Beardsley Park in Bridgeport in Fairfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Myths and Legends
The story of the wolf: past, present and future
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Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, August 6, 2023
1. Myths and Legends Marker
Our myths and legends about wolves vary from reverence to fear.
753 B.C.
Mother to mythic heroes
According to Roman mythology. Romulus and Remus were nurtured as infants by a "she-wolf." Romulus founded the city of Rome on the Tiber River.
1066-1500
Middle-age beasts
In medieval times, the wolf was depicted as a savage beast that could strike a man dumb with his gaze. During the Inquisition, suspected "werewolves"—people able to take the shape of a wolf—were prosecuted. These images persist in pulp fIction and horror films.
1200s
Friends to Saints
According to one legend, a wolf had been threatening the village of Gubbio, Italy. Francis of Assisi negotiated an agreement between the wolf and the villagers: They would feed the wolf and let him roam the town. The wolf would thenceforth harm neither man nor beast.
1690-Present
Little Red Riding Hood
In the original 1690s version, the wolf eats Little Red Riding Hood. In later versions, she is rescued. Historically, children's fairy tales have portrayed wolves as dangerous to humans.
Erected by Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals
this page online
Location. 41° 12.662′ N, 73° 10.932′ W. Marker is in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in Fairfield County. It is in Beardsley Park. Marker can be reached from Noble Avenue north of Crown Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport CT 06610, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Persecution of the Wolf (here, next to this marker); Mexican Wolf (here, next to this marker); Red Wolf (here, next to this marker); Chacoan Peccaries (here, next to this marker); Narragansett Turkey (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roaming Birds (about 300 feet away); Andean Condor (about 400 feet away); Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's Big Cow (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bridgeport.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones, August 6, 2023
2. Myths and Legends Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
