In Aztec mythology, Itzpapalotl is a fearsome warrior goddess who rules over the paradise realm of Tamoanchan, the final destination for souls who die a nonviolent death, particularly women who die in childbirth.

Abere is a cannibal demoness from Melanesian folklore, whose name means “Maiden.” She appears to be a beautiful young woman, but this is just an illusion hiding the terrifying reality.

Yuki-onna, whose name means "Snow Woman” in Japanese, is a mythical apparition sometimes described as a snow vampire, who feeds on the blood of living children.

In Brazilian folklore, Iara, also known as Uiara or Yara, is a captivating and enchanting figure associated with water, particularly rivers and streams. She is often depicted as a beautiful, seductive mermaid or water nymph with long, flowing hair and enchanting eyes.

Artemis is the Greek goddess of the hunt, twin sister of Apollo and daughter of Zeus and Leto. She rules the moon and childbirth, motherhood and virginity, wild animals and hunters. She is best known for her association with the wilderness.

Blodeuwedd is the Welsh goddess of Spring, created by the sorcerer Gwydion and his brother Math. Her name means "flower face," reflecting her origin and nature. She was crafted from the blossoms of wild flowers oak, broom, and meadowsweet and brought to life to serve as the wife of Lleu, Gwydion's nephew, circumventing his mother's curse that he would never marry a mortal woman.

Kali, in Hindu mythology, is the powerful and fearsome goddess associated with time, change, and the destructive forces that precede creation and regeneration. Revered as a manifestation of the Divine Mother, she is depicted with a necklace of severed heads. Kali's name itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "kāla," meaning time, reflecting her cosmic role in the cycles of existence.

Marzanna is a Baltic/Slavic nature goddess associated with sorcery, dreams, agriculture and the seasonal cycle of death and rebirth. Her worship is closely linked to the cycles of the agricultural year and the rites performed to ensure fertility and protection.

Amaterasu is the Shinto Sun goddess of Japan, whose name means "Shining in Heaven" or "Heaven's Illuminating Force." She is one of the most important and revered kami (deities) in the Shinto pantheon. She was born from a tear in the creator Izanagi's left eye, while her brother, Tsukiyomi, the Moon God, was born from his right. Her youngest sibling, Susanoo, was born from his nose, and was sent to rule the sea plain as the storm god.

Maman Brigitte is a Vodou death spirit, brought to Haiti and Louisiana by Irish indentured servants. She and her husband Baron Samedi guard cemeteries and protect graves marked with crosses. They are irreverent tricksters, mocking authority and carousing, dancing, swearing and drinking hot pepper-infused rum.

Today's post is about Sedna, the Inuit goddess of the sea. She's definitely a "badass" goddess, known for her vengeful and violent nature when protecting the sea creatures over which she has dominion and protection rights. But her origin story, as is often the case, is also a tragic one. She could be said to epitomize the #MeToo movement of the icy Northern seas.