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Mythical Animals
Once, in a far different age, animals occupied a distinct, and often mysterious, place in the lives of those who believed in mythical creatures. Certain animals were revered; others were dangerous and invested with demonic powers. Many animals appear in myth as helpers of man and of the gods. Birds, for example, function as celestial messengers and as molders of men’s souls. Other animals embody human or heroic qualities such as the brave lion or the wise owl. Lesser-known animals became in man’s imagination fabulous creatures incorporating all that were strange, wonderful, and mysterious.
Mythology 101
A myth is a story. So what’s special about a myth? Myths are stories about gods, goddesses, supernatural entities, and their relationships to humans. Myths help validate a special order, such as hereditary kingships or social class structures. They also can provide a history. People say something “is just a myth,” but myths do have their own truths. They provide people with a view of the world and a set of values that can be as important as any scientifically verifiable fact. Mythology is another way of understanding the world.
Artist Jay Rotberg
In addition to my longstanding interest in carving, sculpting, and the arts in general, I have been “doodling” forever! Mythical Whimsies combines my doodling with my interest in mythology. The animals depicted are all based on various mythical creatures found in numerous ancient cultures. The underlying premise of each piece of work is that it is mythologically factual. On the tag of each sculpture is the animal’s “story”—a totally fabricated and fun interpretation of the design.
Each Mythical Whimsies animal has a “soul,” depicted by two interlocking infinity signs designed in the shape of a flower. This soul represents the eternal in us, that which flies with the wind without hindrance or destruction and brings one’s spirit to others forever more. The myths of many cultures contain the idea of the soul being transformed into a bird as a non-corporeal being flying through the air.
Lore of the Bull The bull appears in myth in many cultures as a sacred animal, sometimes a god of the heavens. It appears as bearer of the world, or bearer of the sun. It is an ambivalent figure, capable of embodying both fire and water, both solar and lunar forces. Jay Rotberg's bull brings neither rain nor fire but frolics in the field with pure joy and happiness. If he's near you, RUN! 7.5 x 8 inches |   |
| Big Beautiful Bear Bear worship is among the earliest of man's religions, a practice widely distributed through Western Europe and across the North American continent. It is still practiced by the Ainu of Japan. Jay Rotberg's bear need not be worshipped, however. It just wants to be yours. It is playful and inquisitive, yet easily distracted. It may even wander over the mountain (just to see what it can see). Bear with it. 7.5 x 9.5 inches |  |
| Awesome Pig Historically and mythologically, the ancestors of the pigs were fierce and awesome animals. It is said that once pigs trotted erect and men walked stooped. Once when the chief pig was holding forth under a tree, a monitor lizard deliberately rolled off its perch and came down on the pig's neck. The pig was forced onto all fours and has remained so ever since. Man, meanwhile, curious to see what occurred, straightened himself up to his present erect posture. 7 x 9 inches |  |
| The Great Butterfly Butterflies play important roles in the mythology of the Southwest. In Navaho myth, the creator spirit (Butterfly) fluttered down from the clouds to the blue cliffs where two mighty rivers met. Here it created human from its own sweat. Jay Rotberg's beautiful butterfly doesn't have to work so hard to draw a smile. Its bright colors enliven any room and your day. Its high flying attitude will help you lead. 5.25 x 8.25 inches |  |
| Crocodile Delight In ancient Egypt, many cities became identified with different gods, cults, the sun, the moon, or animals. The city of Crocodilapolis worshipped Sebeck, the sacred crocodile. Jay Rotberg's crocodile is a pussycat in personality. Those big better-to-eat-you-with teeth offer a croc smile. 6.25 x 10.75 inches |  |
