The Christ myth is a narrative that has evolved over centuries, blending various religious and cultural influences, including pagan beliefs and symbols. These influences played a significant role in shaping the development of the Christ myth as it is known today. One key pagan influence on the Christ myth was the concept of divine birth. Pagan religions often featured stories of gods and goddesses being born to mortal women, such as the Greek deity Zeus impregnating various women to sire demigods. This idea of a divine being descending to Earth through a miraculous birth was incorporated into the Christ myth with the story of the Virgin Birth. In Christianity, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, making his birth a miraculous and divine event.
Fawkes, Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore’s close companion, is a phoenix with scarlet and gold plumage, whose own tailfeather is the magical core of Harry’s wand. In the second book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, after looking worse for the wear (like “a half-plucked turkey,” Rowling wrote), Fawkes suddenly bursts into flame, startling Harry. But Dumbledore isn’t alarmed: “About time, too,” he says. “He’s been looking dreadful for days.”
In a 13th-century manuscript, the fenix is said to be native to Arabia, with a lifespan of up to 500 years, while a 5th-century text from Greek historian Herodotus was the first to mention the bird s red and gold coloring. Harry Potter A History of Magic is an exhibition from the British Library containing rare books, manuscripts and magical objects from the British Library s collection, capturing the traditions of folklore and magic from across the world, which are at the heart of the Harry Potter stories.
In Christianity, Jesus is believed to have been born to the Virgin Mary, making his birth a miraculous and divine event. Another pagan influence can be seen in the symbolism surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. Pagan religions often celebrated the cycle of death and rebirth, and many gods and goddesses were associated with this theme.
Learn the Ways of the Wizarding World with “Harry Potter: A History of Magic” on Google Arts & Culture
Staying at home for weeks at a time isn’t for everyone. Unless you’re a seasoned vet of crashing on the couch, you may be looking for activities to fill the time. So why not explore the world and history of Harry Potter in even more depth from the comfort of your own home? The British Library organized its entire collection of magical paraphernalia to be virtually displayed to the world. Google Arts & Culture is playing host to many valuable artifacts from the British Library. Harry Potter: A History of Magic is now available to view online.
The Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition unveils rare books, manuscripts and magical objects from the British Library’s collection, capturing the traditions of folklore and magic [that] are at the heart of the Harry Potter stories. Here’s our little reminder that you can explore the exhibition again, or marvel at the magic for the very first time from your own home, through Google Arts & Culture.
Illustrator Jim Kay, whose art is featured in the illustrated versions of the Harry Potter series, has his own section of the virtual exhibition. “Visitors” can look through Kay’s depiction of the world of Harry Potter through his sketches. Pieces include a series of panoramas of Diagon Alley, personal portraits, and study sketches of various magical creatures.
If art isn’t quite you’re style, then head on over to the subjects area of the exhibit. Herbology, Charms, Astronomy, Potions, and so many more subjects are filled with magical history, culture, and folklore dating back centuries. For example, if you take a gander at the Potions portion of the digital exhibit, you’ll find a manuscript dating back to 1489. The image depicts “the first printed image of witches with a cauldron,” which was printed in Cologne, Germany. You might also find a very interesting and intriguing painted portrait of Professor Snape, painted by the one and only Jim Kay. The image looks like it’s been pulled straight out of the medieval time period and “is rich in symbolism.” If you look close enough, you can make out a single stalk of white lilies of the valley in the corner, symbolizing Snape’s love for Harry’s mother, Lily.
The entire exhibition is a mix of old and new magical culture to give you the most well-rounded magical education one can hope for outside of Hogwarts.
On the newer side of the collection, you can find some pieces by J.K. Rowling herself. Original sketches, synopses, and handwritten pages line the digital space, so to speak. The British Library provides an entirely new layer of learning the ways of our favorite witches and wizards.
Magical creatures also have an area all to themselves. A history of owls, cats, phoenixes, and spiders will give you an entirely new perspective on the concept of animal companions.
More can be found on Google Arts & Culture and Harry Potter: A History of Magic.
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If art isn’t quite you’re style, then head on over to the subjects area of the exhibit. Herbology, Charms, Astronomy, Potions, and so many more subjects are filled with magical history, culture, and folklore dating back centuries. For example, if you take a gander at the Potions portion of the digital exhibit, you’ll find a manuscript dating back to 1489. The image depicts “the first printed image of witches with a cauldron,” which was printed in Cologne, Germany. You might also find a very interesting and intriguing painted portrait of Professor Snape, painted by the one and only Jim Kay. The image looks like it’s been pulled straight out of the medieval time period and “is rich in symbolism.” If you look close enough, you can make out a single stalk of white lilies of the valley in the corner, symbolizing Snape’s love for Harry’s mother, Lily.
For example, the Egyptian god Osiris was believed to have died and been resurrected, and the harvest festival of the ancient Greeks, known as the Eleusinian Mysteries, included a reenactment of the goddess Demeter's search for her daughter Persephone, who had been taken to the underworld. These themes of death and rebirth were incorporated into the Christ myth with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, representing his sacrifice and subsequent triumph over death. Additionally, pagan mythology and traditions influenced the ritual practices and symbolism associated with Christianity. For example, the use of evergreen trees and wreaths in Christmas celebrations can be traced back to pagan winter solstice festivals, where these symbols were used to symbolize life and fertility during the darkest time of the year. Similarly, the use of eggs and rabbits in Easter celebrations can be traced back to pagan fertility symbols associated with the spring equinox. In conclusion, the Christ myth was shaped by a variety of influences, including pagan beliefs and symbols. The concept of divine birth, the symbolism of death and resurrection, and the ritual practices associated with Christianity all bear traces of pagan influences. These influences have contributed to the rich and complex narrative of the Christ myth as it has evolved over time..
Reviews for "The Christ Myth through a Pagan Lens"
1. John - 2/5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth." While I was expecting an objective exploration of the topic, the book seemed to have a biased agenda from the start. The author selectively cherry-picked evidence to support their preconceived conclusions, ignoring the vast amount of scholarly research that contradicts their claims. The lack of counter-arguments or alternative viewpoints made the book feel more like a propaganda piece than an academic work. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-rounded examination of the subject.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars
I found "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth" to be incredibly misleading and poorly researched. The author's arguments were weak and lacked substantial evidence. It appeared they were more interested in pushing their personal beliefs than in presenting a balanced analysis. The book also failed to address significant counter-arguments or engage with opposing viewpoints, further diminishing its credibility. I would suggest looking for more reputable sources if you're interested in exploring this topic.
3. Alex - 2/5 stars
Unfortunately, "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth" fell short of my expectations. I was hoping for a thorough examination of the potential connections between pagan beliefs and the development of Christianity. However, the book merely scratched the surface and failed to provide a comprehensive analysis. The arguments presented were often oversimplified and lacking in supporting evidence. I believe there are better books out there that delve deeper into this topic and offer a more nuanced perspective.
4. Sarah - 2/5 stars
I was initially intrigued by the premise of "Pagan influences on the development of the Christ myth," but ultimately, I found it unconvincing. The author seemed more interested in advancing their personal agenda rather than presenting a well-supported argument. The lack of credible sources and reliance on outdated research made the book feel outdated and irrelevant. I would recommend seeking out more scholarly and balanced works on the subject if you're genuinely interested in exploring the potential impact of pagan influences on Christianity.