DİNSEL VE MİTOLOJİK BİR SEMBOL OLARAK BAZI KÜLTÜRLERDE YILAN

Abstract

Snake is a reptile and poisonous animal. This animal has been labeled as a mysterious living creature in many societies due to its frightening nature and vanity. With its functional and aesthetical characteristics, it has played a role in the mythology and belief systems of almost all cultures. With its distinctive features, snake has been assigned different meanings in every society. In some of them, it has been considered as a healer and protector while in others as a deadly dangerous animal. The snake which has been known as a miracle worker has also been come to known as a dominant figure with its two opposing characteristics. Snake can be cunning, sneaky and traitor; or smart, protective and sacred which are two opposing character traits thereof. Perhaps, the reason for this creature which carries many contrasting elements, to be regarded as mysterious or magical arises from this sophisticated trait. In addition to these aspects, snake has laid an emphasis both on mortality and immortality throughout the history. With its ability to shed skin for renewal, the snake has been labeled as immortal while its malicious and cunning nature has been associated with mortality. Laying stress on the theme of immortality, snake has been glorified; even

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