Crockett, Davy - Myth Encyclopedia

Davy Crockett was a frontiersman, Indian scout, and politician who became one of America's first folk heroes. His backwoods philosophy, homespun humor, and image as a rough-edged hunter and Indian fighter made him an extremely popular figure during his lifetime.

Cronus - Myth Encyclopedia

Cronus was the youngest of the Titans, the Greek deities who ruled the world before the arrival of Zeus* and the other Olympian gods and goddesses. Cronus seized power from his father, the sky god Uranus, and was later ousted by his own children.

Cross - Myth Encyclopedia

One of the oldest and most widespread symbols in history, the cross is best known as a sign of the Christian faith. However, the cross has played a significant role in many other cultures as well.

Cuchulain - Myth Encyclopedia

Cuchulain, one of the greatest heroes of Irish mythology and legend, was a warrior in the service of Conchobhar, king of Ulster. Best known for his single-handed defense of Ulster, Cuchulain is said to have lived in the first century B.C., and tales about him and other heroes began to be written down in the A.D.

Cupid - Myth Encyclopedia

Cybele - Myth Encyclopedia

Cybele was the fertility goddess of Phrygia, an ancient country of Asia Minor*. In Greek and Roman mythology, Cybele personified Mother Earth and was worshiped as the Great Mother of the Gods.

Cyclopes - Myth Encyclopedia

In Greek mythology, the Cyclopes were a group of giants who possessed only one eye set in the middle of their forehead. They were said to be skilled workers, and the Greeks credited them with building the walls of several ancient cities.

Daedalus - Myth Encyclopedia


Dagda - Myth Encyclopedia

In Celtic* mythology, Dagda was an Irish god who was head of a group of Irish gods called the Tuatha Dé Danaan. He was considered the father of the gods and the lord of fertility, plenty, and knowledge.

Dagon - Myth Encyclopedia


Damocles, Sword of - Myth Encyclopedia

Damocles was a member of the court of Dionysius, ruler of the Sicilian city of Syracuse during the 300s B.C. According to a legend passed on by the Roman writer Cicero, Damocles told Dionysius how much he envied his kingly wealth, power, and happiness.

Danaë - Myth Encyclopedia

In Greek mythology Danaë was the daughter of Acrisius, the king of Argos. An oracle told Acrisius that Danaë's son would someday kill him.

Dana - Myth Encyclopedia

In Celtic* mythology, Danu (also known as Dana, Anu, and Don) is a fertility goddess and mother of the Tuatha Dé Danaan, a group of Irish gods. The worship of Danu originated in eastern Europe, and because she was associated with rivers, many European rivers carry versions of her name, including the Danube, the Don, and the Dnieper.

Daphnis and Chloe - Myth Encyclopedia

The romantic tale of Daphnis and Chloe, told by the Greek author Longus, deals with the simple and peaceful lives of shepherds in the country. A young boy named Daphnis and a girl named Chloe are abandoned by their parents and raised by shepherds on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Dekanawida - Myth Encyclopedia


Delilah - Myth Encyclopedia


Delphi - Myth Encyclopedia

Delphi, a town on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in Greece, was the site of the main temple of Apollo* and of the Delphic oracle, the most famous oracle of ancient times. Before making important decisions, Greeks and other peoples traveled to this sacred place to consult the oracle and learn the gods' wishes.

Demeter - Myth Encyclopedia

Demeter, the Greek goddess of vegetation and fruitfulness, was known to the Romans as Ceres. She was the daughter of Cronus (Saturn)* and Rhea and the sister of Zeus*.

Devi - Myth Encyclopedia

Devi is the major goddess in the Hindu pantheon. Known both as Devi (goddess) and Mahadevi (great goddess), she takes many different forms and is worshiped both as a kind goddess and as a fierce one.

Devils and Demons - Myth Encyclopedia

In myths, legends, and various religions, devils and demons are evil or harmful supernatural beings. Devils are generally regarded as the adversaries of the gods, while the image of demons ranges from mischief makers to powerful destructive forces.

Diana - Myth Encyclopedia


Dido - Myth Encyclopedia

In Greek mythology, Dido was the founder and queen of Carthage, a city on the northern coast of Africa. She was the daughter of Belus (or Mutto), a king of Tyre in Phoenicia *, and the sister of Pygmalion.

Dionysus - Myth Encyclopedia


Djang'kawu - Myth Encyclopedia

In Australian mythology, the Djang'kawu were three sacred beings—a brother and two sisters—who created all life on earth. The Aborigines of Arnhem Land in northern Australia tell the story of the three siblings in a series of 500 songs.

Dracula - Myth Encyclopedia

In the history and legend of eastern Europe, Dracula was the popular name of Vlad the Impaler, a merciless Romanian tyrant of the 1400s. Dracula means "heir of the Order of the Dragon," dedicated to fighting the Turks.

Dragons - Myth Encyclopedia

In myths and legends of the world, dragons are often fire-breathing, reptilelike creatures with wings, huge claws, and a long tail. They are usually portrayed as frightening and destructive monsters.