44 Days of Witchery Day 9: A favourite mythological animal

genericstrasse / Flickr

Usually when I think about mythological animals, it's not good. Most of the time I complain to myself about contemporary depictions that have sanitized creatures that have been historically portrayed as troublesome such as fairies and sirens, stripping them of their danger or sexuality, or I bemoan New Age representations of blonde, blue-eyed, glowing angels, the result of medieval re-imagining.

I like centaurs, but  not so much in the classical sense. Although Chiron was considered intelligent and civilized, he was also viewed as an exception among his violent and lusty brethren. Centaurs were depicted as barbaric, warlike, and usually carrying off human women. In a critical sense, the centaur represents contrast/conflict, a dual nature, the struggle between the primitive and civilization, a very human struggle. I like how they are portrayed in contemporary literature, such as The Chronicles of Narnia and the Harry Potter series, as gifted at healing and astrology.

The centaur, like mermaids, fairies, and gnomes, are among those mythological creatures that have not faded into obscurity. They remain popular images of magic and imagination, humor and beauty. It's not unusual to see statues of centaurs in modern cities. I'm pretty sure there's one not to far from my home. I'll see if I can get any snapshot soon.

Do you have a favorite mythological creature? Any adorning your city streets?