the bird on fire

A Tour of New York’s Architecture through the Lens of Sara’s Camera

March 22, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

I asked bloggers to write about an experience they had where they were overcome with curiosity and amazement at a great architectural achievement–whether it was because they thought it was so amazing and beautiful or they were amazed as to how it was even built. Sara chose to write about her trip to New York and how awestruck she was at the large and beautiful high rises. Let’s begin our trek through memorable architectural achievements in New York City.–Ed. Roman Rickwood

By Sara Habibipour

Back in eighth grade, we took a choir trip to New York City where we had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall and explore the Big Apple.

Being a yearbook-er (now Co-Editor in Chief with Baller Haller and E-Money), I always have my camera on me. I actually don’t remember taking these photos, but as I look through my camera three years later, I find that I had captured some unique New York architecture perfect for this week’s theme!

Westfield World Trade Center

When we first walked by this building, I was very confused. Was it a dinosaur statue? A Pokemon character? What was it?

We walked inside, and then I realized, “Oh, it’s a mall!”

From the outside, it looks quite small, but it’s HUGE on the inside. In fact, little eighth-grade Sara almost got lost in there. There are about 120 stores spread out across six floors!

The gaps in between each “spike” allow for natural light to come in and illuminate the mall. It’s all white too, making the inside look very clean and spacious.

The Rockefeller Center

The Rockefeller Center is made of 14 limestone buildings in midtown Manhattan, designed by a team of architects headed by Henry Hofmeister, H.W. Corbett, and Raymond Hood in the 1930s-40s (Britannica).

I took this photo from the very top of the building (also known as the Top of the Rock)! You can even see the Statue of Liberty in the background!

Next to the Rockefeller Building is the famous Ice Skating Rink! In this photo, you can kind of see the 18-foot tall, eight-ton golden statue of Prometheus, the Greek Titan god of fire, surrounded by the flags of all the countries of the world.

Freedom Tower

Standing at 1,776 feet, Freedom Tower, also the rebuilt World Trade Center, is the tallest building in the United States (and in the Western Hemisphere as a whole), and the sixth tallest in the world (no wonder why I couldn’t get all of it pictured)! It was deliberately built to be 1,776 feet tall in honor of the year the Declaration of Independence was signed (Travel Awaits).

Although you can’t see it from this image, its beams are covered in graffiti and signatures of celebrities, including Barack Obama! The building is one of the most eco-friendly in the world, as well. This is because it uses ultra-clear glass to maximize the use of natural light.

The American Museum of Natural History

Right next to Central Park is the iconic American Museum of Natural History.

The first building of the current museum’s complex was a Gothic-revival construction built in 1874 after a design by architects Calvert Vaux and J. Wrey Mould (InExhibit).

The museum is constantly expanding, and currently has an area of over 2,000,000 square feet (InExhibit).

And although it’s not technically architecture, can we take a moment to appreciate all the time and effort put in to recover and put together a full dinosaur skeleton? Pretty amazing!

The domes, pillars, and art on the walls are very Dark Academia (see this Bird on Fire post to learn more about Dark Academia).

***

This is all I could find on my SD card, but I hope to return to New York one day and capture some more architecture (maybe more outside of Manhattan)!

Architecture Editor: Roman Rickwood

Sources:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rockefeller-Center

https://www.travelawaits.com/2478420/visiting-freedom-tower-new-york-city/

https://www.inexhibit.com/mymuseum/american-museum-natural-history-new-york/#:~:text=The%20American%20Museum%20of%20Natural,and%20most%20popular%20science%20museums.&text=The%20first%20building%20of%20the,Wrey%20Mould.

3 Worst Mottos to Live By

March 22, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

When asked to write about his personal motto, Blogger Erik decided to take an alternate route and discuss mottos you SHOULDN’T live by. Heed his advice.

“You have to have kids. They change your life!”

