J. Henry Fair

Eva-Lena Rehnmark with her artwork.

Eva-Lena Rehnmark, PO Box 2494, Mendocino, CA 95460, USA

The appearance of wolves in mythology has affected our perception of the wolf of reality. This presentation will include research from three years of intensive study of wolf mythology as well as slides of the wolf as represented in art history. The wolf of mythology was almost certainly born of the first encounters between humans and wolves. Since then, the mythology along with our perception of wolves has grown and changed dramatically.

• Prehistoric Relationship of Man and Wolf—Powerful respect and reverence prevailed at the birth of the relationship of humans and wolves.
  
• Fertility/Born of the Wolf—Examples of the wolf's unexpected role as a fertility god.
  
• Pathfinder and Teacher—The wolf in myth as collectors and distributors of information and knowledge.
  
• The Wolf and the Viking—The myth of the wolf Fenris as well as information about Berserkers and Ulvhenar.
  
• Wolf Warrior Clans—Myth and belief which reflect humankind's emulation and imitation of wolf society and strength.
  
• Masters of the Wolf/The Ainu—The gods from various countries and their role in controlling the wolf, thereby protecting civilization. The Ainu's belief in the protective wolf spirit.
  
• Sacred Wolf /Who Will Speak for the Wolf—The wolf in mythology of Native Americans as well as their relationship with wolves.
  
• Lukos and Luke/Lycaon—Greek myth of Lukos which connects the wolf both to Apollo and to light. The tale of Lycaon, the first recorded werewolf myth.
  
• Wolves Coursing through the Skies—Appearance of the wolf in constellations and in apocalypse mythology.
  
• Wolves and Death—Wolf connected to the gods of death and as a guide through the underworld.
  
• Supernatural Wolf—The wolf's connection with devils and witches and the wolf's role as mediator between the supernatural and the mortal world.
  
• Time/Storm and Wind—Myths of the wolf's role in measuring out time and creating storms.
  
• Opener of the Ways—Ancient Egyptian wolf myth of Upuat the god of the underworld and progenitor of Osiris.
  
• Wolf Outlaw—The etymological root of the word "varg" in Swedish and the wolf's further connections to the outlaw or highwayman.
  
• The Wolf and the Lamb—The presence of the wolf in the Bible and the effect this symbolism has had on the animal.
  
• Saints and Wolves/Science, Religion and Magic—Saints whose origin lies with heathen wolf gods, manuscripts from the Middle Ages and their image of the wolf.
  
• Wolves' Dark Ages—Description of the downfall of the wolf's reputation in Europe and their persecution there includes sections about werewolves, children's literature and the change from hunter gatherer societies to farming.