Chapter 6: Interesting Myths and legends
which may or may not interest cats in the United Kingdom in the 21st century
Chapter 6: Interesting Myths and legends
which may or may not interest cats in the United Kingdom in the 21st century
The cat is highlighted in legends throughout the world, but here are just a few stories which might be of interest to the residents of the British Isles.
Historically one of the holiest cats was Meuzza, which belonged to Mohammed. And according to legend, the prophet was called to pray one day while the cat was asleep on his arm and, rather than awaken the cat, Mohammed cut the sleeve off his robe and laid the sleeve down leaving the dozing cat undisturbed. That blessed cat resides in paradise.
According to the Koran, the cat is the essence of purity and a cat hospital was built in Bab-el-Nasz, where it was considered a blessing to bring food to the patients. It is interestingly unlawful to chase cats from Mosque buildings.
According to an old European folktale, cats were first created with wings, but as they preyed upon birds and threatened them with extinction, God took away their wings turning their flutter into a purr, reminding kittens of the time and form in which they were most content.
Cats are not mentioned in the Bible, which may relate to their importance as deities in Ancient Egypt. However there are some dogs in the bible, which according to Charlton Heston might explain their absence.
There are various legends about witches and their familiar, THE CAT. These can even be found in Shakespeare.
Cats feature in several legendry British stories and even pantomime, for example Dick Whittington's 'puss in boots.' There are also nursery rhymes and songs about a variety of cats.
There are many cats associated with religious and political persons in the United Kingdom. The Rt. Rev'd Martin Stockwood, the late Bishop of Southwark was renowned in the diocese for his British cat, and of course there is the well known cat in charge of 10, Downing Street.
In ancient cultures the cat was both a solar and lunar animal. It was said to be psychic and predicting coming disasters and some people thought it could affect the weather, hence the expression "raining cats and dogs"
In Celtic traditions cats were associated with the underworld powers, the dead, and prophecy. Often they were portrayed as evil creatures, but this may have been the wildcat in Celtic countries which were untamed.
Irish legends tell of a cat called little cat who was a guardian of treasure.
In Wales there was the great cat that was all powerful being born of Henwen, an enchanted sow.
NEXT: Chapter 7