The roosters' "Cock-a-Doodle-doo" 04 Jun 2007

While cock crowing usually begins in the early hours of the morning, it often continues throughout the day. Apparently the reason for this has nothing to do with a "functioning feathered alarm clock". In fact, the high-pitched ululation serves as a warning to other cocks to attract female chickens, and as a general warning signal.

How this legend began is a matter of debate, but can be traced back to Greek mythology. According to the legend, Alectryon -- the old Greek name for "rooster" -- was a youth who was ordered by Ares, the God of War, to stand guard outside his door while the he carried on an adulterous affair with goddess Aphrodite. Unfortunately, Alectryon fell asleep while on watch, and Helios, the Sun God, walked in on the amorous couple. In wrath, Ares turned Alectryon into a rooster, which always remembers to announce the sun's arrival in the morning.

Other legends tell the story of Lucifer fleeing at the first crowing of a cock. A medieval legend posits that the Basilisk, a giant snake who kills with a single glance and is hatched by a toad from a hen's egg, will perish instantly if it hears a rooster crowing.

Source: Matthew Paolini, MyContentBuilder