Legends about lunar eclipses – blood moon

Legends and folklore surrounding lunar eclipses, often referred to as “blood moons,” can be found in various cultures throughout history. These legends usually incorporate myths, beliefs, and symbolic interpretations associated with the phenomenon. Here are a few examples:

1、Ancient Mesopotamia: In Babylonian mythology, the lunar eclipse was seen as an omen or sign of impending disaster. It was believed that the moon was under attack by demons or evil forces. To protect the moon, the people would engage in rituals and make loud noises to scare away the demons.

2、Norse Mythology: According to Norse mythology, the blood moon was associated with the wolf creature Hati, who would symbolically devour the moon during an eclipse. This event was seen as a precursor to Ragnarok, the mythical Norse end-times battle.

3、Lunar Eclipse in Native American Cultures: Various Native American tribes have their own interpretations of lunar eclipses. For some, an eclipse was seen as the moon being attacked or consumed by mythical creatures or animals. The blood-red color associated with a lunar eclipse was often seen as a sign of impending conflict or turmoil in the world.

4、Chinese and East Asian Folklore: In Chinese mythology, there are stories connecting lunar eclipses to a celestial dragon that devours the moon. People believed the dragon’s actions were omens of change and turmoil in the celestial realm, with potential repercussions on Earth.

These legends and stories reflect the universal human fascination with celestial events and natural phenomena. While lunar eclipses are scientifically explained as the Earth passing between the Sun and the Moon, the rich cultural interpretations have added depth and intrigue to the phenomenon throughout history.