Mythological tales are an integral part of many ancient cultures. These have been passed down several generations in the oral tradition where family members would gather around for a good tale of the day. The beauty of these stories lies in their immense creativity and the manner in which the small tales are interwoven together to form a greater tale. Below are a few similarities in such stories across cultures. This makes us wonder if we were separated by water at any point at all!
Kidnappers!
Sita and Helen of Sparta share something in common. Sita was kidnapped by Ravana in the Ramayana, and was the reason to launch an army of monkey men onto the enemy. It didn't stop there. They also put Lanka on fire and built a bridge out of floating stones. Helen of Sparta also known as the famous Helen of Troy had the 'face that launched a thousand ships'. Her 'abduction' by Paris was the sole cause for the famed Trojan war in Greek mythology.
Talk about women power!
*Some say abduction and some say Helen went willingly as she was made to fall in love with Paris as a reward for solving the discord between Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.
The Great Flood
Floods and deluges were seen in many mythological tales. It usually occurred when the Gods were displeased with the state of affairs in the world. The result was a flood which reminded the mortals of Gods' displeasure and their immense power. It also gave a few good souls the chance to survive.
A popular tale of this theme across the world is that of Noah's ark. Originating in the Hebrew tradition, it can also be seen in various versions in Christianity, Rabbinic and Islamic traditions.
The story is about how God displeased with the corruption on earth decided to destroy all life with a great flood but Noah had found grace in the eyes of God and was instructed to build an ark. He was then told to take shelter there with his family while taking along with him two animals of both genders of each species living on the earth.
In Indian mythology the tale of Matsya avatara of Lord Vishnu tells a similar tale. It talks about how Lord Vishnu appears in the form of a fish to save the Vedas which had been stolen by a demon and which were now at the bottom of a deep ocean along with the demon himself. Lord Vishnu before disappearing into the ocean warns king Satyavratha about the deluge that will come soon. He then instructs him to board a ship that will appear before him at that time and take with him seeds and animal species and other such things which he will need in the next cycle of creation.
