The Forgotten Mythological Symbols of the Ancient World

INTRODUCTION The myriad cultures that have graced the earth's tapestry comprise a rich tapestry of stories that give form and meaning to humanity's experience. From Australia to the Americas, Asia to Africa, Europe to the middle-east, their ancient tales, rich in symbolism, provide a textural backstory to civilizations past. These symbols, often found in archaeological art, iconography, and written texts, hold keys to understanding the societies that hailed them. Yet, many of these symbols seem to have drifted into the realm of oblivion, overlaid by the homogenizing forces of time, conquest, and global communication. This article aims to resurrect the tales of some of those forgotten mythological symbols, from diverse cultures, that have shaped our world. ORIGIN AND CULTURAL CONTEXT While the historical lens allows us to view and understand symbols within their specific time and place, the story of their evolution often goes beyond the linear sequence of events. For instance, the Bull, an ancient symbol across multiple cultures, existed in the walls of Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in present-day Turkey, dating back as far as 7500 BC. In Minoan culture on Crete (2000-1400 BC), the bull was revered in texts and frescoes, linking the animal with strength and fertility. Similarly veiled in extensive history is the "Three Hares" symbol. Found in diverse cultures from China and Iran to the British Isles, it can be traced back to 600 AD. Sharing one eye each, the three hares form a triangle in a cyclic pursuit, symbolizing unity, infinity, and the interchangeability of the physical and spiritual worlds. THE LEGEND OR STORY One can hardly speak of mythological symbols without broaching the narratives that birthed and upheld them. The symbol of the bull, for instance, is connected to the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the earliest known epic poems from ancient Mesopotamia. A beast named the Bull of Heaven is sent by the goddess Ishtar as divine punishment but is slain by Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu. The Three Hares, alternatively, carries no single defining narrative, instead possessing an air of mystery. In China, it often appears in Buddhist caves, suggesting a link with the religion, but its exact spiritual significance isn't clear. Its universal presence across different cultures makes it a symbol without a single binding story but one that holds a multitude of interpretations. INTERPRETATIONS AND SYMBOLISM In psychology, Carl Jung coined a term "archetype" to explain a symbol's universal understanding despite geographic or temporal differences. In essence, the symbols reach into the collective unconscious to represent common human experiences. The bull, representing strength, fertility, and even divinity across various cultures and time periods, can be seen as an archetype of raw, unbridled power. The Three Hares, representing the trinity and cycle of life in many interpretations, taps into the human propensity to perceive patterns and order. The symbol is often associated with divine beings or religious sanctity in multiple cultures, conveying a sense of unity, eternity, or the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical worlds. COMPARISONS IN OTHER CULTURES The bull's symbolic strength reached far beyond the ancient Near East and into other cultures. The Aurochs, a wild ancestor of domestic cattle, was a symbol of strength and courage in Norse mythology. In India, the bull is widely associated with Lord Shiva, representing virility and strength. The Three Hares, albeit less prominent in mainstream myths, carry cross-cultural extraordinary significance. In Jewish synagogues, it appears as a motif in illuminated manuscripts. From the East, it travels west to appear on the roof bosses of medieval English churches. MODERN REFERENCES AND POP CULTURE Modern references to these forgotten symbols are sometimes apparent, yet often hidden. The Wall Street Bull, a symbol of financial might and optimism, is perhaps an immediate connect to the ancient interpretive power the bull used to carry. In children's literature, the bull has reprised its mythical role, resurfacing as Ferdinand, the pacifist bull, belying his inherent strength within the humble pursuit of peace. The Three Hares is often seen in logo design due to its symmetrical beauty and the intrigue its mystery commands. It lives in modern culture as an emblem of peace and tranquility — a perfect motif for groups engaging in spiritual wellness practices. LEGACY AND LASTING MYSTERIES The legacy left behind by these symbols is rich and multi-layered. Although they're not as prominent as they once were, their existence is seen in modern contexts such as art, literature, and spirituality, continually interweaving past and present. Yet, with every symbol unraveled, countless more remain steeped in mystery. What stories were born from these symbols and lost in the sands of time? What meanings were spun into their narrative fibers, only to fade away unremembered? These questions, while they retain an air of melancholy, also provide an engaging challenge to all those who dare to dig deeper for the truths that antiquity holds. Connecting us with our long-forgotten past, these symbols solicit a constant dialogue between then and now, here and there, us and them. They remind us that while every culture may leave an indelible fingerprint on time's canvas, the collective human story, like symbols, binds us in the cyclical dance of existence.