Cattle: Many Gifts

(Uruz, Fehu)

COW (Bovine Family): Many Gifts

Wild and Domestic Bovines have provided nourishment for people’s minds and bodies since Prehistory. These large Cud Eaters are at home nearly everywhere. Relatively low maintenance, Bovines breed well in captivity. Moreover, They can convert plants into nourishment for Themselves and people.

Providing milk, meat, hides and fuel, Bovines formed the foundation for many civilizations. Domestic Cows not only supplies meat and milk to people, but homes and fuel as well. In treeless areas, cow patties are used for fires. Meanwhile, Oxen plow fields and pull carts. Mongolians rely on Yak for everything. The Masai say that all Cows were given to them from N’gai, the Great God. Hindus see Zebus (Tropical Cattle) as “Second Mothers”.

Early Europeans tested their strength against Aurochs, the ancestor of today’s Domestic Cattle. Paintings of powerful Aurochs decorate caves of European Prehistory. Once roaming all of Eurasia, the last Aurochs became extinct in Poland in 1620. Aggressive and powerful, Aurochs became the Norse idea of strength (the Rune Uruz).

The closest relatives to the Aurochs today are the White Cattle of Chillingham. In his Herd, Bull rules his Harem like royalty. Only when He dies does a new King emerge. Meanwhile Cow leaves her herd to have Her Calf. When She is ready, Bull will escort Her and Her Calf back and introduce Them to the herd.



Because of what They have provided humans, Bovines are considered a symbol of wealth. In the Norse Runes, Fehu (cattle) meant wealth. Therefore cattle stealing became a crime worthy of death and of warriors. In stories of the American West, rustlers were hung. Ancient Greeks sang about the boldness of Hermes (Mercury) stealing the Cattle of Apollo (God of the Sun). The Cattle Raid of Cooley (Ta’in Bo’ Cuailnge) was the central epic in the Ulster Cycle of Irish literature. Stealing Cows from other tribes became a part of Masai culture.

Bovines offer people many gifts - of material wealth and of the imagination. The humble Cow feeds people meat and milk. Wild Aurochs feed the imagination of daring and courage. Together, They offer people the gifts of life.

Wisdom of the Cow Family Includes:
Strength
Interspecies Cooperation
Foundation of Life
Nourishment

Science Notes:
Wild Bovines includes: Gaur (Bos gaurus), Banteng (Bos javanicus), and Aurochs (Bos primigenius).
Domestic: Cattle and Zebu (Bos taurus), and Yak (Bos mutus)

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2008

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