If you don’t want to have kids, you don’t have to. The societal pressure on couples to have kids forces many people, especially women, to undertake an unwanted pregnancy which, of course, can lead to large amounts of stress. According to Dr. Ellen Walker, a clinical psychologist,

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel pressured or judged due to not having kids, handle it as you please. If you don’t wish to talk about your personal life, simply say so. If you choose to speak out about your life choice, do so in an assertive manner. Remember, being assertive does not mean criticizing, intimidating, or controlling another person. It does mean honestly stating your own feelings, what you wish to have happen, and what you will and won’t do.
psychologytoday.com

In other words, people who desire to live childfree can choose how they navigate society’s traditional outlook. But, they must be prepared to stand their ground and confront people who disagree with them. And, that disagreement doesn’t mean forcing another person to change their point of view but rather respecting each other’s opinions.

“Just ignore the bullies.”

Speaking from personal experience, you should never ignore your bullies. If there’s a problem, you have to deal with it–either by reporting them or dealing with them yourself. Ignoring the bullies leads them to believe that they can do anything and get away with it. Ignoring bullies results in you suppressing your hurt feelings . . . until you explode.

“Just say ‘No!’”

This motto is commonly used in anti-drug campaigns. And, while many people think it’s easy to say “No” to drugs, that is not always the reality.

First of all, adults greatly underestimate how powerful peer pressure can be. One of the most horrible things a student can imagine happening to them is being ostracized because they didn’t do one thing. The word “Just” in “Just say ‘No’” makes it seem like “No” is an easy thing to say. But, for a student struggling to fit in, it is anything but easy.

Saying “no” might work for someone who’s emotionally secure. But, what about someone who is struggling with depression? What about someone who’s lost everything they own because of an economic crash, expensive medical bill, or a tragic accident? A person in that situation may be searching for a way to alleviate their pain, even if only temporarily. So, if someone offers them drugs that person will likely accept the offer. We need compassion for the person caught in this struggle. Addiction is a serious problem that won’t be solved by an easy catch-phrase.

***

The reason I chose to write about mottos that DON’T work is because while I have no shortage of mottos I live by, I rarely see people talk about detrimental life mottos. I made this list because I wanted people to understand that not every motto is worth living by.

Motto Editor: Sara Habibipour

Sources:

Don’t Give Up the Ship.

March 19, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 1 Comment

By Roman Rickwood

Nowadays, we all need to be reminded of the importance of persistence. Life is hard. We need to persevere. For this week’s theme, Blogger Roman writes about a motto that highlights the importance of determination.

My motto to live by is “Don’t Give Up the Ship.” For as long as I can remember, I have had a piece of art hanging on my bedroom wall that says “Don’t Give Up the Ship.” When my mom bought it, she told me the motto reminded her of me and that it has deeper meaning for how we should live our lives.

New York Historical Society: “Don’t Give Up the Ship”

To me Don’t give up the ship means be persistent, work through it, be strong, and stay the course regardless of what happens. As I’m writing this now, I think if I were to hear someone say “Don’t Give Up the Ship,” I would immediately think of an actual ship and a captain sailing through rough weather in order to complete his voyage. In the maritime world, it is an unwritten rule that the captain should always go down with the ship; this makes sense to me because it would mean that hypothetically the captain was so focused on getting others to safety that he would disregard his own. He has the responsibility of all others and the ship. I really think that this is the attitude you must have to be a captain, whether you are the captain of a football team, a captain of an airplane, or a captain of a ship. You should always put the people you are guiding above yourself. I believe this is the virtue of selflessness, leadership, and sacrifice.

To me, these are the three virtues that I strive to follow. In my opinion, it is important to make the most rational decisions possible–which is why I sometimes struggle with the interpretation of a captain going down with his ship. Obviously it is reckless to put yourself in harm’s way; however, it is the right thing to do.

As I’m getting older, I am learning valuable life lessons and realizing how hard life can really be. I think that at the end of the day, as long as you are willing to work hard, be selfless, and make sacrifices, we can accomplish any goal that we seek.

