The wolf romanticism

My favorite existing animal is the wolf. I came to love this creature a few years back, when I met my current partner. Ιt was a given that the lovely wolf would be honored in my main story. The male protagonist’s hidden personality (something like an alter ego) is expressed in the form of the wolf and some of his characteristics are sourced from the animal’s behavior. Wolves are predominately monogamous, the pairs mating for life. A regular wolf pack resembles the basic human family, the pair leading the pack and the younglings being part of it, until they mature and head out to create their own pack (this is not always the case, but it’s the most common theme). 

I believe it is obvious why I love the wolf so much. Apart from its raw power, senses and instincts, the animal inspires some sort of romanticism through their instinctive choice to mate for life. The relationship developed between the main characters goes side by side with the main story and gives me the chance to show off the male protagonist’s similarity to a wolf (his mind still very much above the regular human, I do not include werewolves in my story).

The wolf in my book is featured as an assisting, fierce, yet kind beast, its characteristics deeply embedded into one of the main protagonists. Yet in literature, wolves have not been viewed in such a positive manner. Let’s not forget the classic tales of the Grimm brothers, or the ever popular werewolves, creatures portrayed as violent killers, controlled by their most basic animalistic instincts (under the full moon in most cases). Lately the wolf has taken a turn in popularity and I notice more and more authors use the creature in a positive light. In addition to the recent love for antagonists and villains becoming mainstream, it was only expected and I believe it to be a good thing. We need to experiment with morality in our stories and realize that what makes something truly villainous and cruel has little to do with instincts and appearance and a lot to do with actual intentions.

(All opinions above are completely personal and not based in any sources.)

C.T.K.