The human past is often portrayed as glorious and peaceful. Yet amidst this tapestry of conquest and grandeur, Steven Pinker challenges this traditional narrative in his book, “The Better Angels of Our Nature.” Pinker posits that our past, far from being a golden age of glory, is scarred by violence and conflict. He establishes that most archaeological remains of human body that we have found today, are either nailed, axed, or knifed-- a symbol of their turbulent and brutal existence. His verdict is praiseworthy insofar as it conclusively paints the harrowing picture of past. But, despite this inglorious history and the flux of civilizations, religions, cultures, and ethnicities, held a significant place of companionship for animals, often symbolizing them as divine. Animals were revered as manifestations of gods too, playing a symbolic role in rituals, myths, and legends. This symbolic relationship underscores a fundamental aspect of ancient civilizations: prophesying the significance of voiceless creatures.

One of these relics is a story from Greek mythology known as “The Tale of Actaeon.” Actaeon was the grandson of Cadmus, a legendary Greek hero and skilled hunter. One day, while pursuing his passion for hunting, Actaeon chanced upon Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, bathing in a secluded pool. Whether by fate or misfortune, his gaze fell upon the goddess in a moment of vulnerability. Enraged by his intrusion, she stripped Actaeon of his human form and transformed him into a stag. In his new, unfamiliar shape, Actaeon attempted to escape the wrath of the goddess, only to find himself relentlessly pursued and ultimately torn apart by his own hounds. Tragically, they........

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