Motto Editor: Sara Habibipour

Chinese Proverbs for Everything

March 19, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Nowadays, we often look to celebrities for lifestyle advice. But, in Blogger Evan’s opinion, we should take a moment to recognize the wisdom ancient Chinese proverbs hold.

By Evan Spry

With over 4,000 years of civilized history, China and its philosophers have birthed their fair share of proverbs, or short sayings with deeper meanings behind them. There is an ancient Chinese proverb for almost any situation. However, Chinese proverbs can be broken down and organized into four main phrases or sayings. Firstly, there are the chengyu (accepted phrases), then the yanyu (familiar phrases), then the suyu (popular sayings), and finally the xiehouyu (two-part allegorical sayings). The chengyu proverbs are typical idiomatic expressions, mostly consisting of four Chinese characters. The chengyu are usually the shortest of the proverbs. The yanyu proverbs were focused around family and familial ties, which was very culturally important to the Chinese. Similarly, the suyu proverbs were based around family. Finally, the last form of Chinese proverb was the xiehouyu, which was vivid with images and dramatic results. Here are some of my favorite proverbs that cover a range of subjects. (people.wku.edu)

Happiness/Sadness

“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a month, get married. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help someone else.”

“Defeat isn’t bitter if you don’t swallow it.”

Money

“Wealth is but dung, useful only when spread.” – Confucious

“To buy a quarrel, lend money to a friend.”

Time

“O man, you who do not live a hundred years, why fret a thousand minutes?”

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

Teamwork

“Behind an able man, there are always other able men.”

“Only when all contribute their firewood can they build up a strong fire.”

***

In conclusion, as famous as Chinese proverbs are, I really don’t think they get the recognition in the Western world they quite deserve. All of these sayings are so true and relatable to our current environment. This also teaches us a lot about the time that they were written and how similar long-ago issues are to ours today. I don’t remember learning very much about Chinese proverbs in history classes, and I think that’s a shame because I really didn’t realize how applicable these quotes from 500 B.C.E were. I recommend researching ancient proverbs yourself because some of them can really make you laugh and others can really open your eyes.

Motto Editor: Sara Habibipour

Funny and Wise Chinese Proverbs and Sayings That are Pure Genius

https://www.thoughtco.com/chinese-proverbs-examples-688198

http://people.wku.edu/haiwang.yuan/China/proverbs/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315330789_Distinctive_Features_of_Chinese_Proverbs_A_Comparative_Study_of_Suyu_and_Yanyu_and_Other_Types_of_Shuyu

Life is Good

March 17, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 4 Comments

Any friend of Blogger Jake is familiar with his favorite “Life is Good” t-shirt. But, what does “Life is Good” mean to Jake actually? And, why is it such a good shirt?

By Jake Sonderman

Mascot Marketing – How Jake Made “Life is Good” Even Better | PrintRunner Blog

So my Grandpa got me a “Life is Good” shirt about five years ago. I didn’t wear it for years because it was too big. A year ago I pulled it out from the back of my closet. Many of you have seen this shirt on me since. I probably wear it once a week at least. The shirt says one thing: Life is Good.

I can’t explain why I love the shirt so much! The shirt is definitely comfortable, but that alone is not why I wear it. I think I like the motto. “Life is Good” is just a good saying to live by. It doesn’t mean life is good all the time, but there is more good than bad. I also think that we all have the ability to be happy in life. If you are not happy, find some hope; find a way to think about the future, and be excited. This is probably easy for me to say as a high-school senior with my entire life in front of me. Still, I know we all have struggles. Nobody’s life is good all of the time. What keeps us going is hope. So, we need positivity for the future.

Vintage Men's Jake and Rocket Moon Vintage Crusher Tee | Life is Good® Official Site

My favorite “Life is Good” shirts–and the only ones I own–are the ones with Jake and Rocket. No, I don’t only like the Jake character because his name is Jake (certainly doesn’t hurt though). I like the feeling of the cartoon. It’s just a dude in shorts and a t-shirt doin’ stuff with his dog or his guitar. Very simplistic. It is the perfect embodiment of the motto, “Life is Good.”

