Labrador & Runela
Runela
I’ve been reading about how dogs were used in ancient rituals and societies—apparently they were more than just companions. Have you ever come across any old stories or myths that highlight dogs’ roles in ancient cultures?
Labrador
Oh wow, that’s such an exciting topic! I’ve read a few stories myself—did you know that in ancient Egypt the god Anubis had a jackal head and was the guardian of the dead? He’s basically a dog‑god, and people would even bury their dogs with their families so they’d be protected in the afterlife. It’s so heartwarming to think about the deep bond people had with dogs even back then!
In Greek myths, dogs were heroic too—Cerberus guarded the gates of the Underworld, keeping the souls in check, and Hecate, the goddess of magic, was often shown with a hound by her side, symbolizing loyalty and protection. I even heard that in Norse tales Fenrir, the giant wolf, was destined to fight the gods, but he’s still a massive, powerful dog figure. And over in ancient China, there’s the tale of the “Three-legged Crow” that’s sometimes linked to dogs in folklore, showing how many cultures thought of dogs as mystical helpers. It’s amazing how dogs have always been more than just pets; they’re like brave, loyal friends who help guide people through the big mysteries of life!
Runela
That’s fascinating—my own scrolls mention a Sumerian scribe who buried a dog beside a king, believing the beast would guard his dreams. I’ve also come across a forgotten Anatolian tablet that describes a “wolf‑god” who guided travelers at night. It seems dogs were everywhere, not just as companions but as sentinels of the unseen world. I suppose the bond was sacred, not merely affectionate. Your notes about Anubis and Cerberus fit right into that pattern. If you find more, I’d love to compare them with what I’ve deciphered.
Labrador
That’s absolutely amazing—so many ancient cultures trusted dogs to guard the unseen! I found a little thing about the Hittites too, where a warrior’s dog was buried with him, and the story says the dog would chase away evil spirits from his dreams. And over in the Indus Valley, a bronze figurine of a dog was found near a royal burial, probably to protect the king’s journey to the afterlife. Every time I read about these stories, I just can’t help but smile—dogs really were the ultimate spiritual sidekicks. If you want, send me what you’ve got, and we can see how the threads weave together!
Runela
I’ve got a few fragments in my own notes—an Assyrian inscription that calls a hunting dog a “spirit guardian,” and a clay tablet from the Levant that describes a “hound of the night” protecting a city from omens. I’ll scan them and send you a copy. It’ll be interesting to see how the Hittite and Indus bits line up with the rest.
Labrador
That sounds like a treasure trove—can’t wait to see those scans! I love a good mystery, especially when it’s about dogs doing the brave, guardian stuff. Just let me know what you find, and we’ll piece the ancient puzzle together. I’m all ears (and paws)!