering, human-like figure with crimson or dark skin, horns, and wild hair, exuding power and terror. A lover of excess, Shuten-dōji’s name translates to “Little Drunken Boy,” a nod to his insatiable thirst Read more…
Dakini (also known as Dakiniten) was originally a esoteric goddess and an important figure in Shingon Buddhism, usually depicted as a beautiful half-nude woman carrying a wish-granting jewel and riding a white fox. She served in the bloodthirsty retinue of the Hindu goddess of death, Kali, but after her conversion Read more…
Ọ̀ṣọ́ọ̀sì, or Ochosi, is the Yoruba spirit associated with the hunt, forests, animals, and wealth. He is spirit of meals, because it is he who provides food. He is associated with lightness, astuteness, wisdom, and craftiness in the hunt. He is the orisha of contemplation, loving the arts and beautiful Read more…
Melpomene was one of the nine Mousai (Muses), daughters of Zeus, and the famed inspirational goddesses of music, song and dance. Originally a choral muse and known for her beautiful voice, she later became associated with tragedy. Myth does not recall the reason for this fall. In her darker guise, Read more…
Daughter of Thaumas and Elektra, princess of Thaumantia, and twin to Iris. Possessed of the same skill, grace and beauty attributed to sister, she was also a winged messenger goddess, though where her sister was beloved easily by all who met her, Arke was more subdued in temperament, and remained Read more…
Heimdallr is often depicted as a strong, radiant figure, standing tall with his Gjallarhorn. His golden teeth and bright appearance signify his association with light. In the myths, he’s portrayed as a loyal and steadfast god, always ready to defend Asgard. He was one of Odin’s many sons. Heimdallr’s primary Read more…
Tezcatlipoca is one of the most important and complex deities in Aztec mythology. His name, which means “Smoking Mirror” in Nahuatl, reflects his association with obsidian, a volcanic glass used to make mirrors and knives. These mirrors were believed to be tools for divination and seeing into the future, and Read more…
In Aztec mythology, Huēhuecoyōtl is a benign prankster, whose tricks were often played on other gods or even humans, but tended to backfire and cause more trouble for himself than for the intended victims. A great party-giver, he also was alleged to create wars among humans to relieve his boredom. Read more…
He is best, and all praise him; he is so fair of feature, and so bright, that light shines from him. He is the wisest of the Æsir, and the fairest-spoken and most gracious; and that quality attends him, that none may gainsay his judgments. He dwells in the place Read more…
The full and insidious sweep of Angrboða’s influence has long been lost to myth and time. In the skalds she is remembered only as the Witch of the Ironwood, mother of Loki’s monstrous children: Jörmungandr, Fenrir, and Hel. In truth Angrboða’s past is littered with aliases, sabotage, and prophecies that Read more…