So, if you’re feeling down, if life is getting to you, if nothing is going your way, think to the future. Make your own hope, and maybe, just maybe, buy a new t-shirt to remind you that really “Life is Good.”

Vintage Men's Jake and Rocket Palmetto Moon Vintage Crusher Tee | Life is Good® Official Site

Motto Editor: Sara Habibipour

Sources:
https://www.lifeisgood.com/

Life is Good Boy's Vintage Crusher Tee - Superhero Jake and Rocket – Synergy

Latin Phrases to Live By

March 17, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Editor Sara Habibipour chose as her theme for the week “Mottos We Live By.” In these times of uncertainty, she says, sometimes you just need the right words.

Need some advice? Look no further. Blogger Elizabeth turns to Latin quotes for inspiration. After all, everything sounds better in Latin.

By Elizabeth Shay

I have always been interested in the Latin language. It’s so aesthetic and sounds so sophisticated. Also, some pretty profound things have been said in Latin (some of which made an appearance in my college applications). I’m sure they’ve been said in English as well, but they look and sound way cooler in Latin. Here are eight of the quotes I live by, Latin edition.

Disce quasi semper victurus vive quasi cras moriturus

Learn as if you’re always going to live; live as if tomorrow you’re going to die

Live, Laugh, Learn, Love; YOLO.

Acta non Verba

Actions not words

This is one of the quotes that made an appearance in my college application. It’s all about follow-through, about doing–not just saying. I strive to live by this phrase and hope others in my life do as well.

Noli foras ire, in teipsum reddi; in interiore homine habitat veritas

Don’t lose yourself, return to you, inside of you lives the truth–Augustine

Essentially, this is the quote “be true to yourself” (but a better version because it’s in Latin).

Ab alio expectes alteri quod feceris

Expect to receive such treatment as you have given–Seneca

This is the golden rule at its finest.

Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem

In adversity, remember to keep an even mind–Horace

Keep calm and carry on even in times of trouble.

Multo autem ad rem magis pertinent quallis tibi vide aris quam allis

It is much more important what you think of yourself, than what others think of you–Seneca

Who cares what others think? You’ll be much happier when you brush off others’ negativity and focus on what makes you happy and self-fulfilled.

Sapere aude

Dare to be wise–Horace

This is the other quote that was incorporated into my college application essays; I want to learn as much as I can in my lifetime, and knowledge is power–take it from Horace.

Experientia docet

Experience teaches

This one nearly goes without saying. Everything you go through in your life is a learning experience. If you’re not learning, you’re rolling in your mistakes.

If you’re ever feeling fancy, drop these quotes into conversation and impress your friends and family. What are some words you live by?

Sources:

“351 Cool Latin Quotes – Wise words every man should know.” @ manintelligence.com

Motto Editor: Sara Habibipour

How to Get Lucky

March 15, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org 3 Comments

By Hannah Hall

Closing out the theme of Mythology, writer Hannah takes us to the East. She writes about Chinese Mythology, and the story behind jade’s protective qualities. Read along to learn about the mythological history of the stone, and how you can bring jade’s power into your life.

Hannah’s jade bangle gift from her mother

For my birthday, my mom bought me a jade bangle. She told me that jade is for “good luck” and is intended to “ward off evil.” I first thought, “Uh, how does my mom know that?” which led to my second thought being “I should research this….” In my research, I found a general consensus that jade brings luck, like she said, and that it does indeed shield against bad fortune, also what she said. It is also the bringer of many other positive virtues such as happiness, courage, and wisdom. What my mom did not inform me of was the rich history and mythology of where the protective qualities of jade originate.

