LAMB (Sheep)

31st March 2024

Photo Credits: Sheep (risbychic - Getty Images), Lamb (BDPhoto - Getty Images Signature), CANVA

QUOTATION

My lords, at once: the care you have of us

To mow down the thorns that would annoy our foot

Is worthy praise; but, shall I speak my conscience,

Our kinsman Gloucester is as innocent

From meaning treason to our royal person

As is the sucking lamb or the harmless dove.

The Duke is virtuous, mild, and too well given

To dream on evil or to work my downfall.

KING HENRY: Henry VI Part 2, Act 3, Scene 1

LAMB/SHEEP (Ovis aries)

In this quotation the Duke of Gloucester is compared to the innocent lamb, the epitome of blameless and guiltless character. Lambs are a central symbol in Christian writing and tradition, with Christ being described as ‘that Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world’ (John 1:29). Easter is the time in the UK when lambs are born and they are closely associated with Easter time.

It would impossible to overstate the importance of Sheep in Shakespeare’s world and this short blog will not attempt to describe this, other than to say that Sheep provided food (meat and milk), wool, parchment, disposable income, and foreign exchange commodities.

Sheep were one of the first domesticated animals and they are high levels of genetic diversity within the species ‘domesticated sheep’. In the UK the Rare Breeds Survival Trust coordinates work to ensure the survival and promote the value of native breeds of Sheep. The Sheep in the picture above are Lincoln Longwools. There were several types of Midland Longwool breeds and it is possible that these were one of the types of Sheep that Shakespeare knew most intimately.

More Information

Folger Shakespeare: Search Shakespeare’s Works

Rare Breeds Survival Trust: Sheep Watchlist