Horse Statue
Mythology, Legend And Folklore Surrounding Horses
Horses have been around almost since the beginning of time. Horses are beautiful animals and seem to have a spiritual presence. They are extraordinarily sensitive creatures which have this almost mystical ability to pick up on human emotions and moods. Perhaps this is why horses throughout the ages have been a focal point of many myths and legends.
The Magical Unicorn.
One of the most well known mythical horses is the Unicorn, which has long captured the heart of the young and the old. There are different names and legends ascribed to the unicorn across many different cultures. In China over 5,000 years ago a unicorn named Ki Lin was responsible for showing the emperor Fu His the Chinese written language. The story goes that the unicorn was covered in symbols and the emperor traced them in the dirt on the ground. The story goes that this is how the written Chinese language originated.
In Arabia the unicorn is called the Karkadaan. This creature was depicted as one who could appear in many different forms; all ferocious and war-like. The unicorn makes its first appearance in 416 BC in written accounts from India. They were described as being white in colour, with dark blue eyes, a dark red head and a horn on their forehead that was about a foot and a half long.
At around three feet tall and a mere one hundred pounds, the European unicorn of folklore is like a smaller version of a horse in every way excepting its horn. The unicorn of Northern Europe is described as being either white or cream. The opposite is the case in Southern Europe, where they are said to be either dark – almost black even – or golden. Contained in the unicorn’s horn are the magical powers of healing, so the legend goes.
Today’s unicorns are depicted as being more closely looking like a horse and a little larger than older descriptions of the European unicorn. It is said to look exactly like a horse with a horn in the middle of its head. It is usually depicted as being pure white, however it has even been described as being colours like pink, purple and blue.
The modern mythical images of unicorns even today remain a popular fascination with young and old in Western cultures. Many books, films, stories and even kids’ toys feature a mythical beast which we call the unicorn. The unicorn may be only an imaginary being, but it is still an enduring myth and one which continues to be popular even in this modern world.
The Winged Stallion.
Another horse type creature that has been written about in mythology and other stories is Pegasus.Pegasus – the winged steed of the hero Bellerophon – was the offspring of Medusa and Poseidon, and had many mystic powers, according to Greek mythology. By way of honour, the Greek god Zeus allowed his thunderbolts to be carried by Pegasus. Euippe became Pegasus’s mate and they had two offspring named Melanippe and Celeris. Zeus bestowed honour upon Pegasus by transforming him into a constellation, so the mythology states.
A Good Luck Symbol.
In many countries and to many people the horseshoe is a symbol of good luck. How exactly this came to be is unclear, yet it is one of the most famous superstitions relating to horses. Some say it is because it is crescent shaped and that shape is suppose to be symbolic of protection. Some contend that the luck originates from the horse itself, and the shoe is lucky by mere association. Blacksmiths were once believed to have supernatural powers; magicians to be able to work with iron, whch was said to have magical powers of its own. Witches and demons could thus be kept at bay by the hanging of an iron horseshoe above the doorway.
The horseshoe could also be considered lucky by virtue of the seven nail holes in each. The number seven is believed to hold powers of good luck in some cultures. One belief held that a horse wearing shoes fashioned from the sword which had spilled the blood of a warrior would be speedy and never tire.
Many superstitions and old wives’ tales have surrounded horses and donkeys throughout the ages. Below are listed some bizarre and peculiar beliefs surrounding horses throughout various points in history.
- A horse would become crippled if it stepped in a wolf paw print.
- Changing the name of a horse is said to bring bad luck to the horse’s owner.
- To cure whooping cough you inhale a horse’s breath.
- Riding a donkey whilst facing the wrong way is supposedly a cure for snakebites and toothache.
- Leading a horse through your house is said to reverse the bad luck bestowed upon you by the breaking of a mirror.
- To prevent a witch from casting a spell on your horse you would carry a rowan wood whip.
- To cure warts you would circle them with horse hair.
- Wearing the tail hair of a black stallion is supposed to protect you from witches.
- Putting pennies into your water tank would stop a mare being irritable.
- Putting a horse’s skull under the floor where the piano is situated was said to improve the tone of the instrument.
Horses do often appear to have this magical quality which continues to draw us to them. Most people who spend time around horses talk of their special awe-inspiring qualities. Perhaps this is why they have become such an intricate part of the history of so many varying cultures and civilisations. Horses will always be involved in storytelling, being such an integral part of legend and myth both now and in the future.
This article has been published for the millions of horse enthusiasts all over the world by Animal Friends Equine Insurance – the UK’s only not-for-profit horse insurance provider. You can buy horse rider insurance today online or by phone, and all net profits go towards helping animals in crisis around the globe.
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