History and Legends

From records dating back to 5000 BC, jade is shown to be deeply rooted in Chinese culture and history. The Chinese people called jade the “royal gem,” “yu,” and it was actually used to furnish the imperial family’s tombs. Archeologists have found hand-assembled jade suits in burial tombs too! Jade also was the upholder of Confucian values, which can be explained in this quote by Confucius:

“Its color represents loyalty; its interior flaws, always showing themselves through transparency, call to mind sincerity; its iridescent brightness represents Heaven; its admirable substance, born of mountains and of water, represents the Earth. Used alone without ornamentation it represents the truth.”
(wagmag.com)

I was able to find three legends that explain how jade got to Earth. One states that when the Mongols invaded China, dragons wept with deep sadness. As the tears fell down to Earth, they petrified into jade. The next legend, which is also tear related, says that Buddha’s tears are made of pure jade. And, finally, a legend says that the Storm God lent mankind jade to fend against wild animals on Earth. He is said to have forged axes from jade that he grasped from a rainbow and that he dropped the jade weapons down to earth (wagmag.com).

Varieties and Colors

There are two kinds of jade: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite is a more ample form of jade and is found in China, while jadeite is rarer and is found in Burma. They each carry both green and white hues, but jadeite has a wider range which includes burnt tones such as red/orange/yellow and lighter tones such as pink/purple. All of these colors are said to have unique energies and feelings associated with them.

Red–high vibrational, encourages facing fears while reducing them
Orange–joyous, connecting with the world and being in it
Yellow–cheerfulness, heightens comprehensions
Green–wealth, prosperity
Blue–calming, flourishing dreams and visions
Purple–ethereal energy, supportive spiritually and emotionally
Pink–purifies and heals toxins, enhances loving energies
Black–protection, wards off negative energies
Brown–grounding, brings out reliability
White–focus, brings clarity to the mind
Tri-colored–growth in life, longevity
- (jadeite-atelier.com) and (leaf.tv)

Uses

Pictured–Jade bangle from Ultimate Jadeite on Etsy (where my bangle is from)

The most common way people bring jade into their life is through wearing it. This way you and the jade are directly connected skin to stone and your energies are working together. Jade is known for opening the heart chakra, so common places to wear jade are on your left wrist as a bangle, or as a necklace over your heart. Another common way to sport jade is by wearing earrings.

Instead of wearing the crystal as jewelry, people often take the option of carrying it with them. People often set an intention with the piece of jade and have it in their pockets or purse. This keeps your intention close to you, and ensures the stone is absorbing your energy and actions throughout the day. This aids in manifesting your set desires. Lastly, people often put jade in places of significance. When you seek a successful financial outcome, Energymuse.com recommends setting the stone in your workspace. They give the example of setting the stone on top of business cards.

If you are interested in living a prosperous and positive life, I encourage you to get some jade, set your intentions straight, and allow the jade to work its magic.

Sources:

https://www.visualcapitalist.com/the-history-of-jade-the-emperors-stone

Soul of stone – The divine jade

https://jadeite-atelier.com/blogs/jade-articles/the-colors-of-jade-and-the-meaning

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/the-significance-of-pink-jade/

https://www.energymuse.com/jade-meaning/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/UltimateJadeite

Mythology Editor: Elizabeth Shay

Do You Know the Difference Between the Greek and Roman Gods?

March 15, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

The mythologies of Greece and Rome are often confused. Blogger Roman compares the two, diving into the differences in the names of Roman and Greek gods and goddesses as well as what they represent.

By Roman Rickwood

Names and Appearance

The largest difference between Roman and Greek mythology lies in the gods. Greek gods and goddesses are named after people and are assigned genders; whereas in Roman mythology gods and goddesses were named after objects and characteristics and do not technically possess a gender (theoi.com). For example, Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Hermes all are common names in ancient Greek culture. Since Greek mythology predates Roman, the Romans borrowed liberally from the Greek gods. The gods of the Greeks and the Romans are presented and drawn differently. Greek gods were portrayed with heavy emphasis placed on their physical traits and attributes. Meanwhile Roman gods had a strong emphasis on characteristics such as morals and villainy and were not so clearly portrayed physically.

