Kanaloa is also the god of the Underworld and a teacher of magic . He became the leader of the first group of spirits “spit out” by the gods. In time, he led them in a rebellion in which the spirits were defeated by the gods and as punishment were thrown in the Underworld.

Octopuses have been found with incredible levels of cognitive abilities which lead us to view them almost as if their arms were symbolic of different aspects of human brainpower. This is why some people see the octopus spirit and its appendages as representing infinity because there’s no real way you’ll ever get to the end of it. Goldsmith, B. 2023. God is an Octopus: Loss, Love and a Calling to Nature. Bloomsbury Wildlife, London. ISBN: 978-1-3994-0835-6 In conclusion, the octopus holds a prominent place in popular mythology, from being revered as a god-like figure to being associated with shape-shifting abilities and even demons. Its presence in ancient folklore and legends showcases the deep fascination and respect humans have had for this enigmatic creature throughout history. The Octopus in Literature: Mythology Books and Stories A. Octopus Mythology Books: A Dive into Ancient Lore In legends and chants, Kāne and Kanaloa are portrayed as complementary powers. [2] For example, whereas Kāne was called during the canoe building, Kanaloa was called while the canoe was being sailed. Likewise, Kāne governed the northern edge of the ecliptic while Kanaloa governed its southern edge, Kanaloa is "the subconscious to Kāne's conscious". [3] In this way, they represent a divine duality of wild and taming forces similar to (by Georges Dumézil, et al.) in Indo-European chief god-pairs like Odin– Týr and Mitra–Varuna, or the more widely known yin and yang of Taoism. Kanaloa is also traditionally depicted as an ocean god, hence his association with seamanship, or cephalopods. [4] However, there are also interpretations that see Kanaloa as subordinate to Kāne. [3]The Kraken, mentioned earlier in Greek mythology, also falls into the category of octopus demons. It is often depicted as a terrifying sea monster, wreaking havoc on ships and sailors. The Kraken‘s destructive nature and immense power make it a formidable creature in the realm of mythological sea monsters. While the octopus may not have a direct role in Norse mythology, its association with the sea serpent highlights its connection to the vast and mysterious depths of the ocean. The octopus’s ability to adapt and survive in various environments mirrors the resilience and power of the sea serpent, making it an intriguing symbol in Norse mythology. D. Japan’s Octopus Mythology: A Blend of Fear and Respect Lovecraft, H. P. At the Mountains of Madness. p.66. Archived from the original on 2011-06-06 . Retrieved 2011-04-14.

Burleson, Donald R. (1983). H. P. Lovecraft, A Critical Study. Westport, CT / London, England: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-23255-5. British Academy. 2021. The COVID decade: Understanding the long-term societal impacts of COVID-19. The British Academy, London DOI doi.org/10.5871/bac19stf/9780856726583.001 The octopus is sometimes referred to as the ‘devil fish‘ due to its unusual appearance and behavior. Its ability to change color and shape, its ink cloud as a defense mechanism, and its arms with suction cups can be seen as ‘ devilish’ traits. What do octopuses symbolize? Just yesterday, as I write this, I was on a Zoom panel with Cliff Cobbo, in his own words “a proud Wakka Wakka aboriginal man” and member of WWF Australia. We were talking about the practicalities of supporting rangers professionally around the world – what could be a rather dry subject matter. Without fanfare or pretence, Cliff began his segment with a reminder that we do not come to this earth, we come from it and inevitably we will return to it. As a follow up act to Cliff, I’m afraid to say, I struggled to hold the same gravity.

A compelling journey from the very heart of loss to the sanctuary and hope that only the natural world provides – emotive, raw and captivating." The Octopus Woman taught Kahelelani the importance of respecting and protecting the ocean and its inhabitants. She emphasized the interconnectedness of all living beings and the need for humans to live in harmony with nature. The octopus, with its mysterious appearance and remarkable intelligence, has captivated human imagination for centuries. Found in the depths of the ocean, this enigmatic creature has become a prominent figure in mythology and folklore around the world. From ancient civilizations to modern-day stories, the octopus has been depicted as a symbol of power, wisdom, and even as a fearsome monster lurking in the depths. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of octopus mythology, exploring the various cultural beliefs and legends associated with this intriguing creature. So, grab your diving gear and get ready to dive into the depths of octopus mythology! Key Takeaways Goldsmith begins to take action on his own land, and the alchemy of rewilding becomes his obsession and redemption. First comes the “rewiggling” of a human-made drainage ditch, encouraging the curves that make for a healthy, meandering stream. When it fills with rain for the first time, he’s greeted by “an unfamiliar sense of joy that coyly hovered, tentatively awaiting permission to wash over me”. Next comes the ripping out of fences, and a poignant sense of how much Iris would have loved to ride her pony over the newly opened-up landscape.