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The wolf was one of the most popular clan totems in pre-Christian Europe.
In classical antiquity the wolf was thought of as a 'ghost animal' whose very gaze could strike people speechless.
Much European wolf lore is pervaded by a fearsome awe.
For the Romans, the appearance of a wolf before a battle could be an omen of victory. The Spartans, on the other hand, feared defeat when wolves attacked their flocks.
The wolf is a creator figure in the mythology of the Shoshoni people of North America. In early times, Wolf and Coyote were the most important people, but Coyote always tried to defy Wolf. One day they discussed death. Wolf said that people could be brought back to life when they died by shooting an arrow under them, but Coyote argued that if that happened there would soon be no room on earth. So Wolf decided that Coyote's son would be the first to die. The grieving Coyote soon came to Wolf and asked for his son to be revived as Wolf had suggested. However, Wolf reminded him of his remark that when people die, they should remain dead. It has been that way ever since.
Maybe the wolf appears to tell Cloud to let the dead rest and move on with his life.