Leather working has deep roots in mythology,

1. Hephaestus/Vulcan (Greek/Roman Mythology)

In Greek mythology, Hephaestus (known as Vulcan in Roman mythology) was the god of blacksmithing, craftsmanship, and fire. Although he is best known for his work with metals, he was also associated with leather and other materials used in crafting. Hephaestus created many magical objects, including the armor of Achilles, which was often depicted as made of leather and metal. The skill of leatherworking in myth can be tied to the god's mastery over the forge, transforming raw materials into functional and powerful items.

2. The God of the Hunt: Artemis/Diana

In Greek and Roman mythology, the goddess Artemis (or Diana in Roman) was often depicted as the protector of the wild and the hunt. She is often shown with a bow and a quiver of arrows, both of which could be made from leather. Leather was crucial in ancient hunting and survival gear, and Artemis, as a symbol of nature, would be associated with both the making and use of leather goods. The leather quiver, belt, and even her boots were part of her persona as a huntress and protector of the wilderness.

3. The Norns (Norse Mythology)

In Norse mythology, the Norns were female beings who controlled fate. They are often depicted as weaving the threads of destiny, a process that could be symbolic of craftsmanship. Leatherworking, in this context, could be seen as a craft that, like fate, transforms raw material (skin, thread, tools) into something that carries deep significance and purpose. Though not directly linked to leather, the skill of weaving and crafting in Norse lore can parallel the careful, detailed work of a leatherworker.

4. Leather and Shamanism

Many indigenous cultures around the world have used leather in their shamanistic practices. Leather is seen as a protective, sacred material that can be used in ceremonial garments, tools, and even as a medium for spiritual connection. Shamans and spiritual healers would often wear leather clothes or use leather drums, which were believed to have magical properties that helped bridge the gap between the physical world and the spirit world. In this sense, leather was often imbued with the power to protect, guide, and facilitate communication with the divine.

5. The Hero's Armour

Across many cultures, heroes are often given special armor or attire made from leather. This armor is not just protective but also imbued with magical or symbolic properties. For example, in Celtic mythology, Cú Chulainn is often depicted wearing a magical leather girdle that was believed to enhance his strength. Similarly, in Irish mythology, the Gaelic warriors wore leather clothing and shields, which were said to provide them with protection in battle, and some of these were thought to be enchanted.

6. Leather in Celtic Symbolism

In Celtic culture, leather had strong connections to both life and death. It was used in the creation of ritual masks, cloaks, and ceremonial garments for rituals that sought to honor ancestors or deities. The leather mask, in particular, was often used in dances or rituals, where it symbolized the blending of the human and the divine. In the Samhain festival (the precursor to Halloween), wearing leather masks could allow individuals to connect with the spirits of the dead.

7. The Wild Hunt and Leather

In European folklore, particularly in the Germanic and Celtic traditions, the Wild Hunt is a ghostly or supernatural event where a group of spectral hunters rides across the sky, often led by a god or a legendary figure such as Odin or Cernunnos. These hunters were often depicted wearing leather armor, boots, and gear suited for the hunt. The Wild Hunt was sometimes associated with the transition between life and death, with leather serving as a protective material for those who participated in or were affected by the Hunt.

8. Leather in the Bible

While leather-working isn't a central theme in Biblical stories, leather items are mentioned several times. For example, God made leather garments for Adam and Eve after they realized they were naked (Genesis 3:21). These garments were likely symbolic of both divine protection and humanity's separation from a state of innocence. Leather is also mentioned in the context of the Ark of the Covenant, which was made from acacia wood and covered with gold and leather.

9. Leather and the Heroic Journey

Leather armor, clothing, and accessories often appear in mythic tales as symbols of a hero’s identity and transformation. In many myths, the hero is given a specific piece of leather clothing (like a cloak, belt, or boots) that either marks their passage into adulthood, their protection from harm, or their connection to the divine. This connection between leather and the heroic journey is present in myths across cultures, from King Arthur's armor to Hercules’ famous lion skin.

10. The Skin as a Symbol

In many mythologies, skin (and by extension, leather) is a symbol of protection, transformation, and identity. For example, the ancient Egyptian god Anubis, who was associated with mummification and the afterlife, was often depicted wearing a cloak made of leather-like material. Leather, as a durable and protective material, symbolised the preservation of the body in life and after death. Similarly, in African and Indigenous American traditions, leather garments and shields were used for protection and to signify the wearer's connection to both ancestors and the forces of nature.