According to Greek mythology, a slave named Galinthias was turned into a black cat by Zeus’ wife, Hera as punishment for trying to prevent the birth of Heracles. Galinthias was sent to the underworld in her feline form to become a priestess of Hecate, Goddess of Death and Queen of the Witches. This association with Hecate led many to see a black cat as a bad omen indicating impending death.
