#mythologicalcreatures

[enchantedbook]

'A Centaur playing with his Son' by Otto Bache, (1839 - 1927).

[vcreatures]

The Large Maw Mermaid, or the more commonly known “Treasure Hoarder”, is a medium sized mermaid found across tropical seas. This mermaid is well documented for gobbling up sunken treasures due its propensity for eating anything it can fit in it’s mouth. Caught specimens are commonly found with bellies full of gems, gold, and other sunken paraphernalia. Its why they are also known by another name, “Neptune’s Purse”.

[maxmag1]

Japanese Mythology: Gods, Spirits, and Legends of the Land of the Rising Sun

Introduction: A Spiritual Tapestry

Japanese mythology is a fascinating collection of stories, deities, and spirits that have shaped Japan’s cultural and spiritual identity for centuries. Unlike Western monotheistic traditions, Japanese mythology features kami—divine beings encompassing gods, spirits, and natural phenomena. These myths explain the creation of the islands, human life, and the forces of nature, influencing Shinto, Buddhist beliefs, and Japan’s social customs.

The Origins of the Universe

In Japanese mythology, the universe begins with chaos. The first deity, Ame-no-Minakanushi, emerges from the void, followed by Izanagi and Izanami, the divine couple tasked with creating the islands. From their union comes the Japanese archipelago and numerous gods. Tragedy strikes when Izanami dies giving birth to the fire god Kagutsuchi, prompting Izanagi’s descent into Yomi, the land of the dead. His subsequent purification gives birth to Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susanoo, fundamental forces of sun, moon, and storm.

The Three Noble Children

Amaterasu: Sun goddess and ancestor of Japan’s Imperial Family, central to Shinto rituals.

Tsukuyomi: Moon god, embodying mystery and aloofness.

Susanoo: Storm god, known for his chaotic nature and heroic feats like defeating Yamata-no-Orochi.

These figures remain integral in festivals, shrines, and cultural narratives across Japan.

Kami: Spirits in Nature

Japanese mythology treats the natural world as alive. Kami inhabit mountains, rivers, trees, and even objects. Mount Fuji is sacred, ancient trees are marked with shimenawa ropes, and ritual artifacts are considered spiritually potent. This animistic worldview highlights a deep respect for nature and connects humans to the divine in everyday life.

Key Deities and Legendary Figures

Central figures include:

Amaterasu – Sun goddess who hid in a cave, bringing darkness until coaxed out by gods.

Susanoo – Storm god whose heroic acts redeemed his chaotic behavior.

Tsukuyomi – Moon deity, distant and severe in character.

Inari – Kami of rice, prosperity, and agriculture, often represented with foxes.

Hachiman – God of war and protector of Japan.

Tenjin – Deified scholar worshipped for learning and poetry.

Yokai: Shape-Shifting Spirits

Japanese mythology is rich with yokai, supernatural creatures ranging from mischievous to dangerous. Examples include Kappa (water spirits), Tengu (bird-like warriors), Kitsune (magical foxes), and Yuki-onna (snow woman). Yokai stories convey moral lessons and inspire literature, manga, and modern media.

Shinto Rituals and Modern Practice

Shinto rituals rooted in Japanese mythology continue today. Practices include purification, offerings to kami, and seasonal festivals (matsuri). Shrines like Fushimi Inari and Ise Grand Shrine host ceremonies combining ancient myth with community celebration. Many Japanese people participate in these traditions as cultural observances rather than strictly religious acts.

Buddhism and Syncretism

From the 6th century onward, Buddhist teachings merged with Shinto beliefs, creating a syncretic tradition. Kami were sometimes viewed as manifestations of Buddhist deities, enriching mythology and temple iconography. Amaterasu, for instance, is occasionally associated with the bodhisattva Dainichi Nyorai, showing the fluidity of spiritual interpretation.

Japanese Mythology Today

Japanese mythology thrives in contemporary culture through anime, manga, literature, and video games, preserving and transforming ancient narratives. It also continues in oral traditions, regional festivals, and ethical parables that teach lessons about respect, humility, and living harmoniously with nature.

