#Samaveda

[drcpanda12]

New Post has been published on https://www.knewtoday.net/the-vedas-sacred-scriptures-of-hinduism/

The Vedas: Sacred Scriptures of Hinduism

The Vedas are the ancient and revered scriptures of Hinduism, embodying the spiritual wisdom and religious practices of the ancient Indian civilization. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit, these texts have been passed down through generations for thousands of years and continue to hold immense significance in Hindu religious and philosophical traditions.

The word “Veda” originates from the Sanskrit root “vid,” which means knowledge or wisdom. Thus, the Vedas are often regarded as a divine revelation, representing the profound insights and eternal truths perceived by ancient seers and sages.

Believed to have been composed between 1500 and 500 BCE, though their oral tradition may extend even further back in time, the Vedas consist of four main collections known as Samhitas. These collections are the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. Each Samhita serves a distinct purpose, encompassing hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical discourses.

The Rigveda, the oldest and most significant of the four, contains hymns dedicated to various deities, celebrating cosmic forces and natural phenomena. It offers a glimpse into the religious and social life of the ancient Vedic society.

The Yajurveda focuses on the performance of rituals and sacrifices, providing detailed instructions and verses to guide priests during religious ceremonies. It emphasizes the importance of correct recitation and the proper execution of rituals for spiritual attainment.

The Samaveda centers around melodies and chants derived from the Rigveda. It is primarily concerned with the musical aspects of rituals, elucidating the power of sound and rhythm in invoking divine energies.

The Atharvaveda encompasses a diverse range of hymns, spells, and incantations. It addresses practical aspects of life, including healing, protection, and averting misfortunes. It also delves into philosophical and ethical teachings.

Additionally, the Vedas comprise supplementary texts known as Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. The Brahmanas provide ritualistic explanations, the Aranyakas serve as texts for hermits and seekers in forest retreats, while the Upanishads delve into profound metaphysical and spiritual concepts, exploring the nature of reality, self, and ultimate truth.

The Vedas hold a central position in Hinduism and are regarded as the foundational scriptures upon which the diverse branches and philosophies of Hindu thought have been built. They have influenced religious rituals, philosophical schools, and ethical principles throughout history, shaping the religious practices and beliefs followed by millions of Hindus worldwide.

Today, the Vedas continue to inspire seekers of wisdom, offering profound insights into the nature of existence and guiding individuals on their spiritual journeys. They stand as a testament to the ancient heritage and rich spiritual legacy of Hinduism, inviting contemplation, devotion, and the pursuit of eternal truth.

Rigveda

The Rigveda is the oldest and most important collection within the Vedas, consisting of hymns and prayers composed in Vedic Sanskrit. It is considered one of the oldest religious texts in the world, with origins dating back more than 3,500 years ago.

Structure and Contents:

The Rigveda is divided into ten books, known as Mandalas, and contains a total of 1,028 hymns, or Suktas, attributed to different sages and seers known as rishis. These hymns are addressed to various deities, such as Agni (the god of fire), Indra (the king of gods and the god of thunder and war), Varuna (the god of cosmic order and justice), and many others.

The hymns in the Rigveda are written in poetic and metaphorical language, often using intricate metaphors, symbolism, and allegories. They express deep reverence for nature, cosmic forces, and the divine, seeking blessings, protection, and guidance from the gods.

Themes and Significance:

The Rigveda covers a wide range of themes and topics, including creation myths, praises to the gods, nature worship, cosmology, ethical values, social order, and the importance of rituals. It reflects the religious and social practices of Vedic society, providing insights into their beliefs, rituals, and worldview.

The hymns of the Rigveda offer a glimpse into the religious and spiritual experiences of the ancient Vedic seers. They express a sense of wonder and awe towards the natural world, seeking to understand the mysteries of existence and the relationship between humanity and the divine.

Philosophical Teachings:

While the Rigveda is primarily a collection of hymns, it also contains philosophical insights and contemplative reflections. Some hymns explore the nature of reality, the concept of Brahman (the ultimate reality), and the pursuit of knowledge and truth. They discuss philosophical questions regarding the origins of the universe, the nature of existence, and the purpose of human life.

