Mythology [Land of Elysion]

..::Mythology of BSSM::..

The series Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon is deeply rooted in ancient myths. From beginning to end it has many references to astronomy, astrology, greek, roman, and japanese mythology, and even some mineralogy, along with much more. Obviously, Mrs. Naoko Takeuchi is one thorough and highly educated lady.

BSSM is divided into 5 distinct "arcs", and of these five I believe the fourth arc, usually known as the "dream arc" is probably the most mythologically based of them all. This is the one where we are introduced to Elysion, Helios, and much more. Here, I will try to explain the myths surrounding this series. Return to Elysion

..::Who and What::..

Elysion: Also known as Elysium. In greek mythology, Elysion was the part of the underworld where the blessed and righteous were sent to spend all of eternity in peace and tranquility. It's much like our own Garden of Eden in the fact that it's considered paradise. According to the greek poet Homer, the Elysian Fields were located on the western-most part of the earth, and were protected by the waters of the river Oceanus. Rhadamanthys, a mortal son of Zeus, was the lord of Elysion as well as the judge of Asian people.

Maenads: In BSSM, these were the shrine maidens of Elysion, but as far as I've been able to find these girls have almost nothing in common with their greek counterparts. According to greek mythology, these women worshipped the god Dionysus, and were usually wild and carefree, often abandoning family and/or children to go and frolick in the woods, and tear apart wild animals and grown men in their with their bare hands. Dionysus was the god of wine and drama. You remember the fat little drunk man riding a donkey in the disney movie "fantasia"? That's him.

Helios: Also known as Elios. There are several conflicting stories about the greek Helios' beginnings, but the most common one seems to indicate that he is the God of the Sun, and brother to both Eos (the dawn) and Selene (the moon). One of the most known stories of Helios is of his mortal son Phaethon, who tried to drive his father's chariot across the sky. Unable to control his father's horses, the chariot was driven far from the earth, and all life began to freeze and die. Zeus, king of the gods, was forced to use one of his lightning bolts to shoot Phaethon out of the sky Needless to say, the boy died, and Helios was devastated.

Pegasus: Pegasus was a winged horse who was born out of the snake haired Medusa after her head had been cut off by Perseus. (just for reference, Pegasus would have been considered Medusa's child with Poseidon, and had a brother named Chrysaor) After a being tamed by the hero Bellerophon and making many heroic deeds, he made it to mount Olympus and carried lightning bolts for Zeus.

Endymion: This was a handsome mortal shepard who captured the heart of selene, the moon goddess. She would visit him in his sleep and had 50 daughters with him. From this point, it gets a bit confusing, Either Selene put him to sleep for eternity so that she could keep him forever -OR- Zeus put him to sleep as punishment for falling in love with Hera.

Selene: Also known as Artemis, Luna, Diana, and many more. This was the moon goddess. She usually represents fertility, wisdom, and according to greek mythology, was fond of all nature and humans. She was sister to Helios, and the lover of Endymion. She was often dipicted with a cresent moon on her forhead and riding a winged horse.

So, Elysion and it's inhabitants are alot different than the Elysion we know and love from BSSM. Greece seems like it was a much more fearsome, dreadful place to exist. The above people/places/things are not the only references Naoko made in her series. Every character, every place has it's own little story to tell. I'll complete this section once I find more information regarding all of the different things Naoko used in her beautiful series.