Animal Lore | The Markhor
- Folkloristan
- Aug 3
- 2 min read
High in Pakistan’s rugged mountains lives the Markhor, a striking wild goat crowned with spiralling horns and honoured as the nation’s symbol. Beyond its striking appearance, the markhor is wrapped in local folklore.
According to legend, the Markhor has a gift: it hunts and crushes venomous snakes underfoot, then chews them up. As it grinds the deadly poison, froth gathers at its mouth and drips to the earth, said to cleanse and purify water sources nearby.
This ancient tale earned the Markhor a sacred status among local communities, celebrated as a natural guardian and protector of its habitat. Even its name, “Markhor,” which means “snake-killer” in Persian and Pashto, reflects these mythical powers.
The Markhor are also believed to be the cattle of the faerie folk. Each herd of Markhor is believed to be guarded by a fairy. In order to hunt a Markhor, one must first make an offering to the fairy and only proceed to hunt the animal if the fairy accepts the gift. Should the fairies not accept the hunter's offering, and they decide to hunt the Markhor anyway, the wrath of the fairies will fall upon them.
Another legend tells of a huntsman who once angered a fairy who had long been his friend. The fairy was seen milking a markhor, collecting it in a bowl of silver.
In truth, the markhor is a gentle herbivore, foraging on grass, leaves, and shrubs as it climbs cliffs and rocky slopes. In a way, the markhor reflects the spirit of the people who live alongside it, shaped by the same harsh yet stunning landscapes, resilient yet gentle in their relationship with the land.
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