Hormiga, G. (1994). "A revision and cladistic analysis of the spider family Pimoidae (Araneoidea: Araneae)" (PDF). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology. 549 (549): 1–104. doi: 10.5479/si.00810282.549. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2012-10-13 . Retrieved 2011-05-09. Exaggeration is the octopus of the English language. – Matthew Pearl The Octopus Symbolism in Far Eastern and Asian cultures The octopus was also associated with Lono, the god of fertility and agriculture. Lono was believed to bring abundance and prosperity to the land, and the octopus was seen as a symbol of his blessings. The Hawaiians believed that by honoring the octopus, they could gain favor from these powerful deities and ensure a bountiful harvest and successful fishing expeditions. B. The Octopus Woman: A Tale of Transformation

Inspired by Iris’s sense of connection to all living things, Goldsmith pursues the restorative, healing aspects of nature. Plunging into the cold water of a pond, while subsumed by grief he notes, “I felt nature enveloping me, reassuring me, beneath a sun that shone hot even as it approached the conclusion of its long, daily descent westwards”. The natural world, particularly on the farm, is where Goldsmith feels closest to his daughter. Gorgeous descriptions of her merge with captivating nature writing. Iris remains vividly alive through his words as he recounts her childhood and the time they spent together, as well as the history of the landscape in which she grew up. Native American symbolism is rife with references to octopuses, and the meaning behind their eight long arms varies depending on which tribe you belong to. The first thing you will notice about an octopus is its long arms–there are many different interpretations of this symbolism behind our most unique appendage. Some believe they represent life’s complexity, while others claim that it symbolizes intelligence or even immortality. To better understand what the octopus means in your own life, read on for more information:The octopus, with its ability to change colors and camouflage itself, has long been associated with deception and cunning. In Greek mythology, the octopus is often portrayed as a fearsome and powerful creature, capable of luring sailors to their doom. Its tentacles were believed to be strong enough to drag entire ships down to the depths of the sea. B. Octopus in Hindu Mythology: A Rare Reference This book is the story of a year of soul-searching that followed a terrible loss. In an instant, Ben's world had turned dark. Yet, unbelievably to him, the seasons kept on turning, and as he immersed himself in the dramatic I do not disagree with the overall sentiment; the UK is in an ecological crisis almost unparalleled by any other country. We have systematically eradicated almost every charismatic species from our shores, starting with the largest, the wolves and lynx, and continuing to relentlessly persecute even the most innocuous and sweet species like the mole, hedgehog, badger and bullfinch. I feel the same rage against such mindless persecution, this is what drove me to leave the UK and find work in the wildlife conservation of other wilder nations. I also feel the urgency to reverse the UK’s ecocide: a constant pull to return to my home country and be a part of the rewilding movement. But I do not believe we are innately a wildlife-hating people. I argue that this is a matter of programming. In addition to the octopus’s association with gods, it is also often depicted as a shape-shifter in mythology. This shape-shifting ability is often attributed to both octopus men and octopus women, who possess the remarkable ability to transform between human and octopus form. Let’s delve into this intriguing aspect of octopus mythology. 1. Japanese Octopus Myths: The Octopus Woman

Autophagy typically occurs in fe male octopuses after they have finished laying their eggs. The female‘s maternal instincts drive her to provide nourishment for her young, even at the cost of her own body. By consuming her own arms, she can provide the necessary nutrients to ensure the survival and healthy development of her offspring. The added symbolic diversity elements enter the stage as you get o know that this animal can regenerate its limbs. The Regenerative Symbolism One such mythology book that delves into the realm of octopus lore is “ Cephalopod Folklore: Legends of the Tentacled Beast.” Authored by renowned mythologist Dr. Elizabeth Waters, this comprehensive volume explores the deep-rooted symbolism and cultural significance of octopuses across different civilizations. From ancient Greek mythology to Pacific Islander folklore, Dr. Waters uncovers the threads that connect these diverse narratives, revealing a universal fascination with these intelligent and elusive creatures.The Kraken, mentioned earlier in Greek mythology, also falls into the category of octopus demons. It is often depicted as a terrifying sea monster, wreaking havoc on ships and sailors. The Kraken‘s destructive nature and immense power make it a formidable creature in the realm of mythological sea monsters. Octopuses have long held a significant place in mythology and folklore across various cultures. These enigmatic creatures have captivated the human imagination for centuries, representing a wide range of symbolic meanings. Let’s explore some of the common interpretations associated with the octopus in different mythologies. The octopus can regenerate its limbs. This can be adapted in the tattoo very clearly, with one or a couple of arms missing. Such tattoos represent your ability to refrain from addiction or a person. Such artwork motivates you to move toward the path to growth and healing. The tattoo also allows you to reflect on your psyche while expressing your inner desires.