Worship and Beliefs

Another way that Greek and Roman gods differ lies in who they chose to worship. The Roman gods chose to hail Jupiter meanwhile the Greek gods chose to hail Zeus. In Greek mythology, morals played a vital and important role in the lives of the Greek gods. Greek mythology emphasizes the importance of good deeds and morals and learning important lessons through living life. The gods also teach mortals the lessons that they have learned. Every Greek myth included a teaching. Roman mythology was not so instructive. The Romans did not place as much stock in mythological teaching because of their strong belief in an afterlife. They believed they had time for redemption.

While researching this topic, I was astonished to read just how different the two mythological structures are, from how their respective gods look to how they are revered.

Source:

https://www.theoi.com/articles/roman-gods-vs-greek-gods-know-the-difference/

Mythology Editor: Elizabeth Shay

Demeter and the Eleusinian Mysteries

March 12, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

Mythology is a vast and fascinating topic, with major influence on both ancient and modern cultures. One of the most famous mythologies is that of the Greeks, made well-known by popular culture. Blogger Jake Sonderman explores the mythology of the Greeks with the story of Demeter, Persephone, and the Eleusinian mysteries.

By Jake Sonderman

Throughout high school, we learn about Greek mythology. This mythology has roots in literary classics that continue to have relevance today. But, what influence did this mythology and religion have on the everyday lives of Greek citizens?

Demeter

Demeter was a very important goddess in the eyes of the Greek people. Demeter is the goddess of agriculture and fertility. Both agriculture and fertility played large roles in the lives of most Greek citizens. They were mostly farmers. Demeter was the middle daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and the sister to Zeus, Hades, Poseidon, Hestia, and Hera (greekmythology.com).

The Story of Persephone

An important part of Demeter’s story is the story of her daughter, Persephone. First her name was Kore actually, and Hades took a liking to her. Hades, with the help of Zeus (who is also Persephone’s father), abducted Kore and took her to the underworld. Demeter searched the Earth for her daughter until Hecate and Helios told her Kore was taken to the underworld. Demeter, heartbroken, disguised herself and went to the city of Eleusis to grieve. The king of Eleusis, Celeus, hired the disguised Demeter to care for his infant son. Demeter felt grateful to the family for taking her in and decided to make their son immortal as a gift. To do so, she bathed him in fire every night (greekmythology.com) (ancient.eu).

While she was bathing the child in fire, she was interrupted by the son’s mother, Metanira. Metanira was understandably horrified and outraged to see her son in a fire bath. This reaction greatly upset Demeter. She revealed her true identity and demanded a temple be built for her in Eleusis. The King, Celeus, agreed and built the temple. Here, Demeter grieved over her daughter and refused to leave the temple. During this time, no crops grew (remember she is the goddess of agriculture). This also meant that no gods were given any sacrifices. This drove Zeus to convince Hades to give Kore, now known as Persephone (or “she who brings doom”), back to her mother (ancient.eu).

However, Hades (still besotted with Persephone) tricked Demeter by giving Persephone a pomegranate seed while in the underworld. The rule was that one was bound to the underworld if one ate anything in it. Because of this, a compromise was struck. Persephone would spend half her time above ground, half below, and, thus, the seasons are explained. Demeter mourns when her daughter goes underground, and this is winter. When Persephone comes back, Demeter rejoices, and it is summer.

The Eleusinian Mysteries

This story is considered to be one of the most important in Greek Mythology because of the festival and following that grew from it. Every year, a group of Athenian citizens, many of them prominent scholars such as Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle (britannica.com) (ancient.eu), would journey to the city of Eleusis to participate in the Rites of Eleusis. The most interesting part of this very well known Greek tradition was that all “initiates” would go into a temple to participate in a ritual but were bound by secrecy and could not divulge what happened in the temple to anyone.

The rites were likely a re-enactment of Persephone’s journey from life to the afterlife and back again. Persephone’s journey was more than simply the seasons for these people; it was about life being circular and not linear. Many participants came away with a new sense of purpose and new understanding of life. Plutarch, another famous Greek philosopher, wrote about the mysteries to his wife upon the death of their daughter; “because of those sacred and faithful promises given in the mysteries…we hold it firmly for an undoubted truth that our soul is incorruptible and immortal. Let us behave ourselves accordingly” (ancient.eu).

