Przemiany symboliki wilka w litaraturze dziecięcej

The following article draws the reader’s attention to the symbolism of the wolf in culture and literature for children in a diachronic view. The author depicts significant changes in the image and appraisal of the animal. She has shown that the wolf has gone through a peculiar process of metamorphosis from degradation (it symbolized evil in classic folk fairy tales), to affirmation in contemporary Polish literature for young readers. The character of the wolf, especially in contemporary postmodernist fairy tales, gains new interpretations and a novel positive axiology. The wolf is mainly portrayed as a domesticated dog or a playing child, it is considered a man’s friend, or reflects the primal nature which requires protection and respect (pro-ecological views). Moreover, the texts which place the wolf in the context of contemporary culture, especially consumerism, seem to be equally interesting.