Snakes

The most fascinating reptile alive now is the snake. Well yes many more reptiles are each beautiful and interesting to learn about, although nothing is quite so intense as the snake. Also called serpents, snakes have been a part of human mythology for thousands of years. They have an infamous reputation because of the serpent that gave Eve the apple of knowledge, according to the Bible. This followed with humans being banned from the Garden of Eden. Some would regard this as symbolic, with Adam and Eve portraying an earlier age of humans being closer to nature as hunter-gatherers. Because of this story, snakes generally have been associated with evil. Despite that, snakes appear as symbols of healing and medicine. This comes from Greek mythology and the Rod of Asclepius, which became the constellation "the serpent-bearer". 

Far back in ancient times, Minoan figurines of snake goddesses were made. The artwork shows fine details of their clothes, as the Minoan dresses were long, full and layered. Later the classical Greek myths mention Gorgons, snake-haired women that turned people to stone. Also there was the giant snake called Python who was killed by the god Apollo. This was much to do with the oracle of Delphi as some believe there is a connection. 

The biggest snake is found in Norse mythology, named Jörmungandr. This is The World Serpent that circles around the earth and holds its tail with its mouth. If the tail is ever released, that means the time of Ragnarok (doom) will come. It's said that the god Thor will eventually slay it. Jörmungandr is the offspring of Loki and the giantess Angrboda. According to some stories, Thor once lifted a giant cat, which really was Jörmungandr in disguise. One paw remained on the ground but if it had been lifted completely, the world would've been destroyed. 

Storm Valkyrie 🐍