Dogs are the first known animal to be domesticated by human beings that almost traces back to around 30,000 years ago. From ancient times, dogs are found all over the world. Some of them are hunters, some defenders, and others helped the travelers. So, dogs have long been part of ancient tales and myths.
In various mythologies, dogs were often a watchdog or a pet. Dogs guarding the gates of hell and heaven reverberated through the Indo-European mythologies. They are a significant religious symbol for the people of central Mexico. The dogs are one of the twelve animals honored in the Chinese astrology. In China even in Japan and Korea, dogs are considered the protector.
Some of the most popular myths and legends about dogs that have caught our attention for centuries are as follows:
Dogs in Greek mythology
Cerberus, a three-headed Hound with a tail like a snake, is mentioned in Greek mythology. It is believed to guard the gates of the underworld. It is the faithful watchdog of Hades, the God of the underworld. Cerberus allows all to enter the underworld but never allows them to leave.
There are various stories of how some legends managed to escape by soothing or capturing Cerberus. People who looked upon this dog turned to stone.
In another old Greek poem Odyssey written by Homer, we come across a dog called Argos. It was the faithful dog of Odysseus. Odysseus left Troy after 20 years to return to his home in Ithaca. He was disguised as a beggar. Most of Ithaca thought that he was dead. It was his dog Argos who could recognize his master and was happy to see him alive.
There are several other tales relating to dogs in Greek legends.
Dogs in Japanese Mythology
Okuri-Inu is a demon dog mentioned in Japanese legends. The hound follows the travelers on their journey. Though this may sound comforting, there is a twist in the tale. If a traveler falls during the journey, the dog thinks he or she is tired and tries to eat up. However, if the traveler can convince the dog that such a stop was intentional, he or she can avoid being eaten up by the dog.
Dogs in Egyptian Mythology
Though the ancient Egyptians are more associated with cats, dogs are also considered sacred and are an important religious symbol. Anubis, the jackal-headed God of the underworld, is an Egyptian dog. He was the son of Osiris, a principal Egyptian god, and Nepthys. They were worshipped by the Egyptian and often related to death.
It is believed that they accompany dead kings to the afterworld. Whether the king would be able to enter the afterworld is judged by them.
Another dog that has made a place in Egyptian mythology is Am-heh. He was a minor god from the underworld. He was portrayed as a man with the head of a hunting dog who lived in the lake of fire.
Dogs in Hindu mythology
In Hindu mythology, Yama, the God of death has two dogs with four eyes. They are said to guard the gates of hell (Naraka). Muthappan, the hunter god from the North Malabar region uses a dog as his mount. Dogs are found around the temple of Muthappan. The dog is also the vahan of the Hindu god Bhairava.
The dog is mentioned in one of the greatest epics of Hindus, Mahabharat. When the Pandavas were walking towards heaven, a dog was following them. When all the Pandavas one after another fell on the path, they followed Yudhishthira to the gate of heaven. However, Indra, the king of Gods stopped them and said that he would not be able to enter heaven with the dog. But Yudhishthira was not ready to leave the dog behind and choose to remain outside the gate of heaven with his beloved pet. Lord Indra then revealed that the dog was Dharma himself and that he was taken a test of devotion, which he passed successfully. So, Hindus believe that caring for dogs can pave their way to heaven.
In Valmiki Ramayana, there is mention of a dog receiving justice in the court of King Rama.
Dogs in Iranian mythology
Just like in Hindu culture, Zoroastrian legends dogs guard the gates of the afterlife. They are related to Yama. A dog’s gaze is considered very purifying and wards off demons. Dogs are traditionally fed in commemoration of the dead. It is a kind of respect shown to the dogs as considered to have a connection with the afterlife.
Dogs in European mythology
In the early 14th century in France, Roman Catholic Church identified Saint Roch as the saint of dogs. The story goes by that Saint Roch once become infected with the plague while doing charitable works. With the expectation that he would die he went to the forest. There a dog licked his sores and brought him food. He got back his life. After that, the feast day of Saint Roch, which is August 16, is celebrated as the birthday of all dogs.
A Faerie dog is the size of a bull and looks like wolves. The English people considered this dog as a bad omen. They feared that whoever witness the dog can suffer an untimely death. Fearie barks can be heard from miles away. They usually let out three barks, and someone who hears the terrifying sound must reach safety before the third bark. In case someone hears the third one, that person is doomed.
Gwyllgi is a bullock-sized dog with red eyes. They are seen on the lonely Welsh roads. It is bad luck for the travelers who see Gwyllgi.
Conclusion
Dogs have been associated with human beings for ages, and they continue to play a crucial role in our life even today. They are a joy to be with an enrich us in several ways. Throughout their lifetime, they remain the best companion for the mankind. They serve many roles as protectors and constant companion, and thus plays significant parts of our life. Like mythologies and ancient legends, dogs are also mentioned in modern tales and often portrayed as the best companion of humans in movies. So, dogs will continue to be the best friend of humans irrespective of the time.
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