Ouroboros, a Greek word that means "tail devourer," is symbolized by a snake or dragon eating its own tail. In the shape of a circle or figure-eight (i.e. infinity), it's one of the oldest symbols in world mythology, dating back to ancient Egypt. It usually represents the cyclical nature of life and the eternal cycle of destruction and re-creation. Perhaps it goes without saying that because snakes periodically undergo the process of renewal as they shed their skins, they're a natural fit for this gig.
Notable ouroboros(es?) include the Norse serpent Jormangandr, who guarded the Tree of Life; the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl; and the serpent-like dragons of China. In alchemy, the ouroboros stands for the element mercury and the harmony of opposites. Due to its portrayal in black and white in that context, it is sometimes seen as an analog of the yin-yang symbol.
Fascinating, Jenny. I'm enjoying all of your posts, but this one is particularly meaningful to me. Thanks for doing the research and sharing the information.
ReplyDeleteO is for Outline
Thanks, Karen. It's such a fascinating concept, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny - interesting to read up about Ouroboros ... I see the symbol around - so it's good to know its background - thanks so much for your visit to my blog - Positive Letters ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWho knew there'd be a name for a snake eating its tail? I wonder if a Mobius strip qualifies.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI knew a bit of the story, now I know much more ;-)
Great post!
Would that perhaps be “Orobouri”? My favourite of those is the Midgard serpent, which Thor once caught on a fishing trip...How would you ever get THAT home?
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