Story Summary
Discover the legend of Francis Tames the Wolf, where Saint Francis of Assisi negotiates peace between a terrified town and a predatory beast through kindness.
In the medieval city of Gubbio, a fierce and hungry wolf terrorized the inhabitants, devouring both livestock and men. The townspeople lived in such terror that they dared not leave the city walls without weapons. Hearing of their plight, Saint Francis of Assisi resolved to meet the beast. Despite warnings, he ventured into the forest and encountered the wolf, which rushed at him with open jaws. Francis made the sign of the cross and commanded, 'Come here, Brother Wolf. I command you in the name of Christ that you do no harm to me or to anyone.' To the amazement of onlookers, the wolf closed its mouth and lay down at the saint's feet. Francis explained to the wolf that its hunger had driven it to evil, and he proposed a pact: if the wolf would cease its attacks, the people of Gubbio would feed it daily. The wolf bowed its head in agreement and placed its paw in Francis’s hand as a pledge. From that day on, the wolf lived peacefully within the city, a beloved guest who never harmed another soul until the day it died of old age.
The Moral
Compassion, understanding, and dialogue can transform even the most fearsome enemy into a friend.
“Brother Wolf, you do much harm in these parts, but I desire to make peace between you and the people.”
Fun Fact
In 1872, during renovations at the Church of San Francesco in Gubbio, the skeleton of a large wolf was found buried under the slab, suggesting the legend may have a physical historical basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Francis Tames the Wolf?
The moral is that peace and reconciliation are possible through empathy and meeting the basic needs of others. It teaches that even the most violent conflicts can be resolved without force if the underlying causes are addressed.
Is the story of the Wolf of Gubbio a true story?
While often categorized as a legend from the 'Little Flowers of St. Francis,' many believe it has historical roots. Some interpret the wolf as a metaphor for a local bandit, though the discovery of a wolf skeleton in Gubbio in 1872 added weight to the literal interpretation.
Why did the wolf attack the people of Gubbio?
In the story, Saint Francis identifies that the wolf’s violence was driven by extreme hunger. By addressing the wolf's physical need for food, Francis was able to stop its predatory behavior toward the townspeople.
How did Saint Francis communicate with the wolf?
Saint Francis addressed the animal as 'Brother Wolf,' treating it with dignity and respect rather than as a monster. Through prayer and a gentle command, he established a miraculous understanding that led to a formal peace treaty.
What happened to the wolf at the end of the story?
The wolf lived for two more years in Gubbio, wandering freely through the streets and being fed by the locals. It eventually died of old age, and the townspeople mourned him because his presence reminded them of the virtues of Saint Francis.
Where is Gubbio located?
Gubbio is a real medieval town located in the Umbria region of central Italy. It remains a popular pilgrimage site today, featuring a church dedicated to the spot where the wolf supposedly lived and died.
