The Legend of Scorpius Scorpius: this is one of the few constellations that resembles the creature it represents. Originally a much larger constellation, its claws were removed by Julius Caesar to produce the constellation of Libra the scales. Today, it sits so low along the southern horizon that the curve of its tail is no longer visible to most of the northern latitudes. Its bright star Antares at the heart of the insect has undergone some impressive changes in apparent magnitude over the centuries.
Mesopotamia: the scorpion is associated with the Semitic goddess, Ishara, wife of the corn god Dagan. He is said to have invented the plow. She is later associated with Istar, following the incorporation of Semitic mythologies into those of the Sumerians. Her scorpion is always represented with its sting up, ready to strike the unwary.
Greece: the scorpion is the celestial representation of the animal sent by Apollo to sting Orion. In the story of Phaëthon, the horses of the sun chariot became wild after flying too high in the sky and encountering the scorpion. In stellar catalogs, the legendary healer Ophiuchus is shown with his foot crushing Scorpius. See the Greek legends of Ophiuchus, Orion and Sagittarius.
Mayans: the Sign of the Death God.Back to the Constellations