Influence:

The Rigveda has had a profound influence on Hindu religious, social, and cultural practices. Its hymns and rituals form the foundation of the Vedic sacrificial ceremonies and have shaped the development of Hinduism over the centuries. The concepts and ideas found in the Rigveda have influenced subsequent Hindu scriptures, philosophical schools, and religious practices.

The Rigveda is not only a religious text but also a significant literary and historical document. It provides valuable insights into the early Vedic civilization, its language, social structure, and religious practices. Scholars and researchers continue to study and interpret the Rigveda to deepen their understanding of ancient Indian culture and religious traditions.

Overall, the Rigveda stands as a testament to the ancient wisdom, poetic brilliance, and spiritual quest of the Vedic seers, offering a profound glimpse into the religious and philosophical thought of the time and contributing to the rich tapestry of Hindu spirituality.

Yajurveda

The Yajurveda is one of the four main collections of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. It is primarily focused on the performance of rituals and sacrifices, providing instructions, formulas, and verses for priests to follow during religious ceremonies. The Yajurveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and is considered a crucial guidebook for priests or “yajurvedis” to carry out sacrificial rites.

Structure and Contents:

The Yajurveda is divided into two main branches or versions: the Krishna Yajurveda (Black Yajurveda) and the Shukla Yajurveda (White Yajurveda). The Krishna Yajurveda contains prose and verse portions mixed together, while the Shukla Yajurveda consists primarily of prose sections. Both versions contain rituals and formulas for the performance of sacrifices, but they differ in arrangement and presentation.

The Yajurveda contains hymns and mantras, referred to as “Yajus,” which are recited during various stages of sacrificial rituals. These mantras are precise and formulaic, serving as instructions for the priests regarding the actions to be taken, the offerings to be made, and the recitation of prayers and invocations.

Themes and Significance:

The Yajurveda emphasizes the importance of correct pronunciation and the precise execution of rituals. It provides detailed descriptions of various rituals, including the preparation of altars, the kindling of sacred fires, the offering of oblations, and the chanting of specific mantras. The rituals outlined in the Yajurveda were performed as acts of devotion, seeking blessings, and establishing a harmonious relationship between humans and deities.

The Yajurveda also contains philosophical and moral teachings. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living in harmony with the natural and cosmic order. It highlights the concept of dharma (righteousness) and encourages ethical conduct, social responsibility, and spiritual growth.

Influence:

The Yajurveda has played a significant role in shaping Hindu religious practices and rituals. It served as a practical guide for priests in performing sacrifices and ceremonies, ensuring that rituals were carried out with precision and adherence to tradition.

While the Yajurveda is primarily concerned with rituals, it also contains philosophical insights and contemplations on the nature of the universe, the relationship between the divine and the mortal, and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. These philosophical aspects have contributed to the development of Hindu philosophy and provided a foundation for later texts, such as the Upanishads.

The teachings of the Yajurveda continue to be influential in contemporary Hindu rituals, especially in the performance of religious ceremonies, including marriages, fire sacrifices, and other religious rites. Its mantras and rituals are still recited and followed by priests and practitioners in traditional Vedic ceremonies.

In summary, the Yajurveda is a crucial Vedic text that provides detailed instructions and formulas for performing rituals and sacrifices. It holds significance in preserving ancient Vedic traditions, promoting ethical values, and guiding practitioners in their spiritual journey and devotion to the divine.

Samaveda

The Samaveda is one of the four main collections of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. It is primarily focused on the musical aspects of rituals and sacrifices, containing a collection of melodies and chants derived from the Rigveda. The Samaveda is written in Vedic Sanskrit and is considered the earliest known musical text in the world.

Structure and Contents:

The Samaveda consists of a compilation of melodies and chants, known as Samans, which were sung during Vedic rituals. These chants are derived from the hymns of the Rigveda but are set to melodic patterns and rhythms. The melodies were sung by a group of priests called the Samavedins, who were responsible for the musical aspects of the rituals.

