God Is An Octopus: Loss, Love and a Calling to Nature

Product Information

P. Turner & C. R. Coulter, Dictionary of Ancient Deities (Oxford University Press: New York, 2001).

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. Mythological Sea Monsters: The octopus’s association with mythological sea monsters reflects its connection to the depths of the subconscious mind. It symbolizes the hidden fears, desires, and emotions that dwell within us, urging us to explore and confront our inner depths. After Kanaloa, one prince was named — he was a son of the Chief Kanipahu and one of his consorts, either Hualani or Alaʻikauakoko.The spiritual journey he was propelled upon was rich and varied; the encounter with a Jewish rabbi stood out for me. Unafraid of his own humanity, the rabbi just wept as he was told the story. He suggested that it is for the living to honour the dead.

Octopuses are found in various habitats throughout the world’s oceans, from the shallow coastal waters to the depths of the abyss. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a wide range of environments, making them one of the most successful and widespread marine creatures. Rahman, Imran A.; Thompson, Jeffrey R.; Briggs, Derek E. G.; Siveter, David J.; Siveter, Derek J.; Sutton, Mark D. (2019). "A new ophiocistioid with soft-tissue preservation from the Silurian Herefordshire Lagerstätte, and the evolution of the holothurian body plan" (PDF). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 286 (1900): 20182792. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2018.2792. PMC 6501687. PMID 30966985. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2019-09-23 . Retrieved 2019-09-23. They are often depicted as powerful and mysterious creatures, symbolizing intelligence and adaptability.

This is a devastating book, unflinching, but written with lyricism. Goldsmith describes how his daughter, his firstborn, loved lists, loved nature, loved catching and releasing pigeons to amuse her siblings. The loss of a child who was so clever, curious, brave, loving, beautiful, with so much ahead of her, seems impossible to countenance. So how is one meant to live in the aftermath? During the mating ritual, the male octopus will approach the female, displaying vibrant colors and elaborate patterns on their skin. This display serves as a courtship dance, a mesmerizing spectacle that showcases the male‘s strength and genetic fitness. If the female is impressed, she will respond by reciprocating the male‘s advances. Deities & Demigods, Legends & Lore". The Acaeum. Archived from the original on 2010-09-03 . Retrieved 2010-05-10. 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. In Greek mythology, the octopus is often associated with the sea monster known as the Kraken. While the Kraken is typically depicted as a giant squid, the octopus also plays a significant role in maritime folklore. According to legends, the Kraken was a colossal creature that dwelled in the depths of the ocean, capable of causing massive destruction with its tentacles.