The Wolf

I cannot think that our ancestors put the wolf "on a pedestal". Wolves were killed in their thousands. Totally exterminated in Britain. Only in the last 100 years have there been conflicting stories of wolves,from Kipling's Jungle Book to the movie The Wolfman. Wolves were always thought to be the most dangerous animal, and were killed whenever found. It seems that now the wolf is thought of as "dog like". Not true! The wolf stays well clear of Man. But if a man comes too near the wolf is indeed a most savage animal. Kevin Costner may have danced with wolves in a movie; but in real life? Not a hope!

I would just take a whack at it that its the amount of media thats made it so popular in that there are alot of movies, as you have pointed out, with werewolves, as well as animated ones that make literal normal wolves heroes. As well, it is mainly in the last century I guess most people have decided to try looking at things from different angles, like looking at the wolf as a fast, noble and brave pack animal rather than a vicious and powerful predator. The wolf isn't the only thing that has been popularized in that way, but I get the basic gist of what you mean. It is still curious of how, even with all this exploration, of how things have gone from such a natural and experience based standpoint to one that seems like more of a bias to me, looking at it through a stereotypic view, in a way, rather than looking at it in the way they actually act. It is sort of like hippos, although not as popular, they are seen as adorable critters by alot of people rather than animals that maim anything that seems like a threat and gets too close. If I would seem wrong on this, feel free to correct me.

Yes,wild animals are exactly that--wild; and should be left alone.

Let me just make this clear. A wolf is actually the predecessors of man's best friend, a dog. Now, a dog is one of the worlds most beloved pets as they are cute, loyal and protective. So is the wolf to their packs. To be honest, dogs and wolves are not unlike us. We call eachother cute, most of us are loyal and protective of the ones we love and we can pack a punch. XD This is why I believe we love wolves so much, we can relate to them. Also, just so ya know, a wolf is actually a lot stronger than a rat Brysing. Granted, lions are stronger but comparing a wolf's strength to a rat is such an understatement. Just thought I'd let ya know that because that really got on my nerves.

That is actually a good point, that goes with what I said as well, looking at things from other angles, and it is relatively recently we as humans saw similarities between us and animals.

That would be a false statement the Turkish believe they came from the the Indians believed they were there creators the Europeans associated them with warriors throughout history the wolf has been associated with man .you have but to look through the many cultures .if I looked harder I could probably find many more historical references to a group of people throughout history associating the wolf and man . and just look at how many cultures have wolves in there mythologies the norse have Fenrir sköll and hati Geri and freki. The Inuits have the amorok . Egypt has wepawet ( the war god). The Turks have Asena. ( sorry but this is that pedestool I spoke of earlier.)

What I meant was as in seeing similarities that give us the image commonly used today of wolves.

I'll bite. I think it's because how edgy and "different" todays teenagers or pre-teens want to feel. They want to feel tough or mystical.

Excellent post Brysing! I love wolfs but truth to be told, it's just as every beautiful animals ever, they aren't so special :) Why is the fox connected to as being a "trickster"? Why is a donkey so stubborn? I think you made your point loud and clear! Maybe it's because, people used to hunt with wolfs? In school you'll always hear about the dogs being our man himself best friend. It's neither right or false, it just depends on how tight of a bond you have with that animal. If you decide to get an dog, you might turn out to be "best friends", but it's not about it being a dog. It's about how willing you are to make friends with it, and if you create a bond with it. But maybe it's also about first apperence? That if you hear about eagles and how great they are and etc, you will have bigger thoughts of eagles (you will like it a little bit more, then of the other birds because you heard about the eagle and how great they are) So maybe you will have lower thought of other bird animals? But there will always be a sort of "connection" to one animal. Like for an example a humming bird or a snake? (not any spiritual stuff or anything, just choices) But i think you made your point loud and clear! I also don't understand why the wolf is so special. Don't get me wrong!I like them a lot, but they are just like any other animals :3 And no animal are worth more then another, they are are worth just as much! (Pardon me for my bad english, i hope that you can still kinda understand what my point is)

It's because wolves are 'cool'. I had a dog that was part wolf, so maybe I don't see the big appeal. But it's the vision of a wolf standing off in the distance, howling at the moon. Powerful, wise, mysterious, basically everything you want to be but are not. There's nothing wrong with liking wolves, or wishing one was your 'spirit animal' but I feel people focus too much on getting a 'cool' spirit animal they ignore the other animals.

Spirit animals are a native belief, and I know many people who desire to be like the 'brave warrior Indian who speaks with the animals' or so the stereotype goes. [I actually watched a documentary about natives in media, and according to the documentary most of the hippie style and beliefs were to emulate what society saw as 'brave Indian'. Don't know if it's true but I wouldn't doubt it] no one wants to admit their spirit animal is a salmon or butterfly [an author I like discovered hers was a flock of sheep] granted spirit animals is a belief but I think it plays a roll in why people like wolves. When you're bragging it's Bette to say 'I'm a wolf' or 'I'm a bear' over 'I'm a chipmunk'. It's a status thing I think.