An enfield is a chimeric creature. It has the head of a fox, the chest of a greyhound, the body of a lion, the hindquarters and tail of a wolf, and forelegs like an eagle’s talons. The enfield is a creature of Celtic culture and is most commonly found in England and Ireland. In those cultures, the head of the fox means craftiness or cleverness. The chest of a greyhound suggests swiftness and endurance. The body of a lion means royalty and bravery. The hindquarters of a wolf suggests fraternity and loyalty to family. Finally, the forelegs of an eagle’s talons suggests strength, nobility and hunting prowess.
The enfield had a role in stories as being a guardian of chieftains or leaders who had fallen in battle. The Celts believed strongly in making sure that their honored members and loved ones received what they considered to be proper funeral rites so that their spirits could rest in peace. Enemies would try to carry away bodies, especially of enemy leaders, so that they could tear them apart and use them to demoralize the enemy and serve as a warning. This was distressing to Celtic people and they believed the spirit of people debased in this way would haunt the world of the living until they were avenged. So, the enfield creatures would guard the bodies of leaders to try to prevent this from happening.
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Mythological Creatures
FantasyDo you know what an Ifrit is, or how Will-o'-the-Wisp attract people? Do you want to put a certain mythological creature in your story, but are confused on where to look it up? Well, you've come to the right place! "Mythological Creatures" will take...