The Samaveda is organized into two main sections: the Purvarchika (First Archika) and the Uttararchika (Later Archika). The Purvarchika contains melodies from the Rigveda, while the Uttararchika comprises additional melodies specific to the Samaveda. Each section is further divided into chapters and subsections.

Themes and Significance:

The Samaveda places great importance on the musical recitation of the Vedic hymns. It focuses on the precise chanting of the mantras, the correct pronunciation of syllables, and the modulation of the voice to create a melodic and rhythmic flow. The melodies and chants of the Samaveda were believed to have a profound impact on the mind, invoking specific energies and facilitating the connection between humans and the divine.

The Samaveda also highlights the power of sound and its ability to evoke spiritual experiences. It emphasizes the concept of Nada Brahman, the divine essence manifesting as sound vibrations. The Samaveda recognizes that the musical recitation of the Vedic hymns can lead to a transcendental experience, helping individuals attune themselves to cosmic harmony and experience a sense of unity with the divine.

Influence:

The Samaveda has had a significant influence on the development of Indian classical music and its spiritual dimension. The musical patterns and techniques found in the Samaveda served as the foundation for the melodic structures and ragas in Indian classical music. The concept of using sound as a means of spiritual elevation and self-realization is a core principle in Indian music and can be traced back to the Samaveda.

The Samaveda’s emphasis on the power of sound and its connection to the divine has also influenced the practice of chanting and mantra recitation in Hinduism. Chanting sacred verses and mantras is considered a potent spiritual practice, believed to have transformative effects on the mind, body, and spirit.

While the Samaveda may not be as widely studied or practiced as the other Vedas, its musical and spiritual legacy continues to resonate in Hindu traditions. Its melodies and chants are occasionally performed in religious ceremonies and festivals, preserving the ancient musical heritage and the profound spiritual significance of sound in the Vedic tradition.

In summary, the Samaveda is a Vedic text dedicated to the musical recitation of Vedic hymns. It highlights the power of sound, melodies, and chants to create a sacred atmosphere and facilitate a connection with the divine. Its influence can be seen in the development of Indian classical music and the continued practice of chanting in Hindu rituals and spiritual disciplines.

Atharvaveda

The Atharvaveda is one of the four main collections of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. It is distinct from the other Vedas in terms of its content and style. While the other three Vedas (Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda) primarily focus on hymns, rituals, and chants, the Atharvaveda includes a compilation of hymns, spells, and incantations for practical purposes.

Structure and Contents: The Atharvaveda is divided into twenty books, known as Kandas, and contains a total of 730 hymns or Suktas. These hymns are attributed to various rishis (seers) and are written in Vedic Sanskrit. The Atharvaveda is believed to be a later addition to the Vedic texts, likely composed around 1000 BCE.

Unlike the other Vedas, the Atharvaveda incorporates a broader range of topics and addresses practical aspects of life. It includes hymns and spells for healing, protection, exorcism, fertility, prosperity, and averting misfortunes. The hymns also touch upon social and ethical issues, as well as philosophical and metaphysical themes.

Themes and Significance: The Atharvaveda encompasses a diverse array of themes and rituals. Some of the prominent themes found within the Atharvaveda include:

Healing and Medicine: The Atharvaveda contains numerous hymns and spells for healing ailments, both physical and mental. It includes prayers and incantations for curing diseases, invoking the healing powers of various deities and natural elements.

Protection and Averting Evil: The Atharvaveda includes spells and rituals for protection against evil forces, black magic, and negative energies. These hymns and incantations aim to shield individuals, homes, and communities from harm and ill fortune.

Social and Domestic Life: The Atharvaveda addresses various aspects of domestic and social life. It provides guidance on marital relationships, childbirth, family harmony, agriculture, and general well-being.

Ethical and Philosophical Teachings: Alongside the practical spells and rituals, the Atharvaveda includes hymns that explore ethical values, righteous conduct, and philosophical reflections. It delves into the nature of reality, the meaning of life, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.

