References to Amethyst in Ancient and Modern Myths and Legends.
The ancient mythology beliefs, crystal mythology, and references to crystals, minerals, metals, semi-precious stones and rocks in Greek, Roman, Native American, and Egyptian Mythology are many. There are also Mineral Legends, mining folklore, heroes in mining, myths about jewelry, stories of buried treasure, Vedic Myths, and more. We have gathered the best legends, mythological references and rock folklore in this section of JewelrySupplier.com.
The mythology and legends surrounding garnet date back as far as prehistoric times. There has been said to exist a village of "lake dwellers" around the area now known as Europe who fashioned neck ornaments from it. Garnet was also among the first semiprecious stones to be mentioned in writings ancient times. It also has a deep history with warriors and journeyers. Garnets have been known, for centuries, to contain compelling healing powers and majesty in their luminescence and adornment of the powerful. The name garnet comes from the Latin word for grain or seed: "granatus." It took on this name for it's similarity in looks to a pomegranate seed. Pomegranate's association and symbolism with garnet has been a long standing one and has been referenced and related to in many works of literature up to and including those of Greek Mythology. Garnet has also been know to used as bullets (India rebellion of 1892) because of the belief of the severity of their effect on a victim It's rich mythical and historical background contribute to the brilliance of it's beauty.
Garnet
and Greek Mythology
Many of the names of the various stones of the garnet family evolve
from Geek nomenclature (litho-meaning stone in all of the gems
ending in -lite, such as Rhodolite). This isn't the only relationship that
Ancient Greece has had with relationship with garnet. The pomegranate, in
very close relationship and symbol of garnet, is referenced in Greek myth.
These references have given garnet some of it's legendary characteristics.
The most notable reference where garnet is thought to be symbolized by a
pomegranate, involves Hades and Persephone. It is as follows: After
Hades had abducted Persephone and taken her down into the underworld,
Zeus, on the behalf of Demeter, commanded him to release her. Zeus sent
Hermes to ensure the safety of Persephone's passage. Hermes found
Persephone seated next to Hades. Upon the sight of Hermes, Persephone was
elated to be released from underworld. Hades knew he must head the command
of his brother and had no choice but to let her go. Hades was eager to
ensure her return. Before leaving, Hades gave, as a gift to Persephone, a
pomegranate. She willingly accepted it and Hades knew that once she
experienced the sweetness of the ripened seeds that she would return to
him. In fact Persephone did return to Hades for three months of every year
forever. Persephone's return caused the winter to arrive for the three
month for which she remained with Hades. The pomegranate (and garnet) is
associated with eternity in many Greek Myths. Many have associated the
gift of the pomegranate seeds with the gift of fine garnet gems. It's
meaning has given symbolism to garnet as a gift of love's attraction, a
gift of quick return or as a gift of estranged love. This myth gave
partial rise to the belief that garnet is a stone for loved ones who
travel and a crystal that can heal the broken bonds between lovers.
Garnet
Legends
Garnet has long been associated with fire and illumination for many
ancient cultures. It is said to be a jewel with the capacity to illuminate
the night sky. Garnet was believed to be hung in the Ark by Noah to light
the path and the inside of the boat. There are many similar legends that
involve garnet and it's lighting capabilities. Eastern Indians rubbed
garnet on themselves in order to obtain their glowing qualities. Another
legend references an elderly lady who came upon an injured bird in her
path during her travels. She took the bird home with her to nurse it back
to health. After it's recovery, it flew away. The lady thought she'd never
see it again when it came to her house bearing for her a gift. It dropped
on her lap a red colored stone which she put at her bedside. To her
surprise, she awoke in the night to see it shinning as bright as a torch
showing the creature's gratitude for her kindness. Garnet has also been
said to light the palace of the medieval monarch of Abyssinia It
continually remains a symbol today of faith, truth and light. It has been
known to be buried, in jewelry form (necklaces, bracelets, rings,
earrings, pendants and amulets) with the dead of Scandinavia to light
their passage to the next life.
Garnet
and Modern Myth
Garnet has been used by various Indian tribes to enhance the potency
of fire and to heal and enlighten their people. Among these tribal groups
are Mayans, Aztecs, certain African tribes, Native American and South
American Indians. It has also been said that garnet has been ground up
into a soft silky mass and heated to act as a medicinal remedy for fever
(even yellow and other dangerous forms of fever). Many healers continue to
use garnet today as a supplimental cure for nightmares, attacks, jaundice
and unclean auras.
Links