We could see this as a deficit…but also an asset. But there is massive potential in these qualities too.Ĭonsider the belligerent goat. We should understand beastly qualities in ourselves and our environment. The three-in-one combo of the Chimera should be respected.for sure. The original is displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Florence, Italy. It is considered one of the finest masterpieces of Etruscan bronze-casting art. The image above is the Chimera of Arezzo, a prominent symbol of Tuscany, Italy. But still beautiful and valuable to the perfect harmony of Nature. Rather, I like to look at the diversity of these animals in relation to the symbolic meaning of Chimera. I understand this…we all have a tendency for behaving badly, but I’m not sure the Chimera should be the scape-goat for all potentially wicked behavior. Now…having said all that…there’s something curious about a creature who has all these diverse parts smooshed together.Īccording to The Penguin’s Dictionary of Symbols, the shadowy, dour qualities of these three creatures put together in one “monster” (their word, not mine), is symbolic of animalistic behavior that is untamed and writhing just under the surface of every human. That makes her uber-sensitive to the Earth’s movement and mood. Consider…she spends her whole life slithering her belly upon the body of the Earth. The serpent is closely connected with mother Earth. Here again – I’ve got no qualms about these symbolic traits. Meaning – don’t fiddle with a 500+ pound cat with big fangs – it’s just asking for trouble.Īnd the Serpent (or Dragon)? Also unpredictable. What’s good to know about lions (or any intimidating creature, for that matter) is their ire isn’t mustered unless under threat. I don’t see these as nefarious qualities. What about the lion? Instinctive, Prideful, Ferocious. Goats have thousands of uses, and humans have depended upon their sacrifice for provision. Not to mention goat’s have been used in helping farmers with field work for centuries.
Consider goat’s milk, from which goat’s fudge is made (my drool-drool favorite). Sure, these aren’t the most likeable qualities, but the goat is also a major source of care and provision. We’ll start with the goat. Unpredictable, Stubborn, Voracious (with the ability to eat practically anything with no worries about indigestion). These creatures who form the Chimera’s body give us a slew of symbolic fodder from which to feed. ♦ Tail of a Serpent (or Dragon, depending upon which literature you consult). There are some silver linings to symbolic Chimera meaning, and I’m going to highlight those overlooked nuggets.įirst, a look at chimera’s physiology. However, a little research reveals the Chimera has got a pretty bad reputation. I typically take a positive approach to symbolic meanings. What I’m more interested in is the symbolic Chimera meaning (and I think that’s what you’re keyed in on too).
I’ll start you out by telling you Chimera is a child of Typhon and Echidna. I’ll let you research the mythology of the Chimera on your own. Thank you for sharing your encounter with the Chimera. It felt like the chimera really moved me while I was looking in those books of prints. “ Hi Avia, can you share about the symbolic meaning of the chimera? I don’t know much about this mythological creature, but after studying over a few art books, I’m curious.