Tradition / Region: Andorran Mythology
Alternate Names: Rei dels animals
Category: Wolf
The Myth
The Old Wolf is portrayed as the wise and aging king of all animals, ruling over them in a time when beasts could speak and live in organized society. As he sensed his death approaching, he gathered all the animals of the land to decide who would succeed him as ruler.
Each animal proposed a successor from its own kind, but no agreement could be reached, as every species favored itself. Faced with this division, the Old Wolf chose to decide the matter himself. He called witnesses and formally declared his final will before withdrawing to await death.
After he died, the animals assembled again and read his testament. In it, the Old Wolf declared that the true heir to his kingdom would not be one of the animals, but a mysterious and superior being of the mountains known as the tamarro.
The tamarro was described as the most clever, brave, and intelligent of all beings, yet no human had ever managed to see or capture it. Because of this, it remained an almost mythical presence, existing beyond reach.
In the end, the Old Wolf’s decision emphasized that true superiority does not belong to those who argue for power, but to that which remains unseen, elusive, and beyond ordinary understanding.
Sources
Valls, À., & Carol, R. (2023). Llegendes d’Andorra. In Encamp-Montellà: Anem Editors p. 97.