THE 10 MOST POPULAR LEGENDS ABOUT THE MOON - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

There are many legends about the moon, as it has been a great source of inspiration for many stories throughout history. It depends on the culture and community, but the moon is generally associated with supernatural events.

This association is generated especially during the full moon. For that reason there are numerous myths and legends related to the moon during this phase.

This celestial body has fascinated humans for thousands of years; its prominence in the night sky has inspired many folk tales.

Although scientifically the moon has an effect on the human body, there is something in its nature that has inspired many fantastic stories.

In terms of distance, it is the closest celestial body to Earth. Humans can observe it in the night sky for three weeks out of four, and it has served to guide humans for centuries.

Top 10 legends about the moon

1- Selene or the myth of the moon

Selene is the name of the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology, and Luna is her counterpart in Roman mythology. In the myths associated with these goddesses the entities are paired with the sun god.

The sun god is said to travel during the day and she makes the journey at night. Selene had two brothers: Dawn and Sun (Helios).

Selene was known for pulling the moon every night in a silver chariot with two long-haired horses. Helios did the same during the day dragging the sun in a chariot of fire.

Selene is typically viewed as a goddess who has many lovers and who represents the desire associated with the moon.

2- Anningan

The Inuit people of the northern regions of Alaska and Greenland have an interesting myth about the moon.

They believe that Anningan, the moon god, forcibly took his sister, the sun goddess.

For that reason, this god is still trying to chase her to possess her and that is why he chases her in the sky every day.

The appearance and disappearance of the moon is explained by Anningan chasing it until it is hungry and then disappearing for a time to hunt for food and have the energy to chase it again each day.

3- Rona

This myth originated from the Maori tribe of New Zealand. The story is about a woman named Rona who did something bad to the moon, so it took her too far.

Rona was the daughter of the god of the Sea and controlled the tides. One night he was carrying a bowl of tidal water when the road grew dark; the moon had hidden behind some clouds and it was impossible to see anything.

When Rona was walking she stumped her foot on a branch sticking out of the ground and made some nasty comments about the moon.

The moon listened to their comments and placed a curse on the Maori. Then he grabbed Rona with her bowl of water and carried her away. It is said that when Rona hits her bowl, it rains on Earth.

This story represents the influence of the moon on the rain and the waters of the planet, especially in the tides.

4- Werewolves

The myth of these creatures is affiliated with the full moon. These creatures are typically believed to have a human form but turn into violent wolf-like animals when the full moon is in the sky.

There are many variations on this myth because each culture has its own specific elements. Despite that, in almost all myths this creature can only be killed with a silver bullet.

5- Ixchel, Mayan goddess of the moon

One of the goddesses frequently associated with the moon is Ixchel; this association is made with her because she is a goddess of fertility.

Ixchel was a very beautiful woman with opal skin who sat in the sky brushing her shiny hair for hours.

Knich Ahau, the sun god, was immune to her charms but he was the only one she loved.

As Ixchel chased him across the sky, the climate on Earth worsened; that's why the storms came and the crops died. But the goddess was so in love that she did not notice the disaster.

Finally, one day Ixchel wove a beautiful cloth that captured Knich Ahau and they became lovers.

But the relationship was tumultuous and one day she decided to leave him overnight; she turned into a jaguar so that he would never recognize her.

6- The pagans and the moon

Pagans also have their own interpretation of the full moon. They believe that the most mystical time of the Stonehenge structure occurs when the moon is rising, since it is the moment when the Earth unites with its lover: the sun.

7- Mawu

Mawu is a myth originated in Africa. Mawu is believed to be the moon god who is forever related in a union with the sun goddess - Liza.

Solar and lunar eclipses are believed to be related to the moment when the heavenly couple makes love. This myth is related to the power of the moon, the sun, the sky, love and desire.

8-

The Aztecs believed that when the world began the gods asked, "Who will enlighten the world?" And Tecciztecatl volunteered.

When it was time to complete the rituals necessary for it to happen, the god was scared. For this reason, Nanahuatzin took the opportunity and became the sun.

Embarrassed, Tecciztecatl followed her and turned into another sun. But as punishment the gods threw a rabbit at him to diminish its radiance. This is how Tecciztecatl became the moon.

9- Chang'e

This Chinese myth is about a woman who lives on the moon. There are many variations of the myth, but the basic story is that Chang'e and her husband were at one time immortal beings, who later became mortal due to their bad behavior.

They tried to achieve immortality again through the use of a pill, but Chang'e became greedy, took too much of the pill, and ended up floating towards the moon, where she was trapped for a long time.

Chang'e has been the protagonist of many Chinese poetry and is one of the central reasons for celebration each fall during the China Moon Festival.

10- The Moon Rabbit

This myth can be found in different cultures; each has its own variations. This rabbit refers to the markings on the moon that look like a jumping rabbit.

In China, the myth of the jade rabbit is very famous. This rabbit is a companion to the moon goddess, Chang'e, and feeds on the elixir of life. It lives on the moon with a toad and can be seen on August 15 of each year.

References

1. 10 interesting myths and leyends about the moon (2016). Recovered from exemplore.com
2. Lunar folklore (2017). Recovered from thoughtco.com
3. The moon rabbit in legend and culture. Recovered from owlcation.com
4. Ix chel. Recovered from goddesgift.com
5. Celestial goddes selene: the star of the night (2015). Recovered from ancient-origins.net
6. Myths about the moon. Recovered from windows2universe.org
7. Scab. Recovered from windows2universe.org
8. Tecciztecatl. Recovered from azteccalendar.com
9. 25 myths and legends about the full moon (2016). Recovered from legendsandmyths.net