The Barnacle Goose Myth

Sources of ancient myth From Topographia Hibernica British Library MS 13 B VIII ( c. 1188 CE ) The barnacle goose myth is a widely-reported historical misconception about the breeding habits of the barnacle goose (Branta leucopsis) and brant goose (Branta bernicla).[1] One version of the myth is that these geese emerge fully formed from goose barnacles (Cirripedia).[2] Other myths exist about how the barnacle goose supposedly emerges and grows from matter other than bird eggs. The etymology of the term "barnacle" suggests Latin, Old English, and French roots.[3] There are few references in pre-Christian books and manuscripts – some Roman or Greek. The main vector for the myth into modern times was monastic manuscripts and in particular the bestiary.[4] The myth owes its long-standing popularity to an early ignorance of the migration patterns of geese. Early medieval discussions of the nature of living organisms were often based on myths or genuine ignorance of what is now known abo ... Read full article.