Man, Friendship Day. It’s that time of year when we remind our pals that we appreciate their existence by bombarding them with memes, tagging them in heartfelt Instagram stories, and, if we’re feeling particularly ambitious, actually spending time with them in real life. But what if I told you that celebrating social bonds is not just a modern phenomenon driven by the dopamine rush of social media notifications? Nope, people have been cherishing these bonds since time immemorial, and what better way to see this than through the myths and legends of old that put even the most heartwarming #FriendshipGoals posts to shame. So, grab a comfy seat, maybe a snack, and let’s have a look at the stories from around the world that remind us of the magic of friendship.
Lord Rama and Hanuman: your ultimate ride or die helping you defeat any demon
From the heart of Hindu mythology comes the epic tale of Rama and Hanuman. If you think your best friend is loyal, wait till you hear about these two. Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, finds an ally in Hanuman, the monkey god, during his journey to rescue his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon king Ravana. Hanuman’s feats of bravery and strength are legendary, but what truly sets this story apart is his breakable dedication to Rama.
Their friendship would make for great superhero comics. Hanuman flew across the sea, carrying a whole mountain because he couldn’t find the specific herb to heal Rama’s brother. Or the time he allowed himself to be set on fire to bring a message to Sita, using the flames to set the enemy’s city ablaze. But it wasn’t all action and drama. Hanuman’s playful nature and his absolute devotion to Rama brought joy and strength to their partnership. It’s a classic tale of how true friends will go to great lengths for each other, and how their bond can overcome any difficulties.
Gilgamesh and Enkidu: bros before foes
Our second stop takes us to ancient Mesopotamia with “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” which is basically the granddaddy of all bromance tales. Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, starts off as your classic bad boy—arrogant, selfish, and a bit too full of himself. The gods, fed up with his antics, created Enkidu, a wild man with strength to match Gilgamesh.
Their first meeting? An WWE-style wrestling match. But soon realized they made better friends than foes. This ancient tale shows us that sometimes, all it takes to change our ways is a friend who challenges us, supports us, and occasionally kicks our butts when needed. Who knew the original “buddy cop” duo existed in 2100 BCE?
Demeter and Persephone: Mother-Daughter team for the ages
Next, into the rich Greek mythology with the touching story of Demeter and Persephone. When Persephone is kidnapped by Hades and taken to the underworld, her mother, Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, goes into full-on mama bear mode. Her grief causes the earth to become barren, and it seems like the whole world might wither away. It takes a lot of divine bargaining to bring Persephone back to the surface for part of the year. This myth not only highlights the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter but also shows how their connection directly impacts the world around them. A tale of how strong family ties can literally change the world, proving that a mother’s love can be so powerful.
Hiawatha and the Peacemaker: unity goals since day one
Let’s shift to Iroquois mythology with the inspiring story of Hiawatha and the Peacemaker. At a time when the Iroquois tribes were in conflict, Hiawatha, with the guidance of the Peacemaker, sought to bring about unity and peace. Their mission was anything but easy, but their friendship and shared vision for harmony kept them going. This legend shows the importance of unity and collaboration, showing that even the most divided groups can come together for the greater good.
Amaterasu and the Cave: a game of Hide and Seek
Our final myth takes us to the land of the rising sun, where we find the Japanese legend of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. After a rather dramatic spat with her brother Susanoo, Amaterasu retreats into a cave, turning the world into darkness. The other gods, realizing this was not ideal for, well, anyone, decided to lure her out. They throw a party outside the cave, complete with music, dancing, and a mirror positioned strategically outside the cave entrance. Amaterasu, curious about the noise and unable to resist a good party, peeked out and was dazzled by her own reflection. The world was instantly bathed in sunlight again. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes to bring someone out of their shell is a bit of humour, creativity and a lot of love from friends and family.
Thus, these myths remind us that the essence of human connection has always been a backbone of our existence.
Conclusion
In a time where social media often gives us a superficial sense of connection, we need to strengthen them to form sustainable relationships. And these stories encourage us to seek out and cherish the real, tangible relationships in our lives. Because, at the end of the day, it’s these connections that truly light up our world—much like Amaterasu emerging from her cave.
Celebrate this Friendship Day, reaching out to friends who’ve always had your back, spend quality time with your family, join hands with your community to make a difference, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way. Because life is richer, brighter, and infinitely more magical when we share it with those we care about.
