Tales as old as time, written in the cosmic canvas of the night sky, the legends about constellations form an integral part of human civilizational history.

The Great Bear: Ursa Major

One of the most recognizable constellations, Ursa Major, commonly known as the Big Dipper, has a fascinating mythological backstory.

The Greek Odyssey

According to Greek mythology, Ursa Major represents Callisto, a mortal woman who turned into a bear due to Hera’s envy and was subsequently placed in the sky for eternity by Zeus.

American Indian Mystique

Contrastingly, American Indian legend describes the Big Dipper as seven warriors perpetually chasing a big bear across the celestial plains.

Orion: The Hunter of the Heavens

Orion, another famed constellation, also derives its name and story from Greek myths.

From Humble Beginnings to Celestial Immortality

As the tale goes, Orion was a magnificent hunter. He boasted that he could kill every beast on Earth. This angered the Earth goddess, Gaia, who sent a giant scorpion (now the Scorpius constellation) to kill him. Upon his death, the Gods felt remorse and immortalized Orion by placing him in the heavens, forever hunting across the sky.

The Egyptian Connection

In Egyptian mythology, Orion was closely associated with Osiris, the god of death, rebirth, and the afterlife.

The Celestial Twins: Gemini

The constellation Gemini, depicting two stick figures, resonates with twin legends worldwide.

Brothers in Arms: Castor and Pollux

Greek mythology portrays Gemini as Castor and Pollux, two brothers with a deep bond. Castor was mortal, while Pollux was immortal. Upon Castor’s death, Pollux begged Zeus to let him share his immortality with his brother, leading Zeus to place them together in the sky.

The Two Coyotes: Native American Lore

In some Native American lore, Gemini symbolizes two coyotes - one an honest and noble animal, the other deceptive and manipulative - always together symbolizing the dual nature of reality.

Sagittarius: The Archer’s Sagas

Sagittarius is prominently known as an expert archer in diverse lore.

The Centaur Chiron: Greek Interpretation

The Greeks identified Sagittarius as the wise centaur Chiron, tutor of Hercules, who accidentally got wounded by Hercules’s poisoned arrow. His incurable wound made him renounce his immortality, and Zeus honored him by placing him in the sky.

The Teapot: Modern Depiction

Modern interpretations often depict Sagittarius as a teapot, giving a whimsical twist to these ancient tales.

If the celestial legends stir your curiosity, enhancing your knowledge about constellations and seeking the diverse mythology intertwined with them, can be incredibly rewarding. Astronomy clubs, planetarium visits, and stargazing apps are great resources to delve deep into the cosmos.

Never underestimate the power of myths to help decode the universe. Humans have looked into the night sky, searching for answers and seeking guidance, for millennia. The constellations were their companions then, and they can become ours today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many constellations are there?

There are officially recognized 88 constellations by the International Astronomical Union.

Do constellations change over time?

Yes, due to the Earth’s axial precession, constellations change slightly over thousands of years.

Can we see all constellations from one place on Earth?

No, the visibility of constellations is latitude-dependent. So, which constellations you can see depends on your location.

Article updated at Monday, October 7, 2024