Unfortunately, much of Eleusis and the religious sites in it were destroyed when Constantine converted to Christianity, and all pagan traditions and structures became abominations in the eyes of the public and government. Still, I am grateful for what we do know. For as much as we think of Greek Mythology as fun little stories, I believe there is true wisdom–if you are willing to look for it.

Mythology Editor: Elizabeth Shay

Sources:

https://www.ancient.eu/Eleusis/

https://www.ancient.eu/article/32/the-eleusinian-mysteries-the-rites-of-demeter/

https://www.greekmythology.com/Other_Gods/Demeter/demeter.html

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eleusinian-Mysteries
https://oxfordre.com/classics/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.001.0001/acrefore-9780199381135-e-8127

Mythological Creatures of Ancient Persia

March 10, 2021 by szachik@pvs.org Leave a Comment

In further exploration of “Mythology,” blogger Sara Habibipour dives into the mythology of ancient Persia–centuries old, but too often not known well enough in Rancho Mirage, California.

By Sara Habibipour

We’re all acquainted with Greek mythology. But, do you know Persian mythology?

The stories which form the basis of Persian mythology come from the early Persian religious belief Zoroastrianism, which actually is thought to be the basis of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The stories were passed down orally over the centuries until they were written down as part of the religious tradition of Zoroastrianism.

The central theme of Zoroastrianism is a universal struggle between the forces of good and evil, so most of the mythological creatures fall within one of two categories. Although there are many, here are a few of the ancient Persian mythological creatures.

Gavaevodata

Gavaevodata is the “Uniquely Created Bull,” who is thought to be one of the earliest creations of Ahura Mazda, the “good” deity of Zoroastrianism. Gavaevodata was so beautiful, it attracted the attention of Angra Mainyu, the “bad” deity, who killed it. The bull’s body was then transported to the moon and purified into seeds; these seeds became what all animals would feed on and fertilized the earth’s vegetation. Once animals were created, Ahura Mazda then created human beings and fire, but Gavaevodata was the first unique entity on earth, which established the high value the Persians placed on animals.

Peri

Peris are similar to fairies; they enjoy playing pranks on people, but they can also be helpful. They were thought to be spirits imprisoned in the fairy-form to make up for past sins. A Peri might bring a message from the gods or, alternatively, trick someone into believing some untruth. They were later thought by Muslim Arabs to serve the same purpose as angels.

Azhi Dahaka

Azhi Dahaka was the great three-headed dragon created out of the lies of the “bad” deity, Angra Mainyu, to scare away any positivity in the world. Dragon-serpents (azhi) are often symbols of evil and chaos in Persian mythology. This creature is said to have a thousand senses so it can defend itself and hunt for prey at the same time.

Suroosh and Daena

Suroosh and Daena are angels that assist the newly dead in their crossing from life to death. After the soul has left the body, it was thought to linger on earth for three days while the gods came to a decision regarding one’s life and final fate. The soul then approached the Bridge where Daena would appear and, for the good soul, would be a beautiful young woman, while, to the condemned, would appear as an ugly hag. Suroosh would guard the soul against demonic attack as it crossed the bridge to meet the angel Rashnu, judge of the dead, who would decide whether the soul went to the paradise of the House of Song or the hell of the House of Lies.

I hope you were all able to learn something new from this article. I’m half Persian, and I didn’t even know some of this! Learning about ancient beliefs from different cultures is important in ensuring that 1) we stay open-minded and that 2) we learn something new everyday. Keep a lookout for more mythology posts from different cultures on our page within the next few days!

Sources:

Twelve Ancient Persian Mythological Creatures

https://www.ancient.eu/article/1488/ancient-persian-gods-heroes-and-creatures—the-co/

Mythology Editor: Elizabeth Shay