Conflicting Serpent Mythology

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer discusses how different views regarding the serpent are portrayed in different cultures. The writer points out that images of serpents appear in the historical art of many cultures and traditions. The writer shows that although the serpent is usually connected with the Bible story of Adam and Eve, the serpent is also known to represent positive things in different cultures.

From the Paper:

"Images of serpents appear in the historical art of many cultures and traditions. Most commonly recognized as the trickster from the Old Testament and the story of Eve, serpents generally take on a bad connotation in modern Western society. Yet, in many myths the serpent represents positive things, such as healing and rebirth. In some cases, these opposing views are related or affected the emergence of one another. It is important to learn how the values, history, and experiences of each culture may have contributed to how that culture viewed the serpent. The serpent in the story of Nala and Damayanti (from India), is a royal serpent, a naga, "endowed with magical powers". The serpent bites Nala, which gives him a different appearance. He also prophesizes about events that do indeed happen in Nala's future. In this myth, the serpent is both helpful and frightening."

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