Petroglyph of the Makemake god in the Easter Islands.
Click on image for full size
Public domain image/Wikipedia Commons
Makemake, Rapa Nui God of Fertility and Creator of Humanity
In South Pacific mythology, Makemake was the creator of humanity and the god of fertility. He was also the chief god of the bird-man cult. Petroglyphs of Makemake, which look like a man with a bird's head, can be found on Rapa Nui (also called Easter Island).
In July 2008, the name Makemake was given to a newly discovered dwarf planet. It was named this because it was discovered soon after Easter in 2005, and was first nicknamed "Easterbunny." When the astronomer who discovered it chose an official name, he decided to name it after a mythological character from an island whose English name is Easter Island.
You might also be interested in:
Makemake is a dwarf planet in our Solar System. Makemake was discovered in March 2005 by a team of astronomers led by Mike Brown. Makemake officially became a dwarf planet in July 2008. There were three
...moreIn 2006 the International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved a new classification scheme for planets and smaller objects in our Solar System. Their scheme includes three classes of objects: "small solar
...moreEaster Island, also known as Rapa Nui, is a volcanic island located in the Southeast Pacific Ocean. It was given the name "Easter Island" when a Dutch explorer visited the island on Easter Sunday in 1722.
...moreIn South Pacific mythology, Makemake was the creator of humanity and the god of fertility. He was also the chief god of the bird-man cult. Petroglyphs of Makemake, which look like a man with a bird's head,
...moreIn Greek mythology, Apollo was the son of Zeus (Jupiter) and Leto (Letona). His twin sister is Artemis (Diana). He was the god of the Sun, and was also a fine musician and healer. He was known as the god
...moreVenus was the goddess of love and beauty. To the perfection of her figure and the purity of her features she added an innocent grace. On her sweet face she always wore a smile.
...moreAhsonnutli was the sky father and chief god of the Navajo. He created heaven, Earth, and the sky. The four main directions are believed to be supported by giants. Each direction has a specific color: white-east;
...more