Among these, the Native Americans seem to attribute a certain connection between the Octopus-People, and the Raven People.” The Cecaelia is a creature with origins in Asian and Native American mythology, legend and folklore. In particular, accounts of their existence are first recorded among such cultures as the Haida, Tligit , Tsimshian and Nootka tribes. Of course, many Indigenous people and spiritual leaders the world over have known that nature is the great healer for millennia, effortlessly weaving concepts of reincarnation, death-following-life and Samsara into the fabric of storytelling. To propel themselves through the water, octopuses primarily rely on jet propulsion. By rapidly expelling water through a muscular tube called a siphon, they create a force that propels them forward. This jetting motion allows them to move swiftly and efficiently, making them excellent hunters and escape artists. Once the female accepts the male, the mating process begins. The male uses a specialized arm called a hectocotylus to transfer sperm into the female’s mantle cavity. This arm is then detached from the male‘s body and left inside the female, ensuring that no other males can fertilize her eggs.An event of unimaginable trauma is transformed into a message of beauty and optimism through Ben's passion for nature, which acts as his nurse, teacher and redeemer." In the mythology of many Pacific Islander cultures, the octopus is revered as a god-like figure. It is believed to possess great wisdom and power, often associated with the ocean’s mysteries. The octopus god is seen as a guardian of the sea, ensuring the balance and harmony of marine life. In some legends, it is said that the octopus god can shape-shift into various forms, allowing it to navigate both land and sea. B. Octopus Man and Octopus Woman Mythology: Shape-shifters of the Sea The Kraken Myth: The legendary Kraken, a massive sea monster, has its roots in Scandinavian folklore. Often described as a giant octopus or squid, the Kraken symbolizes the destructive forces of nature and the unpredictability of the sea. Octopus Symbolism in Sea Creature Legends: The octopus is frequently depicted as a formidable creature in se a creature legends. Its multiple arms and powerful suction cups evoke a sense of strength and dominance. In some tales, the octopus is portrayed as a guardian of hidden treasures or a protector of the deep sea. I am in the UK as I draft this, and last week I met an American woman in my local pub. She had moved to the UK many years ago, in part because she romanticised the idea of fox hunting. She still “trail hunts” to this day. If you asked this woman why she engages in such a “sport”, she would tell you that she loves the rush of racing through the beautiful countryside on her horse, she would argue that this is her way of “engaging with nature”. I think many grouse and pheasant shooters would argue the same, whatever some of us might make of their apparent contradictions. A map of the world that does not include Utopia is not worth even glancing at

Derleth's interpretations have been criticized by Lovecraft enthusiast Michel Houellebecq, among others. Houellebecq's H.P. Lovecraft: Against the World, Against Life (2005) decries Derleth for attempting to reshape Lovecraft's strictly amoral continuity into a stereotypical conflict between forces of objective good and evil. [18] The short story that first mentions Cthulhu, "The Call of Cthulhu", was published in Weird Tales in 1928, and established the character as a malevolent entity, hibernating within R'lyeh, an underwater city in the South Pacific. The imprisoned Cthulhu is apparently the source of constant subconscious anxiety for all mankind, and is also the object of worship, both by many human cults (including some within New Zealand, Greenland, Louisiana, and the Chinese mountains) and by other Lovecraftian monsters (called Deep Ones [12] and Mi-Go [13]). The short story asserts the premise that, while currently trapped, Cthulhu will eventually return. His worshippers chant " Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn " ("In his house at R'lyeh, dead Cthulhu waits dreaming"). [11] H. P. Lovecraft, Cthulhu's creator The Octopus Woman taught Kahelelani the importance of respecting and protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. She emphasized the interconnectedness of all living beings and the need for humans to live in harmony with nature.

The eight appendages could also represent intelligence or infinity since our lives have both intelligent aspects and moments where you feel like there’s no end in sight. In July 2019, Ben Goldsmith lost his fifteen-year-old daughter, Iris, in an accident on their family farm in Somerset. Iris's death left her family reeling. The octopus can offer you vision, experience, and knowledge. You will be on the learning path, having a thirst to acquire more knowledge. This is because its symbolism depicts ‘expansion’. In conclusion, the octopus holds a prominent place in popular mythology, from being revered as a god-like figure to being associated with shape-shifting abilities and even demons. Its presence in ancient folklore and legends showcases the deep fascination and respect humans have had for this enigmatic creature throughout history. The Octopus in Literature: Mythology Books and Stories A. Octopus Mythology Books: A Dive into Ancient Lore