Famous Horses Who Never Lived
Part 1 Mythology

By Caterina Tadlock

 

Arion, also known as Areion, is a famous horse from Greek Mythology. He is divinely bred, the son of Poseidon and Demeter. Arion was believed to be extremely fast, and according to the Latin poet Sextus Propertius, was also able to speak. Arion's rider, was Adrastus, king of the Greek city Argos.

Alvark and Avslid, are the horses who pull the chariot of Sol, the sun goddess. The name Alvark means "early riser", while Avslid means "all swift". It was believed that the light of the sun was generated from these horses, while the heat was generated from the Goddess herself.

Embarr,in Irish mythology was, a horse who belonged to the Irish goddess Niamh. The name Embarr means "imagination." Embarr was believed to be able run across both land and water, without ever touching his hooves to either.

Hengroen and Llamrei, were the two horses believed to be owned by King Arthur. Llamrie, was female and Hengroen was a male. Unfortunately, not much else is known about these two horses.

Hofvarpnir, in Norse mythology was a horse owned by Gna, one of the Frigg's handmaidens. Frigg was the wife of Odin, and the head goddess. Frigg had many handmaidens, and each had a task. Gna's task was to "take care of matters around the world." Hence her need for a horse. Hofvarpnir, was believed to be able to run through both air and water.

Pegasus: The white winged horse from Greek mythology. He was believed to be the offspring of both Medusa and Poseidon. Pegasus was eventually captured and tamed by a warrior named Bellepheron who carried a magic golden bridle which allowed him to ride the wild horse.

Skinfaxi and Hrímfaxi are the horse of Norse mythology who pull the chariots of Dagr (day) and Nótt (night).
The name Skinfaxi means "shining mane" and Hrimfaxi means "rime mane" (or "frost mane." Skinfaxi is believed to have pulled the Dagr's chariot across the sky every day. This is very similar to how Alvark and Avslid pull the chariot of Sol the sun goddess.

Sleipnir, of Norse Mythology, is the 8 legged horse of the chief God, Odin. The name Sleipnir means smooth, or gliding. He is believed to be the fastest, and greatest of all horses. He is the son of a mare named Svadilfari and the trickster god Loki.

Gulltoppr in Norse Mythology is the horse of Heimdallr, the guardian of the Gods. The name Gulltoppr means "Gold Top" or "golden mane".