Representation of the hydrosphere throughout time and space, along with relevant folklore

**Throughout time and across different cultures, the hydrosphere has played a significant role in folklore, myths, and religious beliefs. Here are some elements of the hydrosphere representation throughout time and space, along with relevant folklore:**

**Water Deities**

* Numerous cultures have water deities or gods associated with various aspects of water. Smit (2020) stated that Poseidon in Greek mythology is the god of the sea, while Tlaloc in Aztec mythology is the god of rain and fertility.
* Leanbhpearson (2023) psoted that "In Japanese folklore, there's the Water Dragon God, Ryuujin, who lives in the sea and is believed to have total control over the ocean and can unleash dangerous tsunamis or terrible storms if he wishes."

**Flood Myths**

* Many cultures have flood myths, according to Independent Lens in Beyond the Films (2020) "In Judeo-Christian flood story, God became angry with the sins of mankind. Noak found grace in the eyes of God and God commended him to build an ark of gopher wood. Independent Lens in Beyond the Films also stated that in The Hindu deluge tale is unique from other religions. In Hindu teachings, **Manu**, or the first man, was not visited by a God, but rather by a fish. In some tellings of this story, the fish is the deity, **Lord Vishnu.** Buddhists have an elaborate flood story called **Samudda-vāṇija Jātaka."**

**Sacred Rivers**

* Carey (2018) postualated that "The **Ganges** flows through India and Bangladesh and is one of seven sacred rivers in Hinduism. Tens of millions of believers travel to different points of the river to bathe, as doing so is believed to absolve sins. The Jordan River connects the Dead Sea with the Mediterranean, passing through Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. It's sacred in both Judaism and Christianity for different reasons: In the Old Testament, ancient Jews had to cross the river as a final step in finding freedom after years wandering the desert; in the New Testament, Jesus christens John the Baptist in the waters."

**Water Spirits**

* Legends of water spirits or nymphs are prevalent in folklore. Rice (2014) posited that "According to Russian stories, these male water spirits are very good-looking, and they love unmarried women and unbaptized children for dinner. I found some inconsistencies when researching these spirits. Sometimes, they were described as ugly old men with green beards. They lived in whirlpools, and they’d grab people and drown them, so their ghosts would be the **vodyanoy’s** servants." Sullivan (2016) stated that "Rusalki, or rusalki, are stunning young women in Slavic mythology who seduce men and live near water bodies. Originating from pagan customs, they were considered fertility emblems, providing life-giving moisture to fields and forests. Today, a modern mythology revolves around these alluring women."

**Water as a Symbol of Transformation**

* Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023) states that "In the Arthurian legend, the Lady of the Lake gives King Arthur his sword, Excalibur, which is connected to his destiny. King Arthur, also called Arthur or Arthur Pendragon, legendary British king who appears in a cycle of medieval romances (known as the Matter of Britain) as the sovereign of a knightly fellowship of the Round Table."
* Mythopedia. (n.d.) posited that "In Celtic folklore, holy wells and springs were believed to have healing and transformative powers."

**Water in Rituals**

* Many cultures use water in rituals and ceremonies. Baptism in Christianity is a significant example, representing spiritual cleansing and rebirth. The Japanese Tea Ceremony incorporates the use of water, symbolizing purification and tranquillity.
* "Water is seen as a life giver in Buddahism. Water symbolises purity, clarity and calmness. Some **Thai Buddahists** have ceremonial uses of water,. Water is purified by monk reciting specific chants. Thid **holy water** is used in blessings for birthdays, anniversaries and marriage ceremonies. In Cambodia, Buddhist communities bathe old parents or grandparents with water, soap, flowers, and perfume to celebrate the start of a new year, offering blessings, long life, and regret. Drinking clean water is believed to cleanse negative acts and provide prosperity." (WaterAid, n.d.).

**Water in Folk Medince**

* Energy5 (2023) states that "In traditional medicine, the healing powers of water have been revered for centuries. From hot springs and baths to hydrotherapy and herbal infusions, water has played a central role in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being."

**Water in Proverbs and Sayings**

* Water-related proverbs and sayings are prevalent in many cultures, reflecting the importance of water. According to Lenntech (n.d.) some of these proverbs and sayings include: "**A fish out of water -** Not feeling at home where you are. **Blood is thicker than water -** Family is more important than anyone or anything else. **Don't make waves -** Don't make trouble; do what others are doing. **Don't throw the baby out with the bath water -** When you're making a change, save what matters to you and dispose off the rest."

Folklore's depiction of the hydrosphere is evidence of the essential role that water plays in the natural world, human life, and civilization. These stories, customs, and beliefs have changed and developed over time, demonstrating the water's continuing importance in our shared awareness.

The next page Interconnectedness of the hydrosphere with other spheres