Mythological names

I do find it confusing when use fantasy authors use names from mythology and folklore. I never know if I'm supposed to see the character as an original character who happens to have the same name and epithet as an Irish god or Welsh hero or whatever, or if they are actually supposed to be that character, or an aspect of them. If often ends up being the former, but by the time that finally becomes clear, my emotional reaction to the character has become all confused and skewed.

Filthy book of the day

Any ideas what on earth is going on in the bottom left of this picture, and why?

( An elephant is involved )