Why Does the Devil have Horns?

The caricatural devil consists of horns, a tail and a trident. Where do these features come from and why do they also appear on the most important gods of ancient religions?
In this video, we’re going to discover the origins and history of the devil’s horns. We’ll do this by:

* exploring the significance of horned animals in prehistoric times and in ancient religions
* by analyzing the meaning of the horn symbolism
* by investigating how biblical authors viewed horns during a time when horn worship was commonplace.

By the end of this video, you will see that the meanings of symbols often change through time and that symbols are often demonized, as older ways of thinking are torn down in favour of newer beliefs.
 

 
 
FURTHER READING & SOURCES
 
Books

* Russell, Jeffrey B. (1984) Lucifer – The Devil in the Middle Ages. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press
* Pagels, Elaine. (1995) The Origin of Satan: How Christians Demonized Jews, Pagans, and Heretics. New York, NY: Random House
* Paparoni, Demetrio. (2019) The Art of the Devil: An Illustrated History.


Thesis, Journal, Essay

* Medjuck, Bena Elisha. Exodus 34:29-35: Mose’s “horns” in early Bible Translations and Interpretations. [Dissertation]. Montreal (Quebec): McGill University, Department of Jewish Studies; 1998. https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape11/PQDD_0002/MQ43918.pdf
* Neto, F. T. L. et al. Gods associated with male fertility and virility. Andrology. 2019. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/andr.12599 
* Kaminski, Gregory. The Horned God: A Brief Survey From Celtic to Modern Times. [Essay]. 2013 https://www.academia.edu/5642724/The_Horned_God_A_Brief_Survey_from_Celtic_to_Modern_Times


Online

* Salman, Sherry L. “The Horned God: Masculine Dynamics of Power and Soul”. Quadrant – The Journal of C.G. Jung Foundation. 1986. https://www.cgjungny.org/q-vol19-2-1986/
* Tsigarida, Elisavet Bettina. “The Sanctuary of Zeus Ammon at Kallithea (Chalicidice)”. Lock Haven University. https://journals.openedition.org/kernos/1964?lang=en
* Peoples, Hervey C. et al. “Hunter-Gatherers and the Origins of Religion”. May 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4958132/
* Jerrentrup, Maja. “The Lady with Horns” Exposure Magazine. Feb 2020. https://medium.com/exposure-magazine/the-lady-with-horns-d4c72df1c6df
* Dunne, Carey. “The Changing Face of Satan from 1500 to Today”. Fast Company. Aug 2014. https://www.fastcompany.com/3034309/the-changing-face-of-satan-artistic-depictions-of-the-devil-1500-to-today
* Valente, Lana. “The Origins of Milk: Why Was the First Cow Milked in the First Place?” Medium. 2017. <a href="https://medium.com/@lanavalente/the-origins-of-milk-why-did-the-first-cow-milker-milk-the-cow-c41e8ef761d6" target=...