| Spirited Antelope Among the first animals mythologically located in the sky were incarnations of the sun and moon. The rabbit, toad, and antelope appear in myth as moon animals. The antelope often pulled the celestial chariot for the moon goddess Chandras. Jay Rotberg's antelope cavorts with the moon to bring you beauty, creativity, and a sense of serenity. Watch out when the moon is full, though—then anything goes. 5.75 x 10.5 inches |  |
| Not Brer Rabbit The rabbit, a lunar (moon) creature, symbolizes fertility and the recurrence of life. In Mayan lore, the rabbit is a wellknown bringer of culture and civilization. Jay Rotberg's rabbit also is cultured and in tune with the world in which it bounds. Respect its space. As for fertility, do not touch its soul too often or you may get what you ask for. 7.75 x 10 inches |  |
| Tree of Life The use and symbolic significance of the tree is consistent in almost all cultures and in most ancient myths. The tree represents long life, fertility, and ripening or maturity. It also has ties with the human soul and mind, where it has to do the unfolding of personality and the process of spiritual individualization. Jay Rotberg's tree stands as the source of life and bears a fruit that grants enlightenment. 7.5 x 9.5 inches |  |
| Lovable Uni A popular medieval symbol, the unicorn was associated with power, purity, spiritual force, and divine creativity. Jay Rotberg's unicorn exudes power, but it is a joyous one full of spirit and spirituality. It is watching over you, and that's good! 7 x 8.5 inches |  |
| Eagle Supreme Large, fierce birds—such as the eagle, the Horus falcon, and the American Indian thunderbird—are nearly always associated with the sun. The peoples of the Canadian Arctic known as the Inunnit believe that the eagle made friends with a man called Ermine and taught him how to sing and dance. Jay Rotberg's eagle is not dancing but flying—dedicated to protecting the bears of the North as well as keeping an eye on you. 8 x 9.5 inches |  |
| Soaring Sunbird For many people the sun is the essential light, giver of warmth and energy, nurturer of life. The circle is the most obvious symbol of the sun and dates back to prehistoric times. Jay Rotberg's bearer of the sun and light also soars with imagination, fun, and energy. It flies on high wherever it goes. 5 x 10.75 inches |  |
| Birds of Love Birds have been associated with cosmological myths, as fire bringers or messengers. They've been associated with knowledge and thought as well as symbols of deities. Jay Rotberg's two feathered friends are sunbirds and messengers, but primarily they just love each other. 7.5 x 12.5 inches |  |
| Dance of the Rainbird Throughout the skies of myth, birds serve as messengers. In classical Greece and Rome, the flights of birds were anxiously observed as a means of foretelling the future. The Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Arabian myths also made birds the carriers of uncanny forces. Jay Rotberg's bird dances to bring rain. Touch its soul symbol and look out for the downpour. 9.25 x 7.75 inches |  |
| Divine Owl Certain animals achieved importance as fertility symbols, some as protectors, and some became divine symbols such as the owl. Jay Rotberg's godly owl will provide you with daily signs of wisdom and knowledge. He teaches us to observe, wait, and listen. He's a hoot, as well as wise. 9.5 x 9.5 inches |  |
| Go Horse Many tasks are assigned to the horse in myth, but probably its primary significance has been as a symbol of swift movement. Thus, it often served the sun, it carried angels into battle, and many a hero has left the earth on a splendid charger to climb the heights of heaven. Jay Rotberg's winsome potential Kentucky Derby contender will win your heart. 8 x 9.75 inches |  |
| Prancing Lion and Friend According to ancient Indian lore, the lion represents the animate world on which the sun bestows its light. Jay Rotberg's lion prances in the sunlight with another messenger of light—the eagle. The eagle points the way to the future and brings you the joy of light and happiness. 9.5 x 7.25 inches |  |
| Just Santa Is Santa a myth, an allegory, a legend, a religious icon? Lore abounds around this jolly guy in a red suit. Whether you believe the tall tales or not, it doesn't matter. He's still just Santa. inches |  |
See our Mythical Whimsies brochure.
JMR Sculptures is a wholesale supplier of the work of Jay Rotberg. To locate a retailer near you, please contact us.
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