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The Horse in Magic and Myth
From Pegasus and the Trojan horse to the four horses of the Apocalypse, the familiar figure of the horse possesses an age-old mystique. Indeed, many cultures around the world attribute otherworldly qualities to the horse. This volume provides a rich compilation of legend and lore celebrating the sacred and magical symbolism traditionally associated with horses.
Derived from classical mythology, the Bible, world folklore, literature, and other sources, these fantastic tales recount the exploits of angelic steeds and demonic horses as well as centaurs, hippogryphs, and unicorns. Supernatural warhorses and headless phantom horses gallop through these stories, in addition to fairy horses, sea horses, hobbyhorses, bridal horses, corn-horses, moon-horses, wind-horses, and many other fabulous equine exemplars. Readers will also find legends of the gods and patron saints of horses, the horse and metempsychosis, the horse in creation myths, and much more.
A bibliography appears at the end of each chapter, providing scholars and folklorists with an excellent range of resources. The informal and colorful narrative, enhanced by several fanciful illustrations, makes this unique book a treat for horse lovers and readers of all interests.
Derived from classical mythology, the Bible, world folklore, literature, and other sources, these fantastic tales recount the exploits of angelic steeds and demonic horses as well as centaurs, hippogryphs, and unicorns. Supernatural warhorses and headless phantom horses gallop through these stories, in addition to fairy horses, sea horses, hobbyhorses, bridal horses, corn-horses, moon-horses, wind-horses, and many other fabulous equine exemplars. Readers will also find legends of the gods and patron saints of horses, the horse and metempsychosis, the horse in creation myths, and much more.
A bibliography appears at the end of each chapter, providing scholars and folklorists with an excellent range of resources. The informal and colorful narrative, enhanced by several fanciful illustrations, makes this unique book a treat for horse lovers and readers of all interests.
- GenresNonfictionAnimals
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 28, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 29, 2011
Originally published in 1923, a rather interesting though small book on various horse myths around the world. I'm sure this could have been a much bigger book, though the author was taking care to not become overly repetitive. Many of the stories I had heard previously, but there were many others I hadn't heard of. I checked out some of the information online, and found it to be good, even now. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
August 1, 2010
1923 scholarly look at the role of horses in ancient texts and inscriptions from Sumer to the Aztecs to pre-medieval UK.
March 17, 2009
Interesting folklore, but presentation is a little . . . silly.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews