Extra Reading Diary: Week 3 Saints and Animals

Wolf cub Source: Monsterous Realms

Additional Reading Week 3

Saints and Animals

READING B

1. The Fish Who Helped Saint Gudwall

This story demonstrates the adage of strength in numbers. The tiny fish were able to hold back the sea. Seems like there should be a moral about building a home in a foolish place. The theme of man living in harmony with animals (not other people) is emphasized here.  It is often man's relationship with animals that is the salvation from nature or other humans.

Ocean: great, powerful, mysterious

2. The Wolf-Mother of Saint Ailbe

3. The Wolf-Mother of Saint Ailbe (cont.)

Lovely story that teaches us family comes in many forms and kindness should always be repaid. The theme of man living in harmony with animals is one repeated throughout this unit. In these stories, man seems to be the villian and solitary life is exhalted.

Wolves: wild, untamable
Men: the real threat

Romulus and Reemus?

4. The Ballad of Saint Athracta's Stags

With many of these stories, it is easy to see how the person became a saint as in the case of Saint Felix, who was a bishop. But Athracta was noble born woman who lived in the wilderness and gave aid to travelers. It does not say much about her faith. It makes me wonder if this was a pagan tale retold and incorporated into the cannon of saints. Regardless it is nice to see how kindness and gentleness can win the day. The part about her hair reminded me of Rapunzel.

  5. The Ballad of Saint Felix

I was very surprised that the friendly animal in this unit was a spider. This story tells us that help can come in the most unlikely of places. Such a tiny spider made a big difference.
6. The Ballad of Saint Giles and the Deer


The hermit saint seems to be a common theme in a lot of these stories. Man living in seclusion with only animals as friends. It reminds me a bit of the idea of the Nobel Savage. Not exactly a successful model for spreading the gospel, but in this story it worked. The king was moved by the selflessness and sacrifice of Saint Giles and in turn learned of Christianity and spread it to his kingdom.

7. Saint Francis of Assisi

8. Saint Francis of Assisi (cont.)

9. Saint Francis of Assisi (end)


Story source:The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts by Abbie Farwell Brown (1900).