The seven deadly sins are a classification of vices that have been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity’s tendency to sin. The sins are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. Over time, certain animals have become symbols or representations of each of these sins due to their perceived characteristics and reputations. Looking at the animal mascots for the seven deadly sins provides an interesting perspective on both human nature and the natural world.
Pride – Peacock
The peacock is the animal most commonly associated with the sin of pride. This is largely due to the peacock’s beautiful, colorful plumage and the ostentatious way the male peacock displays its tail feathers to attract mates. When a peacock displays its tail in a fan shape, it is exhibiting hubris and vanity, believing itself to be more beautiful and valuable than any other.
This association between peacocks and excessive pride has existed for centuries. In Christian artwork and symbolism, the peacock represents pride and vanity. However, despite its association with sin, the peacock can also symbolize renewal and immortality within some religious contexts due to the ancient belief that its flesh does not decay.
Greed – Pig
The pig is the animal that most embodies the deadly sin of greed. Pigs are known for their insatiable appetites and tendency to overindulge. They are viewed as ravenous, gluttonous creatures that are never satisfied no matter how much they consume. Beyond their eating habits, pigs also evoke images of excess and indulgence through associations with “pigging out” and living in messy, unclean environments.
Pigs’ reputation for greed and gluttony is found across many cultures and religions. In Judaism, pigs are seen as unclean animals. In Christianity, greed is considered a spiritual sin and pigs are the embodiment of this excess. Pigs represent miserliness, selfishness, and negligence within Buddhism as well. Overall, the pig’s bottomless appetite and penchant for overindulgence cement its affiliation with the deadly sin of greed.
Lust – Goat
The goat is most commonly associated with lust, the intense desire for sexual pleasure. Within Western culture, goats have long served as symbols of virility and reproduction. During medieval times, goats were said to incite lust through their musky odor. Goats are also associated with pagan gods that personified fertility and carnal desire, such as Pan and Baphomet.
The goat’s reputation for lustful behavior is reinforced by the male goat’s rutting habits during breeding season. Male goats are driven by hormones to mate with as many females as possible, even becoming aggressive in pursuit of this goal. The term “randy old goat” stems from observations of this lustful and promiscuous behavior. Overall, the goat’s high libido and strong sexual energies have cemented its affiliation with the deadly sin of lust.
Envy – Dog
Dogs are often thought to represent the deadly sin of envy. When a dog is desirous of food, toys, or attention that other dogs have, it exhibits behavior associated with envy, such as begging, whining, and following its owner. Dogs are also prone to jealousy when their owner is giving affection to another pet.
The association between dogs and envy has been reinforced through idioms like “green with envy” and the concept of dogs as metaphorically “looking at others with envious eyes.” Dogs’ tendency toward covetous behavior when they feel they are not receiving their fair share aligns with the feelings of bitterness, materialism, and resentment associated with the sin of envy. As pack animals, dogs even have social hierarchies and status envy among members. Overall, dogs’ tendency for envious behavior has led to their affiliation with the deadly sin of envy.
Gluttony – Pig
As mentioned previously under greed, the pig is also the animal most associated with gluttony. Pigs have a reputation for eating ravenously with no self-control. They are viewed as constantly hungry and willing to overindulge well past the point of reason. In artwork depicting the seven deadly sins, the sin of gluttony is often represented by a pig surrounded by food and other symbols of excess.
Pigs’ tendency to eat anything and lack self-control around food aligns with the overindulgence of gluttony. Their obesity, laziness, and insatiability are seen as embodiment of overconsumption. Pigs’ indiscriminate eating habits and excess around resources contribute to their representing the deadly sins of both greed and gluttony. Overall, pigs are the ultimate symbol of overconsumption and lack of discipline and restraint when it comes to appetite and desire.
Wrath – Bear
The animal most associated with wrath and anger is the bear. Bears have a reputation for ferocity and aggression when provoked. The metaphor “to have the temper of a bear” refers to being quick to anger and prone to making threats and attacks on others when agitated.
Bears’ tendency to respond rapidly and violently when angered reflects the deadly sin of wrath. Their fierce snarls and claws align with destructive rage, loss of control, and violent outbursts. Even the term “berserk” links back to the bear’s reputation for irrational fury. Within literature, bears are often used to symbolize menace, retaliation, and uncontrollable wrath. For these reasons, bears are considered iconic symbols of the deadly sin of wrath.
Sloth – Sloth
The deadliest sin of sloth is represented by its namesake, the sloth. Sloths are extremely slow-moving tropical mammals that spend most of their time suspended upside down in trees. They are known for being almost perpetually idle and inactive. Even when motivated for mating or relocation, sloths only progress at an extremely leisurely pace.
Sloths are so dedicated to conserving energy and avoiding movement that green algae often grows in their fur from extended inactivity. Their metabolisms are incredibly slow, allowing them to survive on far less calories than similar mammals. Overall, the sloth’s complete disinclination to exert itself and dedication to sleep and indolence make it the perfect representation of the sin of sloth.
Conclusion
Looking at the animal mascots associated with the seven deadly sins provides interesting insight into human nature. Each animal’s reputation and perceived characteristics allowed it to become an emblem of one of the cardinal vices. The peacock, pig, goat, dog, bear, and sloth symbolize the sins of pride, greed, lust, envy, wrath, and sloth respectively. Examining why these animals are viewed as archetypes of sin reveals deeper meanings about morality, ethics, and human weakness. The animal mascots provide a memorable visualization of both virtues and flaws in humanity’s disposition.
| Deadly Sin | Animal |
|---|---|
| Pride | Peacock |
| Greed | Pig |
| Lust | Goat |
| Envy | Dog |
| Gluttony | Pig |
| Wrath | Bear |
| Sloth | Sloth |