Research-Wolves in Folklore, Religion and Mythology

I decided to look further into the background of wolves, to try and gain a better understand of the myths and legends surrounding wolves. In doing so this would also help me understand why humans fear/ hate wolves so much, even today. This research will help me when it comes to filming and interviewing wolf experts as I will be able to ask their views on the myths and legends surrounding wolves, I would also be able to ask whether nowadays, as we have better knowledge, if these legends can be explained and show that wolves aren't as bad as legend perceives them to be.

Research Notes:

The wolf is a common motif in the foundational mythologies and cosmologies of people throughout Eurasia and North America. The obvious attribute of the wolf is its nature of a predator and correspondingly it is strongly associated with danger, destruction, making it the symbol of the warrior on one hand and the devil on the other.

Myths and fairytales and even modern movies depict wolves as bold, wicked hunters that prey on humans, especially young children. In fact, there have been very few confirmed accounts of wolves attacking people and none in North America, one of the animals main strongholds.

The wolf is repeatedly mentioned in the scriptures as an enemy of flocks: a metaphor for evil men with a lust for power and dishonest gain, as well as a metaphor for satan preying on innocent god-fearing christians contrasted with the Shepard Jesus who keeps his flock safe.

Wolves may have acquired their reputation as man-eaters by scavenging meat from dead bodies on battlefields. In modern times, the rare attacks on people have probably been made by wolves suffering from rabies, a disease that makes animals behave abnormally.

The bible contains 12 references to wolves. Usually as metaphors for greed and destructiveness. The book of genesis was interpreted in medieval Europe as stating that nature exists solely to support man who must cultivate it and that animals are made for his own purpose. By this perspective nature was only acceptable if controlled by man.

Research in sketchbook