A curated list of stallions and horses from Pakistani mythology and folklore!
Ashqar Deozaad:
In the Hamzanama, Ashqar Deozaad accompanies Ameer Hamza when he returns to the mortal realm from Koh-e-Kaaf. This jet-black steed galloped alongside him through the rest of his adventures, until he conquered the Tilism-e-Hoshruba. It also has legendary namesake in history: the horse of the great Khalid bin Waleed.
Chumur Deki:
A demonic steed from Chitrali mythology, believed to have iron hooves and breathe fire. It was also the equine companion of Shri Badat, the Cannibal King of Gilgit.
Asp-i-Laila:
She led Lahore to war. Owned by Barakzai chiefs; famed for speed & intelligence in regions around the Khyber Pass. The Barakzai's did not wish to give her up. In a turn of events, it cost Maharajah Ranjit Singh "60 lakh rupees and 12,000 soldiers" to win her.
Tish Hashgur:
A winged horse from Khowar mythology believed to have been the loyal companion of a Princess, whom it later rescued from an evil Jinn.
Rakhsh:
A brave and faithful stallion, it is the horse of the hero Rustam in the Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). The story was absorbed into Pashto folklore, owing to centuries of contact between the languages, and into Urdu folklore because the language derives most of its early literature from Persian.
Buraq:
A heavenly equine in Islamic tradition that notably served as the mount of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Isra and Miraj, the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and up through the heavens and back by night.
Uchchaihshravas:
It is associated with the Hindu pantheon and known as the king of horses. He is a magnificent white steed with seven heads and the ability to fly.
Comments