Myths throughout history have been littered with tales of snakes, and they are still utilized in storytelling to this day.
From the healing forces of Mishi-bizhiw in Canada’s Anishinaabe mythology to the dualistic Amaru that links heaven and hell in Incan lore, indigenous cultures have been fascinated with serpents for centuries.
They’re both feared and revered, and the endearing narratives are still commonplace in modern entertainment.
Snakes in Entertainment and Media
As well as the passing down of stories through generations via oral tradition, snakes crop up in a variety of new relatively new mediums, in particular films and gaming.
Snakes On A Plane and Anaconda pitted humans against serpents on the big screen, while raking in millions of dollars at the box office by spinning the fear some people have into thrilling films.
In the gaming world, you can be transported to the Amazon rainforest in Anaconda Uncoiled Slot, where the massive serpent can be a good omen, uncoiling its massive body to help players win big in feature rounds.
So, like the slithering animal’s mixed reputation in history, modern-day appropriations can still fall on either side of the fence.
A Creature With Great Power
For the First Nations in Canada, snakes were powerful spiritual beings willing to sacrifice to save others, despite their cold-blooded or villainous reputation in many mediums today.
As mentioned, one of the greatest-known stories was from the Anishinabek. They spoke of a Medicine Serpent that was a healer and protector, so it was sought after rather than run from.
Hindu mythology holds Shesha in high regard as an infinite power that represents balance and eternity, while the Rainbow Serpent was a giver of life to Australia’s indigenous tribes.
A Culture of Fear
The modern framing of snakes as creatures to be feared isn’t without precedent, as the distrustful snake in the Christian Bible serves as a foundation of belief for many around the world.
Norse lore says Jörmungandr will bring about the end of the world by battling with Thor, and Medusa is one of the most popular tales of terror in Greek mythology.
There are plenty more examples of distrust, chaos, and danger that span millennia and multiple civilizations.
A Reputation That Never Dies
It’s clear that the polarizing nature of one of the planet’s most magnificent creatures is as old as history itself.
Stories of snakes, from Biblical stories to Norse mythology, have passed through generation after generation, moving into new formats that can depict either the benefits or downfalls of being around them.
This never-ending allure comes from a fascination with beasts that can be big, powerful, and even venomous, while also being an object of fascination – and even being kept as pets.
Just as the species has lasted through adaptation, so will the tales that continue to be told thousands of years from now.