Magical Snake Egg

Well, what is it? I asked him impatiently this morning.

What is what? he asked.

A wind egg, an ovum anguinem, whatever you like to call it, I replied.

Ah! yes. It goes by many names. The wind egg, the snake egg, the sea egg, the chalk egg. It was held in high regard by the Gauls, although not mentioned by the Greek writers. Many snakes twining together form a skilful ball using saliva from their throats, and foam from their bodies. The Druids say that the hissing of the snakes throws the ball into the air. The ball must be caught in a cloak, so it does not touch the ground. He who steals it must ride away quickly, for the snakes will follow him until he crosses a river. It is said that a genuine egg will float against the current of a stream, even if set in gold.

Whoa, Pliny! I said, this is too bizarre! Why would anyone want to steal one? Why would it be set in gold? And what has this got to do with the sea urchin?

Patience, said Pliny. The wind, or snake eggs were highly prized by the Gaulish people, for to possess one would grant access to princes, and ensure success in battle or legal disputes. Naturally, anyone possessing such a marvel would wish to set in in gold, to honour and protect it.

But, the sea urchin?

Well, said Pliny, I myself have seen one of these eggs. It was round, and about as large as a medium apple. The shell was cartilage, with many cup-marks like those on the arms of an octopus.

So you think it was really a sea urchin shell?

I think the Druids, unable to procure as many of these snake eggs as they desired, would use de-spined sea urchin shells in their stead. They also used to make a round bead, decorated with spirals and swirls, for the same purpose.

And were they really magical, do you think?

Certainly not. I recall the story of a certain Gaulish gentleman who carried one into court for good luck, and who lost the case because the judge thought he was trying to exert an undue influence.