284 Items Tagged

Mythology

The sphinx-like mermaid of Segovia.

Sirenas de Segovia

These "mermaids" that surround a plaza in Segovia are rather sphinx-like.

Sesshōseki (Killing Stone)

Believed to hold the remains of Japan's most infamous fox spirit, this stone is said to kill those who dare approach.

Real-life counterparts: the Scythian warrior women of the Caucuses.

To Work Out Like an Amazon, Limber Up and Find a Horse

The fearsome fighters of Greek mythology have a very real, very fit regimen to share.

Isaac Schultz May 29, 2020

The Modena Archivolt.

Modena Archivolt

One of the earliest depictions of an Arthurian scene that is shrouded in mystery.

Temple 4

Markopoulo Mesogeas, Greece

Temple of Artemis Brauronia

This seaside sanctuary was once one of the most important religious sites for women in ancient Greece.

The statue depicts Hagen dumping the Nibelung hoard.

Hagendenkmal

A statue dedicated to the antihero of the Nibelung legend.

Be careful out there, in the imaginary lands around Oz.

Escape Into These Fantastical, Imaginary Maps

When the real world feels unbearable, why not chart a course through lands that are literally unreal?

Jessica Leigh Hester April 9, 2020

Cave close-up.

Elefsina, Greece

Plutonian Cave of Eleusis

According to legend, this cavern holds the passage that Persephone used to travel to and from the underworld.

The Mermaid Chair in St. Senara's Church

Zennor, England

Mermaid Chair

This wooden chair dates possibly back to the 15th century, and commemorates a local legend.

Owaraji (Giant Straw Sandals)

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

The face of the Buddha.

Ueno Daibutsu

Only the face remains of this giant Buddha statue, which is said to be a source of luck for students.

Fugetsu En'nen

'Fugetsu En'nen'

This strange mural located in the Ueno station is filled with traditional Japanese symbolism.

Winged kirin statues.

Nihonbashi Kirin Statues

Mythical beasts symbolizing the city of Tokyo guard a historic bridge.

Mural of Tlālōcān

San Francisco Mazapa, Mexico

Palacio de Tepantitla

This archeological site hidden behind Teotihuacán's pyramids shelters 1600-year-old murals.

Barcelona, Spain

Priapus of Hostafrancs

This generously endowed statue once stood guard outside a Roman home.

Permanently Closed

Dublin, Ireland

Táin Bó Cúailnge Mosaic

This colorful and fiery mural depicts the Irish folk story of the beloved hero Cuchulain.

Cave of Zeus.

Kuşadası, Turkey

Cave of Zeus

This Turkish cave boasts some rather bizarre associations with the King of Mount Olympus.

Yanartaş

Flames have been burning within this mountain for more than 2,500 years.