Japanese Mythology: Gods, Spirits, and Legends of the Land of the Rising Sun

Japanese mythology is a rich tapestry woven with celestial beings, ancestral spirits, and mythical creatures that have shaped the spiritual

[alanfunkart]

Cerberus sticker design.

[hopelessouls-blog]

Hello everyone! I'm happy to share my latest piece: a detailed fantasy illustration featuring a satyr deep within a mystical forest setting.

This artwork was a passion project, aiming to capture the atmosphere of ancient Greek and Roman myths while blending in decorative elements inspired by Celtic and Norse folklore.

Creative Process & Technique:

Medium: Created entirely using digital painting techniques, focusing on rich textures and atmospheric lighting in Photoshop and Clip Studio Paint

Anatomy & Form: Significant effort was dedicated to rendering realistic anatomy and musculature for the character's human half, contrasted with the bestial features of the goat legs, fur, and horns.

Lighting: The lighting is designed to highlight the character against the darker, moody forest background, drawing the viewer's eye directly to the satyr and the pan flute.

Detailing: I focused heavily on subtle details, from the intricate wood grain of the pan pipes to the complex, interwoven patterns within the decorative border that frames the composition.

Themes & Inspiration:

The piece explores themes of wildness, nature, and the power of music. The inclusion of the pan flute (syrinx) is a direct homage to the deity Pan, the god of the wild, shepherds, and rustic music. The border elements serve to elevate the illustration, giving it a timeless, almost historical or artifact-like quality.

I hope this piece resonates with lovers of mythology and fantasy art. All feedback is greatly appreciated!

Link to my artwork:

Satyr in the forest, Haunted Artist

I am excited to share my latest piece: a detailed fantasy illustration featuring a satyr deep within a mystical forest setting. This artwork

[rogue-taxidermy-of-sarina-brewer]

Dear collectors ~ Put this on your mantel this holiday season. It’s among the pieces I have specially priced thru Dec 24th. Scroll to my previous post to see the entire selection of available work. Continue reading below to learn about this particular piece.

"I have always been captivated by Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which is where I drew my inspiration for the style of this griffin. The idea for the arched feather antennae came from stylized Deco-era renditions of gazelle with their exaggerated flowing horns, a popular motif at that time. Genuine pearl eyes and 24 karat gold are among the details that add to the elegance of this piece "

TITLE: Absinthe DIMENSIONS: 21” x 12” x 12” MATERIALS: Animal skins over a sculpted clay armature with genuine pearl eyes. 24K gold leafed hoop (repurposed vintage ormolu vanity mirror frame) affixed to a custom-made riser. Hand-blown cloche from Poland atop a Victorian-style footed wooden base

"The iridescent green undertones of the black feathers inspired the title – 'Absinthe'. The purported hallucinogenic effect of its green liquor namesake is said to conjure figments and fantasies, which earned the anise-flavored spirit the nickname “The Green Fairy”. I have always thought the way early glass windows distort objects looks like a wavy dream sequence, so I chose a vintage cloche for this piece because the circumferential rings rippling downward from its crown imparted an ethereal feel to the creature within it "

~

This piece is available exclusively through Lovetts Fine Art in Tulsa. Purchase inquiries can be directed to www.LovettsGallery.com

[arkhaos]

Our precious little Chiron is so happy to have his first lyre 🎶🥹✨ And he can’t wait for his father to teach him how to play it🥰☀️🤎💛 . . #ArkhaosArt #Apollo #Apolo #Quiron #Chiron #centaur #GreekMythology #GreekGods #Mythology #GreekMythologyMemes #MitologiaGriega #Heroes #DiosesGriegos #MythologicalCreatures #heroesofolympus #illustration #digitalart #digitaldrawing #art #drawing #digitalillustration #ilustracion #dibujo #draw #dessin #fantasyart #comics #storytelling #artedigital #ilustração https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdtqxfjt2ur/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[marikraushaar]

Selkies having a tea break & chat * Centaur music * risograph calendar 2023 coming sooon! #risocalendar #marikraushaar #illustrator #mythologicalcreatures #illustration #calendarioilustrado2023 #illustratedcalendar2023 https://www.instagram.com/p/ClBvsK5DFo3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=