In former times
it was always possible that the Manxman numbered among his cattle one or
more cows which were not what they appeared to be to a casual eye.
These were 'sea-cows' or grey seals, which had assumed the shape
of ordinary cows and come ashore for a lengthy period. They were
luck-bringing visitors to the herd, for they promoted fertility and
insured health and vigour in the calves, much as the supernumerary goat
did.
'Seal' is a word still used occasionally I am told, as
an adjective with the meaning of 'lucky', especially in farmyard
matters.
(source: A Second Manx Scrapbook by W W Gill, 1932; artwork http://bit.ly/19seYFu)
The practice of
letting a goat accompany flocks and herds at pasture was favoured in
the Isle of Man. It is said to be followed still on a few farms.
The goat's presence was believed to have a beneficial effect on the general health of cows and sheep and especially to promote their fertility and successful calving and lambing.
As it is wiser than the beasts, it knew before they did when bad weather was coming and led them to shelter.
(source: A Second Manx Scrapbook by W W Gill, 1932; artwork 'Goat on cow's back' by 3greendogs http://bit.ly/1aS6CF3)
Small
fragment of cross-slab of the lte 10th century, illutrating splendid
Norse animal ornament, showing the forepart of a boar.*
Note the representation of bristles and the characteristic spiral where limb joins body.*
It may be a representation of Sæhrímnir, the creature killed and eaten
every night by the Æsir and Einherjar. The cook of the gods, Andhrímnir,
is responsible for the slaughter of Sæhrímnir and its preparation in
the cauldron Eldhrímnir. After Sæhrímnir is eaten, the beast is brought
back to life again to provide sustenance for the following day.
"In Eldrhimnir Andhrímnir cooks
Sæhrímnir’s seething flesh -
The best of food, but few men know
On what fare the warriors feast."
*(source: The Art of the Manx Crosses (1977), Manx Museum & National Trust)
