The Mythical Lionman and the Naming of Singapore

Singapore's name is derived from the Malay words 'Singa' and 'Pura', which mean lion and city respectively. The mythical lion man is believed to have been a guardian of the island, and this could explain why the island was named after a lion, even though lions

The "Lion-man" is a term used to describe a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a man. This mythical creature is found in the folklore of many cultures around the world. The Lion-man is often said to be a powerful and feared creature, but he can also be seen as a symbol of strength and courage.




The Lion-man first appears in ancient Mesopotamian artwork from the Sumerian culture. One of the earliest examples of the Lion-man is the "Lion of Ishtar" statue, which dates back to around 2600 BCE. This statue was found in the Temple of Ishtar in the ancient city of Uruk, in modern-day Iraq. The statue depicts a man with the head of a lion, who is standing on his hind legs. He is holding a staff in one hand and a bowl in the other.

 

The Lion-man also appears in ancient Egyptian artwork. One example is the "Lion-headed god" statue, which dates back to around 2400 BCE. This statue was found in the Temple of Amun at Karnak, in modern-day Egypt. The statue depicts a man with the head of a lion, who is holding a staff in one hand.

 

The Lion-man is also found in the mythology of the ancient Greeks. One of the most famous examples is the "Sphinx" of Giza, which dates back to around 2500 BCE. The Sphinx is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a woman. She is said to guard the entrance to the city of Thebes.

 

The Lion-man also appears in the folklore of many other cultures around the world, including the Celts, the Native Americans, and the people of India. The Lion-man is often seen as a symbol of strength and courage, and he is often said to be a powerful and feared creature.

The ancient Malays practised a ritual called bertapa, which is a form of solitary isolation. This practice was believed to be able to manifest strange powers in the practitioner, such as becoming the 'Lion Man'. This is an intriguing concept and one that has been explored in many cultures around the world. It is interesting to think about how these ancient Malays were able to access such powers through their spiritual practices. It is also a reminder of how powerful our minds can be and how we can use our inner strength to access hidden abilities within ourselves.


The Lionman is a mythical creature that is said to have roamed the island of Singapore long ago. The Lionman is said to be a large and powerful creature that was feared by many. It is said that the Lionman was eventually killed by a group of brave men.



Awalludin Ramlee

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