I try never to miss a lunar eclipse, if I can help it. There’s just something about them that mesmerizes me. I recently came across a legend that stems from a lunar eclipse. This early morning eclipse inspired me to write about it.
Lunar Legend: (from the Caucasus mountains-Eurasia)
The Karačaïans believe that on the moon there is a handsome girl guarded by two dogs. The evil spirit Žemilaùz, whose mouth is so large that when opened the lower lip lies on the earth and the upper on the sky (žemìl = large, aùz = mouth), wants to devour her; but he can do this only when the girl and the dogs are asleep. He watches this moment to swallow the moon with the girl and dogs. Thus begins the eclipse. The Karačaïans help the girl to be saved by means of shooting, shouting, and prayers. All this noise, they
believe, must awaken the dogs, which, on their part, will wake up the girl. The girl being awakened, she is beyond the power of Žemilaùz, who is then obliged to discharge the moon.
I find the legend a great find, you can really use it as inspiration for a great story. Enjoy!!!
This legend was found on Nature homepage.
I've been so pumped about the Lunar Eclipse as well. And then of course I didn't get to see it. The whole astronomy thing is so intriguing to me. I kinda thought I was the only one who payed attention to that kind of thing - minus NASA that is. Nice to have a kindred spirit around. Love the holiday header by the way.
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Jen
In the Closet With a Bibliophile