In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual authority, being a messenger of God. In the Christian imagination, the deer is a symbol of piety, devotion and of God taking care of His children. The legend of Saint Eustace, for example, tells the story of the Roman general who, before becoming a saint, was out hunting and came across a magnificent and enormous deer. When Eustace looked at the animal's eyes, the light of Christ shone out of them and the voice of God spoke to him through it's gaze. Placido, the Roman name for the saint, gave up hunting and became a Christian.