Dogs In Literature
Dogs have always been protagonists in world literature. From Argos in the Odyssey passing through Milù by Tintin, up to the little Totò of the Wizard of Oz, dogs have always had leading roles in many wonderful works, and for this reason it is certainly worth talking about them. Below are the names of some of these fairytale dogs.
Dogs in literature, Milù
There is no doubt that Tintin is one of the most important tales of the last century. But … would the Adventures of Tintin have been the same without Milù, the little white Fox Terrier who accompanies the protagonist in all his stories? Haven’t you forgotten his important role as a confidant when Tintin engaged in long conversations with him?
Quiet and much more rational than his owner, Milù is a courageous and often determined dog in protecting the journalist, provided he does not come across some bones or whiskey bottles on the street, his two great weaknesses.
Argos, The Odyssey
Odysseus’ brave dog, called Argos, was one of the first dogs to be mentioned in Western literature. Homer’s marvelous work would not have been the same without him, the most faithful dog of all. After waiting for his master for twenty years, Argos, now ill, recognizes Ulysses by throwing him a party. Following the meeting Argos can finally die in peace, representing a real symbol of love and fidelity.
Buck, Call of the Forest
Did you know that the protagonist of one of Jack London’s most famous works has a dog as its protagonist? Buck is arguably the main character in Call of the Forest. This California dog, who will end up embarking on exciting adventures in Alaska, is one of the most famous sled dogs to be found in universal literature.
Buck’s character inspired Jack London to write another novel, White Fang, where it turns out, among many other things, that the violent world of animals isn’t that far from the violent world of us humans.
Toto, The Wizard of Oz
How not to love Toto, Dorothy’s great companion in The Wizard of Oz ? Courageous and loyal to his mistress, Toto is one of the most loved dogs in universal literature.
Although initially Toto may seem like a perfectly normal dog, in previous books he is credited with the ability to speak, which he does without stopping for a moment.
Lassie, Come back to the Lassie House
Protagonist of 12 films and several television series, Lassie was also the character of a book. Written in 1940, the novel Come to Casa Lassie tells the adventures that the renowned Collie undertakes to return to his master.
Tock, The Phantom Toolboth
What character could be better than a dog to star in this Norton Juster novel ? Well, obviously we all love Tock, the watchdog with a watch in his side who frees Milo and accompanies him on his adventures. After all, we don’t need intermediaries to convey our thoughts to him.
Jip, David Copperfield
Even Charles Dickens refers to dogs in his works. An example of this can be found in the famous novel David Copperfield, published in 1850. In the book appears a small dog named Jip, belonging to Dora Spenlow, David’s first wife.
Jip is the mirror of his mistress: quite irritable and always eager to be the center of attention. In fact, Jip’s character’s life lasts as long as Dora’s, as he dies beside her at the exact moment she closes her eyes for the last time.
Fang, Harry Potter
Anyone who has read Harry Potter will have a certain weakness for Zanna, Rubeus Hagrid’s Great Dane dog. He accompanies the giant Hagrid to many places, even the Forbidden Wood. Fang is also featured in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower and the Battle of Hogwarts. What a character!
Old Yellow, Yellow Fang
To make the stories of children’s literature more compelling, dogs have always been used: Fred Gipson’s Old Yellow is no exception. Many of us will surely have cried when Travis is forced to kill his Old Yellow after he discovers he is infected with rage, following a fight with a wolf.
