Step into the Night Garden: Bees in Mythology
“Look tonight at the stars. Let them overwhelm you in the postures of their bright dance. Face the vastness which they dot like silver bees, and sound with your own brain the mystery, hazarding at the inscrutable plan of things.”
Although it's described as liquid sunshine, a long time ago, people said honey came from the moon. Surrounded by glittering bees under the guise of stars, the moon was the hive within Night's garden.
Like the moon illuminates the steps of our mythical journeys, a bee can serve as a guide or an oracle. In addition to supernatural sight, these winged creatures are master builders. Legend says that the Temple of Delphi, one of the most holy temples in the ancient world, was constructed by bees.
Bees in Mythology
Also known as the Temple of Apollo, this sanctuary changed hands over the years and was ruled by the gods Apollo, Gaia, and possibly, Dionysus. It was also home to the Pythia or the Oracle of Delphi. Both mortals and gods visited the Pythia when a crossroads loomed. In stories, the Pythia is a young woman or a giant, deadly python. However, despite her serpentine roots, people referred to the Oracle of Delphi and her priestesses as bees.
For more bee magic, check out our middle-grade fairy tale, Little Witch Tales: Telling the Bees.
