ANCIENT MYTHS & RELIGION

Answers from A.I.

CONTENTS

.1. MAIN MYTHS & LESSONS; .2. COMMONALITIES; .3. GODS AS PLANETS

A.I. makes it easy to find interesting info. I just had to ask a few questions, and my Bing A.I. answered my questions. Not that A.I. is reliable to tell the whole truth. We need to discern.

.1. MAIN MYTHS & LESSONS

What are the ten most ancient myths {& their lessons}?

Myths are stories that explain the origins and nature of the world and human beings. They often involve gods, heroes, monsters, and supernatural events. Different cultures have different myths, but some of them are very old and have been passed down for thousands of years. Here are ten of the most ancient myths from around the world:

- The Enuma Elish: This is the Babylonian creation myth, dating back to the 18th century BCE. It tells how the god Marduk defeated the primordial chaos monster Tiamat and created the heavens and the earth from her body.

http://www.justenergyradio.com/enuma-elish-babylonian-epic-creation/

The Enuma Elish is an ancient Mesopotamian epic that narrates the creation of the world and the gods. It celebrates the victory of Marduk, the patron god of Babylon, over Tiamat, the primordial goddess of chaos and the sea. One possible moral of the story is that order can triumph over chaos, and that humans have a role to play in maintaining this order. Another possible moral is that power and authority are not inherent, but earned through deeds and recognition. Marduk becomes the king of the gods not because he is born with that right, but because he proves himself worthy by defeating Tiamat and creating the cosmos.

- The Epic of Gilgamesh: This is the oldest surviving epic poem, composed in Mesopotamia around the 21st century BCE. It recounts the adventures of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, and his friend Enkidu, who seek immortality and encounter gods, demons, and a great flood.

The moral of The Epic of Gilgamesh is that human life is transient and that one should seek wisdom and friendship rather than glory and power. Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, is initially a tyrant who oppresses his people and seeks fame through various quests. However, he learns to value his friendship with Enkidu, a wild man created by the gods to challenge him. Together, they embark on adventures that test their courage and loyalty. When Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh is devastated and realizes the fragility of human existence. He then goes on a quest to find the secret of immortality, but fails to achieve it. He returns to Uruk with a new appreciation for his city and his people, and decides to record his story for posterity. The epic teaches that one should live a meaningful life by cultivating wisdom and compassion, rather than pursuing fame and fortune.

- The Rigveda: This is a collection of hymns and verses from ancient India, dating back to the 15th century BCE. It contains many myths about the creation of the world, the gods, and the cosmic order.

The Rigveda is one of the oldest and most sacred texts of Hinduism. It consists of hymns, prayers, and rituals that praise the gods and celebrate the creation of the universe. The moral of The Rigveda is to live in harmony with nature and with each other, to seek the truth and wisdom, and to perform one's duties and obligations with devotion and sincerity. The Rigveda teaches that all beings are connected and interdependent, and that one should respect and protect the diversity of life. The Rigveda also emphasizes the importance of social justice and human rights, and condemns violence, oppression, and greed. The Rigveda is a source of inspiration and guidance for Hindus and for anyone who wants to learn from the ancient wisdom of India.

- The Book of the Dead: This is a collection of spells and rituals from ancient Egypt, dating back to the 16th century BCE. It guides the souls of the dead through the afterlife and helps them overcome obstacles and enemies.

The Book of the Dead is an ancient Egyptian funerary text that contains a collection of spells or magic formulas to help the deceased in their journey to the afterlife. The text was written by various priests over a period of about 1,000 years and was placed in tombs along with the mummified bodies. The Book of the Dead is not a single book, but a series of papyri that vary in length and content. Some of the spells are related to the preservation of the body, some to the protection from dangers in the underworld, and some to the judgment of the soul by the god Osiris. The Book of the Dead reflects the Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife, which were influenced by their observation of the natural cycles of the sun, the Nile, and the stars.

One possible moral of The Book of the Dead is that death is not the end of existence, but a transition to a different realm that requires preparation and guidance. Another possible moral is that one's actions in life have consequences for one's fate in the afterlife, and that one should strive to live according to the principles of maat, or cosmic order and justice. A third possible moral is that one should seek to preserve one's identity and memory after death, by ensuring that one's name and image are recorded and honored by the living.[citation needed]

- The Iliad and the Odyssey: These are two epic poems attributed to Homer, a Greek poet who lived around the 8th century BCE. They tell the stories of the Trojan War and the journey of Odysseus, who face many challenges from gods and monsters.

The Iliad is a famous epic poem by Homer that narrates the events of the Trojan War, a conflict between the Greeks and the Trojans over the beautiful Helen, who was abducted by Paris from her husband Menelaus. The poem focuses on the wrath of Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, who withdraws from the battle after a quarrel with Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army. The Trojans, led by Hector, take advantage of Achilles' absence and push the Greeks back to their ships. Achilles' friend Patroclus, wearing his armor, tries to rally the Greeks but is killed by Hector. This provokes Achilles to rejoin the fight and seek revenge for his friend's death. He kills Hector and drags his body around Troy's walls. The poem ends with a truce between the two sides, during which Priam, Hector's father and king of Troy, begs Achilles to return his son's body for a proper burial.

