Athena or Athene was the Greek goddess of war, reason, and wisdom. Her arena was the "intellectual and civilized side of war and the virtues of justice and skill." In times of peace, she was a goddess of skilled crafts such as weaving. She was the protectress of the city of Athens. In Roman mythology, she went by the name Minerva... Read more
The hyena is a mammal that resembles a dog. The three species of hyena are native to Africa and Asia. Hyenas live in packs and are predators as well as opportunistic scavengers. Females serve as the alpha or leader in hyena society... Read more
The DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller is the newest in a long line of video game controllers. PlayStation released its first video game console in 1994. Since then, it has released second and third generation consoles, culminating in the current PlayStation 4, or PS4... Read more
Several hundred bird species around the world are considered pigeons or doves. These peaceful birds are known for making a gentle cooing sound. Most pigeons are... Read more
The atom is the "smallest unit into which matter can be divided without the release of electrically charged particles." Atoms are considered the building blocks of chemistry... Read more
The xenomorph alien, also called Xenomorph XX121 or Internecivus raptus, is a fictional creature from the Alien film franchise. It has been included in numerous movies, comic books... Read more
In Norse mythology, Loki was "a cunning trickster who had the ability to change his shape" and even his gender. He was the son of a giant and considered one of the... Read more
The wolf is an animal that has captured the imaginations of humans for millennia. Wolves are native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. They are the ancestors of "man's best friend," the domestic dog, but they have been both respected and reproached... Read more
Dice are "small cubes of plastic, ivory, bone, or wood, marked on each side with one to six spots, usually used in pairs in games of chance or in gambling." Dice can be used alone in gameplay, or they may be paired with a board game, such as Monopoly... Read more
In popular culture, beehives are often involved in honey gathering or a character being stung by a swarm of angry bees. We see one example of this in Winnie the Pooh, quoted above. Other animated films, such as Bee Movie, are centered entirely around this hard-working animal... Read more
In popular culture, the witch hat is "characterized by a conical crown and a wide brim." This is also a symbol of the Halloween holiday and included in many decorations... Read more
Trees are a vital part of the environment the world over. Trees produce oxygen, rid the air of carbon, offer shade, and produce food. Their wood allows humans to... Read more
The piano or pianoforte is a musical instrument played by striking keys with your fingers. Many people do not realize that the piano is actually a string instrument, like the... Read more
Alice in Wonderland was first brought to life by the English author Lewis Carroll in 1856. The children's book was then titled Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The story follows young Alice, who falls asleep in a meadow. She dreams that she chases a white rabbit into its hole and enters a world full of characters such as a smoking caterpillar, a Mad Hatter hosting an endless tea party, and a playing card Queen who wants to have everyone beheaded... Read more
Baby Yoda was born about the year 41 BBY, around the same time as Anakin Skywalker. He was hidden away until bounty hunters were sent to retrieve him for what was left of the Galactic Empire. The Mandalorian bounty hunter took pity on the Child, who saved his life using Force abilities, and attempted to hide him once again... Read more
According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, dolls are "perhaps the oldest plaything." The oldest date to 3000 to 2000 BC and include a Babylonian doll made from a mineral called... Read more
Crossing one's arms can be a form of nonverbal communication, making one's feelings known through gestures and posture. The crossing of the arms may indicate stubbornness, defiance, rebellion, skepticism, or hostility. For example, a child may cross his or her arms when defying the instructions of a parent or teacher. It is often accompanied by a frown... Read more
A hug is a gesture recognized the world over. This universal posture can take place between friends, family members, or even strangers. It can be used as nonverbal communication in welcome, to express affection, to congratulate someone, or to comfort them. When many people hug at once, it is called a "group hug."... Read more
A pyramid is "a monumental structure" with triangular sides. In ancient Egypt, the pyramids were used as burial places for royalty... Read more
The griffin, also spelled griffon or gryphon, is a mythological creature with roots in the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It has the body of a lion and the wings and head of a bird, usually an eagle. Some also bore ears like those of horses. Such creatures have also been called alke, keythong, or Opinicus. The griffin was often paired with the sphinx, a creature with a human head and a lion's body... Read more