In astronomy, axis mundi is the Latin term for the axis of Earth between the celestial poles.
18th-century illustration of Mount Kailash, depicting the holy family: Shiva and Parvati, cradling Skanda with Ganesha by Shiva's side
Mount Kailash (viewed from the south) is holy to Hinduism and several religions in Tibet.
Yggdrasil, the World Ash in Norse myths
Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci (c. 1492)
Comparative mythology is the comparison of myths from different cultures in an attempt to identify shared themes and characteristics. Comparative mythology has served a variety of academic purposes. For example, scholars have used the relationships between different myths to trace the development of religions and cultures, to propose common origins for myths from different cultures, and to support various psychoanalytical theories.
The Deluge, frontispiece to Gustave Doré's illustrated edition of the Bible. Based on the story of Noah's Ark, this engraving shows humans and a tiger doomed by the flood futilely attempting to save their children and cubs.
Ancient Sumerian cylinder seal impression showing the god Dumuzid being tortured in the Underworld by galla demons
The Fall of the Titans (1596–98) by Cornelis Cornelisz van Haarlem
Ancient Roman relief from the Cathedral of Maria Saal showing the infant twins Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she-wolf