Peacocks in Mythology: Tales from Around the World

Tiffany Olivia Le
3 min readMar 13, 2024

With its magnificent and vibrant feathers, the peacock has fascinated people for generations, becoming a significant symbol in myths and cultural practices globally. The colorful feathers represent nobility, immortality, and renewal in various cultures. Exploring the captivating stories and symbolic significance of peacocks in mythology worldwide.

The Graceful Guardian: Peacocks in Greek Mythology

According to Greek mythology, the peacock is strongly linked to Hera, the queen of the gods. Legend has it that the peacock was created by Hera from Argus, her hundred-eyed guardian. Following Argus’s demise at the hands of Hermes under Zeus’s command, Hera paid tribute to her loyal attendant by metamorphosing him into a peacock and relocating his numerous eyes to the bird’s tail. This change represents the keen observation of Hera and the peacock, representing watchfulness, safeguarding, and the beauty that can emerge from adversity.

Divine Vessel: Peacocks in Hindu Mythology

In Hindu mythology, the peacock is depicted as the vehicle of Lord Kartikeya, the deity associated with war and triumph. In this context, the peacock represents power, beauty, and the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that the peacock’s feathers…

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