Mythology »

Here's some mythological background/symbolism behind Naga the Serpent.

Hindu Mythology »

In Hindu mythology, Nagas are a primeval race of divine serpent-people who are the keepers of mighty powers of consciousness. They are half-human and half-snake, and are still worshipped as the bringers of fertility, especially in southern India. Living in the watery region under the earth called Patala, they have human faces and serpent's tails, where they guard over their treasures in splendid, jewel-studded palaces ever alive with dance and song. They also inhabit lakes and rivers, but their real domain is a vast underground region called Bila-svarga, or subterranean heavens.

There are four classes of naga: heavenly, divine, earthly and hidden, depending on their function in guarding the heavenly palace, giving rainfall, draining rivers, or guarding treasures. Because of this, they are considered water spirits as well as serpent-beings. It is said that nagas have the ability to make men invisible underwater. It is also said that nagas will give ones they favour soma. a drink that will grant the drinker great strength. The word Naga is rooted in Sanskrit and means "serpent." In the East Indian pantheon, it is connected with the Serpent Spirit and the Dragon Spirit. It has an equivalence to the Burmese Nats, or god-serpents. In Burmese tradition, these beings are said to give rubies to those they favor and they are the protectors of the royal family.

Nagas are the guardians of rain, and thus fertility, but are also thought to bring disasters such as floods and drought. They are the protectors of springs, wells and rivers. According to legend, the nagas sprung from Kadru, wife of Kasyapa. Their ruler is the seven-hooded Sesha, and Vishnu is often seen sleeping on Sesha as they float along the cosmic ocean. It is believed that our universe exists in Vishnušs dream, and will end when Vishnu awakes from this dream. Another myth relates how the great eagle Garuda stole Amrita, the elixir of immortality out of heaven. Indra stole it back, but a few drops fell on to the grass below before he could return it. The serpents slithered on it, and hence snakes are able to shed their skins. Because of this ability to regenerate by shedding their skins, they are closely associated with Shiva, the god of regeneration from destruction.

Other than being semi-divine and related to the serpents, Hindu tradition describe the Nagas as being geni kings and queens. They are said to have the ability to change into any shape they please, and frequently are said to assume human form. The female Naga, called Nagina, are supposedly extremely attractive and seductive, particularly to male humans. Stories abound about female Nagas who marry human men, and many of them take the form of beautiful young maidens. A precious gem is said to be embedded in their heads endowing them with their great supernatural powers.

Other traditions »

The snake (serpent spirit) has been a symbol of wisdom, eternity, healing, mystery, magical power, and holiness throughout most of the ancient non-western world. Its symbol is used today in medicine, and other healing professions, and its live descendants are hailed as sacred and used in everything from cancer drugs to sex potions. Serpent was worshiped in ancient Babylon, Mexico, Egypt, as well as many other places all over the world.

In the Western traditions we find the same ubiquity for the Naga, or Serpent. One simple example is the Ancient Greek Goddess, Athena. She is known as a warrior Goddess as well as the Goddess of Wisdom; her symbol being the Serpent as displayed on her personal shield. Of course, in Genesis the Serpent is a Naga who instructs the new infant (humanity) in what is called the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The Christian church has, unfortunately transformed the Initiate-Teacher into a tempting and negative demon-character.

Connections »

The mythological roots of the Hindu nagas can be seen in Naga's overall design and personality. She primarily relies on water/ice type magic, representing the water-nature of thr serpent-gods. Her greed can also be seen in mythology since the nagas were keepers of great riches. Aside from that, her overly-alluring body and mysterious origins echoes the stories of the nagina assuming human form in which to bewitch and enchant human men. One particularly interesting design element involves the headband she wears which holds a ruby-colored jewel on her forehead. The 'ruby' jewel reminds me of how the nagas gave rubies to the royalty of Burma to show them favor; if the stories are believed, Naga is a princess. Also, the nagina were said to have precious gems embedded in their foreheads which endowed them with great power; the headband mimicing this part of the myth adds a unique twist to Naga's connection with her mythological counterpart.

« back