The moral of The Iliad is that human life is fragile and precious, and that even the greatest heroes are subject to fate and death. The poem also explores themes such as honor, glory, pride, rage, grief, compassion, and friendship. The Iliad shows that war is a tragic and futile endeavor that brings suffering and loss to both sides, but also reveals the nobility and courage of those who fight for what they believe in.

One possible moral of the Odyssey is that perseverance and loyalty are essential virtues for human beings. Odysseus faces many challenges and dangers on his long journey home from the Trojan War, but he never gives up his hope of reaching Ithaca and reuniting with his wife Penelope and his son Telemachus. He also shows his loyalty to his men, his friends, and his gods, even when they test his faith or tempt him with false promises. Similarly, Penelope and Telemachus remain faithful to Odysseus and resist the pressure of the suitors who want to marry Penelope and take over Odysseus's kingdom. They also trust in the help of Athena, who guides them throughout their trials. The Odyssey suggests that by being loyal and persevering, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve one's goal.

- The Popol Vuh: This is a sacred text of the Maya civilization, written in the 16th century CE but based on older oral traditions. It narrates the creation of the world, the gods, and the first humans, as well as the heroic deeds of the Maya ancestors.

The Popol Vuh is a sacred text of the Kʼicheʼ people, one of the Maya peoples who inhabit Guatemala and parts of Mexico and Central America. It recounts the creation of the world, the adventures of the Hero Twins, and the history of the Kʼicheʼ kings. The moral of the Popol Vuh is that **humans should respect the gods and nature, and live in harmony with themselves and others**. The Popol Vuh shows how the gods created humans from corn after several failed attempts, and how they gave them the gift of language and knowledge. It also shows how the Hero Twins defeated the lords of the underworld and became the sun and the moon, bringing light to the world. The Popol Vuh teaches that humans have a special role and responsibility in the cosmic order, and that they should be grateful for their existence and their abilities. The Popol Vuh also celebrates the values of courage, wisdom, loyalty, and justice, as exemplified by the Hero Twins and the Kʼicheʼ kings.

- The Kalevala: This is a national epic of Finland, compiled in the 19th century CE but based on ancient folk songs. It describes the adventures of Väinämöinen, a wise and powerful bard who creates the world with his songs and battles evil forces.

The Kalevala is a Finnish epic poem that tells the stories of the heroes and gods of ancient Finland. The moral of The Kalevala is that wisdom, courage, and creativity are the most valuable qualities in life. The heroes of The Kalevala use these qualities to overcome various challenges, such as fighting enemies, crafting magical objects, and restoring harmony to the world. The Kalevala also teaches that cooperation and respect are essential for a peaceful society, as the conflicts between the Finns and their neighbors often result from misunderstandings and pride. The Kalevala celebrates the rich culture and history of Finland, and inspires its readers to appreciate their own heritage and identity.

- The Edda: This is a collection of poems and prose from medieval Iceland, written in the 13th century CE but based on older Norse myths. It depicts the gods, giants, dwarves, elves, and heroes of Norse mythology and their involvement in the fate of the world.

https://www.norsemyth.org/2015/12/norse-mythologys-endless-appeal.html

The Edda is a collection of poems and stories from Norse mythology that explores the creation, destruction and rebirth of the world. The moral of The Edda is that life is a cycle of struggle and triumph, of order and chaos, of good and evil. The Edda teaches us to value courage, wisdom, loyalty and honor in the face of adversity, and to accept our fate with dignity and grace. The Edda also warns us of the dangers of greed, pride, envy and betrayal that can lead to the downfall of gods and men alike.

- The Ramayana: This is an epic poem from India, written in Sanskrit around the 5th century BCE. It tells the story of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, who rescues his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana with the help of his loyal monkey army.

The Ramayana is one of the most revered and influential epics in Hindu literature. It tells the story of Rama, an ideal king and a righteous man, who faces many trials and tribulations in his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The moral of The Ramayana is that good always triumphs over evil, and that one should uphold one's dharma or duty in life. The Ramayana also teaches the values of loyalty, devotion, courage, honesty, and compassion. By following the example of Rama and his companions, one can attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

- The Metamorphoses: This is a Latin poem by Ovid, written in the 1st century CE. It contains over 250 stories of transformations involving gods, humans, animals, and plants from Greek and Roman mythology.

The Metamorphoses is a collection of myths and legends by the Roman poet Ovid, who retells stories of transformations and changes in the natural and human world. The moral of The Metamorphoses is that change is inevitable and constant, and that humans should adapt to it rather than resist it. Ovid shows that change can be both positive and negative, depending on how one responds to it. He also explores themes such as love, power, justice, fate, and the relationship between gods and mortals.

