From Dragons to Fire Hounds: 6 Most Fascinating Solar Eclipse Myths Throughout History
The sky suddenly darkens, the temperature drops abruptly, and the Sun disappears in broad daylight... What would you feel if you experienced such a moment hundreds of years ago?
Modern astronomy now knows that a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun. However, for people in the past, this extraordinary sky event was sometimes a sign of a monster eating the Sun, sometimes a celestial fight, and sometimes the wrath of the gods. So, what are the most interesting legends about Solar Eclipses? What does the eclipse foretell?
China: The Dragon that Swallows the Sun
According to one of the ancient Chinese beliefs, a solar eclipse occurred when a celestial dragon tried to swallow the Sun. When this terrifying natural event began, people resorted to various methods to scare the dragon in the sky and make it release the Sun.
People would make a loud noise by hitting pots and drums, thereby trying to drive away the celestial dragon. This belief in China has survived to this day as one of the most well-known legends explaining why people make loud noises during eclipses.
Scandinavia: Sky Wolves Sköll and Hati
In Norse (Scandinavian) mythology, the sky is the scene of an endless pursuit. It is believed that wolves named Sköll and Hati chase the Sun and Moon in the sky. Eclipses were associated with the moments when these wolves caught up with their prey and captured them.
In Scandinavian beliefs, it was also said that during an eclipse, noise was made to scare the wolves and make them release the Sun or Moon. Thus, it was believed that the darkness in the sky would end.
India: The Demon Burning with the Fire of Revenge
In Hindu mythology, the solar eclipse is explained with the demon Rahu, through an epic tale of betrayal and revenge. According to the legend, Rahu tries to secretly drink the elixir of immortality (Amrita) of the gods. The Sun and the Moon notice this and report him to Vishnu. As a punishment, Vishnu separates Rahu's head from his body. However, since the elixir has passed through Rahu's throat, his head remains immortal.
This head, burning with the fire of revenge, chases the Sun and the Moon forever. When Rahu catches and swallows them, the eclipse begins. However, since he has no body, the Sun or the Moon he swallows reappear shortly after passing through his severed neck.
Togo and Benin: The Quarrel of the Sun and the Moon
Perhaps the most philosophical and peaceful narrative among eclipse myths belongs to the Batammaliba people living in West Africa (Togo and Benin). According to their narrative, a solar eclipse is not a monster attack, but a fight between the Sun and the Moon in the sky.
The duty of the people is not to fear, but to show these great celestial beings the right way. The Batammaliba people put aside their long-standing hostilities and disagreements during the eclipse. Thus, they aim to set an example to the Sun and the Moon by sending a message of peace and harmony to the sky and to help them end the fight.
Korea: Fire Dogs Trying to Catch the Sun
In Korean folklore, the disappearance of light is based on a much more fantastical foundation, the Land of Darkness called Gamangnara. The ruler of this dark realm wants to seize the Sun and the Moon to illuminate his world and sends fire dogs, called Bulgae, to the sky.
According to folklore, these dogs trying to catch and bite the Sun or the Moon is associated with eclipses. However, the Sun is hot enough to burn the dogs' mouths, and the Moon is cold enough to freeze them. Therefore, the dogs cannot carry their prey and eventually have to let go.
North America (Choctaw Natives): The Black Squirrel that Gnaws the Sun
In the cultural narratives of the Choctaw Nation, one of the indigenous peoples of North America, the darkening of the Sun is explained by a mischievous black squirrel named Fvni Lusa gnawing at the Sun.
According to the belief, an eclipse occurs when the squirrel starts gnawing at the Sun. The Choctaw people, wanting to save the Sun, would make a lot of noise, whistle, and shout to scare the squirrel and make it release the Sun.
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