cow goddesses

[Ganga]

Does anyone know more?

I'm researching cow goddesses, ie. goddesses in the form of a cow, or as patroness of cows. I've read about Hathor. (also about Surabhi and Bhumi from Hindu texts). Some of the less known names I found on one list ("Animal Attributes in Mythology and Folklore" - I'll post the link at the end of my post) are as follows:

Ajysyt (Siberian), Anat (Syrian), Audhumbla (Scandinavian), Bubona (Roman), Damona (Celtic), Dil (Irish), Epona (Roman), Lahar (Babylonian), Mehurt (Egyptian), Neith (Egyptian), Sibilja (Swedish), Suki (Native American? Indian?)

Does anybody know more about them , or of any other cow goddess? Any links? Bits of information? (As I said, I've already researched the basic info on Hathor, Surabhi and Bhumi)

The link I promised:
http://www.cybercomm.net/~grandpa/animals4.html

[Myst]

DAMONA : Gaul, Goddess of fertility and healing; her name means "divine cow". ~ http://www.paralumun.com/celticgoddess.htm

Buana : The Irish mother goddess as a cow (bo, 'cow' + Ana, the deification of the land of Ireland'?). ~ http://www.geocities.com/cas111jd/celts/minordeities/celts9.htm

Also see Boann/Boand at http://inanna.virtualave.net/celtic.html

Brighid is also associated with the cow ~ http://druidry.org/obod/deities/brigid.html

[Mnemosyne]

In Greek mythology, Hera was the goddess of marriage and motherhood. One of her epithet was "bopis" meaning "cow eyed." Perhaps the Greeks thought that it was a compliment to call a goddess cow-eyed, since it meant that they had big eyes.

I immediately think of Hathor when I think of a cow goddesses. The Egyptians had other cow goddesses though. In upper Egypt, they worshipped Bata. I'll have a look at an Egyptian book later.

[Ganga]

Wonderful! Thank you and keep the names coming. :) I found a site called Encyclopedia Mystica:

http://www.pantheon.org/areas/

LOTS of information, but perhaps not very in-depth. A good site to mark as a favorite, though.

I'll go and start clicking on Myst's links and researching Hera. And Bata, whom I've never even heard of.

[Mnemosyne]

Yeah, Encyclopedia Mythica is an excellent resource! I'm sure that you can find many more cow goddesses on that site.

I totally recommend Myst's links. I know of Buana and Damona being cow goddesses. Even though Hera is associated with the cow, I wouldn't think of her as a cow goddess. People generally think that the peacock is Hera's main animal, then the cow.

Good luck with your search, Ganga! :)

[Raynewitch]

Hathor is my main deity :) Thats pretty much all I have for the conversation right now :) I just wanted to mention I was following this discussion with interest!!!!

I dont really know too much about the other cow goddesses... :(

[Ganga]

It is interesting that in numerous cultures the cow is related to Mother Earth and creation. Her milk is likened to abundance, wisdom and, of course, nourishment.

I also heard that an African tribe donated a cow to honour the memory of those who died in September 11th.