늑대의 상징에 대한 연구

Abstract

A symbol cannot be fully interpreted by language and conceives meanings as a best representation of something unknown. A symbol is not an arbitrary or intentional sign that represents any cogitable fact; rather, it is mostly made up of images that transcend consciousness. In sand trays, a symbol moves with the flow of the sand, and it is shaped, materialized, experienced, and represented as different images. People have considered wolves as cruel and vicious animals, and these images have been perceived negatively. This negative view towards wolves have impeded understanding their various symbolic meanings. This study examined the symbolism of wolves from five aspects: its ecological characteristics and the myths, folktales, history, and culture associated with this animal. After amplifying the symbolism of wolves, this study also looked at how it is represented in the mental world of clients in their sand trays. The results can be summarized as follows. The symbolism of wolves was amplified to include sanctity, strength and valor, motherhood and protection, greed and stupidity, and evil and harm. In a third grade girl’s sand tray, wolves cooked and ate together, symbolizing motherhood. A fourth grade boy’s sand tray featured a wolf attacking a gorilla’s hip, symbolizing harm. In the case of a woman in her 40s, wolves symbolized strength as an object of fear that is difficult to face. This study is significant in that it highlights the need to diversify and amplify symbols rather than simply image them, as well as improving the overall understanding of the symbolism of wolves.