The turtle and the elephant, pillars of the earth?
In this new article, we will be interested in the symbolism of two fascinating animals: the turtle and the elephant. We will also show you that these two animals, in various cultures around the world, are often closely linked to the creation of the world. Do you want to know all the secrets that these two mysterious animals contain? So read the rest!
Credit: Brian Schmidt 2016 ©
Elephant and turtle, animals not so different
Despite their very distant physical criteria, many common points are easily found between these two vertebrates. For example, these 2 animals generally live quite old (50 years on average for the elephant and 80 for the turtle). We also know that these two creatures are rather “slow” and “serene” in their way of moving and behaving. There are also Many symbols and patterns In the image of the latter within large mythological stories. Finally, you will also realize that elephants and turtles share a common symbolism in Many beliefs and religions.
has. Symbolic elephant
In all the great mythological and religious writings, the elephant is mainly represented as a caring animal. It symbolizes power but also wisdom, inner peace, determination and loyalty. This last point being very important because the elephant, in nature, is particularly attentive to all those who are part of its herd. As a result the animal characterizes family ties and fraternal. You can easily find this character trait on many Elephant paintings.
The elephant is also often associated with the femininity and fertility, especially in shamanic beliefs. This helps us reconnect with our female attributes.
In a less common way, he is also linked to study and knowledge because of his great intelligence.
b. Turtle and symbolism
Like the elephant, the turtle is almost always portrayed as a protective animal. This is synonymous with longevity, wisdom and luck. It is revered in many cultures (mainly Asian). It is often considered that it contains The secrets of the creation of the world within his shell. It is also associated with fertility and femininity, especially in Africa. Finally, as for the elephant, the turtle is admired for its intelligence. A trait of his personality which is perfectly represented in the famous fable of Esop: the hare and the turtle.
A mystery around the pillars of the world
Several Asian beliefs think that The world is worn on the back of an elephant. Others, including the famous Chinese feng-shui, conversely say that it is the turtle that carries the world. In Asia, elephants and turtles are venerated because they both attached to the divine.
The elephant and the tortoise in Hinduism
It is in the Hindu religion Let us notice that these two ideas meet. Indeed, in Hinduism, one of the favorite gods is Ganesh. The latter is always illustrated in the form of an elephant. He is the god of wisdom, knowledge and education, he brings his protection to schools and students.
Vishnu, the god of stability, time and creation has a Avatar named Kurma. Kurma is a turtle that lifted Mount Mandara on her back in the middle of the ocean. She realized this feat so that the gods could sit on it and beat the sea of milk. A process for recovering the immortality nectar.
It is ultimately the Brahmana Shatapatha, Hindu religious text, which brings together the two animals. Indeed in this writing, The turtle is illustrated as lifting 4 elephants, which themselves carry the earth on their back. According to the Hindus, the turtle represents the woman and the elephant the man.
To conclude
The elephant and the turtle are two animals that meet on many points: character, behavior, longevity and meaning. These two creatures have been (and are still) glorify in many cultures. We note that many ancient religious texts attributes great importance to them and in particular concerning the creation or maintenance of the world. Rather paradoxical when you know that these two species are now greatly threatened with man extinction ...
