Grey wolf (mythology)
Sacred wolf symbol in Turkic and Mongolian mythology.
The Grey wolf (Old Turkic: Böri) holds the status of a sacred animal and national emblem across Turkic, Mongolian, and Altaic mythology. In Turkish it goes by names such as Bozkurt, Gökbörü, or Kökbörü, while in Mongolian it is called Börteçine. This wolf appears in many creation stories and folk customs as a guide, ancestor, and protector for Turkic and Mongolian peoples.
For many Turkic and Mongolian tribes, the Grey wolf is a shared symbol of guidance. Some believe their ancestry comes from this blessed being. Often, one lineage is said to descend from the Sky Wolf (Gökkurt) and the other from the Sky Deer (Gökgeyik). The wolf represents the sky, while the fallow deer stands for the earth. The Göktürks flew sky-blue flags bearing a wolf’s head, which embodied their fighting spirit, freedom, speed, intelligence, and battlefield instincts. They also set up poles topped with a golden wolf head in front of their tents. The Warrior Spirit (god) is thought to take the form of a wolf. When a threat arises against a Turkic nation, the Grey Wolf emerges to lead that people. Elders and saints sometimes disguise themselves as wolves. A sixth-century Turkic stone monument shows a boy nursing from a wolf.
In Turkic folk belief, carrying a wolf tooth in your pocket wards off the evil eye. Yakut documents refer to their guardian wolf as Bosko. For the Kyrgyz, spotting a wolf while walking the steppe signaled good luck and safety, and dreaming of one was also favorable. They placed wolf teeth or skin under pillows to protect pregnant women from the evil eye. A wolf entering a sheep flock or barn was considered a blessing. According to Bashkir mythology, a wolf fell in front of the ancient Bashkirs and showed them the way, which is why they are called Bashkirs—meaning “with a wolf on their heads.” The crescent tactic, also called the Turanian or Turkic tactic—luring an enemy into the center and surrounding them in a crescent shape—was first used by Turkic people after observing wolves hunt.
The Bozkurt was sacred to Turks in pre-Islamic times and remained a symbol of Turkish identity later. Historical research indicates that migrating Turkic groups such as the Huns, Kipchaks, and Pechenegs used this symbol to mark their heritage. The main reason the Grey wolf is sacred and the national symbol of the Turks comes from the belief that a she-wolf named Asena (also Kökböri
- Mythology
- Turkic, Mongolian, Altaic
- Also known as
- Bozkurt, Gökbörü, Börteçine, Asena
- Symbolizes
- Sky, fighting spirit, freedom, speed, intelligence
- Associated peoples
- Turks, Mongols, Huns, Kipchaks, Pechenegs, Kyrgyz, Qashqai, Tuva, Bashkirs
- Key epics
- Epic of Ergenekon, Epic of Asena, Creation Epic of Gaoche, Wusun Epic
Lore & Background
In Turkic and Mongolian mythology, the Grey wolf is a sacred, way-finding animal from which some tribes believe their lineage derives. Often one branch of lineage comes from the Sky Wolf (Gökkurt) and the other from the Sky Deer (Gökgeyik). The wolf represents the sky, while the fallow deer symbolizes the earth. The Göktürks placed a wolf head on their sky-blue flags to represent fighting spirit, freedom, speed, intelligence, and ability to read the battlefield. They also erected poles with a golden wolf head in front of their tents. The Warrior Spirit takes the appearance of a wolf, and when a threat appears, the Grey Wolf emerges to guide the nation. Elders and saints sometimes disguise themselves as wolves. A sixth-century Turkic stone monument depicts a boy suckling milk from a wolf.
Several creation epics feature the wolf. In the Epic of Asena, a she-wolf named Asena finds a surviving boy after an attack, feeds him, later gives birth to ten sons, one of whom founds the Ashina clan. In the Epic of Ergenekon, a male wolf named Börteçine guides the Turks as they melt iron mountains to escape their hidden valley. The Wusun Epic tells of a she-wolf that fed milk to the orphaned son of a king. The Creation Epic of Gaoche involves a male wolf who marries one of the Hiung-nu tanyu's daughters, who then gives birth to his child.
Reader's Guide
The Grey wolf holds deep significance as a national symbol of the Turks, declared a national symbol by Atatürk and used on early Turkish lira notes and postage stamps. In pre-Islamic times it was considered sacred, and it continued to symbolize Turkish identity through later periods. Historical research shows that migrating Turkic peoples such as the Huns, Kipchaks, and Pechenegs used the wolf symbol to denote their heritage. The main reason for its sacred status is the belief that the she-wolf Asena guided the Turks from Ergenekon by melting iron mountains. Today the Grey wolf remains a symbol of Turkish nationalism.
In folk culture, carrying a wolf tooth protects from the evil eye. Kyrgyz people saw seeing a wolf in the steppe or in a dream as good luck, and placed wolf teeth or skin under pillows to protect pregnant women. Qashqai Turks believe the wolf brings good luck and protects herds; shooting a wolf brings bad luck. Their carpets feature a pattern called Alakurt (beautiful wolf) that protects the carpet. The crescent tactic used by Turkic peoples was inspired by observing wolves. In Tuva shaman prayers, the wolf is called 'Kök börü' and was the messenger of God. The Bashkirs believe a wolf showed them the way, giving them their name meaning 'with a wolf on their heads.'
Did You Know?
- The Grey wolf is known as Bozkurt in Turkish and Börteçine in Mongolian.
- A sixth-century Turkic stone monument depicts a boy suckling milk from a wolf.
- The crescent tactic used by Turkic peoples was inspired by observing wolves.
- Images of the Grey wolf were printed on early Turkish lira notes.
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