Animal motifs in classical literature a link to a shamanistic past?

Question

I'm currently reading "Shamanism and Old English Poetry" and one of the arguments is that the boar image in "Beowulf" holds shamanistic influence. Would you tend to agree that there exists in the body of literature there is a spiritual kinship between hunter and quarry, and that the Boar image on Beowulf's helmet essentialy calls back to animism, or rather the guardian spirit?

This isn't a homework question, I'm merely curious as to what others think.

Answer 1

Although I dont know the Beowulf particularly, I also have read a great deal about this and generally yes I agree that there exists a spiritual kinship, not only for hunters. Much of the paleolithic European art is not limited to images of hunting and often appears to suggest ritual connections with animals not directly involving weapons (although much of the motivation for the connection may have been for food to keep the people alive). Who knows? Its fascinating though

Answer 2

Sorry., Beowulf was just to long ago.

However, throughout history authors of fictional tales would often conceal mystical or spiritual symbolism in their work. Often this was an attempt to spread the word while staying under the radar of the church. The good friar might burn you at the stake.
Those who had "eyes to see and ears to hear" would be able to pick it out. Shakespeare was no slouch at this, another was Francis Bacon