Wolf Folklore & Mythology – “Excerpt” by: Red Feather Archery
In North America prior to European colonization, Aboriginal people had many different myths and stories regarding wolves. In the Arctic, the wolf was revered for its hunting skill by Numamuit of Northwestern Alaska and Naskapi of Labrador. The Gwich’in once believed in reincarnation and that wolves (Zhoh) & Raven (deetrin’) were the only animal smart enough to hold a man’s soul. It was believed that it was unlucky to kill a wolf and if one was to be taken & killed, a piece of the wolf’s tail or fur would have to be wrapped around the hunter’s gun or bow for a year or else the hunter would be unsuccessful in his next hunt. It was also believed that wolves were a good omen or sign and that wolves would lead hunters in the direction of the caribou by following the sound of his howl.
“The wolves howled not because there was something to fear, but because there was something to love.” ~ Unknown
great