Some notes on significance of deer antlers in cultures of different countries. The Role of Antlers in Folklore and Mythology.
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The Role of Antlers in Folklore and Mythology
Antlers have been an important part of human culture for thousands of years, and have
played a prominent role in many myths, legends, and folklore around the world,
symbolizing power, wisdom, and spiritual connection. Now let's look briefly at the few
examples from different mythologies.
In Native American folklore, antlers were seen as a symbol of power and
strength. The Cherokee believed that deer antlers had healing properties, and used them
to treat a variety of ailments. The Hopi believed that antlers were a symbol of spiritual
evolution, and used them in their religious ceremonies.
Recommended reading: «FSU researchers: Deer antlers played large role in Cherokee
society »
In Celtic mythology, the horned god Cernunnos (“The Horned One”) was often
depicted with antlers. He was a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the cycles of nature.
The antlers were also a sign of his connection to the animal world, and his ability to
communicate with animals.
In Chinese mythology, the qilin, a mythical creature, was said to have the body of
a deer and the horns of a dragon. It was considered a symbol of prosperity, and was
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often associated with good luck and fortune. Recommended reading: The gentle and
benevolent Qilin of Chinese mythology
Antlers have also played a role in more recent folklore and fairy tales.
In the Brothers Grimm story "The Twelve Huntsmen," a king's daughter is transformed
into a deer and is able to communicate with other deer through her antlers. In the
Scottish fairy tale "The Wulver," a gentle creature with the body of a man and the head of
a wolf is said to have antlers.
Prepared for you by WondeerfulFarm
www.wondeerful.farm
Antlers have been an important part of human culture for thousands of years, and have
played a prominent role in many myths, legends, and folklore around the world,
symbolizing power, wisdom, and spiritual connection. Now let's look briefly at the few
examples from different mythologies.
In Native American folklore, antlers were seen as a symbol of power and
strength. The Cherokee believed that deer antlers had healing properties, and used them
to treat a variety of ailments. The Hopi believed that antlers were a symbol of spiritual
evolution, and used them in their religious ceremonies.
Recommended reading: «FSU researchers: Deer antlers played large role in Cherokee
society »
In Celtic mythology, the horned god Cernunnos (“The Horned One”) was often
depicted with antlers. He was a symbol of fertility, abundance, and the cycles of nature.
The antlers were also a sign of his connection to the animal world, and his ability to
communicate with animals.
In Chinese mythology, the qilin, a mythical creature, was said to have the body of
a deer and the horns of a dragon. It was considered a symbol of prosperity, and was
www.wondeerful.farm
often associated with good luck and fortune. Recommended reading: The gentle and
benevolent Qilin of Chinese mythology
Antlers have also played a role in more recent folklore and fairy tales.
In the Brothers Grimm story "The Twelve Huntsmen," a king's daughter is transformed
into a deer and is able to communicate with other deer through her antlers. In the
Scottish fairy tale "The Wulver," a gentle creature with the body of a man and the head of
a wolf is said to have antlers.
Prepared for you by WondeerfulFarm
www.wondeerful.farm