Societal and Practical Roles
In Ancient Greece, dogs were an integral part of social and economic life, serving both practical and personal roles.
Companionship and Hunting: Dogs were highly valued as hunting companions (kynēgetikoi) and were also kept as pets (Fallahi et al., 2024; Kitchell, 2020). The deep emotional connection is evidenced by the practice of giving them names, and by depictions in art that show a close attention to their natural behavior (Kitchell, 2020). Hunting dogs, prized for their speed, agility, and keen sense of smell, represented a symbiotic relationship crucial for sustenance and sport (Denson, 2023).
Protection: They were essential as guard dogs (phylakes) for protecting livestock and households (Fallahi et al., 2024). This practical importance solidified their symbolic role as protectors within the cultural belief system.
Ambivalence and Insult: While highly valued, the term for dog, kyon, and its derivatives were often used in a derogatory way (Simonsen, 1986). It could denote moral worthlessness, shamelessness, an insatiable appetite, or indecency. To be called a "dog" could be a grave insult, suggesting a betrayal of the human moral code (Simonsen, 1986). This dual perception highlights the complex relationship the Greeks had with the animal, acknowledging both their utility/loyalty and their baser instincts.
Historical and Literary Significance
Dogs appear frequently in the accounts of both historical figures and epic poetry, underscoring their importance.
Alexander the Great's Peritas: Alongside his famous horse Bucephalus, Alexander owned a favorite dog named Peritas. Historical accounts, such as those by Plutarch, state that Alexander was so fond of Peritas that he founded a city named Peritas in his dog's memory, much like he founded Bucephala for his horse (Kierdorf, 2020).
Argus in Homer's Odyssey: The story of Argus, Odysseus's loyal hound, is one of the most famous examples in Greek literature. As narrated in Book XVII of Homer's Odyssey, the aged and neglected Argus, after twenty years of waiting, is the first to recognize his disguised master without divine help. The dog wags his tail and attempts to greet Odysseus, who must restrain himself from acknowledging his pet to maintain his cover. Argus then dies peacefully after fulfilling his purpose of seeing his master return home, serving as the ultimate symbol of unwavering loyalty and the power of memory (Cook, 1999; Denson, 2023). The episode acts as a poignant, dramatic recognition scene (anagnorisis) that appeals to the reader's emotions (Tsoucalas, 2024).
Mythological and Sacred Imagery
Dogs held a powerful place in Greek mythology, often symbolizing the barrier between the human and divine worlds.
Cerberus, the Guardian of the Underworld: Cerberus was the formidable, multi-headed dog—often depicted with three heads—who guarded the entrance to the Underworld (Hades), preventing the dead souls from leaving their realm (Denson, 2023). Cerberus embodies the dog's role as a formidable protector in the symbolic system of the Greeks.
Artemis and the Dog: The dog was a sacred animal of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and the Moon. She was frequently depicted accompanied by hunting dogs, which aided her in the chase and symbolized her dominion over the wild (Denson, 2023).
Other Mythological Roles: Dogs were associated with other chthonic (underworld) deities, such as Hecate and Persephone, reflecting their connection to the realm of the dead. Furthermore, the goddess Lyssa personified mad rage in both humans and dogs, and her hounds were sometimes used as an allusion to disease and fatality (Tsoucalas, 2024). The constellation Canis Major, home to the dog star Sirius (meaning "flaming" or "scorching"), was associated with Orion's hound and was believed to bring the "dog days" of summer, sometimes linked with the spread of disease (Tsoucalas, 2024).
