Runaway Horses can refer to the literal phenomenon of horses that have escaped control, or to several prominent works in arts and culture.
Literal Meaning In its literal sense, "runaway horses" describes one or more horses that have lost their rider or handler and are moving at high speed, typically in a state of panic, excitement, or uncontrolled movement. This can occur due to fright, a broken lead, an unseated rider, or an escaped enclosure. Such a situation poses significant dangers to the horses themselves, as they may injure themselves by running into obstacles, and to any people or property in their path. Metaphorically, the phrase is often used to describe situations, emotions, or processes that are rapidly escalating and have become difficult or impossible to control, akin to an unstoppable force.
In Arts and Culture
-
In Literature:
- Runaway Horses is the second novel in The Sea of Fertility tetralogy by Japanese author Yukio Mishima, originally published in Japanese in 1969. The novel explores themes of nationalism, beauty, and the pursuit of an ideal through the character of Isao Iinuma, a young man who plots a failed assassination attempt. It is considered a significant work in 20th-century Japanese literature.
- Runaway Horses is a novel by South African author Pamela Jooste, published in 1999. The story delves into themes of family secrets, generational divides, and the complexities of relationships against a backdrop of societal change in South Africa.
-
In Music:
- "Runaway Horses" is a song by the American rock band Bon Jovi, featured on their second studio album, 7800° Fahrenheit, released in 1985. The song is an example of the band's early hard rock sound and is noted for its energetic performance. While not released as a single, it remains a known track among fans of the band.