How the Horse Became a Symbol of Goth Culture

Horses have been around us for centuries, and they had a huge impact on our civilization. All of this is evident throughout history as horses found themselves in art, architecture, symbolism, and more. But one particular culture seems to accept the horse as a symbol more than others. We are talking about the goth culture. From ancient myths to contemporary expressions, we can see traces of horses in the realms of Gothic imagination. But why?

Well, the reason behind this is pure symbolism. Horses are often picked as they symbolize power, enigma, beauty, endurance, strength, and more.

About Gothic Culture

A goth is, in essence, someone who sees beauty in things that most people would deem gloomy. They like anything enigmatic and gloomy. That only indicates that goths see things differently than other people, not that they are bad people.

Furthermore, it is not accurate that goths are cruel, aggressive, or devoid of humor—quite the contrary. Goths have a great sense of humor, but it is more of a dark comedy. They are not depressed because they enjoy the dark; rather, the gloom inspires and makes them joyful. Realists in art, romance, and intelligence are common traits among goths.

The word “goth” has Roman Empire roots, although it has little to do with the subculture itself. A Germanic tribe known as the Goths contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.

By being a genre associated with a sense of dread, morbidity, and gloom, on the other hand, the gothic novel of the eighteenth century is a pioneer of the current interpretation of the term gothic.

Goth culture first appeared in the late 1970s. Its origins are in the post-punk movement, which was distinguished by depressing music, lyrics full of anguish, and an anti-establishment stance. The genre’s forefathers included groups like Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure.

Gothic Fantasy

Gothic literature first appeared in Europe in the late 18th century. This genre is distinguished by intense pleasure and emotion combined with a hint of horror, gloomy settings, an unsettling atmosphere, and other unsettling details that give the work a variety of depths.

Gothic Fantasy is sometimes defined as a subgenre of both Gothic and Gothic literature, however, a precise description is difficult to give because the genre allows for a lot of creative flexibility. Gothic fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy art, and its creator is most likely Gertrude Barrows Bennett, who went by the pen name Francis Stevens.

This is a rapidly growing sub-genre carried by some of the elements that make the entire culture. We are talking about a haunted setting, horses, supernatural forces, and the protagonist as an anti-hero.

But, let’s focus more on the horse element of Gothic Fantasy. We get that the entire culture is centered
around the dark scene, but why horses?

Horses are quite beautiful animals, and they were not always associated with dark forces, compared to other animals, for example, snakes. Throughout history, we can see horses symbolize power, strength, and freedom, which are not exactly the symbols of the Goth culture.

After all, horses were the main focus just because of horse racing, and there is not much dark about this sport at all. Just look at the Preakness Stakes winners at TwinSpires.com, it is all excitement, drama, and high-end fashion.

However, Gothic literature and stories have a close relationship with animals, especially horses. Because they are more to the main protagonists than mere animals, they have figured prominently in a number of gothic masterpieces.

Horses are symbolic of the adventures and personal lives of their owners. They typically serve as the common glue that helps characters’ connections to be repaired.

However, when they are in the hands of a villain or other malevolent supernatural entity, they play the exact opposite role and are typically portrayed as fearless creatures who will crush anything that stands in their way.

Origins in Mythology and Folklore

The association between horses and the supernatural has ancient roots, dating back to myths and folklore from various cultures. In Norse mythology, the mythical horse Sleipnir, ridden by the god Odin, symbolized swiftness and transcendence, traits that resonate with the gothic fascination with the otherworldly and mysterious.

Similarly, Celtic folklore often portrayed horses as creatures of magic and wisdom, capable of traversing between realms. This mystical connection to the supernatural likely appealed to early goths seeking to express their affinity for the mysterious and esoteric.

Gothic Literature and Romanticism

The Romantic era, which had a significant impact on gothic literature and art, increased the horse’s metaphorical meaning. Horses were commonly used as symbols of freedom, passion, and unbridled energy in the works of writers and poets of this era, including Lord Byron and Edgar Allan Poe.

Horses are frequently featured in stories of tragic heroism and terrible romance in Gothic literature, lending the stories an eerily lovely touch. These literary depictions, which combine beauty with a tinge of the paranormal, contributed to the horse’s continued symbolism of gothic ideals.

Iconography in Gothic Art and Fashion

The horse’s symbolic importance was also influenced by Gothic culture’s visual aesthetics. Gothic art frequently incorporates horse themes, from graceful horse sculptures to elaborate representations of legendary horses in ominous fantasy environments. The horse is further associated with concepts of mystery, strength, and attraction by this visual picture.

Horse-inspired patterns can be found in apparel and accessories with equestrian themes, such as jewelry
made of horsehair. The horse’s elegant yet mysterious presence gives the gothic style a dash of mystery and drama, echoing the subculture’s penchant for theatrical flair.

Gothic Fashion

Horse-inspired motifs made their way into apparel and accessories with equestrian themes, such as horsehair jewelry, in the Gothic style. These stylish decisions reflected the Gothic style while also adding a hint of mystery and elegance.

The gothic fashion horse’s mysterious and elegant appearance added to its metaphorical meaning, which included revolt, individualism, and a link to the wild and untamed.

Contemporary Interpretations and Trends

In modern goth culture, the horse continues to evolve as a symbol with diverse interpretations. Some see it as a representation of inner darkness and hidden desires, mirroring the complexities of human nature explored in gothic art and literature.

Others view the horse as a guardian spirit, embodying protection and guidance through life’s darker moments. This multifaceted symbolism reflects the nuanced perspectives within goth culture, where individuals find personal meaning in the symbiotic relationship between humanity and equine mystique.