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- Sacred and Mythological Animals: A Worldwide Taxonomy
Description
Sacred and Mythological Animals: A Worldwide Taxonomy
This comprehensive encyclopedia examines the role of animals in religious traditions and mythologies across cultures worldwide. From domestic cats to mythical flying horses, animals serve as symbols, messengers, tricksters, and sacred beings in spiritual narratives spanning continents and centuries.
The raven exemplifies this diversity of meaning: portrayed as an evil omen in some traditions, a death harbinger in others, yet also appearing as a wise messenger or shape-changing trickster. Norse mythology depicts Odin's magical ravens perched on his shoulders, delivering news from across the realms.
Systematic Organization by Animal Classification
The book structures its content by primary animal classifications including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, and insects. Each chapter focuses on a significant grouping such as dogs, cats, or horses, beginning with scientific descriptions before examining mythological attributes and symbolic meanings.
Religious texts and myths provide the foundation for exploring how sacred traditions employ animal images, themes, and associations in rituals, ceremonies, literature, and folklore. Numerous examples cite original texts and mythological sources, offering readers direct connections to primary materials.
Beyond Natural Animals
A dedicated section covers animal hybrids, mythical creatures, and monstrous beings that populate world mythologies. The text also explores celestial animals represented in stars, constellations, and Zodiac symbols, connecting earthly creatures to cosmic significance.
Scholarly Resources Included
An appendix provides essential details about the religions and mythologies referenced throughout the text, offering context for readers unfamiliar with specific traditions. A glossary defines uncommon religious terminology and explains scientific animal nomenclature, making the content accessible to both academic researchers and general readers interested in comparative religion and mythology.
About the Author
Yowann Byghan brings over 50 years of experience as a practicing Druid to this scholarly work. As a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh and fluent Cornish speaker, he accessed source texts in their original languages including Scottish Gàidhlig, Irish Gaeilge, Welsh, and Latin, alongside translations. He resides on a small island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides.
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