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The
bear is particularly connected with hero figures. In Norse
mythology he is Bjorn, a prince who was turned into a bear,
but retained his human form at night. For Anglo Saxons, the
bear was associated with Beowulf. One possible translation
of his name is 'beo': bee, 'wulf': foe; foe of
bees i.e. bear.
Perhaps
the strongest Celtic identification is with Arthur ('artos':
the bear). I have made my bear a sleeping bear, because
Arthur is thought to be sleeping, awaiting Britain's
greatest need. The interlacing in his body represents the
streams at which he fishes as a bear in the otherworld. The
triple spiral in his head is the sign of his sacred
kingship.
From
the
Aberdeen
Bestiary
(circa 14th c):
"... For it is said that they produce a shapeless fetus
and that a piece of flesh is born. The mother forms the
parts of the body by licking it. The shapelessness of the
cub is the result of its premature birth. It is born only
thirty days after conception, ... as a result of this rapid
fertility, the cubs are created without form. The females
produce tiny lumps of flesh, white in colour, with no eyes.
These they shape gradually, holding them meanwhile to their
breasts so that the cubs are warmed by the constant embrace
and draw out the spirit of life. .."
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Colour:
Amber blend w. red and green
Size:
2"w x 1 1/4h"
........................................................................................
All
brooches can also be ordered as necklaces
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