1) In Norse mythology, the World Tree, known as Yggdrasil, is a massive ash tree that connects the nine realms of existence. It is considered the center of the cosmos and serves as a conduit between different realms, including Asgard (realm of the gods), Midgard (realm of humans), and Helheim (realm of the dead).

2) The Berlin Conference in 1884-1885 divided Africa among European powers and set the stage for the colonization of the continent.

3) In Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl is a prominent deity often depicted as a feathered serpent. He is associated with creation, fertility, and wind, and is considered a cultural hero and patron of priests and rulers. The arrival of Spanish conquistadors was interpreted by some as the return of Quetzalcoatl.

4) The Epic of Gilgamesh, originating from ancient Mesopotamia, is one of the oldest surviving works of literature and tells the story of the heroic king Gilgamesh and his quest for immortality. It explores themes of friendship, mortality, and the relationship between humans and the divine.