Blog Archive

In Celtic mythology, the “Eye of Balor” refers to a powerful, malicious eye belonging to the Fomorian king Balor. This eye is described as having the power to kill or petrify anyone upon whom it gazes. Balor, a giant with one eye in the middle of his forehead and another in the back of his …

Continue reading

In Irish mythology, pigs, particularly a pig’s head, feature in the story of Oisin and Niamh’s journey to Tír na nÓg. Niamh, a woman from Tír na nÓg, initially appears with a pig’s head due to a spell. Oisin breaks the spell by marrying her, after which she regains her human form. Pigs also appear …

Continue reading

The life-saving cattle of Geryon refer to the red cattle that were part of Geryon’s herd, which Heracles was tasked to retrieve as his tenth labor. Geryon, a three-bodied giant, lived on the island of Erythia, and his cattle were known for their red hides. Heracles’ journey to obtain these cattle involved overcoming various challenges, …

Continue reading

“Polygynous” refers to a mating system or marriage practice where one male has multiple female partners. It’s a form of polygamy, specifically one where males have multiple simultaneous wives. This system is observed in various animal species, including mammals, birds, and insects, as well as in some human societies.

Neolithic master-figures, often referred to as “Venus figurines,” are small, portable representations of the human form, predominantly female, found across the Neolithic world. These figurines, crafted from materials like clay, stone, or bone, are believed to have held symbolic meaning related to fertility, protection, and perhaps even social status.

Therianthropes are mythical beings or creatures that are part human and part animal, often portrayed in mythology, folklore, and fiction as shapeshifters. They can be humans transforming into animals, animals transforming into humans, or hybrids of both. Examples include werewolves, mermaids, and centaurs. In some contexts, the term “Therianthrope” also refers to individuals who identify …

Continue reading

An Asymmetric ploughshare is a type of plow blade with an uneven shape, meaning its two sides are not mirror images of each other. This asymmetry is not a result of wear and tear, but rather a deliberate design feature. These ploughshares are typically used in conjunction with a coulter (a vertical blade) and a …

Continue reading

In agricultural context, a Coulter and share are crucial components of a plow. The coulter is a vertical blade that cuts into the soil ahead of the plowshare, while the plowshare is the cutting edge that inverts the soil. Both were historically made of iron, and their interaction is essential for effective plowing.

An Asymmetric mouldboard plough is a type of plough where the mouldboard (the part that turns the soil) is designed to turn the soil consistently to one side, unlike traditional symmetrical mouldboard ploughs. This asymmetry allows for a more controlled and directional soil turning process, often used in situations where a specific soil profile or …

Continue reading

Residue and microwear analyses are complementary methods used in archaeology to determine the function of stone tools. Microwear analysis examines microscopic wear patterns on the tool surface to infer how it was used, while residue analysis identifies microscopic traces of materials (like plant or animal matter) that adhered to the tool after use.