Mythical horses have always captured the imagination of people throughout history. From winged horses to horses with magical powers, these creatures have been the subject of many myths and legends.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most famous mythical horses in mythology and folklore.
Famous Horses in Mythology
Pegasus:
One of the most famous mythical horses in Greek mythology is Pegasus, the winged horse. According to legend, Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa when she was slain by the hero Perseus.
Pegasus was immortal and was said to possess the ability to control thunderbolts, which he used to assist Zeus in his battles against the Titans. Later in his life, Pegasus was captured and tamed by Bellerophon, who rode him to defeat the Chimera and other fearsome creatures.
After these battles, Pegasus was honored by being admitted to Mount Olympus, the home of the gods. Unicorn:
Another mythical horse that has captured the attention of people is the Unicorn.
The Unicorn is a pure white horse with a single spiral horn protruding from its forehead. According to legend, only virgins could capture them, and they were said to possess magical powers.
The legend of the Unicorn has been traced back to the ancient Indus Valley civilizations. Over time, the unicorn became a prominent symbol in Scottish heraldry.
Interestingly, the Unicorn was also associated with gender fluidity, as its horn was a representation of the phallus. Tulpar:
In Turkish mythology, the Tulpar is a hybrid creature born from a horse and birds of prey.
The Tulpar is a winged horse and is most commonly depicted as a black-and-white horse. According to the ancient Turkic epic Irk Bitig and The Epic of Manas, the Tulpar is a divine horse that has the gift of prophecy and is able to transport its rider to the heavens.
Hippoi Athanatoi:
In Greek mythology, the Hippoi Athanatoi were immortal horses that were said to be the offspring of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and various other gods. These horses were associated with the four winds, Anemoi, and they were believed to be the best horses for battle.
They were used as divine war horses by the gods and were often depicted as pulling the chariots of the gods. Alastor:
In Roman mythology, Alastor is a black horse that was associated with Hades, the god of the underworld.
Claudius Claudinus, in his poem The Rape of Proserpine, depicted Alastor as pulling the chariot of Hades. Aethon, Orphnaeus, and Nycteus, other horses related to Hades, were also depicted as being black in color.
Mythical Horses in Different Folklores
Balius and Xanthus:
In Greek mythology, Balius and Xanthus were immortal horses that drew the chariot of Achilles. These horses were the children of Podarge and Zephyrus, and their father was said to be Poseidon.
Along with their brother Pedasus (who was not a winged horse), Balius and Xanthus were known for their speed and their ability to predict the future. Arion:
Arion is another famous horse of Greek mythology that was immortal and was associated with Poseidon, Demeter, and Zerpheus.
Arion was owned by Copreus, Oncus, Heracles, and Adrastus. Arion’s most famous story was his miraculous escape from captivity when he was being transported by a ship.
According to legend, Arion asked the sailors to throw him overboard, and as he swam away, a school of dolphins surrounded him, and he rode on their backs all the way to shore. Kelpie:
In Scottish folklore, the Kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit that is often depicted as a seahorse.
The Kelpie is said to have the ability to appear as either a hairy male or a beautiful female horse. The Kelpie is associated with wailing sounds that can be heard during stormy seasons and is believed to be a dangerous spirit that has the power to drown humans.
Buraq:
The Buraq is a mythical beast from Islamic scriptures. According to legend, the Buraq was a creature that helped Prophet Muhammad transport from Mecca to Heaven.
The Buraq is described as having a human face, elephant ears, horse mane, and a camel tail. It was said to have flown at the speed of light and is often portrayed as a symbol of the divine.
Hippocampus:
In Greek mythology, the Hippocampus is a shapeshifting creature that is half horse and half fish. The Hippocampus is closely associated with the sea god Poseidon and was often used to pull the chariot of Nereides.
They were also believed to possess the power of aquakinesis and immortality. The Hippocampus was considered to be a good omen and was often depicted with dragon scales all over its body.
Conclusion
Mythical horses have played a key role in many different mythologies and folklore. From winged horses to sea creatures, these mythical horses were believed to have magical powers and were often associated with the gods.
Today, they continue to be celebrated and are an essential part of human culture.
Unique Horses in Different Mythologies
Horses play a significant role in various mythologies worldwide, with each culture and belief featuring different kinds of horses. Here, we will look at some of the unique horses in different mythologies.
Mares of Diomedes:
In Greek mythology, the Mares of Diomedes is a group of dangerous horses owned by King Diomedes. The Mares of Diomedes were known to be fed with human flesh, which made them fierce and fiery.
During one of the Labours of Heracles, the hero was tasked with capturing these horses. Although the mission was difficult, Heracles was able to capture the horses after feeding Diomedes to them.
