Squirrel Folklore
This article was written for Wyldwood Grove by Nemetona (Charlotte) who was part of the team between 2011 and 2016.
When thinking of, or searching for information related to the folklore of squirrels, the first thing that comes to mind (and to search results!) is Ratatoskr, the squirrel from Norse mythology. He is said to live in Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and scampers up and down the trunk from the eagle atop the tree down to Nidhogg at the base of one of the three roots. His main focus is to spread discord and keep the feud between the wyrm Nidhogg and the unnamed eagle going. The name Ratatoskr itself is said to mean ‘Drill-Tooth’ in old Norse, and this squirrel loves to gossip all day long. Nidhogg is said to mean ‘Malice Striker’ in old Norse- and so isn’t a particularly nice being. He is said to chew on one of the roots of the world tree- something which is not recommended, as it’s said that the tree represents all life.
A similar story can be found in Native American folklore. Some specific tribes- the Abenaki, Penobscot, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Wabanaki tribes have tales about a nasty, malicious squirrel whom they call Meeko- varied spellings include Miko or Mikew- and he is very well known as a busybody and a severe troublemaker.
Relating to the theories surrounding the World Tree include the correlation of space, time and fate being played out within the tree itself. There are many inhabitants of the tree, and Ratatoskr is just one of them. The world tree is viewed as the axis where all life rests, and the wyrm, Nidhogg, is said to be chewing on one of the three roots- seen mostly as the destruction, or eventual destruction of life as we know it. He is also said to feed upon the corpses of the dead who were not lucky or privileged enough to go to Valhalla or anywhere else worthy of a respectful afterlife. With the destructive forces of Nidhogg, you would wonder why on earth this squirrel would choose to provoke such a being.
Over the years, the artwork of Yggdrasil has sometimes downplayed the spite and malicious nature of the squirrel:
“In high Romanized 7th century Northumbrian art, the Yggdrasil squirrel was only decorative; at least the many squirrels on the Ruthwell and Bewcastle crosses are mere grape-eaters.” (Stephens, 1883, p63).
The reasons for the squirrels being downplayed is unknown, but it may have been simply an artistic preference for the specific design.
Aside from the modern cross-analysis of the reasons for Ratatoskr, there is very little understanding passed down from the Norse mythology as to what might encourage a squirrel to promote the idea of quarrels and anger.
The squirrel from Native American tribal stories, Meeko, has more of an explanation through their stories and tales.
“He called Meeko, the squirrel. Meeko was greatest of all the beasts. ‘What would you do if you met a man?’ Glooskap asked him.
‘I would scratch down trees upon him!’ barked Meeko. Glooskap frowned, but lifted the squirrel in his arms and gently stroked his back. Meeko grew smaller and smaller, until he was as he is today. ‘Now wat would you do?’ Glooskop asked. ‘I would run up a tree!’ cried Meeko”
(Wilson, 1916, p14.)
As the story goes, squirrels (and many other animals too) were created rather large. When it became apparent which of the creatures would use their size for good and which would use it for bad, a corrective measure balanced things out. Although the squirrel Meeko was shrunk down, his attitude was still unkind- but instead of complete destruction, he now spreads the seeds of destruction the only way he can- in a way very similar to Ratatoskr; starting fights and spreading rumours.
Gossip and rumours are a great tool for keeping a community in check and making sure the ‘right’ people are liked or disliked. Ratatoskr is like a more serious version of the school bully’s best friend- keeps spreading rumours about things which may or may not hold some truth, making sure each side only has a vague idea of what’s going on. This also means the news and updates would be vague enough to keep the sides constantly bickering because neither side gets the whole story.
References:
Wilson, Gilbert Livingstone, 1868-1930. Indian Hero Tale. New York: American Book Company. 1916.
Stephens, George, 1813-1895. Prof: S. Bugge’s Studies on Northern Mythology Shortly Examined. London: Williams and Norgate, 1883.