Birds: Myth, Lore and LegendThe stories, myths and legends associated with more than 80 kinds of birds from around the world. Why are owls regarded either as wise or as harbingers of doom? What gave rise to the fanciful belief that storks bring babies? Why is the eagle associated with victory or the hummingbird with paradise? The answers are here in this engaging book. By re-telling the many legends, beliefs, proverbs and predictions associated with more than 80 birds from many nations, it brings into focus the close – and often ancient – links between humans and these remarkable feathered descendants of dinosaurs. Discover, for instance: - Why the cockerel features on many church spires - The one sacred bird that symbolises life and peace in most cultures - How to dispel bad luck if you see a certain black-and-white bird - The South American 'devil bird' once thought to be a dragon Birds: Myth, Lore and Legend draws on historical accounts and scientific literature to reveal how colourful tales or superstitions were shaped by human imagination based on each bird's behaviour or appearance. It offers a fresh and enchanting perspective on birds across the world. |
Contents
| 8 | |
| 10 | |
Sacred to the Gods | 86 |
Myths of Many Nations | 164 |
For Good and Ill | 230 |
| 300 | |
| 303 | |
Picture Credits | 304 |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
According American ancient animals appearance associated beautiful became behaviour belief bill bird’s birds blue body breeding bring Britain century close colour Common considered cormorant crane creature crow cuckoo death described duck eagle early eggs Eurasian Europe feathers female fish flight folklore forest geese goose Greek ground gulls head human hunt insects island killed king known land legend linked live male meaning migration myth mythology Native American nature neck nest night North Northern once perhaps plumage prey protected raven represented Robin sacred similar sing sometimes song sound South sparrow species spirit starling storks story swallow swan symbol tail tale tells thought thrush tree tribe turned voice vultures wild wings winter wren young