Chapter 1
The physics of bending light
Chapter 2
Rare and unusual rainbow types
Chapter 3
Rainbows in global mythology
Chapter 4
How we see color
YOUR GOAL
Master of The science of rainbows
Ch 3 · Rainbows in global mythology
streetspirit Mythological Rainbows
A burning path of fire in the sky, Where ancient Norse gods ride their horses high!
streetspirit Ancient Greeks saw the rainbow as the personal path of a messenger goddess.
streetspirit Aboriginal Australian stories credit a giant serpent with shaping the landscape.
BETA
streetspirit Sort the quetzal's vibrant feathers to discover how light splits into a rainbow.
Fun Fact
Irish gold: The legend of a leprechaun's pot of gold at the rainbow's end originated from Irish folklore as a trick, since rainbows have no physical ends.
Glossary
mythology (noun)
A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular sacred, religious, or cultural tradition. Norse legends depict the atmospheric arc as Bifrost, a burning bridge guarded by the god Heimdall.
A collection of myths, especially one belonging to a particular sacred, religious, or cultural tradition. Norse legends depict the atmospheric arc as Bifrost, a burning bridge guarded by the god Heimdall.
Quiz
Who is the Greek goddess and personification of the rainbow who serves as a messenger?
Quiz
In Hindu tradition, the rainbow is considered the bow of which storm and thunder deity?
Quiz
Which Mayan goddess of the moon and childbirth is depicted wearing a rainbow headdress?
Quiz
In Norse mythology, what is the name of the rainbow bridge guarded by Heimdall?
Quiz
Which ancient culture features the Rainbow Serpent as a powerful creator deity of water?