Bull (mythology)

The bull in the European mythology is relevant in two ways. On the one hand, it stands for procreation and it is a sign of fertility. On the other hand for the all-powerful force of the rotary motion of the heavens.

Dissemination

Crete

In the union of the two characteristics of the Cretan- Minoan bull cult is seen. There, the Taurus also appears in connection with the double ax. The double ax is itself a symbolism of sun-moon - movements in the sky. If, for example, was found in the Mycenaean shaft grave IV, a vessel in the bull's head shape, projecting a double ax between the horns of the sun ornate skull, so this is entirely understandable as a parable for the conjoined with the world axis Bull of Heaven, in stoic circling run pulls the Himmelsjoch to this.

Central Germany

Almost identical references can be found to the north in humans and cattle burials of the Alps accept. Repeats cattle pairs were thereby laid, which were sometimes decorated with sun motifs, such as the late Neolithic Kugelamphoren culture or Havelländische culture. Last but not least parallels with the Rindergravierungen on Züschener and Warburger stone chamber grave of Wartberg group in today's middle Germany. In particular, the cattle representations in Warburger stone chamber grave next time relevant characters can be astronomical and calendrical backgrounds also recognize the cult of the dead.

Finally, the jewels in the form of double axes are widely used, especially in the aforementioned Neolithic cultures of present-day Central European space. Whether, however, must be compared the Neolithic cult tradition beyond the Alps to the Mediterranean, Bronze Age levels of development or vice versa, is unclear. The high quality of the Cretan- Minoan civilization certificates need not necessarily be associated with previously developed or mentally highly developed cult or sky ideas.

Middle East

Even in the Middle East and in ancient Greece comes before a mythological bull of heaven - in particular as a tool of the gods. In the Epic of Gilgamesh spurned by the Sumerian hero - king love goddess Ishtar sends the Bull to kill Gilgamesh, but he is defeated by it. In ancient Greek legend of Hercules the hero succeeds in taming the bull.