This article analyzes the depiction of the wolf in English and Uzbek folk tales. Although the wolf is often portrayed as a symbol of evil, strength, and danger, it also appears as a rival, tester, and didactic character. The study explores the wolf’s rivalry with the fox, goat, sheep, and birds, revealing the social, moral, and psychological meanings expressed through their images. In addition, the archetypal and psychological features of the wolf are examined based on folkloric and mythological roots, drawing on the theories of Propp, Jung, Campbell, Bottigheimer, and Tatar. In English fairy tales, the wolf typically functions as a manipulator and antagonistic force that drives the plot forward, ultimately punished as a vehicle for moral instruction. In Uzbek tales, however, the wolf is more often represented as naïve and gullible, set against cunning characters such as the fox. The findings indicate that while the functional role of the wolf is similar in both traditions, there are also contextual and cultural differences.

Image of the wolf, English folk tales, Uzbek folk tales, folklore

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