Lynx biography

Examples of the animal in mythology

The lynx, a type of wildcat, has a prominent role in Greek, Norse, and North American mythology.

It is considered an elusive and mysterious creature, known in some Native American traditions as a 'keeper of secrets'.^[1] It is also believed to have supernatural eyesight, capable of seeing even through solid objects.^[2] As a result, it often symbolizes the unravelling of hidden truths, and the psychic power of clairvoyance.^[3]

Lynx stone

It is claimed by Theophrastus (c.

Lynx biography

371 – c. 287 BC) that the lynx's urine hardens into a precious stone with attractive properties akin to amber. Known as lapis lyncurius or lyngurium, the mythical lynx stone was later mentioned by Pliny the Elder and Ovid; the story was related in almost every medieval lapidary, and bestiary until it gradually disappeared from view in the 17th century.

It was believed that the Latin name for amber, 'Lyncurium', was der