Cats have nine lives.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. These sayings, and many more, permeate the English-speaking world, spoken without thought given to either their meaning or their origin. Often referred to as either proverbs or Old Wives Tales, these snippets of wisdom have roots in ancient times, and the mythology and superstition that forms the backbone of history. Among the most popular animals used in mythology is the bird. The source of countless superstitions and allegories, birds have always held a special place in the collective imagination of humanity, often seen as something pure, wise, and above reproach.