When we first saw the aggressive stance of the bull, and how it was captured in the cold metal of our grandfather’s old 5p coin, we knew it deserved to be brought to life. Once gathered by our grandfather, and laying dormant for decades, we’ve reignited its muscle. The bull’s sudden show of force, fierce character and impressive mass puts us on a curious and excited edge. Here we will take you through the bull’s typical environment, character, history and why it makes for the ideal pendant gift for the powerful person in your life.
Imagine The Scene
Picture this: On a summer West Coast road trip, you and your friends have come across a seemingly calm field. As the orange evening light spills over the hills, in the distance, the silhouette of a bull appears. Solid and steady, with a thick black coat and marching with certitude. And then, another silhouette crests the hill, it's another bull. They turn to look at each other. Two impressive sets of horns lower to the ground, both refusing to back down, the air becoming heavy. Looking to your friends and back again to the hill, you see these dark figures explode toward each other at frightening pace. As these two kinetic beasts clash, a thunderous clap shakes the earth.
A Momentous Past
The bull holds a special place in Irish history and mythology. Take the Táin Bó Cúailnge, or “The Cattle Raid of Cooley”, a story where an entire war is sparked over a prized bull. Bulls weren’t just animals; they were our living trophies. In an ancient Ireland, cattle were essentially currency. A strong bull translated to wealth, status, and commercial power. Bulls were vital for farming and breeding, driving the local economy, and even serving as a form of legal compensation in disputes. Owning a powerful bull wasn’t just about having an impressive creature...it meant influence, security, and respect in the community.
Bulls are famous worldwide for their power, and this influence stretches well beyond Ireland. Across cultures, from Mesopotamia’s sacred bulls to Egypt’s Apis god, this fierce spirit is celebrated for its physical might and resilience.
You’ve probably heard the phrase “seeing red” to describe someone suddenly losing their temper. That expression ties back to bulls. Bulls are actually colorblind to red, but the movement of a red cape or cloth can provoke their instinct to charge. This mix of misunderstanding and raw reaction captures a bigger truth about power, it’s not always calm or rational. Sometimes strength bursts out uncontrollably, fueled by emotion. That unpredictable energy is part of what makes the bull such a compelling symbol.
Gifting The Bull’s Power
Wearing the bull pendant is like carrying a piece of that wild power with you. It’s not just a pendant, it’s a reminder that power lives in all its forms, steady or sudden, controlled or fierce.
When you gift it to someone, you’re sharing your belief in their strength, resilience, and courage to stand tall, even when things get tough. Each pendant is carefully forged in our Wicklow workshop. The process itself is a quiet exercise of creative power, where we transform raw metal into a symbol meant to inspire and protect.
Revisit the Bull pendant page here.
