Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals, Volume 2 (of 2)

Name: Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals, Volume 2 (of 2)
Author: Angelo De Gubernatis

By Angelo De Gubernatis

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Mythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

The volume surveys mythical traditions and symbolic meanings attached to a wide range of animals, grouping entries under land, air, and water. Each chapter treats specific species—hogs, dogs, cats, big cats, birds from eagles to the phoenix, insects, fishes, and serpents—and traces their roles in folklore, religion, and ritual across cultures. Comparative anecdotes, etymologies, and classical and popular sources illuminate recurring motifs such as animal disguises, omens, divine embodiments, and monstrous guardians. The book closes by showing how animal imagery encodes human fears, moral lessons, and cosmological ideas.

About the Author

Angelo De Gubernatis

Angelo De Gubernatis was an Italian writer, scholar, and naturalist known for his contributions to the fields of zoology and mythology. He is particularly recognized for his seminal work, "Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals," which explores the connections between animal symbolism and mythological narratives across cultures. De Gubernatis also engaged with literary criticism and biographical studies, as seen in his work on Alessandro Manzoni. His interests extended to comparative studies of cultural practices, including marriage customs among Indo-European peoples. Through his diverse writings, he sought to bridge the gap between science and the humanities, leaving a lasting impact on both disciplines.