BEARS IN MYTHOLOGY & FOKLORE: Irish, Norse, German, Native American Meaning

Bears in Mythology.

Bear Native American meaning…

“Bear — King of Animals!”

BEARS IN MYTHOLOGY & FOLKLORE: Irish, Norse, German, Native American Meaning

Bear Myth: An Introduction

In mythology, bears symbolize strength, courage, wisdom, and rebirth. They were often seen as guardians, healers, or divine messengers. Bears were prominent in Native American lore (strength, healing), Celtic/Norse tales (warrior spirit, transformation), and Greek myths (Callisto, Atalanta).

The big, shuffling animals embodied powerful, protective, and sometimes wild, untamed aspects of nature and humanity.

Even in modern times, their hibernation links them to cycles of death and rebirth. While their fierce maternal protection highlights themes of motherhood and family.

Worldwide Worship and Mythological Beliefs

Historically, bears have been both feared and revered. Anthropologists, including the renowned Joseph Campbell, have noted that bear worship dates back to prehistoric times, particularly among fishing and hunting tribes. The bear’s depiction in various cultures underscores its importance not just as a physical entity but as a spiritual symbol.

Northern Europe’s Veneration of Bears

Finland: Bears are considered kin to humans, believed to be the spirits of forefathers. Older beliefs of bears in mythology thought that Humans and Bears were connected by blood. A Northern assumption that Bears were Humankind’s closest relative. Some stories told of mixed-blood newborn.

This profound respect is evident as the bear is Finland’s national animal. The Finnish language has over 100 different names for bears, each reflecting different cultural significances.

Otso Bear Mythology: In Finnish mythology, Otso (also known as Karhu, Ohto, Kontio and Mesikämmen) is a bear, the sacred King of Animals and Leader of the Forest.

In fact, the mighty Bear was the King of Animals for many Northern European cultures. It wasn’t until the Roman Conquest of the Northern cultures that the Bear was replaced by the African Lion as as the symbol of ruling royal families.

Russia: In the Russian fairy tale “Morozko,” a villain punished with a bear’s head symbolizes societal ostracization, illustrating the bear’s role in teaching moral lessons.

Scotland: Old Scottish stories told of the Celtic goddess Artio (Goddess of the Wild) and the warrior-king Arthur, with “Artos” meaning bear in Celtic. Bears went extinct in Scotland (hunting and habitat loss) about 1000 AD. Two centuries later King William the First adopted the African Lion as Scotland’s Royal Emblem.

Asian Reverence

China and Ainu: In these cultures, bears are worshipped and often associated with powerful deities and transformation myths.

Korea: Bears are symbolic animals where legends speak of gods and transformative challenges, highlighting the bear’s role in cultural and spiritual tests.

Alpine Legends and Traditional Western Narratives

In the Alpine regions, legends like those of St Corbinian and St Romedius depict bears as both tamed beasts and helpers, signifying a harmonious relationship between humans and nature. These stories not only reflect historical attitudes but also underscore a mutual respect and dependency.

A Symbol of Strength and Courage

Historically, bears have been admired for their strength and bravery. Native American nations have regarded the bear as a powerful totem animal. Particularly those in the Northern regions like the Inuit. As well as peoples of the East and West coastal forests. On the Atlantic coast: Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik and Peskotomuhkati. Pacific coast: Haida, Tsimshian, Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish peoples.

These Indigenous people believe that the bear has a special connection to the earth and possesses qualities that humans can learn from, such as resilience and endurance in the face of adversity.

Spiritual, Healing & Connections

In many cultures, bears are seen as more than just physical being. They are carriers of spiritual wisdom and healing powers. The Ainu people of Japan, for instance, practiced a ritual called “Iomante,” where they believed sending a bear’s spirit back to the heavens brought blessings and good health to their community.

Bears in Northern European Folklore

In Europe, the symbolism of bears has been complex and varied. Archaeological findings across Europe have uncovered bear remains buried with human remains, suggesting a deep, spiritual connection between humans and bears dating back millennia.

The Vikings wore bear skins into battle, believing this would imbue them with the bear’s ferocity and protection. Similarly, Celtic traditions associated the bear with the sun and sovereignty, often depicting warrior gods and kings with bear motifs.

Are there bears in Germany?

The last wild German bear was shot in 1835 in Bavaria. However, a famous “problem bear” named Bruno wandered in from Italy in 2006, becoming the first wild bear seen in 170 years. Followed by another curious visitor in 2019, though bear sightings remain rare events.

The German city of Berlin (which means “Bear”) has a black bear on its civil flag. The German towns of Bernau bei Berlin, Freising and Werdau feature bears on their coats of arms. The Swiss capital city of Bern also has a bear on its flag.

Bears in Germanic Folklore

A number of modern German writers have written some essential works on bears and wildlife in mythology. Recapturing our connection with Nature and Spirituality. Wolf D Storl is one. [1]

In his book BEAR: Myth, Animal, Icon, Wolf D. Storl explores bears in mythology. Their deep significance across cultures, viewing it as a powerful “forest human,” deity, or ancestor. All inked to seasonal cycles, fertility, strength and transformation. Contrasting pagan reverence with Christian interpretation, and connecting ancient lore (like Celtic bear goddesses) to modern symbols (like teddy bears). And to indigenous traditions.

Storl dramatically reveals how myths portray bears as more than animals, but as powerful forces embodying wilderness and wisdom.

The Mama Bear Leitmotif: Bear as a Protector

The protective aspect of the bear is evident in its frequent role as a guardian in folklore and myth. For example, in some Native American stories, bears are portrayed as protectors of the forests and their inhabitants. This protective trait is also reflected in how some modern societies view and conserve bear populations, recognizing their critical role in maintaining ecological balance.

Certainly the mother bear fiercely defending her young is a modern trope in places where bears still live and thrive. “You can go in the woods, but don’t get between a mama bear and her cubs!”

Bears in Modern Symbolism

Today, the bear continues to be a potent symbol in many cultures, often representing national strength and resilience. The Mama Bear theme, especially, is as potent as it was thousands of years ago.

Are you as spellbound by Bears in Mythology & Folklore as I am?

If so, you’ve got to read my popular short story “THE BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY BEARS.” A Traditional Native American Animal Story & Folktale Retold.

Talking bears and human children adopted and raised by loving mother bears are common story themes in both Old and New World oral traditions. Even J R R Tolkien wrote about both Beowulf and “Bear’s Son Tales in European folklore.”

“Loved this beautiful Animal Tale. Loved Giju’muin, the strong Mama Bear. Perfect!” BOY WHO WAS RAISED BY BEARS Native American Myths & Legends Bear Story

[1] Such as author and illustrator Kurt Wiese. I have written, “Like so many Germans, Wiese seemed to be born with a deep affinity for wild animals and wild places.”