Warthog Symbolism & Meaning
Do you want to stop procrastinating? Need to conquer insurmountable challenges? Warthog, as a Spirit, Totem, and Power Animal, can help! Warthog teaches you how to make the most of every opportunity while encouraging you to tap into your inner warrior. Delve deeply into Warthog symbolism and meaning to find out how this Spirit Animal Guide can encourage, excite, and motivate you!
Warthog Table of Contents
- Warthog Symbolism & Meaning
- Spirit Animal
- Totem Animal
- Power Animal
- African Warthog Symbolic Meaning
- Warthog Dreams
- Back to all Mammals
- Back to all Spirit Animal Meanings
Warthog Symbolism & Meaning
The most obvious and daunting feature of the Warthog is tusks sticking out of his mouth and reaching upward. Tusks are the Warthog’s first line of defense, not to mention being a great tool for eating; they give Warthog immediate associations with protection and sustenance. Warthogs acquire their name because of patches on their faces looking like human warts. Really, it’s just thick skin further safeguarding the Warthog from attacks, especially during mating season fights.
Warthogs are part of the pig family and often their symbolism often mingles with the meaning of Boars who also have tusks (but shorter). Living in the savanna of Africa, specifically Kenya and Ethiopia, Warthog likes open areas, and wanders Mount Kilimanjaro at heights of nearly 10,000 feet! The remote location is perfect for the independent, passive Warthog who is quite content in avoiding danger. They also forage at dawn and dusk, which provides greater coverage.
This pastoral portrait of Warthog is far different from the vicious animal some consider it to be; in fact, they’re vegetarians who only consume meat in times of scarcity, meaning the Warthog Spirit is a situational pacifist. You can find Warthog shy and humble, kneeling in low grasses when gathering up bugs for dinner.
We see more of Warthog’s non-violent tendencies when they’re running. The Warthog moves quickly in the face of predators: Up to 30 mph. Their fleetness means they can get away to safety rather than fight. If an attacker catches up, it is then the Warthog resorts to slashing with its tusks and razor-sharp teeth.
In dangerous situations, Warthog does not lack bravery. The creature faces animals larger them themselves without thought of losing, making them an emblem of vigilance and an indomitable spirit.
One amazing ability Warthog presents is survival and durability. These animals can go for months without water during dry seasons. Some feel Warthog also represents laziness because they steal dens Aardvarks use for their home. Really, this is more a matter of practicality. Warthog uses dens only after other animals abandon them. The creature simply sees an opportunity and acts on it. In their space, males usually live alone while females form groups having more communal behaviors, including huddling together for warmth at night.
Out on the steppe, we find Warthog having a special kinship with Oxpeckers. This bird hops on the Warthog, casually eating insects off their bodies; this behavior is an excellent example of a symbiotic relationship in nature. One would think the Oxpecker would find Warthog frightening or minimally off-putting. Instead, both creatures find benefits in this relationship.
Warthogs don’t have great eyesight, so they depend on their sense of smell. They “sniff out” important information, including the location of food, other animals, and fellow “friendly” Warthogs. As a result, Warthog Medicine includes using your sense of smell as a form of awareness, including Clairolfactory abilities.
Warthog Spirit Animal
If Warthog wanders along as a Spirit Animal, be ready to get a task done. Warthog bears motivation. Stop procrastinating and just waiting for life to come to you. Opportunity lies all around. It’s just a matter of acting upon it. Use a careful combination of charisma, intelligence, and a strong presence to get your prize.
Along the same lines, stop avoiding a troublesome situation. It’s not going away on its own. Warthog pushes you slightly with one of those pointed tusks. Get going. Resolve the matter. Fear should never win.
Another way Warthog Spirit Animal arrives is as a harbinger. You must remain vigilant and prepare. Some danger is on the horizon: Something you feel is bigger than yourself. Warthog gives you the tools for overcoming challenges. The hard part of this situation is there is an emotional element you will have to face. Specifically, the menace might be from a close acquaintance.
Have you been feeling bad about your appearance? Warthog Spirit Animal makes a great guide through those trying times. It’s true; many people only look at the exterior of an individual or situation. You, however, can let your inner aptitudes shine so brightly it oozes out into your aura and fills a room. There’s no need for insecurity.
When you are pondering self-employment or other solitary endeavors, Warthog Spirit Animal may appear in your consciousness. It understands the drive necessary for doing it on your own. Better still, Warthog supports fearlessness and boldness as you face the future.
Warthog Totem Animal
Those with a Warthog Totem Animal are very goal-oriented, leaning toward the stubborn side even when they see they may be over-reaching. Their achievement is very important and linked to self-worth. They realize success requires hard work. There are no such things as “miracles” to these folk, just plain old talent, and expertise.
If Warthog is your Birth Totem, you’re a considerate and often selfless person. You’ve grown a thick skin because of various situations and people requiring a serious level of emotional protection. You enjoy some socialization and show great loyalty to your family and friends.
Like the Warthog, while the company of like-minded folks is nice periodically, you are primarily a loner. You find your thoughts clarify during alone time, and you connect far more readily with inner wisdom and the higher self. When you start feeling muddled, the first response is mindful isolation.
Walking with the Warthog Totem means you are all about protection. When you sense a threat, you immediately set about shoring up your shields, be it physically, mentally, or spiritually; this is doubly true when the danger focuses on a child or someone defenseless. While Warthog doesn’t like to fight particularly, you recognize the unavoidable aspects of some confrontations. You’re not afraid, but you will try finding alternatives before going completely “hog wild.”
Your Warthog nature makes you good at mothering, patience, tenderness, and nurturing. You were one of those kids who brought home birds with broken wings or stray kittens regularly; this is the sweet side of the Warthog Totem. Never lose this unique element of your personality to circumstances.
There is a wildness about those with the Warthog Totem. They are not easily tamed. They delight in playful activities and good humor. Conformity is not in Warthog’s vocabulary whatsoever. Celebrate your free spirit. Be spontaneous, turn on your “happy” music, and cavort a bit. Heck, take a friend with you on the adventure!
Warthog Power Animal
Warthog resides deep in your spirit, but for what reason might you evoke this Power Animal? Well, for one thing, if life has backed you into a corner, Warthog can be a great ally, particularly if this situation touches on your home or family; this is a strong Power Animal with skills of a warrior when need be.
Warthog Power Animal also helps us face our fears. This Animal Helper knows the great power in courage and in knowing our abilities, especially those others seem to miss. It is in such moments when you can overcome great odds and discern truth from pretense.
Beyond this, Warthog understands what teasing feels like, or being belittled for external appearances. This Power’s Animal advice, “Forget about it!” (Say it again with attitude, please. Put some tusk into it).
African Warthog Symbolic Meanings
Since Warthog lives in Africa, we are fortunate to have a long history of humans and Warthog living side-by-side in this country. In turn, folklore appears, something the African Shamans value highly for its ethical lessons, and how it reminds us of our connection to the natural world.
Most people are familiar with the Lion King, and the gentle Warthog character, Pumbaa. But many do not know is this given name isn’t exactly a compliment. In Tanzanian and Kenya, it means “careless, lazy and negligent” (just for starters). This brutal assessment comes from the Warthog’s propensity for causing a mess of village gardens, complete with dirty hoof-prints. As they wander off, people give chase and shout, “Pumbaa!” With this in mind, let’s explore a few popular stories of the Warthog. The first story teaches about humility.
Why the Warthog Kneels: It begins with Warthog trying to make himself as clever as a Jackal. The Warthog created a lovely home in an old Aardvark mound, adding a wide entrance. He stepped back and thought it both inviting and lovely, perhaps even the most magnificent home in all of Africa.
One morning Warthog peered from his cave’s entrance and saw a lion coming his way. He thought about backing away, but his door was already big enough for Lion. So, he thought about the cleverness of the Jackal and devised a plan.
Warthog stood as if he was holding up the roof of the hole with his tusks. He cried out to the Lion for help, pretending he’d be crushed. He even suggested the Lion flee, lest the Lion should die beneath the rubble.
