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The serpent, or snake, is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. The word is derived from Latin serpens, a crawling animal or snake. Snakes have been associated with some of the oldest rituals known to humankind [1] [2] and represent dual expression [3] of good and evil. [4] In some cultures, snakes were fertility symbols.
Snakes were associated with wisdom in many mythologies, perhaps due to the appearance of pondering their actions as they prepare to strike, which was copied by medicine men in the build-up to prophecy in parts of West Africa. Usually the wisdom of snakes was regarded as ancient and beneficial towards humans but sometimes it could be directed ...
Naga Panchami is an important Hindu festival associated with snake worship which takes place on the fifth day of Shravana (July–August). Snake idols are offered gifts of milk and incense to help the worshipper to gain knowledge, wealth, and fame. Different districts of Bengal celebrate the serpent in various ways.
Sacred snakes of Cephalonia; Scitalis; Sea serpent; Seps (legendary creature) Serpens; Serpents in the Bible; Serpopard; Seven-headed serpent; Shahmaran; Shesha; Susna; Sisiutl; Snakes in mythology; Snow snake (folklore) Staff of Moses
One famous snake that was able to transform back and forth between a snake and a human being was Madam White Snake in the Legend of the White Snake. Other snakes or snake-like beings sometimes include deities, such as Fuxi and Nüwa and Gong Gong. Sometimes, Fuxi and Nuwa are described as snakes with human heads and sometimes as humans with ...
In Greek mythology snakes are associated with deadly antagonists, as a chthonic symbol, roughly translated as 'earthbound'. The nine-headed Lernaean Hydra that Hercules defeated and the three Gorgon sisters are children of Gaia, the earth. Medusa was one of the three Gorgon sisters who Perseus defeated. Medusa is described as a hideous mortal ...
2. Corn Snakes. Size: 2-4 feet on average, potentially up to 6 feet Lifespan: 15-20 years Corn snakes are fearsome hunters of rats and mice in the wild, but are fairly docile and tolerant of ...
The figurines have also been interpreted as showing a mistress of animals-type goddess and as a precursor to Athena Parthenos, who is also associated with snakes. [2] Detail of the larger Knossos figure; the parts below this are reconstructed. The serpent is often symbolically associated with the renewal of life because it sheds its skin ...