The mythology and symbolism of bees

Bees are more than mere pollinators—throughout history they have symbolized wisdom, order, immortality, and divine connection. The book The mythology and symbolism of bees explores their significance across civilizations, from ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greek and Roman mythology. The author, Dr. Petra Bole, offers an in-depth analysis of how, over the centuries, people have perceived bees as mediators between the earthly and the spiritual realms.

Through richly illustrated pages, the book reveals how the gifts of bees, such as honey, wax, propolis, and pollen, acquired symbolic meaning throughout history. From the rituals of ancient cultures to contemporary interpretations, bees remain a powerful archetypal symbol of harmony, community, and the cyclical nature of the natural world.

Across five chapters, the author sheds light on the significance of bees in various mythological narratives and explains how they have influenced religious and philosophical concepts. The book is intended for enthusiasts of mythology, nature, history, and beekeeping, as well as for anyone interested in the deeper symbolism of life and natural processes.

About the author

Dr. Petra Bole is an architect, a philosopher of visual culture, and a beekeeper who has spent many years researching the interweaving of human and bee history. As the author and co-author of several scholarly works, including Living Together: On the Bee and the Human, The World of Pollinators, and The Trade in the Carniolan Bee, she combines academic expertise, museum practice, and a deep passion for beekeeping. As the director of the Radovljica Municipal Museums, she is also the author of the award-winning exhibition Living Together: On the Bee and the Human at the Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica.