What is the non-religious symbolism of sheep/shepherds?

Question

I had a series of dreams that I'm trying to turn into a novel, and in part of it one of my characters dies for a little while, and the image I dreamt for that part was a riverbank with a herd of sheep, and another character, who is a magical being who died earlier in the story, was sort of acting as a shepherdess. I don't want to write it in without knowing what it might mean, but all I can find when I search "sheep/shepherd symbolism," and variations thereof, is the Christian meaning, which doesn't fit at all.

I tried to give some of you a thumbs-up, but it said something about having to be a level 2 user, and I just started yesterday.

Answer 1

sheep are easily led, and herded  and easily frightened.  

they are not very dangerous

shepherds besides representing herders, leaders etc

also represent the  pastoral lifestyle. an easygoing life.

where all a shepherd does all day is sit around and count sheep.  think of the book heidi's description of being on the mountian meadows.

i know you wanted non religious but you should still

see Greek mythology for shepherds esp.

ARISTAIOS, PAN , GANYMEDE etc.

Answer 2

Either a staff or a crook, I've done several searches and didn't come up with anything at all.  Since the staff and crook aren't in any of the christian and other religious icons that I saw, I would say that is what you are looking for.

Answer 3

Maybe a strong leader ( Shepard) and the heard may be a group of people.

Answer 4

Sleep.

You know: counting sheep is supposed to put you to sleep. So sheep sometimes are used to symbolize bedtime or dreams or sleeping.