Now, Lion has some jungle smarts. He knew full well what the Warthog was trying to do and roared with such great power the Warthog begged for mercy. Lion was not starving at that moment, so he granted Warthog a pardon, but commanded him to stay on his knees.
Warthog took this command to heart, and to this day, Warthog feeds while on his knees.
How Warthog got Tusks: In the Ancient times, Elephant and Warthog were cousins, both feeding on bark, leaves, and roots. The two were inseparable friends. At this time, the Warthog had huge tusks while the Elephants’ were much smaller.
One fateful day, Warthog loosened some bark and roots with his tusks. Elephant asked to join in consuming the food, loving those items greatly. Warthog happily agreed, providing Elephant watched where he walked. It was not lost on Elephant the Warthog could gather the food he could not, and Warthog saw how another friend, the Aardvark, had a cool, underground home where Warthog’s tusks could not fit, even for a tea-time visit.
Elephant came up with an idea. The two should trade tusks. Elephant pointed out the traded tusks would fit perfectly. Elephant did not need to go down holes, but he really needed to push down trees for food.
Aardvark heard this conversation. Aardvark agreed this arrangement would benefit them both. So, they traded tusks. Now, Elephant has the grand tusks needed for moving through the forest, and Warthog can happily get out of the hot sun and spend time with Aardvark in his den.
Visually Warthog isn’t the most picturesque creature. They seem dull superficially. This ho-hum image is something Warthog overcomes and teaches us a valuable lesson: Our own self-image need not base itself on just what people see with their eyes.
On a final note, when thinking about natural portraits of an Animal Spirit such as Warthog, remember this is a wild animal. They do what they want, on their own schedule. Fierce single-mindedness is part of the Warthog energy signature.
Why the Warthog is Ugly: In the early times, Warthog was the most handsome animal, and he knew it. Warthog became very puffed up. Other animals didn’t like Warthog very much. The following story began one fateful morning when Warthog came out looking for food.
As typical for the creature, Warthog sauntered. As he moved away from his home, a very weary Porcupine had an idea. Warthog was gone, so why not take a quick nap in his burrow, leaving before Warthog would even know? Ah, such a glorious and much-needed rest! Meanwhile, Warthog found water and good grasses. Nearby a Lion rested under a tree. Warthog could not resist showing off his handsome features, not realizing Lion was in quite a mood that morning.
Lion couldn’t bear to watch this Warthog’s ridiculous display, so he began roaring and charging with all his might. Warthog realized his mistake and ran swiftly toward his burrow, jumping right into it. Lion stood outside angry, knowing he could not follow.
Our friend Porcupine was still enjoying his sleep but woke abruptly. Warthog could not slow down even when he saw Porcupine there, running straight into the prickly creature with a “UMPH.” Warthog’s face and nose were covered in painful quills, and he backed right out of the burrow for a moment while forgetting all about Lion.
When Lion saw Warthog, he laughed and told him, “This is what you get for being so vain.” Other animals refused to help Warthog remove the quills, thinking he needed this lesson. So, the Warthog’s countenance swelled, and his previously comely features disappeared. To this day, Warthog remains ugly and backs into his home just in case someone’s napping there.
Warthog Dreams
When Warthog arrives in your dream, it may be an omen of an unwanted (and unnecessary) confrontation. The key to success here is staying on the side of logic and clear thought. Handling this the right way avoids long-term hard feelings.
The second interpretation of Warthog dreams is a message suggesting you need private time. If you’ve been around a lot of opinionated people, your head might be spinning. Getting some peace and quiet helps you figure out what you feel and want.
A Warthog appearing aggressive in your dream (particularly if it pierces something with its tusk) represents harsh words which likewise pierce you to the core; this may stem from gossip or jealousy, but in either case, distancing yourself is the only way to heal.
Warthog Symbolic Meanings Key
- Abundance
- Bravery
- Conflict
- Determination
- Faith
- Fidelity
- Humility
- Independence
- Judgement
- Protection