Sacred Horses

Job 39:19-25 KJV

Outside of Greek mythology, the presence of the horse can be observed in all major religions, as well as in lesser-known spiritual traditions. In the passage above, taken from the Bible, the horse is portrayed as a symbol of power and freedom. Later, in Revelation, horses serve alongside the messengers of the apocalypse, often referred to as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. In this same text, Christ is depicted riding a white horse. The white horse is consistently set apart, symbolizing purity, innocence, and divine righteousness.

In Hindu tradition, the horse-headed deity Hayagriva (pictured above) is regarded to be the god of wisdom and triumph of Knowledge. He is often called on when studying sacred and secular subjects. In Norse mythology, Odin's eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, is believed to transcend realms, acting as a bridge between the mortal and the divine. Similarly, in Celtic tradition, the goddess Epona presides over the equestrian realm, revered as a protector of horses and their riders (Long Riders Guild Academic Foundation, n.d.). These depictions across various spiritual traditions reveal a universal reverence for the horse—not only as a symbol of power and nobility, but as a sacred and loyal companion, aiding humanity through life's most profound journeys.

Above: Epona, second or third century AD, from Contern, Luxembourg (Musée national d'art et d'histoire, Luxembourg City).