Posts tagged Underworld
Mictecacihuatl
Mictecacihuatl

Mictecacihuatl, the Lady of the Dead, is a pivotal figure in Aztec mythology, embodying the profound duality of existence. As the goddess of death and the underworld, she and her consort, Mictlantecuhtli, oversee Mictlán, guiding souls on their journey to the afterlife. Her skeletal visage, emblematic of the calavera imagery, is central to Dia de los Muertos, a festival celebrating life and honoring the deceased. Beyond Aztec culture, Mictecacihuatl's symbol of life and death resonates globally, encouraging a deep understanding of transformation and renewal.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen Hudsonmythology, goddess, Mexican mythology, Mictecacihuatl, Underworld, Death, Mictlan
Ereshkigal
Ereshkigal

Ereshkigal, the ancient Mesopotamian goddess of the underworld, reigns as a formidable guardian of the realm of the dead. Known as the "Lady of the Great Earth" or "Queen of the Great Below," her domain, the Kur, is a shadowy and mysterious place. Her role as an overseer of death and transformation connects her with other underworld deities like Persephone and Hel, highlighting a shared human intrigue with the afterlife. Integral to Mesopotamian cosmology, Ereshkigal also holds a celestial connection as a symbol of Venus, embodying both the mysteries of death and the cycles of rebirth.

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonIshtar, Ereshkigal, Goddess of Death, Underworld, Goddess of Shadow, Death Goddess
Hel
Hel

Hel, a prominent figure in Norse mythology, embodies the intricate interplay between light and darkness as the guardian of the underworld. Daughter of Loki and Angrboða, her role as keeper of Niflheim underscores the duality of existence, marking a realm for souls who did not die in battle. Depicted as a living corpse or spectral figure, Hel symbolizes the balance between life and death. Her influence endures in modern culture and spiritual practices, representing the transformative journey through darkness and the cyclical nature of life.​

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Mythology, GoddessesKristen HudsonGoddess, Hel, Goddess of Death, Underworld, Dark Goddess