Throughout history, folklore has been a way for humans to share cultural history, teach life lessons, and explain unknown phenomena.
Symbolism and metaphor are often used in folklore to explore the depths of human emotions and how we have connected with the world around us. Animals in particular, have long been a popular source of inspiration, acting as reflections of our best and worst qualities, or appearing to us as magical creatures linking the mortal and spirit realms.
Red Fox Engraving. American Agriculturalist v.26 1867
There are maybe only a handful of animals, both real and mythological, that are more commonly found in folklore globally than the fox. Considering the relatively close proximity humans and foxes have had with each other, it is no surprise that we included this relationship in our mythologies and tales. Even the ancient Sumerians were inspired by foxes and included one in the Eridu Genesis myth, first recorded around 1600 BCE.
Fox Carved in Stone Göbekli Tepe. Acsen. Shutterstock.
Göbekli Tepe is a world heritage site in Turkey. The monolithic structures are thought to have been erected around 9,600-8,200 BCE.
In general, there is a split consensus cross-culturally when it comes to the depiction of foxes in folklore. The fox is perhaps most well known as a trickster, sneaky and cunning in behavior, creating devious plans which they occasionally fall victim to. In Aesop’s Fables, they are egotistical, con artists, and benefit from the misfortune of others. Phrases like “sly as a fox” and “outfoxed” are references to the trickster persona.
However, there is another version of the fox that casts the same behavior in a different light. In many stories and myths, the fox is the helper or guide. Rather than being called sneaky and cunning, they are clever, quick and wise, and are instrumental in the success of those they aid. This portrayal of the fox can be found in Achomawi, Atsugewi, and Miwok mythology (as well as other Northern California tribes). In their creation myth, Silver Fox (Kwahn) and Coyote (Jamul), are the creator gods of the earth and are considered cultural heroes. The details vary with tradition but Silver Fox is consistently more hardworking, serious, and wise than their companion, Coyote, who is actually the trickster.
A stamp printed in Greece from the "Aesop's Fables" issue shows "The Fox and the Grapes", circa 1987. Lefteris Papaulakis. Shutterstock.
This duality can speak to how humans have interacted with foxes. We attribute negative qualities to foxes when our food and resources overlap, like farmland for example. If we catch a glimpse of a fox in the forest or see one hunting in the winter, we recognize their patience and swiftness, seeing them in a more positive manner.
One thing does become clear though, the fox’s intelligence never is called into question, regardless of whether they are a trickster or a helper. We admire their ability to assess the situation and adapt quickly. When they appear as gods, spirits, demons, or messengers, their intelligence is what makes them effective in their role.
Foxes in Folklore, Part 2 will continue exploring the role of foxes in folklore from around the world.
Cover image: Red Fox on Black Background. Kassandra Mareeva. Shutterstock.
Sources
Davis, Ben. “What is the importance of folklore”. MVOrganizing. 2021. Web.
Mark, Joshua J. “Ninhursag”. World History Encyclopedia. 2017. Web.
“Animals in Mythology”. Encyclopedia.com. Web.
“Native American Legends: Silver Fox (Kwahn)”. Native Languages of the Americas. Web.
“Red Fox Interaction with Humans - Fox in Literature and Film”. Wildlife Online. Web.