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Honeybee Mythology

For most of human history, honeybees have played a part in our mythology. Honey has long been valued and prized as a rare sweet, and the bees themselves were once elevated to legendary status. Many cultures across the globe incorporate bees, wax and honey into their folklore and legends. Honeybees have fascinated humans for thousands of years, and this fascination shows through even today in stories and symbolism.

Greek Mythology
- Numerous Greek myths incorporate bees. By all accounts it appears as if the Greeks were fascinated by honeybees and greatly valued honey. Bees were associated strongly with Demeter, the goddess of farming and the earth. They also heavily play into myths of Apollo, Zeus and Orpheus. Honey was considered to be a drink of the gods, and was symbolic of knowledge and wisdom. The Greeks thus reserved honey for those who were thought to deserve it. Part of the legacy of Pythagoras states that he consumed only honey for his whole life.
Hindu Mythology
- In many Hindu traditions, the bee symbolizes the human spirit becoming full of knowledge, which is represented by pollen. The Hindu love god, Kamadeva, is often depicted with a bowstring made of honeybees. Additionally the gods Vishnu, Indra and Krishna have been depicted as bees sitting on lotus flowers. These gods are said to be madhava or "nectar born." Honey is also associated with the bliss of nirvana.
Egyptian Mythology
- Egyptian myth associates honeybees with royalty and power. It is said that bees originated from the tears of the sun god, Ra. When these tears hit the earth, they were transformed into bees, which immediately began to produce honey. That the bees were diligent workers (which were "governed" by a single bee) only strengthened this perception that bees symbolized royalty. Honey was also used in many religious ceremonies and often was buried alongside the dead.
Celtic Mythology
- Mead, which is an alcoholic drink made from fermented honey, plays a large part in many Celtic traditions. Mead was considered to be a drink of immortality in these traditions, and bees were therefore protected by law. Bees were also thought to bring good luck.
African Mythology
- In some African cultures, bees play a large part in creation myths. The San people of the Kalahari desert is one such culture. It is said that the honeybee carried a mantis across a river and placed it on a flower. Within this mantis, the bee planted the seed that became the first human.

Insects & Science