Anyone know a good source on real-world mythological objects - especially the stuff that's inherently interesting, not just as "x used it to kill y. The "unique" stuff in particular (Excalibur, Mjolnir, Aladdin's Lamp, etc.). Especially from Asian mythology.
Couple of good examples of the kind of stuff I'm enjoying from this list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythological_objects
Cup of Jamshid, a cup of divination in the Persian mythology. It was long possessed by rulers of ancient Persia and was said to be filled with an elixir of immortality. The whole world was said to be reflected in it.
Cintamani (also Chintamani Stone), a wish-fulfilling jewel within both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, equivalent to the philosopher's stone in Western alchemy.
Book of Thoth is a legendary book containing powerful spells and knowledge, said to have been buried with the Prince Neferkaptah in Necropolis. (Egyptian mythology)
Tablet of Destiny is mentioned in Mesopotamian mythology as a set of clay tablets which hold the power of creation and destruction.
'Areadbhair, belonged to Pisear, king of Persia. Its tip had to be kept immersed in a pot of water to keep it from igniting, a property similar to the Lúin of Celtchar. (Irish mythology)
Seven-league boots from European folklore were said to allow the wearer to make strides of seven leagues in length.
Olivant, the horn of Roland, paladin of Charlemagne in the Song of Roland. It was won from the giant Jutmundus and is made of ivory. When blown, it is so loud that it kills birds flying in the sky and causes whole armies to rout.
Varunastra, a water weapon (a storm) according to the Indian scriptures, incepted by Varuna. In stories it is said to assume any weapon's shape, just like water. (Hindu mythology)
Apollo's bow, which could cause health or cause famine and death in sleep. (Greek and Roman mythology)
Couple of good examples of the kind of stuff I'm enjoying from this list:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mythological_objects
Cup of Jamshid, a cup of divination in the Persian mythology. It was long possessed by rulers of ancient Persia and was said to be filled with an elixir of immortality. The whole world was said to be reflected in it.
Cintamani (also Chintamani Stone), a wish-fulfilling jewel within both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, equivalent to the philosopher's stone in Western alchemy.
Book of Thoth is a legendary book containing powerful spells and knowledge, said to have been buried with the Prince Neferkaptah in Necropolis. (Egyptian mythology)
Tablet of Destiny is mentioned in Mesopotamian mythology as a set of clay tablets which hold the power of creation and destruction.
'Areadbhair, belonged to Pisear, king of Persia. Its tip had to be kept immersed in a pot of water to keep it from igniting, a property similar to the Lúin of Celtchar. (Irish mythology)
Seven-league boots from European folklore were said to allow the wearer to make strides of seven leagues in length.
Olivant, the horn of Roland, paladin of Charlemagne in the Song of Roland. It was won from the giant Jutmundus and is made of ivory. When blown, it is so loud that it kills birds flying in the sky and causes whole armies to rout.
Varunastra, a water weapon (a storm) according to the Indian scriptures, incepted by Varuna. In stories it is said to assume any weapon's shape, just like water. (Hindu mythology)
Apollo's bow, which could cause health or cause famine and death in sleep. (Greek and Roman mythology)
