Meaning & Analysis
Based on ancient and medieval folklore, this refers to the belief that an eagle, upon reaching old age, could renew its youth and strength by shedding its old beak and feathers. It was also used proverbially to describe an old man who remains hearty and vigorous, or, more obscurely, one who drinks more than he eats.
Insights
Vigor and Renewal in Old Age
The proverb serves as a powerful metaphor for renewal and rejuvenation in the later stages of life, suggesting that old age can be a period of restored vitality and strength rather than one of simple decline.
Enduring Strength
It symbolizes the concept of enduring strength and vitality. A person described as having an 'eagle's old age' is one who retains their sharpness, energy, and spirit despite their advanced years.
Spiritual Rejuvenation
In a spiritual context, particularly drawing from its use in the Psalms, the eagle's renewal is a metaphor for spiritual or moral regeneration, where an individual can be reborn in faith and spirit regardless of their physical age.
Mythological and Religious Roots
The proverb is rooted in ancient folklore, found in medieval bestiaries and classical texts, which held that eagles could rejuvenate themselves by flying near the sun, dipping in a spring, and shedding their old beaks and feathers. This myth was adopted into Christian symbolism, notably in Psalm 103:5, to represent spiritual rebirth and resurrection.
Enduring Symbol of Power
The eagle has long been a symbol of power, divinity, and immortality, from the Roman legions' Aquila to its association with deities like Zeus. The proverb draws on this deep symbolic well, equating a vigorous old age with the enduring majesty and near-immortality of this revered bird.
Psychology of Defying Age
The phrase encapsulates a powerful psychological desire to defy the natural process of aging. It provides a hopeful counter-narrative to the typical view of old age as a period of inevitable decline, instead framing it as a time for potential renewal and continued strength.
Rhetorical Devices
Symbolism
The eagle serves as a powerful symbol of strength, nobility, longevity, and even immortality, concentrating a wealth of cultural meaning into the proverb.
Allusion
The phrase alludes to classical myths and, most significantly, to biblical passages like Psalm 103:5 ('thy youth is renewed like the eagle's'), lending it an aura of ancient wisdom and spiritual authority.
Metaphor
The entire phrase functions as a concise metaphor, comparing the ideal human experience of aging to the mythical rejuvenation of an eagle.
Transcription
Quotations
Aquilae senecta
Aquilae senectus, A prouerbe, spoken of an olde man, which drinketh more than he eateth.
Like as the Eagle casteth her bill, whereby her age reneweth.
[As in Eras.]
Restore his yeeres, renew him, like an eagle.
A fresh hearty old man. Aquilae senectus.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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