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The Little Lore for Cat Lovers: A Comprehensive Guide to Cats in Mythology, Literature, and Folklore

Eli Blair

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Published in The Little Of Lore For Cat Lovers: A Complete Curiosity Of Feline Facts Myths And History (Little Of Lore)

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A Painting Of A Cat With A Human Face, Wearing A Crown And Holding A Scepter, Surrounded By Stars And Moons The Little Of Lore For Cat Lovers: A Complete Curiosity Of Feline Facts Myths And History (Little Of Lore)

The Little of Lore for Cat Lovers: A Complete Curiosity of Feline Facts Myths and History (Little of Lore)

The Little Book of Lore for Cat Lovers: A Complete Curiosity of Feline Facts, Myths, and History (Little Books of Lore)

by Deborah Robertson

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44357 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	103 pages

Cats have been revered and admired by humans for centuries, and their presence in mythology, literature, and folklore is a testament to their enduring fascination. This comprehensive guide explores the rich lore surrounding cats and their significance in different cultures throughout history.

Cats in Mythology

Cats have been associated with the divine in many cultures. In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals and were worshipped as manifestations of the goddess Bastet. The goddess Sekhmet was also often depicted with a cat's head, and cats were believed to protect against evil spirits.

In Norse mythology, the goddess Freya was said to travel in a chariot drawn by cats. Cats were also associated with the underworld, and were often seen as symbols of death and rebirth.

In Celtic mythology, cats were believed to have the ability to see into the future. The goddess Brigid was often depicted with a cat, and cats were thought to be able to communicate with the dead.

Cats in Literature

Cats have been featured in literature for centuries. One of the earliest known literary references to a cat is found in the Epic of Gilgamesh, where a cat is described as being the companion of the hero Gilgamesh.

In the Middle Ages, cats were often associated with witchcraft and were thought to be able to transform into human form. This belief is reflected in the character of Morgan le Fay in the Arthurian legends, who is often depicted as a witch who can transform herself into a cat.

In the 19th century, cats began to be seen in a more positive light. In Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat is a playful and enigmatic figure who helps Alice on her journey. In Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, the panther Bagheera is a wise and loyal friend to Mowgli.

Cats in Folklore

Cats are the subject of many superstitions and folk beliefs. One common belief is that a cat's purring has healing powers. Another belief is that a black cat crossing one's path is a sign of bad luck.

Cats are also often associated with witchcraft and magic. In many cultures, cats are believed to be able to see into the future and to communicate with the dead. Cats are also thought to be able to protect against evil spirits.

Cats have a long and rich history in human culture. They have been revered as gods, worshipped as sacred animals, and featured in literature and folklore for centuries. The lore surrounding cats is a testament to their enduring fascination and their special place in the human heart.

The Little Book of Lore for Cat Lovers: A Complete Curiosity of Feline Facts, Myths, and History (Little Books of Lore)

by Deborah Robertson

4.9 out of 5