Two wolves inside us, which will win? A Cherokee Indian legend
Two Wolves
An old Cherokee Indian chief was teaching his grandson about life…
“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.
“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
“One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
“The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
“This same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
“Which wolf will win?”
The old chief replied,”The one you feed.”
and another version of the same story:
A young Cherokee Indian boy came to his grandfather angry at an injustice a friend had done to him.
His Grandfather said, “At times, I too have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times. It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way. But the other wolf? He is full of anger. The littlest thing will put him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing. Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”
The boy looked into his Grandfather’s eyes and asked, “Which one wins, Grandfather?”
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, “The one I feed.”
Awareness, Enjoyment, Knowledge, Truth, Understanding, human brain, ydig
Such a nice story! So well put!
Thank you, this story comes as an answer to many questions I have been seeking answers to. tonight’s menu will feature special food for the peace/love wolf inside
It seems that whatever we need comes to us at time. Thanks for such inspirational quotes.
Great story.Excellent. Thanks.
Perfect timing! At Summer Camp we will be learning in two weeks about the Native Americans and at school we have been looking for stories to share with the kids. This is a wonderful one for all ages. Thank you!
I have a version of this legend on display in my classroom. It is introduced to students in September and is a valuable tool for discussion. We refer to it and remind each other of it throughout the school year. It is one that I will continue to use and share with colleagues.