Tradition / Region: Greek Mythology
Alternative names: –
Category: Cow
The Myth
The Henichires is a strange animal said to occur in the Orient. It resembles a bull with short, soft hair like a horse’s mane hanging down from its shoulders. Its body is covered in reddish-brown woolly hair, and its cry resembles the bellowing of a bull. It has curved horns, strong enough to make it a formidable fighter.
The hair on its forehead divides above the eyes and falls toward either side of the head. Its teeth, legs, and tail resemble those of a cow, although its tail is shorter. Its hide is exceptionally tough and can withstand powerful blows.
According to the tradition, the flesh of the Henichires has a sweet taste, and hunters therefore pursue it for its meat. When hunted against its will, however, the animal may suddenly stop and stand completely motionless before turning to defend itself. During such encounters it scatters its dung widely around itself, making it difficult for anyone to approach.
When a female Henichires is about to give birth, the other animals gather around her. They build a barrier of dung around the mother, forming a kind of protective wall that prevents anyone from approaching her or disturbing the birth.
Sources
Biesheuvel, Ingrid, trans. Der Naturen Bloeme. Zutphen: Walburg Pers, 2024. ISBN 9789464563214.