Animals and birds, both tangible and imaginary, have inspired art and folk legend throughout the ages, in every culture. Primarily a catalog of information on these creatures, this book provides particulars on animal mythology from myriad cultures and ages, discussing their origins and importance to the peoples who revered these creatures.We know, for example, that countless mummified cats were buried in Ancient Egypt in tribute to the cat-headed goddess Bastet. Snake catchers and handlers, called Hoblers in the English folk tradition, have been accorded respect throughout the ages in many lands. A Pentecostal religious movement based on a verse in Mark 16 advocates snake handling as a route to spiritual connection with divinity. Werewolves, especially those from the medieval Scandinavian and Western European folk tradition, are still popular currency. Indeed, the most recent independently witnessed, supposed werewolf sighting was in 1998 at Hahn Air Force Base, Germany, just outside of the village of Wittlich. Delving into the history and implications of such extraordinary stories, Eason gives the reader an understanding of the powerful role animals have played in mythologies from around the globe.