Mati-Syra-Zemlya
Mati-Syra-Zemlya (moist Mother Earth) In Russian mythology, earth goddess. The worship of Mati-Syra-Zemlya continued in Russia up to the eve of World War I, when…
Month: December 2017
Masterson, Bat
Bat Masterson (1855–1921) In American history and folklore, William Barclay Masterson was a sheriff noted for his fine suits, pearl-gray bowler, diamond stickpin, and notched…
Mary of Egypt, St.
Mary of Egypt, St. (rebellion? wished-for child?) (fourth century) In Christian legend, prostitute who became a saint. Feast, 2 April. St. Jerome wrote that in…
Mary Magdalene, St.
Mary Magdalene, St. (rebellion? wished-for child?) (first century) In the Bible, N.T., penitent woman. Western art, following Christian legend, makes no distinction between Mary, the…
Maruts
Maruts (flashing) In Hindu mythology, wind gods who form part of the entourage of Indra, the storm god, or of Rudra (another name for Shiva).…
Martin of Tours, St.
Martin of Tours, St. (from Mars, Roman god of war; Latin variation, Sanctus Martinus; Italian, San Martino) (fourth century) In Christian legend, patron saint of…
Martha, St.
Martha, St. (lady) (first century) In Christian legend, patron of cooks and housewives. Sister of Mary of Bethany and of Lazarus, whom Christ raised from…
Marsyas
Marsyas (battler?) In Greek mythology, a Phrygian flute player, son of Olympus; sometimes called Silenus; follower of the Great Mother goddess Cybele. Marsyas, who took…
Marko the Gravedigger
Marko, the Gravedigger is in Russian folklore, a monk who restored the dead to life. Marko was a gravedigger for the Holy Crypt Monastery during…
Mark, St.
Mark, St. (from Mars, the Roman god of war) (First century) In the Bible, N.T., Evangelist, author of the Gospel that bears his name. Patron…