The symbolism of the fox, a discreet and cunning animal, is one of Europe's totems. 🦊
Its virtues are numerous, and as you'd expect, at Runes de Chêne, we like to take an interest in what has come down to us through the ages.

But first, let's dispel a myth.
Fox is not the real name of this animal! 😲

It was Jean de la Fontaine's tale, Le roman de Renart, that popularized the term for him.

In reality, in the countryside, we prefer the historical term: a goupil.
But for obvious reasons of referencing and comprehension, we'll continue to refer to Renard throughout the article.

The fox in European folklore: a symbol of cunning and transformation

The fox has a special place in European folklore. One of the most famous is the Roman de Renart, a series of medieval French tales from the 12th century, in which a wolf named Renart is a cunning and mischievous character, playing tricks on powerful forest animals, notably the wolf Ysengrin. 📘

These stories reflect an ambivalent vision of the fox: sometimes admired for his intelligence, sometimes feared for his cunning, which is actually quite useful for survival, as he is neither the biggest animal in the forest, nor the hardiest, nor the fiercest.

In Germany, the fox is often associated with the goddess Holda, protector of the souls of the dead and the spirits of the forest. 🌳

Norse mythology, too, links it to figures of ambivalence and transformation, notably Loki, the prankster god, who shares many qualities with this animal.

Fox and man: stories of adaptation

From a more ethological point of view, the fox is a fascinating example of survival and adaptation. It has developed in a wide variety of environments, from the deep forests of Eastern Europe to modern cities, where it manages to live discreetly despite the ever-increasing human footprint.

This behavior arouses respect and admiration: it is capable of adapting without losing its wild character. 🏞️

Historically, the fox has long been hunted for its fur, but also for its reputation as an enemy of farmers, being accused of devouring chickens and other farm animals.

However, it has also been respected for its hunting skills.
In the Middle Ages, fox hunting became a noble sport, a symbol of the struggle between man and the wild. ⚜️

Spiritual symbol of the fox: between two worlds

The Fox is a twilight animal.
“And that alone is super classy to write.”

He's at home on the edge of day and night, and thus often seen as a ferryman between worlds. He guides those on a quest for transformation and reinvention. 🌗

He reminds us that to survive, we must sometimes blend into the shadows, silently observing before acting with agility. People who feel a strong bond with the totem fox are often able to navigate complex situations, thanks to their intuition and ability to see beyond appearances.

In European shamanic practices, the fox is associated with stealth and the art of concealing one's intentions. It teaches one to observe one's surroundings carefully and move without being seen, reminding us that true power often lies in subtlety. 🥷

In European occultism, the Fox is associated with shadow forces and the spirit world, acting as a guide between visible and invisible dimensions, material and more ethereal planes. He is said to help us perceive the truth behind appearances and use discretion as a tool for spiritual protection.

He is also a master of transformation, symbolizing the ability to reinvent oneself in the face of challenges and transitions. 🪄

The fox's legacy today: a modern symbol of resilience

Today, the fox is more than ever a symbol of resilience in the face of modern challenges. In urban environments, it adapts to human presence with the same cunning and discretion that characterize its legend. It represents the ability to thrive even in changing and challenging conditions. 🦊

For those who identify with the fox, its totem carries a strong message: it invites us to trust our instincts, face difficulties with ingenuity and seize hidden opportunities. It reminds us that cunning, far from being a flaw, is sometimes an essential quality for survival and prosperity.

What's your European totem pole? 🦉🐺🐻