[213] No doubt the great home of the Indo-Europeans furnishes a closely corresponding myth. But there is good reason to hold that the main features of the great astronomical myths antedated the Vedas. Grecian mythology was largely derived from Egypt and Phœnicia. [214] Mythology, vol. ii, p. 197. [215] Tree and Serpent Worship, p. 3. [216] Murray’s Mythology, p. 117. [217] Chaldean Magic, p. 114. [218] A graphic account of this mystic creature is given in an extant fragment of Berosus. He introduced all civilizing arts. See Cory’s Ancient Fragments, p. 59. Hodges’ edition. [219] Five Great Monarchies, vol. i, p. 122. [220] “The Origin of Serpent-Worship,” in the Journal of the Victoria Institute, vol. ii, p. 373. [221] Dr. Brinton gives the name as Michabo. He gives an interesting account of this great Algonkin myth in his American Hero-Myths. Philadelphia, 1882. [222] Partly true. [223] Indian Myths, p. 45. Boston, 1884. [224] Mythology, vol. ii, p. 458. [225] Outlines of Primitive Belief, p. 75. London and New York, 1882. [226] _Ibid._, p. 77. [227] Myths of the New World, p. 107. [228] It is interesting to observe that, according to Miss Emerson, “it is probable that the Indian derived the sacred symbols of his worship from the configuration of the constellations.” Indian Myths, p. 316. [229] Buddha and Early Buddhism, p. 7. London, 1881. [230] The Great Pyramid, p. 100. London, 1883. [231] In an article on the “Astronomy and Astrology of the Babylonians,” Mr. Sayce says: “Next to the planets in importance was the polar star, called Tir-anna, or Gagan-same, or ‘Judge of the Heaven,’ to which a special treatise was devoted in Sargon’s Library.” See Transactions of the Society of Biblical Archæology, vol. iii, p. 206. [232] Our Inheritance in the Great Pyramid. [233] The constellation of Draco lies near to and to the north of “the Dipper,” or Great Bear, and is easily distinguished. [234] _Op. cit._, p. 101. [235] Homer’s description of the shield of Achilles is shorter, and was probably suggested by the same thing. Iliad, xviii. [236] See pictures of such in Astronomical Myths, by Blake, London, 1877. Also, in Rawlinson’s Five Great Monarchies. [237] It is believed that it is referred to in Job, in the verse reading, “His spirit hath adorned the heavens and his obstetric hand brought forth the winding serpent” (xxvi, 13, Douai version). The authorized is not literal. [238] The Shield of Hercules. Translation by Elton. [239] Translated Pleiades. Job, ix, 9; xxxviii, 31; and Amos, v, 8. [240] Five Great Monarchies, vol. i, p. 122. See also his edition of Herodotus, vol. i, p. 600. [241] Those interested in this symbol should consult Schliemann’s Troy and its Remains. [242] The swastika was so formed by Indians. See illustration in Emerson’s Indian Myths, p. 10. [243] Totem is an Algonkin word, signifying to have or possess. It represented, among the Indians, the social unit or clan, the gens of the Romans.