The Loves of the Thunder-Gods
A study of the mythology and literature of ancient Mesopotamia, particularly the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, and Assyrians. Explores the various love stories and relationships depicted in their texts, including those between gods and goddesses, mortals, and mythical creatures. Analyzes the cultural and historical context of these works and their significance in understanding the beliefs and values of ancient Mesopotamian societies.
By Basil Hall Chamberlain · First published 1906 · Genre: Mythology, Folklore, Fantasy · 195 words
First lines
Two young thunder-gods, sons of the chief thunder-god, fell violently in love with the same Aino woman. Said one of them to the other, in a joking way: "I will become a flea, so as to be able to hop into her bosom." Said the other: "I will become a louse, so as to be able to stay always in her bosom."
"Are those your wishes?" cried their father, the chief thunder-god. "You shall be taken at your word"; and forthwith the one of them who had said he would become a flea was turned into a flea, while he who said he would become a louse was turned into a louse. Hence all the fleas and lice that exist at the present day.
What this Textopian page supports
The Loves of the Thunder-Gods is listed on Textopian as an essay by Basil Hall Chamberlain, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Basil Hall Chamberlain
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mythology, Folklore, Fantasy, Cultural studies, Historic
- Length: 195 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Loves of the Thunder-Gods by Basil Hall Chamberlain
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Loves of the Thunder-Gods?
- How does this essay by Basil Hall Chamberlain fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Mythology first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Mythology — The book's title suggests that it explores the loves of various thunder-gods, implying a mythological subject matter.
- Folklore — The book seems to present stories about different thunder-gods, which may include elements of folklore and traditional tales.
- Fantasy — The book's subject matter deals with supernatural beings, placing it in the realm of fantasy.
- Cultural studies — Basil Hall Chamberlain was a well-known Japanologist; therefore the material might offer insight into cultural studies.
Tags
Mythology · Folklore · Norse Mythology · Thunder Gods · Odin · Thor · Loki · Asgard · Valhalla · Ragnarok · Greek Mythology · Comparative Mythology
More by Basil Hall Chamberlain
- The Fisher-boy Urashima (1886)
- The Invention of a New Religion (1930)
- The Rat and the Owl (1899)
- Why the Cock Cannot Fly (1902)
- The Origin of the Hare (1902)
- The Reason for there being no Fixed Time for Human Beings to (1928)
- How a Man Got the Better of Two Foxes (1899)
- The Man Who Married the Bear-Goddess (1925)
- All works by Basil Hall Chamberlain