About the Goddess of Death

Gods and goddesses are central characters in mythology. Since the earliest of recorded time, man has attempted to unravel the mysteries of life. In an effort to supply answers, stories evolved which are termed myths. The study of these stories is called mythology. From American Indian ancestors to people of ancient Greece and Egypt, different cultures enjoyed a history of mythology which reflected their beliefs. Included within these varying mythical sets was often a Goddess of Death.

History

The origins of the stories that bring us varying versions of the Goddess of Death, such as the Hindu's Kali or the Polynesian Miru, has been a subject of vast speculation. Greek scholar Euhemerus, who lived in the late 300 BC, believed all myths were based on historical fact. In the late 1800s scholar Friedrich Max Muller believed that the major gods or goddesses were symbolic of the phases of the sun, relating the Goddess of Death to the sunset. Later anthropologists developed other theories, linking the evolution of mythology to dreams, psychological conditions and eventually to the curiosity of man to explain nature and creation.

Features

While the Goddess of Death may differ from culture to culture, there are similarities shared by the various incarnations. Goddesses might take a human form, and are guided by human emotions such as jealousy and love. They have supernatural powers. Not all are necessarily considered evil. Proserpina, the Roman Goddess of the Underworld, was captured and raped, and unwillingly assumed her position. This spring-loving goddess is a stark contrast to Miru, who delights in sending those she captures to a fiery death.

Identification

Motivations driving the actions of the different Goddesses of Death vary including revenge, bitterness, spite, imprisonment and power. Izanami, from Japanese mythology, is both the Goddess of Creation and Death. After her death she became angry with her husband and in retaliation vowed she would kill 1,000 of his people each day. Qamaits, an American Indian Goddess of Death, is driven by the selfish need to bring death and misery to those who displease her.

Time Frame

When two cultures do not share a similar origin, yet have similar myths, scholars begin to question if there is a coincidence or if there is an original version reaching back into time. Some scholars believe there are instances of similar mythical tales coming from separate societies dating back to 2000 BC in Babylon. Yet, recorded mythology goes back even farther in time, to Egyptian mythology at around 3200 to 2250 BC. Egyptian mythology had its own version of the Goddess of Death, Nephthys.

Misconceptions

Mythical goddesses such as Miru, Nebthet, Izanami, Qamaits, Proserpina or others are not the only characters that can claim the title of Goddess of Death. Throughout history artifacts have taken on ominous reputations such as the infamous Women from Lemb statue, which earned the nickname Goddess of Death. Reportedly this object dates back to 3500 BC and was discovered in 1878. As it passed from owner to owner, each experienced catastrophic death within their families. Eventually the statue made its way to the Royal Scottish Museum.

Resources

• Goddess of Death
• Women from Lemb
• Mythica