.2. COMMONALITIES

What do The Enuma Elish, The Epic of Gilgamesh, The Rigveda, The Book of the Dead, The Iliad, the Odyssey, The Popol Vuh, The Kalevala, The Edda, The Ramayana, The Metamorphoses, The Book of Genesis and The Book of Exodus have most in common?

These are some of the most ancient and influential literary works in human history. They belong to different cultures and traditions, but they share some common themes and motifs that reflect the universal human experience. In this blog post, I will explore some of the similarities and differences among these epic texts and what they reveal about the worldview and values of their respective civilizations.

One of the most obvious commonalities among these works is that they are all examples of mythological narratives. They deal with the creation of the world, the origin of gods and humans, the interaction between the divine and the mortal realms, the heroic deeds and adventures of legendary figures, the conflicts and wars among nations and peoples, and the fate and destiny of individuals and societies. They use symbolic language, imagery, metaphors, allegories and other literary devices to convey their messages and meanings. They are not meant to be taken literally or historically, but rather as expressions of cultural identity, collective memory, moral lessons and spiritual insights.

Another common feature among these works is that they are all products of oral tradition. They were composed and transmitted orally for centuries before they were written down in various languages and scripts. They reflect the oral culture and style of their original performers and audiences. They use repetition, parallelism, rhyme, rhythm, formulae and other techniques to aid memorization and recitation. They also show signs of variation, adaptation and interpolation as they were modified and updated by different generations and communities. They are not fixed or static texts, but rather dynamic and living ones.

A third common aspect among these works is that they are all sources of inspiration and influence for later literature and art. They have shaped the imagination and creativity of countless writers and artists across time and space. They have been translated, adapted, retold, reinterpreted, parodied and subverted in various genres and media. They have also been studied, analyzed, criticized and debated by scholars and critics from different disciplines and perspectives. They have become part of the cultural heritage and legacy of humanity.

However, these works also have significant differences that reflect their unique historical and cultural contexts. They represent different religious beliefs, cosmological views, ethical values, social norms, political systems, artistic expressions and literary conventions. They also have different styles, structures, characters, plots, themes and messages. They cannot be reduced to a single or simple interpretation or comparison. They require careful reading and understanding in their own terms as well as in relation to each other.

In conclusion, these works are both similar and different in many ways. They are fascinating examples of human creativity and diversity. They offer us a glimpse into the ancient worldviews and values of different civilizations. They also challenge us to think critically and creatively about our own worldviews and values in the present.

.3. GODS AS PLANETS

https://www.catastrophism.com/intro/search.cgi?zoom_query

What is the best evidence that the ancient gods were actually planets?

Many ancient civilizations associated the planets in the sky with their deities, and gave them names that reflected their attributes and powers. But what if these gods were not just symbolic representations of celestial bodies, but actually the planets themselves? Is there any evidence to support this idea?

One possible source of evidence is the ancient mythologies and cosmologies that describe the origins and movements of the planets. For example, in Greek mythology, Uranus was the god of the sky and the father of Saturn, who was the god of agriculture and time. Saturn, in turn, was the father of Jupiter, who was the king of the gods and the ruler of thunder. These three gods correspond to the planets Uranus, Saturn, and Jupiter, which are also related in terms of their orbital periods and distances from the sun. Uranus takes about 84 years to orbit the sun, Saturn takes about 29 years, and Jupiter takes about 12 years. These numbers are multiples of each other, suggesting a harmonic relationship between the planets.

Another possible source of evidence is the ancient astrological traditions that assigned meanings and influences to the planets based on their characteristics and appearances. For example, in Babylonian astrology, Mercury was associated with Nabu, the god of writing and wisdom. Mercury is also the fastest-moving planet in the sky, and has a dual nature as it can appear as a morning star or an evening star. These traits match well with the attributes of Nabu, who was also a messenger and a mediator between gods and humans. Similarly, in Roman astrology, Venus was associated with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. Venus is also the brightest planet in the sky, and has a cycle of phases that resembles the lunar cycle. These traits match well with the attributes of Venus, who was also a symbol of fertility and harmony.

A third possible source of evidence is the ancient astronomical observations and records that show how the planets behaved in different times and places. For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, there are clay tablets that document the appearances and positions of the planets over thousands of years. These tablets reveal that the planets sometimes underwent dramatic changes in their brightness, color, shape, and motion. For instance, Venus was once seen as a comet-like object with a long tail, Mars was once seen as a red star that moved erratically across the sky, and Saturn was once seen as a ringed disk that tilted at different angles. These changes could have been interpreted as signs of divine intervention or manifestation by the ancient observers.

In conclusion, there are several sources of evidence that suggest that the ancient gods were actually planets, or at least closely linked to them. The mythologies and cosmologies that describe their origins and relationships, the astrological traditions that assign them meanings and influences, and the astronomical observations and records that show their variations and anomalies all point to a connection between the planets and the deities. However, this evidence is not conclusive or definitive, as it could also be explained by other factors such as cultural diffusion, coincidence, or imagination. Therefore, it is up to each individual to decide whether they believe that the ancient gods were actually planets or not.