Mythology Encyclopedia 135
body, and if by chance it touches the body it immediately joins itself to it and lives and
grows along with it, (Great Britain, India, Germany.–STRACKERJAN, vol. II, p. 110. cf.
F.L.J., 1883, P. 356.)
The lizard is man’s special enemy, but warns him of the approach of a serpent. Food
touched by a lizard becomes poisonous. (Ethnologie du Bengale, p. 116.)
Biscobra is the name of a kind of huge lizard. According to popular belief, its bite is
fatal. (YULE & BURNELL, Hobson Jobson, pp. 95, 367; ibid., P. 765.)
When Queen Elizabeth sent a sculptured lizard to the wife of the Prince of Orange, the
princess wrote back: "It is the fabled virtue of the lizard to awaken sleepers when a serpent
is creeping up to them. Your Majesty is the lizard and the Netherlands the serpent.
Pray God they may escape the serpent’s tooth."
The Mohammedans say that the lizard is a treacherous reptile. It was a lizard which
pointed out Mohammed to his pursuers while he was biding in a cave.
If you let a lizard run over your hand, you will be a good needle-woman. (Alsace.LAMBS,
p. 30.) Vide Spider.
Llen: Celt. Myth. A Cymric sun-god, son of Gwydion and Arianrod.
Llud: Celt. Myth. A Cymric god of the sky.
Llyr: Celt. Myth. A Cymric god of the sea.
Loadstone: Loadstone produces somnambulism. It is dedicated to Mercury, and in metallurgy
means quicksilver.
Lock: In Cornwall death is believed to be retarded, and the dying person kept in a state
of suffering by having any lock closed or any bolt shut in the dwelling. (HUNT, Pop.
Rom., P. 379; GREGOR, F.L.N.E.S., P. 206; Contemporary Review, XLVIII, 108.)
The Arabs spit on a lock which cannot easily be opened. (DOUGHTY, Arab Des., Vol.
1, P. 227.)
Locust : In South Mirzapur, when locusts threaten to eat up the fruits of the earth, the
people catch one, decorate its head with a spot of red lead, salaam to him, and let him
go. After these civilities the locust immediately departs along with its fellows.
(CROOKE, Pop. Rel. Folkl. North India, P. 380; FRAZER, G.B., Vol. 11, P. 424.)
Log: If logs crackle in the hearth, you will either have good news, or friends will arrive.
(Grecce.–LAWSON, P. 328.).
Loki: Norse Myth. A god, contriver of discord and mischief. He is adroit and cunning
and is able to transform himself into innumerable shapes. He contrives the death of
Balder, and is overcome by Thor. Skathi fastens a venom-dripping snake over him.
Longevity: Plenty of soup eaten slowly produces longevity.
The Chinese worship the peepul-tree for long life. (WILLIAMS, Mid. King., Vol. II, P.
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