Tianma:
In Chinese mythology, Tianma is a winged horse with dragon scales. The horse sweats blood, and the color shifts based on its mood, ranging from white to yellow to black.
In some accounts, the Tianma is depicted as a giant flying dog with a black head. The Tianma is also considered a great mount for supernatural creatures.
Sleipnir:
Sleipnir is a famous horse in Norse mythology, which is owned by the god Odin. Sleipnir has eight legs and a gray skin tone.
The horse symbolizes wind and is said to be faster than lightning. Sleipnir is the offspring of the trickster god, Loki, who assumed the form of a mare, and the stallion Svaoilfari.
Interestingly, another descendant of Svaoilfari and Sleipnir’s daughter, Grani, is also a legendary horse in Norse mythology. Longma:
Longma is another unique horse from Chinese mythology.
Longma has a horse-like body and a dragon’s head, complete with dragon scales. Longma is regarded as a good omen and is associated with wisdom and wit.
Longma is also believed to have connections to other mythical creatures such as dragons and qilin.
Symbolisms and Values of Mythical Horses
In many mythologies, horses are perceived as symbols of different virtues, such as strength, honor, bravery, resiliency, and good omen. Additionally, horses are associated with various values, some of which are discussed below:
Symbolisms:
Strength:
Horses are powerful creatures, and their physical abilities make them symbols of strength.
In many mythologies, horses are used as war animals, and their strength helps the warriors conquer their enemies. Honor:
In many cultures, horses are symbols of honor and nobility.
In ancient Rome, for example, victorious generals would parade through Rome on their chariots, accompanied by their prized horses. Bravery:
Horses are often depicted as courageous creatures that show no fear in the face of danger.
In Greek and Roman mythology, horses are used as symbols of courage and bravery, especially in depictions of heroes riding them into battle. Resiliency:
Horses are also seen as symbols of determination and resilience.
In Native American cultures, for example, horses are viewed as messengers of strength and endurance. Good Omen:
Horses are believed to bring good luck in many cultures worldwide.
In Chinese mythology, white horses are often associated with prosperity and good fortune, and they are believed to bring success to individuals. Values:
Honor:
Horses are symbols of honor, and they represent the best qualities in people.
In ancient Greece, horsemanship was considered an essential part of education for noble children, and horses were viewed as important in establishing the honor of the family. Bravery:
Horses embody bravery, which is why they are often used as motifs for bravery.
Courageous people are sometimes referred to as “horse-like” or having the nature of a horse. Horses are also sometimes used to represent the bravery needed to face life’s challenges.
Humility:
Horses are also associated with humility. Although horses are powerful, they are also gentle and can become obedient and loyal to their riders.
Horses serve without question, making them a symbol of servitude and humility. Helpfulness:
Horses are believed to be helpful creatures, able to serve and support humans.
This attribute has led to horses being used for transportation, agriculture, and leisure. Horses have become important tools for humans to produce sustainability, which is one value that humans ought to uphold.
Freedom:
Horses are symbols of freedom, and they have been used to represent independence and individualism. Horses have their personalities, which mean that their riders ought to understand them and let them be themselves.
This liberty symbolized by horses also promotes the importance of freedom amongst humans. In conclusion, horses are essential and impactful creatures in different mythologies worldwide.
As we have seen, they come in various forms and have different attributes. However, the symbolism and values that we associate with horses are somewhat universal, portraying them as strong, honorable, brave, resilient, and good omen.
Furthermore, the values derived from the symbolism associated with horses serve as ideals that humans ought to embody. In conclusion, horses have played a significant role in various mythologies and cultures, with each featuring different types of horses.
From the Mares of Diomedes to Sleipnir, and Longma to Tianma, each horse is unique and causes an impact on the beliefs and practices of its respective culture. Moreover, the symbolism and values associated with horses, such as strength, honor, bravery, resiliency, and good omen, promote positive qualities in individuals.
As such, we can learn from these ideals and embody them in our lives to become more compassionate and successful.
FAQs:
Q: What are some of the famous horses in Greek mythology?
A: Pegasus, the Mares of Diomedes, and the Hippoi Athanatoi are some of the famous horses in Greek mythology. Q: What does the horse Sleipnir represent?
A: Sleipnir is an important symbol of wind and represents Odin’s power and wisdom in Norse mythology. Q: What values are associated with horses?
A: Honor, bravery, humility, helpfulness, freedom, and strength, are among the many values associated with horses. Q: Why are horses associated with strength?
A: Due to their strong and powerful physique, horses have come to represent strength in various mythologies. Q: What beliefs are associated with the Tianma?
A: Tianma is perceived as a good mount for supernatural creatures and is believed to be a strong symbol of luck and grace.