[Ansteorra] Dog as an animal

[Catrin ferch Maelgwn]

Though they were not noted for it (to my knowledge) in the middle ages - I
must put in a word for the much maligned and misunderstood goose.  The goose
is a noble creature, a fierce protector of its family and a true example of
comradeship in nature.  When an injured goose can no longer keep up with the
flock, other geese will remain behind on the ground to protect it until it
dies or recovers, then help it to catch up with the flock, or start another
one together.

Animals may not be cognizant of the "honor" we ascribe to their behaviors,
but that certainly doesn't mean we can't learn from them.

Ants are another group that get overlooked as symbols of self-sacrifice -
they have been known to use their bodies as bridges to assist other ants
across a divide, and to join together in a living raft to protect their
colony from flooding.  Of course, they also engage in horrific acts of
kidnapping, torture, and cannibalism, and... um.

I like geese.

Ever helpfully,
Catrin

On Fri, Apr 16, 2010 at 11:45 PM, willowdewisp at juno.com <
willowdewisp at juno.com> wrote:

> I am sure you are right about dogs but Loyalty is the virtue that is
> ascribed to Dogs. Medieval symbolism is very clear about that. That is why
> you see Knights standing on dogs on their grave stones.
> Thank you
> willow
>