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The Boar (species Sus Scrofa) is commonly a much maligned animal, due in part perhaps to the fact that its certainly not the world's most attractive or graceful creature. Sources vary concerning how long they've been around, some claiming millions of years whilst others would argue that they were part of original Creation! Its known however that the first pigs were domesticated in Asia, and the very first book about raising them was written in China by Emperor Fo Hi.

Highly prized for its tough hide (used in the making of armour) and for its razor-like tusks that made excellent weapons, the Boar played a prominent role in the world of the ancient Britons and Celts, and features heavily in Arthurian mythology.

Few animals had greater importance for the Celts; it was a sacred, supernatural, magical creature, symbolising the warrior, warfare, the hunt, protection, hospitality and fertility. The Boar's head signified health and preservation from danger, containing the power of the Life Force, and vitality.
The Boar and the Bear together represented Spiritual and Temporal Power. It was often depicted in association with the tree, wheels and ravens. It appeared on the helmets of warriors and on trumpets.
It was the animal of Celtic ritual Feasts, and esteemed as fitting food for gods and heroes. Boar bones were placed in graves, the head, again, being of special importance. Druids, as solitary dwellers in the forest, often called themselves boars.

According to ancient Chinese astrological lore, the Boar represents honesty and selflessness, and is regarded as unassuming and unpretentious. Persons born in a "Boar year" are supposed to be typified by their resilience and earnest fervor of the heart.
Sociable and gregarious, the Boar person is not easily offended, and fends off unwarranted criticisms.

Wild Boar live in matriarchal groups called "sounders", consisting of up to 20 animals. The group usually consists of two or three mature sows and their related offspring, within a hierarchy where one sow is dominant. The only males in the group are immature juveniles, mature males spending their time alone, or in small "bachelor" groups.

The Boar is generally nocturnal and begins its nightly activities just before dusk, the daytime being spent sleeping in areas of thick cover in saucer-shaped depressions in the ground that may be lined with leaves.

They are very wary and shy from human contact. They have poor eyesight but excellent hearing and sense of smell. Wild Boar sows can be aggressive to one another when establishing dominance within the group or when feeding. Mature males are most aggressive to each other during the autumn rut when potentially fatal injuries can be inflicted from their sharp tusks.

Once commonly hunted throughout the British Isles, the Wild Boar is now customarily to be found in Europe, although it is bred for hunting in other parts of the world. The hardiness, ferocity, and cunning of the animal make it a dangerous quarry, hitting hard and fast and, despite its ungainly appearance, being very speedy. Generally though, if left unmolested, they are not threatening to humans.

Considering for a moment the more familiar pig, we find that this too is a much derided and maligned animal. Having a reputation for "wallowing in filth", on closer examination we'd find that the pig is in fact a very clean animal, and highly intelligent (being placed fourth after humans, primates, and dolphins/whales).

Relatively easily domesticated, they integrate well with human beings, yet always retain a spirited independence.