Influence:

Atharvaveda’s practical approach and focus on everyday concerns have made it relevant in diverse aspects of Hindu culture and society. Its spells and rituals are still practiced by certain communities and individuals seeking remedies, healing, and protection. Some of the practices and beliefs associated with traditional folk medicine and folk rituals in India can be traced back to the Atharvaveda.

The philosophical and ethical teachings found within the Atharvaveda have also contributed to the development of Hindu thought and spirituality. The ethical principles and reflections on the nature of existence continue to inspire philosophical inquiry and spiritual contemplation.

While the Atharvaveda is sometimes considered distinct from the other Vedas due to its content and style, it remains an essential part of the Vedic tradition. Its inclusion in the Vedas testifies to the rich and diverse tapestry of ancient Indian wisdom and showcases the practical and spiritual dimensions of Vedic knowledge.

In summary, the Atharvaveda stands apart from the other Vedas with its hymns, spells, and incantations for practical purposes. It addresses healing, protection, social life, and philosophical reflections. The Atharvaveda’s influence can be seen in healing practices, rituals, and philosophical contemplations that continue to resonate in Hindu culture and spirituality.

[philippequeau]

Pourquoi les rites religieux n’ont aucun sens

“Le sacrifice de la vache rousse” ©Philippe Quéau (Art Κέω) 2024 Toutes les religions se ressemblent au moins sur ce point : leurs rites obéissent à des règles qui n’ont aucun sens. Ce qui importe dans un rituel, c’est ce que l’on fait – et non pas ce que l’on pense, ce que l’on croit ou ce que l’on dit. Le rituel n’a pas de sens intrinsèque, il ne possède en soi ni but ni finalité. Il est à…

[jaiminiofficial]

Vedic Literature » Veda, Upanishads, Vedang, Puran, Ramayan

Vedic Literature » Veda, Aranyak, Upanishads, Vedang, Puran, Ramayan Vedic Literature » Veda, Aranyak, Upanishads, Vedang, Puran, Ramayan Rigveda Veda Means Knowledge. It Shows The Arrival And Settlement Of Aryans.  Rigveda Has 10 Mandalas, 1028 Verses (1017 Suktas And 11 Valakhilyas) And About 10,600 Mantras.  The Rigveda Contains A Compilation Of Prayers Composed In The Memory Of Gods Like…

[munindramisra]

#samaveda #sama #veda #upanishad #upanishads #invocation #peace #chant #hinduismbook #munindramisra

SAMA VEDA: Upanishad Invocation & Peace Chant

https://youtu.be/2CYYop_bOuU

[meluhha]

challenging the ego & need for wealth & materiality that defined and defines brahmins + upper castes - these types of thoughts did not come out of vedic aryavarta but in opposition to it

Now, a man talks only when he talks with truth, hence you should seek to perceive the truth (Satya, सत्य). A man must first perceive before he speaks the truth, so it is perception/comprehension (Vijñana, विज्ञान) that you should seek to understand. A man must first think before he perceives, so it is thinking/thought (Mati, मति) that you should seek perceive. A man must first have faith before he thinks, so it is faith (Śraddhā, श्रद्दधा) that he should seek to perceive. A man must first produce before he has faith, so it is production/growing forth (Nististhati, निस्तिष्ठति) that you should seek to perceive. A man must first act before he produces, so it is action (Krti, कृति) that you should seek to perceive. A man must first attain well-being before he acts, so it is well-being (Sukham, सुखं) that you should seek to perceive. Now, well-being is nothing but plenitude/limitlessness (Bhuman, भूमानं). There is no prosperity in scarcity. So, it is plenitude that you should seek to perceive. Where a man sees, hears, or discerns no other thing — that is plenitude. Plenitude is based on one's own greatness or maybe it's not based on greatness. Cattle, slaves, farms & houses, etc - these are what people here call greatness. But I don't consider them that way, for they are all based on each other. Plenitude & 'I' are indeed the same, and is the north, south, east, west & extends over the whole world. A man who sees it this way, thinks about it this way, and perceives it this way; a man who finds pleasure in the self, who dallies with the self, who mates with the self, and who attains bliss in the self — he becomes completely his own master; he obtains complete freedom/autonomy (Svaraj, स्वराज्) of movement in all the worlds.

