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It’s October, the perfect month to dive deep into the strange and otherworldly! Here at Thirteen Oddities, we love exploring the bizarre connections between mythology and the supernatural. And what’s spookier than ancient myths that seem to describe alien encounters? From beings who arrived in flying crafts to gods who descended from the stars, myths from across the globe have stories that feel suspiciously like extraterrestrial visits. So, buckle up and get ready for 13 mythological stories that just might have a cosmic twist.
1. The Dogon Tribe and the Nommo (West African Mythology)
The Dogon tribe of Mali has one of the most curious alien-related legends. According to their oral tradition, the Nommo, amphibious beings, descended from the sky in a spaceship. Even more bizarre, they were from the star Sirius, and somehow, the Dogon knew about Sirius B—a star invisible to the naked eye—long before modern astronomy caught on. Did the Nommo give them a cosmic heads-up?
2. The Hopi and the Star People (Native American Mythology)
The Hopi people of North America speak of the Star People, ancient ancestors who came down from the stars to guide their society. These extraterrestrial-like beings are woven into their creation stories, as celestial guardians that led humanity through different epochs. Could they have been early visitors from beyond our world?
3. The Sumerian Annunaki (Mesopotamian Mythology)
The Annunaki—ancient gods of Sumerian mythology—are often whispered about in the world of alien conspiracy theories. According to some interpretations, these “gods” descended from the heavens, bringing advanced knowledge and helping to kickstart human civilization. Some theorists believe the Annunaki may have even tinkered with early humans’ DNA, making them not so much gods but extraterrestrial geneticists.
4. The Hindu Vimanas (Hindu Mythology)
In Hindu mythology, there are numerous mentions of flying machines called Vimanas. These aerial chariots are described as soaring through the air and even traveling between planets. With detailed accounts in ancient texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana, it’s easy to see why many think these ancient descriptions could be recounting high-tech alien spacecraft.
5. The Maori and the Celestial Whakapapa (New Zealand Mythology)
The Maori of New Zealand believe their ancestors came from the stars, specifically through their Whakapapa (genealogy). This idea that humans are directly connected to celestial beings forms the backbone of some Maori myths. Some stories speak of star travelers coming down to Earth, imparting knowledge, and guiding humanity—a classic “alien ancestor” tale if we’ve ever heard one!
6. The Sky Beings of Aboriginal Australia (Aboriginal Mythology)
The Aboriginal people have rich myths about Sky Beings or Sky Gods who descended to Earth. These celestial figures were often responsible for shaping the land or abducting individuals. Descriptions of these Sky Beings are so detailed and eerie, that they’ve drawn comparisons to modern UFO abduction stories—perhaps the oldest alien abduction cases in history?
7. Zoroastrian Ahura Mazda (Persian Mythology)
In Zoroastrianism, the god Ahura Mazda is sometimes thought of as an advanced extraterrestrial. He is often depicted arriving from the sky in a divine, flying vehicle to deliver wisdom to the prophet Zoroaster. Could Ahura Mazda have been more of an alien teacher than a deity?
8. The Greys (Modern UFO Folklore)
Though not an ancient myth, the Greys are the iconic, bug-eyed alien figures often reported in modern UFO abductions. These extraterrestrial beings, with their small, humanoid forms and big black eyes, have become part of contemporary folklore, blurring the line between myth and reality. They seem to have carved a permanent spot in our modern mythology.
9. Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent (Aztec Mythology)
The Aztec god Quetzalcoatl is a feathered serpent often associated with the sky. Some interpretations suggest that Quetzalcoatl’s strange, otherworldly appearance could point to extraterrestrial origins. Like many ancient myths, Quetzalcoatl’s connection to the heavens and his role in bringing knowledge to humans fits nicely with the ancient astronaut theory.
10. The Tulli Papyrus (Ancient Egyptian Mythology)
Allegedly recorded in the Tulli Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian document, is a strange event where “fiery discs” appeared in the sky. These flying objects have been interpreted by some as early UFO sightings, predating any modern concept of flying saucers. Whether authentic or not, it’s one of the oldest accounts that sounds a lot like extraterrestrial activity.
11. The Kachinas of the Hopi (Native American Mythology)
The Kachinas are spiritual beings in Hopi mythology, and some suggest that their elaborate costumes and otherworldly powers could represent extraterrestrial visitors. The Hopi believe these beings bring rain and wisdom, crucial to their survival in the desert. Their depictions in Hopi dances and rituals bear eerie similarities to alien-like figures.
12. Kaikias, the Greek God of the North Wind (Greek Mythology)
Kaikias, one of the ancient Greek wind gods, controls the fierce North Wind. Depicted as having an otherworldly form, with powers to manipulate the weather, Kaikias’ alien-like control of the elements makes him stand out among mythological figures. His wind powers have been interpreted as supernatural but carry a strangely “alien” vibe.
13. The Nazca Lines (Peruvian Mythology)
The Nazca Lines—giant geoglyphs carved into the Peruvian desert—depict animals, plants, and shapes that can only be fully appreciated from the sky. Some believe these lines were created as landing strips for alien visitors. Whether the Nazca were trying to communicate with the stars or not, these mysterious designs have sparked imaginations for centuries.
Conclusion
Whether gods from the heavens, ancestors from the stars, or modern alien encounters, myths from around the world tell strange and otherworldly tales. These stories, whether born from imagination or rooted in mysterious encounters, blur the line between divine and extraterrestrial. As we journey through October’s spooky season, these myths remind us that the boundaries of reality and myth are often closer than we think—especially when it comes to the cosmos!