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They called him brother
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This is the first installment of a multipart series about the reverence and regard Native Americans held for animals such as the wolf, horse, eagle, bison, and even the raven.
"If you talk to the animals
they will talk with you
and you will know each other.
If you do not talk with them
you will not know them,
and what you do not know
you will fear.
What one fears
one destroys.
Chief Dan George
The Gray Wolf. Scientific name: Canis lupus. Every breed of domestic dog is descended from the wolf, from the small chihuahua to the mastiff. They average about 80 pounds, are larger that their red wolf cousins and twice as large as coyotes. Occupying a variety of habitats, the arctic tundra, forests and prairies, their coat color ranges from a snowy white, to black, in addition to gray, brown and cinammon, in between.
Wolves are social animals of the highest order. The acceptance and recognition of each pack member's standing eliminates the need for challenge and conflict and keeps the cohesivness of the pack strong. Wolf packs can consist of as few as an alpha pair to as many as three dozen animals. No matter the number, there is a very defined social hierarchy. Females mature at 3 years of age, males about 2 years. Only the alpha pair is allowed to mate but the entire pack assists in raising the pups. Social behavior in the pack is manifested by vocalizations, posturing and facial expressions, making for social order and very rare conflict or confrontation. While cunning and expert hunters, wolves are, by nature, shy and gentle creatures, and highly intelligent. Peace between packs is preserved by scent marking and vocalizing so that definite boundaries are recognized and respected.
Native Americans respected and revered the wolf as a wise and cunning hunter emulating many of its ways. The wolf was not viewed as an enemy or competitor. The Indians' perception of the wolf was a genuine interpretation of the wolf's keen ability to survive and thrive and more importantly, to exist in balance with the wilderness. The Indian hunter looked with admiration on the wolf's patience and tenacity. To be told one hunted like a wolf was a high compliment, and when a warrior was told he fought like a wolf it was the highest form of praise. The wolf provided a dual role for Native Americans. He represented a powerful, mysterious and even mystical being and also a medicine animal, relating to a particular individual or tribe. The Cherokee believed that, to slay a wolf was to invite retribution from other wolves. An old Shoshone legend honors the wolf as a protector of women: It is told that a group of young girls had to be left behind in hiding, as the tribe had to pack up and move quickly due to imminent danger. When the girls came out of hiding and went in search of the tribe they came upon an injured wolf. After nursing the wolf back to health, they became adopted by the entire pack of wolves, who saved them from danger many times as the girls continued to search for the rest of the tribe. The warrior fathers, upon returning to find the girls, saw the wolves surrounding their daughters from a distance. Not understanding that the wolves were actually protecting their daughters, they slew them one and all. After being told of their grave mistake, they vowed to honor the wolf as protector throughout time. This became tradition and continues today.
The wolf has been both misunderstood and revered. The Native Americans respected him and called him brother. The early white settlers misunderstood and feared the wolf and attempted to eradicate the him from the land, land which was as much theirs, perhaps more. Horror films and stories have presented the wolf as a cold-blooded and random killer. Nothing could be further from the truth. This canid is highly intelligent and knows how to survive despite what humans have attempted to do otherwise. The author had the fortunate experience of having had the opportunity, many years ago, of being in contact with the captive wolf pack at Lincoln Park Zoo here in Chicago, when they needed to be moved for habitat renovation. When you look into the eyes of one and they look back, you understand exactly what the Native Americans have known since the land was new. The image of a wolf howling in front of a low and full silvery moon was never frightening or forboding to me. It always had me wondering what the wolf knew that I didn't. I still wonder.
Yellow Eyes by Joan L. Van Vels
We've roamed the wild country
My beautiful yellow eyes
Side by side we've hunted
Shadows dancing on northern skies
There have been times of plenty
We were content and serene
Peacefully sleeping
Dangers few and far between
We've also known much hunger
Ribs protruding from each side
Mournfully we howled
When our starving cubs had died
And then there was our first winter
Romping through the glistening snow
Tasting each crystal snowflake
Falling gently to and fro
Ah my dear, sweet yellow eyes
I've known no greater love
Without you I am nothing
Our wild souls are one
And now you lay there dying
Steel jaws upon your frame
Life's blood slowly seeping
I whisper your sweet name
Helpless, I watch you struggle
Chest heaving with labored breath
Steel jaws clenching tighter
Winds whisper the song death
The blood has now stopped flowing
I know the time is near
And you will forever leave me
My love, my life, my dear
And now my world is silent
Your struggles now have ceased
I lay my head upon you
And now you are at peace
Perhaps your soul has lifted
To skies where eagles soar,
And there you'll greet your brothers
To run with them forever more
And someday I shall find you
In the heaven's so far above
And when our wild soul's unite
They'll be no greater love
I thought this was one of the most beautiful poems I had ever read and believed I'd be remiss if I didn't share it.
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