— Chandogya Upanishad 7.16-7.26

[santoschristos]

Saraswati

The goddess Saraswati is believed to bless people with the power of speech, wisdom and learning.

She has four hands that correlate to the four aspects of human personality in learning: intellect, alertness, mind and ego. Alternatively, arms also represent the four Vedas, the primary sacred books for Hindus.

The Vedas, in turn, represent the three forms of literature:

• Poetry - the Rigveda contains hymns, representing poetry;

• Prose - the Yajurveda contains prose; and

• Music - the Samaveda represents music.

In her hands, the goddess holds, variously: the lotus, the symbol of true knowledge; a sacred necklace or rosary in another hand; one or all of the Vedas, books of universal knowledge; a water pot, which may contain the lotus, with the water symbolizing the ocean of life; and, as pictured here, a musical instrument called the veena on which she plays the music of life and love.

She may be mounted, upon a swan, which personifies pure knowledge. Her herald is the peacock, a symbol of the arts.

Saraswati is worshipped and adored as the representation of knowledge and wisdom. Her devotees also seek her blessings for peace, purity, spirituality and excelence in all aspects in life.

[Image: Goddess Saraswati by Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906).]

The Smart Witch by Elizabeth

[electroniccyclecupcake]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

👉चार वेद ऋग्वेद,यजुर्वेद,सामवेदऔर अथर्ववेद को सभीजानतेहैं लेकिनपाँचवाँ वेद"सूक्ष्मवेद "कौन सा है?

🙏जानने के लिए पढ़िए पुस्तक

"हिन्दू साहेबान नहीं समझे गीता, वेद, पुराण"

Sant Rampal Ji discloses 5thVeda

👉संत रामपाल जी महाराज ऐप डाउनलोड करें।

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #

[lazychopshopbarbarian]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

⚡️वेद, गीता, पुराण, कुरआन आदि सभी सद्ग्रंथों में अधूरा ज्ञान है यही कारण है कि ये सभी सद्ग्रंथ हमें तत्त्वदर्शी संत की शरण में जाने के लिए संकेत करते हैं। जबकि पांचवें वेद "सूक्ष्मवेद" में अध्यात्म का सम्पूर्ण ज्ञान है।

जानने के लिए Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App डाउनलोड करें।

[das-1973]

पाँचवाँ वेद "सूक्ष्मवेद" आदि सनातन पंथ का ज्ञान कराता है, जिसमें बताया गया है:

गरीब, वही मुहम्मद वही महादेव, वही आदम वही ब्रह्मा।

गरीबदास दूसरा कोई नहीं, देख आपने घरमा।।

सूक्ष्मवेद का ज्ञान जानने के लिए पढ़िए पुस्तक "हिन्दू साहेबान नहीं समझे गीता, वेद, पुराण"

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

[akhleshmourya8665]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

[8505935828]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

⚡️आदि शंकराचार्य ने अपनी पुस्तक मठाम्नाय-महानुशासनम के श्लोक 42 में चारों वेदों के अतिरिक्त पाँचवें वेद "सूक्ष्मवेद" का जिक्र किया है।

क्या आप जानते हैं सूक्ष्मवेद के विषय में?

जानने के लिए Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App से डाउनलोड करके पढ़िए पुस्तक "हिन्दू साहेबान नहीं समझे गीता, वेद, पुराण"

[rinku6055]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

[jagat337]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

सूक्ष्मवेद का ज्ञान जानने के लिए Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App डाउनलोड करें और पुस्तक "हिन्दू साहेबान नहीं समझे गीता, वेद, पुराण" पढ़ें। गीता अध्याय 4 श्लोक 34 में कहा गया है कि तत्त्वज्ञान को तत्त्वदर्शी संत से प्राप्त करो। यही सूक्ष्मवेद का ज्ञान है।

