Tradition / Region: Roman mythology
Alternate Names: Bonnacon
Category: Cow
The Myth
The Bonacon is a strange and powerful beast, shaped like a great bull with a broad chest, thick hide, and heavy limbs. Around its neck hangs a mane like that of a horse, and its head is unmistakably bovine. Yet its horns, though impressive in size, are twisted inward and curl back upon themselves, useless for combat.
When threatened, the Bonacon does not charge or fight. Instead, it flees.
As it runs, the creature unleashes its true defense. From its body pours a vast stream of burning filth, hurled far behind it with astonishing force. The discharge scorches the earth like fire, filling the air with unbearable heat and stench. Anything it touches is seared, and hunters who pursue the beast are driven back in pain and terror, unable to continue the chase.
Thus the Bonacon escapes without ever turning to face its enemies, leaving them burned and humiliated while it vanishes into the distance. Its survival lies not in strength or weapons, but in a defense so foul and overwhelming that no pursuer dares follow for long.
Gallery
Sources
Pliny the Elder. (n.d.). Naturalis Historia, Book 8, Chapter 16.
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Bonnacon. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnacon
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
- Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
- Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
- Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
- Marxist Deep Dive
Other
- How to Invite The Bonacon