I feel pretty confident that the feature that holds the Minotaur is a maze rather than a labyrinth. The latter is pretty much a single spiritual path that leads to a center. No thinking required, and no chance of being lost or cornered. What do you think?
That is an interesting thought, although both words have become synonymous with one another in the present day. The problem is in the etymology. We can date usage of the word to the Late Bronze and observe instances inscribed in Mycenaean Linear B and again, the Minoan Linear A that preceded it. Obviously, it symbolized SOMETHING in ancient Crete but what, we cannot be certain. The fact that the Minoan language is not officially deciphered leaves quite a large question mark here.
Hi Petros, why was the bull/cow so often depicted (and venerated) in Old Europe and the ancient Middle East? I am thinking particularly of deep prehistory such as in Catal Huyuk where the horns ornamented dwellings and shrines and of course later on, Minoan Crete and ancient Egypt. The bull or cow is also prevalent in mythology of course, all over the Mediterranean region. I understand that this animal provided food, transportation, etc, and as such was very important, but I think there is more to it and I have not been able to find a satisfactory explanation or even an interesting theory. Do you have any insight? Thanks from a new subscriber.
That is an excellent question and one that is likely to not have a straight forward answer. Honestly, my quick answer is: I don’t know. But you are correct, bull/cow worship was quite popular in these regions going back to at least the early Bronze Age of many of these cultures. I take a simplistic approach though, in that the bull was known for being “large and powerful” while the heifer is “motherly, providing nourishment” via its milk. Together, they represent two ends of a spectrum and offer balance to a chaotic world. This is likely why they are often associated with the leaders of pantheons of deities. Notice how in many mythological stories the lead male deity is typically described as the opposite of his female consort (and vice versa).
I am afraid that I am unable to provide you with an answer you could be satisfied with. Anyway, thank you for subscribing!!!
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question about the bull/cow worship. It has puzzled me for a long time, and I sense that it does not have a single, easy explanation, but probably encompasses several elements, I can certainly see the balance between power and nurture/nourishment that you described may be a big part of the explanation.
I feel pretty confident that the feature that holds the Minotaur is a maze rather than a labyrinth. The latter is pretty much a single spiritual path that leads to a center. No thinking required, and no chance of being lost or cornered. What do you think?
That is an interesting thought, although both words have become synonymous with one another in the present day. The problem is in the etymology. We can date usage of the word to the Late Bronze and observe instances inscribed in Mycenaean Linear B and again, the Minoan Linear A that preceded it. Obviously, it symbolized SOMETHING in ancient Crete but what, we cannot be certain. The fact that the Minoan language is not officially deciphered leaves quite a large question mark here.
Hi Petros, why was the bull/cow so often depicted (and venerated) in Old Europe and the ancient Middle East? I am thinking particularly of deep prehistory such as in Catal Huyuk where the horns ornamented dwellings and shrines and of course later on, Minoan Crete and ancient Egypt. The bull or cow is also prevalent in mythology of course, all over the Mediterranean region. I understand that this animal provided food, transportation, etc, and as such was very important, but I think there is more to it and I have not been able to find a satisfactory explanation or even an interesting theory. Do you have any insight? Thanks from a new subscriber.
That is an excellent question and one that is likely to not have a straight forward answer. Honestly, my quick answer is: I don’t know. But you are correct, bull/cow worship was quite popular in these regions going back to at least the early Bronze Age of many of these cultures. I take a simplistic approach though, in that the bull was known for being “large and powerful” while the heifer is “motherly, providing nourishment” via its milk. Together, they represent two ends of a spectrum and offer balance to a chaotic world. This is likely why they are often associated with the leaders of pantheons of deities. Notice how in many mythological stories the lead male deity is typically described as the opposite of his female consort (and vice versa).
I am afraid that I am unable to provide you with an answer you could be satisfied with. Anyway, thank you for subscribing!!!
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question about the bull/cow worship. It has puzzled me for a long time, and I sense that it does not have a single, easy explanation, but probably encompasses several elements, I can certainly see the balance between power and nurture/nourishment that you described may be a big part of the explanation.
The ‘Rhino’ from Marvel’s Spider-Man comic books ?
Maybe? 🤔