[rugbirdas]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

सूक्ष्मवेद का ज्ञान जानने के लिए Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj App डाउनलोड करें और पुस्तक "हिन्दू साहेबान नहीं समझे गीता, वेद, पुराण" पढ़ें। गीता अध्याय 4 श्लोक 34 में कहा गया है कि तत्त्वज्ञान को तत्त्वदर्शी संत से प्राप्त करो। यही सूक्ष्मवेद का ज्ञान है।

[vikash22]

#पांचवें_वेद_का_रहस्य

#Vedas #AncientWisdom #SpiritualKnowledge #IndianPhilosophy #EternalTruths #DivineScriptures #VedicScience #VedicCulture #VedicTradition #HinduDharma #SanatanDharma #RigVeda #YajurVeda #SamaVeda #AtharvaVeda #SacredTexts #VedicMantras #UniversalKnowledge #VedicTeachings #AncientIndia

वेद, गीता, पुराण, कुरआन आदि सभी सग्रंथों में अधूरा ज्ञान है यही कारण है कि ये सभी सद्ग्रंथ हमें तत्त्वदर्शी संत की शरण में जाने के लिए संकेत करते हैं।

जबकि पांचवें वेद "सूक्ष्मवेद" में अध्यात्म का सम्पूर्ण ज्ञान है।

#noidagbnup16

[mask131]

A fantasy read-list: A-2

Fantasy read-list

Part A: Ancient fantasy

2) Mythological fantasy (other mythologies)

Beyond the Greco-Roman mythology, which remained the main source and main influence over European literature for millenia, two other main groups of myths had a huge influence over the later “fantasy” genres.

# On one side, the mythology of Northern Europe (Nordic/Scandinavian, Germanic, but also other ones such as Finnish). When it comes to Norse mythology, two works are the first names that pop-up: the Eddas. Compilations of old legends and mythical poems, they form the main sources of Norse myths. The oldest of the two is the Poetic Edda, or Elder Edda, an ancient compilation of Norse myths and legends in verse. The second Edda is the Prose Edda, so called because it was written in prose by the Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson (alternate names being Snorri’s Edda or the Younger Edda). Sorri Sturluson also wrote numerous other works of great importance, such as Heimskringla (a historical saga depicting the dynasties of Norse kings, starting with tales intermingled with Norse mythology, before growing increasingly “historically-accurate”) or the Ynglinga saga - some also attributed to him the Egil’s Saga.

Other “tales of the North” include, of course, Beowulf, one of the oldest English poems of history, and the most famous version of the old Germanic legend of the hero Beowulf ; the Germanic Völsunga saga and Nibelungenlied ; as well as the Kalevala - which is a bit late, I’ll admit, it was compiled in the 19th century, so it is from a very different time than the other works listed here, but it is the most complete and influential attempt at recreating the old Finnish mythology. 

# On the other side, the Celtic mythologies. The two most famous are, of course, the Welsh and the Irish mythologies (the third main branch of Celtic religion, the Gaul mythology, was not recorded in texts). 

For Welsh mythology, there is one work to go: the Mabinogion. It is one of the most complete collections of Welsh folktales and legends, and the earliest surviving Welsh prose stories - though a late record feeling the influence of Christianization over the late. It is also one of the earliest appearances of the figure of King Arthur, making it part of the “Matter of Britain”, we’ll talk about later.

For Irish mythology, we have much, MUCH more texts, but hopefully they were already sorted in “series” forming the various “cycles” of Irish mythologies. In order we have: The Mythological Cycle, or Cycle of the Gods. The Book of Invasions, the Battle of Moytura, the Children of Lir and the Wooing of Etain. The Ulster Cycle, mostly told through the epic The Cattle-Raid of Cooley. The Fianna Cycle, or Fenian Cycle, whose most important work would be Tales of the Elders of Ireland. And finally the Kings’ Cycle, with the famous trilogy of The Madness of Suibhne, The Feast of Dun na nGed, and The Battle of Mag Rath. 

Another famous Irish tale not part of these old mythological cycles, but still defining the early/medieval Irish literature is The Voyage of Bran. 

