The image of the wolf is multi-faceted. Some see wolves as majestic symbols of grace and honor. Others see them as mangy animals that steal cattle and terrorize farms. The reason for this is because the wolf has been tied to so many different myths, legends, and tales that they represent something different to everyone.
Werewolves in Classic Literature
Werewolves have always been popular villains for classic literature stories. The earliest known werewolf story is that of the werewolf in Gilgamesh, an Akkadian Epic tale. In the story, a goddess, Ishtar, turns a human shepherd into a wolf so that his dogs can devour him. Another story from that time period is Ovid’s Metamorphosis. When King Lycaon attempts to trick the great god Zeus into eating human flesh, Zeus curses him by turning him into a wolf that still retains some human characteristics. Over time, this evolved into lycanthropy being something that was passed on through bites. Another common myth is that people afflicted only turn into werewolves when the moon is full.
The Beast of Gevaudan
In France from 1764 to 1767, there was a series of vicious attacks on humans by animals. These animals were wolf-like with reddish fur, a terrible odor, menacing teeth, and long tail. In total, there have been around 210 attacks, 113 of which were fatal. A huge hunting party was gathered to eradicate the beasts. The hunting party was successful. The first attack took place on June 1, 1764. Up to this day, there is much debate about these animals. Usually, wolves avoid humans and attack livestock, but these animals ignored the livestock and went after humans. Some believe that the Beast of Gevaudan was some type of crossbreed.
Wolves in Fairy Tales
Wolves are also popular in fairy tales. Most often, wolves are depicted as evil characters, trying to trick people and hurt them. It’s a symbol of deceit. In Little Red Riding Hood, the wolf eats Little Red Riding Hood’s grandmother so that it can trick the girl and eat her as well. In The Three Little Pigs, the wolf terrorizes the pigs with the goal to eat them as well. In Snow White and Rose Red, the wolf guarded a cave and attacked guards and generally committed mischief.
Wolves in Folk Tales
The most popular folk tale that deals with wolves is a tale that actually has very little evidence of a wolf at all. In The Boy Who Cried Wolf, the wolf is cast in a negative light. It sneaks around a shepherd boy’s flock, waiting for him to relax so that it can attack and steal the sheep away. This natural way of life for predators became something evil associated with wolves.
Wolves in Native American Culture
To Native Americans, the wolf represented something very different. The wolf was honored for its devotion to its family. It was revered for its superior hunting abilities as well as its ability to work as a team to achieve a greater good. It was also honored for its inherent loyalty to its pack. For these reasons, the wolf is a favored symbol in Native American culture.
Written by Michael S. Atwood