Mandrake: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฟ
mandrake
[หmรฆnหdreษชk ]
Definitions
plant type
Mandrake is a plant belonging to the genus Mandragora, known for its forked root and typically large, green leaves. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore, often attributed with magical properties. This plant typically grows in Mediterranean regions and has been used for centuries in various cultural rituals. The root resembles a human figure, which has contributed to its mythical status in literature and witchcraft.
Synonyms
Mandragora, otherworldly root, witches' root.
Examples of usage
- The mandrake was often used in ancient remedies.
- Legends say that pulling a mandrake root could bring misfortune.
- In medieval times, mandrake was considered a powerful talisman.
folklore
In folklore, mandrakes are associated with various magical practices and often appear in stories and myths. It is said that the scream of a mandrake being uprooted is fatal to anyone who hears it. This belief has permeated literature and various cultural narratives, often portraying the mandrake as a symbol of danger and enchantment.
Synonyms
enchantment root, folkloric herb, magical plant.
Examples of usage
- In Harry Potter, mandrakes are used for their restorative properties.
- Shakespeare referenced mandrakes in his plays.
- The tale of the mandrake's scream has inspired many horror stories.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The name 'mandrake' comes from the Latin word 'mandragora', which is related to 'man' because the root looks like a person.
- In various languages, the word often includes a reference to its human-like shape, indicating its long-standing fascination with humans.
Folklore and Mythology
- In medieval times, it was believed that the mandrake could scream when pulled from the ground, which could kill a person or drive them mad.
- Many cultures saw it as a fertility symbol, connecting it to love potions and magical rituals.
Literature
- Mandrake appears in Shakespeare's play 'Hamlet', where its roots are thought to have magical properties.
- In J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, mandrakes are used in potions and healing, reflecting its mystical characteristics.
Science
- Mandrake is related to the nightshade family, which includes some poisonous plants, adding to its mysterious reputation.
- Despite its mythical status, modern science recognizes mandrake contains compounds that can have psychoactive effects when used incorrectly.
Cultural Significance
- Historically, some cultures would use mandrake in rituals for protection against evil spirits, treating it as a magical charm.
- The plant has been featured in many works of art, where its shape typically symbolizes duality or the human condition.
Translations
Translations of the word "mandrake" in other languages:
๐ต๐น mandrรกgora
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเคเคฆเฅเคฐเค
๐ฉ๐ช Mandragora
๐ฎ๐ฉ mandrake
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐะฝะดัะฐะณะพัะฐ
๐ต๐ฑ mandragora
๐ฏ๐ต ใใณใใฌใคใฏ
๐ซ๐ท mandragore
๐ช๐ธ mandrรกgora
๐น๐ท mandrake
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ง๋๋ ์ดํฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุงูุฏุฑููุง
๐จ๐ฟ mandragora
๐ธ๐ฐ mandragora
๐จ๐ณ ๆผๅพทๆ่
๐ธ๐ฎ mandragora
๐ฎ๐ธ mandrake
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐะฝะดัะฐะณะพัะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ แแแแ แ
๐ฆ๐ฟ mandrake
๐ฒ๐ฝ mandrรกgora