# While the trio of Greco-Roman, Nordic (Norse/Germanic) and Celtic mythologies were the most influential over the “fantasy literature” as a we know it today, other mythologies should be talked about - due to them either having temporary influences over the history of “supernatural literature” (such as through specific “fashions”), having smaller influences over fantasy works, or being used today to renew the fantasy genre.

The Vedas form the oldest religious texts of Hinduism, and the oldest texts of Sanskrit literature. They are the four sacred books of the early Hinduist religion: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda and the Atharvaveda. What is very interesting is that the Vedas are tied to what is called the “Vedic Hinduism”, an ancient, old form of Hinduism, which was centered around a pantheon of deities not too dissimilar to the pantheons of the Greeks, Norse or Celts - the Vedas reflect the form of Hinduist religion and mythology that was still close to its “Indo-European” mythology roots, a “cousin religion” to those of European Antiquity. Afterward, there was a big change in Hinduism, leading to the rise of a new form of the religion (usually called Puranic if my memory serves me well), this time focused on the famous trinity of deities we know today: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The classic epics and supernatural novels of China have been a source of inspiration for more Asian-influenced fantasy genres. Heavily influenced and shaped by the various mythologies and religions co-existing in China, they include: the Epic of Darkness, the Investiture of the Gods, Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, or What the Master does not Speak of - as well as the most famous of them all, THE great epic of China, Journey to the West. If you want less fictionized, more ancient sources, of course the “Five Classics” of Confucianism should be talked about: Classic of Poetry, Book of Documents, Book of Rites, Book of Changes, as well as Spring and Autumn Annals (though the Classic of Poetry and Book of Documents would be the more interesting one, as they contain more mythological texts and subtones - the Book of Changes is about a divination system, the Book of Rites about religious rites and courtly customs, and the Annals is a historical record). And, of course, let’s not forget to mention the “Four Great Folktales” of China: the Legend of the White Snake, the Butterfly Lovers, the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, as well as Lady Meng Jiang.

# As for Japanese mythology, there are three main sources of information that form the main corpus of legends and stories of Japan. The Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), a chronicle in which numerous myths, legends and folktales are collected, and which is considered the oldest literary work of Japan ; the Nihon Shoki, which is one of the oldest chronicles of the history of Japan, and thus a mostly historical document, but which begins with the Japanese creation myths and several Japanese legends found or modified from the Kojiki ; and finally the Fudoki, which are a series of reports of the 8th century that collected the various oral traditions and local legends of each of the Japanese provinces.

# The Mesopotamian mythologies are another group not to be ignored, as they form the oldest piece of literature of history! The legends of Sumer, Akkadia and Babylon can be summed up in a handful of epics and sacred texts - the first of all epics!. You have the three “rival” creation myths: the Atra-Hasis epic for the Akkadians, the Eridu Genesis for the Sumerians and the Enuma Elish story for the Babylonians. And to these three creation myths you should had the two hero-epics of Mesopotamian literature: on one side the story of Adapa and the South Wind, on the other the one and only, most famous of all tales, the Epic of Gilgamesh. 

# And of course, this read-list must include... The Bible. Beyond the numerous mythologies of Antiquity with their polytheistic pantheons and complex set of legends, there is one book that is at the root of the European imagination and has influenced so deeply European culture it is intertwined with it... The Bible. European literary works are imbued with Judeo-Christianity, and as such fantasy works are also deeply reflective of Judeo-Christian themes, legends, motifs and characters. So you have on one side the Ancient Testament, the part of the Bible that the Christians have in common with the Jews (though in Judaism the Ancient Testament is called the “Torah”) - the most famous and influential parts of the Ancient Testament/Torah being the first two books, Genesis (the creation myth) and Exodus (the legend of Moses). And on the other side you have the exclusively Christian part of the Bible, the New Testament - with its two most influential parts being the Gospels (the four canonical records of the life of Jesus, the Christ) and The Book of Revelation (the one people tend to know by its flashier name... The Apocalypse).