The symbol of the wolf in different historical periods

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

Today the symbol of the wolf is quite popular. A huge number of T-shirts and backpacks are decorated with prints with photographs of this predator. Also, many get tattoos or wear jewelry with the image of wolves. With such popularity, not everyone knows that this animal in different historical periods was a symbol of both good and evil.

A bit about wolf nature

Today, people are less likely to encounter wolves than their ancestors. Therefore, the idea of \u200b\u200bthis animal is formed on the basis of books and television programs. Meanwhile, the wolf is a rather dangerous predator that is not only strong and fast, but also very smart.

Being a fairly strong animal, the wolf is able to attack a person and defeat him. However, this happens in case of extreme need, since this beast does not like the human smell. As a general rule, unless a pack of wolves is hungry or provoked, they will not attack humans.

For every nation, the symbol of the wolf has its own meaning. Often everything depended on external factors. In more fertile territories, where it was easier for wolves to getfood without attacking people, these predators were treated with respect and admiration. But in those countries where they did not have enough food and they were forced to hunt people, they were naturally considered the embodiment of evil.

There are many misconceptions about the nature of wolves. So, it is believed that they are noble hunters who do not eat carrion and do not prey on the weak. In reality, this is not so. Wolves eat the meat of both recently killed animals and accidentally found carcasses. In addition, they often finish off any weak or wounded beasts they find.

As for wolf monogamy, it's true. In a pack, wolves form pairs and remain faithful to each other until the death of one of the partners. That is why the wolf is often considered a symbol of fidelity, as is the swan.

Another interesting feature of this predator is the inability to tame or train a wolf. That is why for many the wolf is a symbol of freedom and rebellion.

The animal of the ancient Greeks and Romans

Even in the time of the Hellenes, wolves were already credited with magical abilities. So, in the records of the father of history, Herodotus, tribes were mentioned, whose totem was a wolf. In addition, among the Greeks, he was considered an animal of Apollo.

In ancient Sparta, the appearance of wolves before a battle was considered a bad omen. For the Romans, they were very respected animals. According to legend, it was the she-wolf who nursed the legendary founders of the eternal city, the twins Romulus and Remus, with her milk. In addition, the wolf was an animal dedicated to Mars.

Unlikefrom the Spartans for the Romans to see a wolf before a military campaign was revered as a good sign, since it was a symbol of fearlessness. Some legionnaires wore amulets in the form of a tooth of this animal.

In Roman culture, the symbol of the wolf was very often present, and even more often - she-wolves. Females were considered by the Romans as symbols of sexual attractiveness. In this regard, women who sell their bodies were sometimes called she-wolves. Also, an ancient holiday, Lupercalia, was dedicated to the wolf.

The symbol of the wolf in the mythology of the Scandinavians and Egyptians

In Scandinavian mythology, wolves signified chaos and evil. So, according to legend, the giant wolf Fenvir swallowed the sun, and people were in eternal darkness.

Only thanks to the valiant son of Odin, the heavenly body returned to its place.

But in Ancient Egypt there was a wolf deity named Upuat.

He was the best warrior of Osiris and was often identified with him. In addition, Upuat was considered a deity patronizing the dead. Images of the wolf were very popular with the Egyptians, and on most holidays they always carried a shield with the image of this predator in front of the procession.

Wolf among the Slavic tribes

As in Egypt, for the Slavs the wolf was a symbol of the other world. It was believed that in the form of this beast, the dead are able to return to the world of the living. The wolf was the guide. People believed that if you pronounce the names of three dead relatives when meeting with a wolf, the predator will not touch.

In folk tales, he oftenacted as a positive character, with his mind and wise advice helping the main character achieve his goal.

In addition, in the mythology of the Slavs, the wolf was an animal of the deity Semargl, and a separate rune is dedicated to him.

Also for the Slavs, wolves were a symbol of a good harvest. After all, in the old days they were found in almost every forest, performing the function of orderlies. Predators controlled the population of deer, hares and other weaker animals. Thanks to this, wheat and other plants in the fields adjacent to the forest were not trampled or eaten by herbivores.

Slavic tribes, as a rule, did not hunt wolves. But at the same time, finding a carcass was considered a positive sign. Skins were often used not only as warm clothing, but also as a charm.

Wolf in Christianity

With the spread of Christianity, all other cults tried to abolish. To get rid of their influence, everything connected with paganism was recognized as the machinations of unclean forces. Including the wolf, which, despite many negative traits, was held in high esteem by most pagans. That is why he was declared "unclean" and a servant of Satan. In addition, in the Bible, in many parables, the wolf was associated with the devil, who dreams of destroying people (sheep).

A little later, this predator was considered a seducer. According to legend, witches and sorcerers rode wolves to their covens.

What does the wolf symbolize today

The wolf was "rehabilitated" in the twentieth century. He not only ceased to be a symbolevil, but also became the embodiment of many positive qualities.

Now the wolf is primarily a symbol of freedom and loneliness. And although these animals are really famous for their love of freedom, it is difficult to call them loners, since they live in a pack with a clear hierarchy of relationships that is not violated. In this regard, another erroneous interpretation is the recognition that the wolf is a symbol of independence.

Today these animals symbolize fidelity in love, purity and care for their children.

Besides, now the wolf is a symbol of nobility. Contrary to the very ignoble habits of this beast in reality, it symbolizes military honor and valor, as well as fearlessness and a willingness to fight to the death.

For centuries, the nature of the wolf has interested people. Many of them elevated this predator to the category of deities, hoping to enlist the help of a strong and independent beast. A little later, he became a symbol of evil. Today, many old ideas about the symbol of the wolf have been forgotten or lost their meaning, they have been replaced by new ones. How long they will be relevant, time will tell.