In today's world, Paleo-Balkan mythology is a topic that has captured the attention of many people in different fields. Whether due to its relevance in society, its impact on history, or its influence on popular culture, Paleo-Balkan mythology has proven to be a fundamental element in the lives of many people. Throughout this article, we will explore different aspects related to Paleo-Balkan mythology, from its origins to its impact today. We will delve into its relevance in different contexts, analyze its implications in various aspects of daily life, and examine its constant evolution over time. In short, Paleo-Balkan mythology is a fascinating topic that deserves to be explored in depth to understand its true meaning in today's world.
Paleo-Balkan mythology is the group of religious beliefs held by Paleo-Balkan-speaking peoples in ancient times, including Illyrian, Thracian and Dacian mythologies.
Horseman
The horseman was a common Palaeo-Balkan hero. The original Palaeo-Balkan word for 'horseman' has been reconstructed as *Me(n)zana-, with the root *me(n)za- 'horse'. It is based on evidence provided by:
- Albanian: mëz or mâz 'foal', with the original meaning of 'horse' that underwent a later semantic shift 'horse' > 'foal' after the loan from Latin caballus into Albanian kalë 'horse'; the same root is also found in Albanian: mazrek 'horse breeder';
- Messapic: menzanas, appearing as an epithet in Zis Menzanas, found in votive inscriptions, and in Iuppiter Menzanas, mentioned in a passage written by Festus in relation to a Messapian horse sacrifice;
- Romanian: mînz;
- Thracian: ΜΕΖΗΝΑ̣Ι mezēnai, found in the inscription of the Duvanli gold ring also bearing the image of a horseman.
The reliefs of the Thracian horseman, especially his depiction as a hunter (either chasing or holding the hunted animal in his hand), were widespread within the Balkano-Danubian area during the Roman period.
Subsets of Paleo-Balkan mythology
See also
Sources
Citations
- ^ Leeming 2005, pp. xvii, 44–45.
- ^ Oreshko 2020, p. 118.
- ^ Malaj, Edmond (2013). "Familje fisnike të Drishtit mesjetar (Noble Families of Medieval Drivasto". Studime Historike. 3–4. p. 45.
- ^ Hampartumian 1979, p. 13.
- ^ Wilkes 1992, p. 247.
Bibliography
- Hampartumian, Nubar (1979). Moesia Inferior (Romanian Section) and Dacia. Corpus Cultus Equitis Thracii (CCET). Vol. 4. Brill. ISBN 978-90-04-29552-0.
- Leeming, David A. (2005). The Oxford Companion to World Mythology. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0195156692.
- Oreshko, Rostislav (2020). "The onager kings of Anatolia: Hartapus, Gordis, Muška and the steppe strand in early Phrygian culture" (PDF). Kadmos. 59 (1/2). De Gruyter: 77–128. doi:10.1515/kadmos-2020-0005. S2CID 235451836.
- Wilkes, John J. (1992). The Illyrians. Oxford, United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing. ISBN 0-631-19807-5.
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