 | | The Bear in Myth, Mythology and Folklore | | by balisunset, Aug 22, 2008 | | Of all animals, the bear is probably the one that most clearly resembles human beings in appearance. Even apes can stand upright only slouched over and with considerable difficulty. The bear, however, can walk and even run on two legs almost as well as a human. | | Comments(0) Liked It: 1 |
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 | | Moth and Butterfly in Myth and Folklore | | by balisunset, Aug 26, 2008 | | The idea of a butterfly or moth as the soul is a remarkable example of the universality of animal symbolism, since it is found in traditional cultures of every continent. The custom of scattering flowers at funerals is very ancient, and the flowers attract butterflies, which appear to have emerged from a corpse. | | Comments(0) Liked It: 0 |
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 | | Bull and Cow in Religion, Myth and Folklore | | by balisunset, Aug 26, 2008 | | Bulls and cows are prominent in the Paleolithic paintings on the walls of caves in France, Spain, and other parts of Europe. In the main chamber of the cave at Lascaux, five enormous bulls decorate the ceiling. | | Comments(0) Liked It: 0 |
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 | | Beetles in Folklore and Mythology | | by balisunset, Aug 26, 2008 | | Beetles are often found near garbage, around excrement, and in dank areas. People usually associate beetles with filth, squalor, and decay, yet myth often regards these qualities are often a preliminary stage to the creation of life. | | Comments(0) Liked It: 0 |
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 | | The Bat in Folklore and Mythology | | by balisunset, Aug 14, 2008 | | Bats have always presented a problem for those who like to divide things into neat, unequivocal categories. Not only are they nocturnal but they also seem, in other ways, to reverse what appears to be the normal order. | | Comments(0) Liked It: 0 |
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 | | Mule, Ass, and Camel in Mythology and Folklore | | by balisunset, Aug 14, 2008 | | The ass, or donkey, and camel are, for the most part, animals of peace that help with daily tasks, while the horse excels in arts of war. The ass and camel both have greater endurance than the horse, though they are not as large or fast. The camel thrives especially in hot, dry climates, and the ass is very surefooted in mountainous areas. The ancient Mesopotamians noticed that crossing a mare, a female horse, with a jackass, or male donkey, would produce a mule, which had many advantages of both species. Nevertheless, the mule has sometimes been stigmatized as a product of an “unnatural” union. | | Comments(0) Liked It: 0 |
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