Woof! It’s Blu, the Griffon bleu de Gasgogne, here to tell you a tail-wagging tale about the history of dogs in mythology and folklore. As we explore the roles of canines in ancient stories and legends, you’ll see that we’ve been inspiring people since the dawn of time! So, grab your favorite chew toy and let’s embark on this pawsome journey.
In ancient Egypt, we dogs were highly revered, and the god Anubis is a prime example. With the head of a jackal and the body of a man, Anubis was the guardian of the dead, responsible for guiding souls through the afterlife. You can imagine Anubis wagging his tail as he made sure every soul found its way to eternal peace.
Over in Greek mythology, we canines played some pretty cool roles too. Take Cerberus, the three-headed hound who guarded the entrance to the underworld. Although his job was to keep the dead from leaving and the living from entering, he was a good boy at heart. And let’s not forget Argos, the loyal dog of Odysseus. This faithful pooch waited 20 long years for his master’s return, recognizing him even in disguise. That’s some powerful doggy intuition!
In Norse mythology, we dogs had our paws in the action too! Garmr, a massive hound with a howl that could chill your bones, guarded the entrance to Hel, the realm of the dead. Garmr was said to be involved in the events of Ragnarök, where he battled the god Tyr. Talk about a showdown!
In Asian mythology, the Chinese zodiac includes the Dog as one of its 12 animal signs. People born in the Year of the Dog are said to be loyal, honest, and kind-hearted, just like us! Meanwhile, in Japanese folklore, the legendary eight-headed dog Yamata no Orochi was a fearsome creature defeated by the god Susanoo, who saved a young maiden from its clutches.
Native American tribes also have their share of dog-inspired legends. The Blackfoot tribe tells the story of Dog and the Stick, where the dog’s loyalty and intelligence save the day. In Lakota Sioux mythology, Iktomi, the trickster spider, turns himself into a dog to fool people. And in Aztec mythology, Xolotl, the god of lightning and death, was depicted as a dog-headed man. He was responsible for guiding the souls of the dead to the afterlife, much like our friend Anubis!
Clearly, dogs have left their paw prints all over the world’s mythology and folklore. From guarding the entrance to the underworld to guiding souls in the afterlife, our canine ancestors have played many significant roles. So, the next time you gaze into the eyes of your furry companion, remember the legendary canines who came before them, and the tales of loyalty, courage, and love they inspired.
Sources :
- Anubis and Xolotl: The Remarkable Resemblance of the Death Dog Gods https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-americas/dog-gods-anubis-and-xolotl-0015394
- 8 cool myths about dogs, and why the inugami dog-god didn’t make it https://cristyburne.com/2010/08/17/8-cool-myths-about-dogs-and-why-the-inugami-dog-god-didnt-make-it/
- Dogs in Myth and Legend https://www.urbanpaws.com.au/dogs-in-myth-and-legend/
- Mythological Dogs We Wish Were Real https://simplyfordogs.com/9-mythological-dogs-wish-real/
