Black Cats: Myth, Folklore, Scripture, and History: From Sacred Companions to Symbols of Superstition
Decknick, Steven M
Synopsis "Black Cats: Myth, Folklore, Scripture, and History: From Sacred Companions to Symbols of Superstition"
Black Cats: Myth, Folklore, Scripture, and History From Sacred Companions to Symbols of Superstition Why were cats worshiped in ancient Egypt? Why are black cats considered lucky in some cultures and unlucky in others? Why do stories about witches, phantom panthers, magical cats, and mysterious feline guardians appear across the world? For thousands of years, black cats and black panthers have walked through human history, folklore, religion, literature, and popular culture. They have been revered as sacred guardians, feared as omens of misfortune, celebrated as symbols of independence, and transformed into heroes, villains, companions, and legends. In this fascinating exploration of black cat history, folklore, mythology, Scripture, superstition, and popular culture, author Steven Decknick uncovers the remarkable story behind one of the world's most misunderstood animals. Journey through: - The sacred cats of Ancient Egypt and the goddess Bastet - Cats in Greece, Rome, and the ancient world - The surprising mystery of why cats are almost absent from the Bible - Medieval beliefs, witchcraft folklore, and the rise of the black cat myth - Witches' familiars, shape-shifting cats, and famous witch-trial legends - Good-luck and bad-luck superstitions from around the world - Scotland's mysterious Cat Sìth and other supernatural feline tales - Phantom black panthers and modern mystery-cat sightings - Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale The Black Cat - Bagheera, Salem, Catwoman, Black Panther, and famous feline characters in literature, fantasy, television, comics, and film - The Black Panther Party and the powerful symbolism of the panther - Modern scientific discoveries about real black panthers and melanistic big cats Blending history, folklore, mythology, religion, literature, wildlife science, and cultural traditions, this book separates fact from fiction while exploring the stories people have told about black felines for centuries. Along the way, you'll discover a surprising truth: The animals changed very little. The stories changed constantly. Whether you're fascinated by black cats, mythology, cryptids, folklore, ancient history, biblical studies, supernatural legends, fantasy literature, panthers, or cultural symbolism, this engaging and thoroughly researched book offers a captivating journey through one of history's most enduring mysteries. Open the pages and discover why humanity has never stopped telling stories about black cats and black panthers.
