I heard that the tale has given rise to the word nightmare, where the Mara would appear at night and sit on a victims chest stopping their breathing. Similar tales appear in Hindu and buddist literature. If you know more about the subject I would appreciate knowing.
2006-11-18 20:52:35 · 3 answers · asked by Birdie2006 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Mythology & Folklore
It is one of a long list of fables that explain Sleep paralysis. Susan Blackmore has researched the commonality of night-terrors in diverse cultures.
2006-11-18 21:31:31 · answer #1 · answered by Avondrow 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you are talking about the Black Mare or Night Mare, then yes. It was a horse who was thought to cause bad dreams and sudden deaths. It is even called the Devil's Horse in other legends, and sometimes a puca.
2006-11-18 22:20:51 · answer #2 · answered by atreadia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In buddhism MARA is the personalization of human greed,hatred and ignorance.
2006-11-18 20:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anger eating demon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