The legend of the Rainbow Bridge is, perhaps, the most intriguing story ever told regarding animals. In a nutshell, the legend goes, when pet dies, its soul is transported magically to across an amazing rainbow bridge to a place called meadow paradise. In this wonderful new land filled with happy prairies, the animal lives for the remainder of his owners life. Once the owner dies, his or her first stop on the way to heaven is across that same rainbow bridge, where owner and animal are reunited forever.
The Rainbow Bridge is intriguing because it signifies the belief in souls for animals, something that is still very much debated by theologians and philosophers alike. It is possible that the Rainbow Bridge story is simply meant to be understood figuratively, as a way to comfort people grieving over the loss of a pet. But then, that question raises the age-old debate of whether any religious tale from the story of Jesus walking on water to Noah’s ark is intended to be understood literally or figuratively. One day, perhaps, scholars will have a certain answer for all of mankind on that particular question.
One problem that experts have in determining whether the Rainbow Bridge story is intended to be read literally is that it’s origin is as mysterious as the tale itself. No one has yet been able to attribute the story to any one original source. Rather, experts say it dates back, in general, to the days of Norse Mythology, which relied on a Rainbow Bridge for a number of other uses.
Likewise, it’s hard to determine whether the Rainbow Bridge story is in anyway the inspiration behind the names of several modern bridges known as Rainbow Bridge. There are Rainbow Bridges in Utah, Texas, Tokyo, and even Niagara Falls, but none are specially said to be named for the bridge of the famous story of animal afterlife. Neither, however, can the animal bridge be ruled out entirely as an inspiration for the name.
The Rainbow Bridge story, whether it is taken figuratively or literally, remains a popular tale today and it particularly valuable for grieving pet owners especially children. It’s comforting to think even if we can’t entirely know that our beloved best friend who has lived a good, loving life as our faithful companion is, once dead, on his way to a happy place where he or she will be waiting patiently for our reunion.
So, whether it’s a valid religious idea or not, the legend of the Rainbow Bridge is helpful to many people young and old. We all want to keep our pets memories alive forever, and our pets certainly deserve such a fate. So, the Rainbow Bridge is more than just an interesting intrigue. It is also a factor for excellent mental health for some people.
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One problem that experts have in determining whether the Rainbow Bridge story is intended to be read literally is that it’s origin is as mysterious as the tale itself. No one has yet been able to attribute the story to any one original source. Rather, experts say it dates back, in general, to the days of Norse Mythology, which relied on a Rainbow Bridge for a number of other uses.