Remora Spirit Animal, Dreams and Symbolism

The remora, also known as a suckerfish or shark sucker, is a small marine fish belonging to the Echeneidae family. Known for latching onto larger marine animals like sharks, whales, and turtles using their suction pad, the remora has become a symbol of resourcefulness, opportunity, persistence, and dependence in various cultures. This guide will provide a deep dive into the origins, meanings, and interpretations of remora symbolism across history and in myth, literature, art, and dreams.

The History and Origins of Remora Symbolism

The remora’s reputation as an opportunistic hitchhiker throughout history has shaped its symbolic meanings. Since ancient times, the fish has been both admired for its persistence and resourcefulness, as well as looked down upon for its perceived laziness and dependence on others.

Some of the earliest records of the remora come from ancient Greece and Rome. Writers like Pliny the Elder and Aristotle remarked on the fish’s habit of attaching itself to sharks and other large sea creatures. While they acknowledged the remora’s clever survival strategy, they also painted the fish as a parasite exploiting its host. This characterization laid the foundation for some of the negative symbolism around remoras.

In other cultures like Ancient Egypt, however, the remora was seen in a more positive light as a symbol of tenacity and using available resources to one’s advantage. The remora’s perseverance in securing free rides from larger marine animals was something to aspire to, not denigrate. Echoes of this interpretation remain today.

Key Meanings and Symbolism of the Remora

The remora signifies several key virtues and vices in symbolism across cultures:

Resourcefulness

The remora’s signature sucker and persistence in hitching free rides show the virtues of adaptability and making the most of one’s situation. The fish seize opportunities that present themselves rather than exerting unnecessary effort.

Dependence vs. Opportunity

Given its survival strategy, the remora embodies both dependence and opportunism. Its need to latch onto hosts paints it as a parasite in some eyes. But it also exemplifies seizing chances that come one’s way.

Tenacity

Despite its small size, the remora fearlessly attaches itself to dangerous sharks and whales, showcasing its grit and determination. The fish doesn’t let its size limit it.

Laziness

Since it relies on others for transport and food scraps, the remora has associations with laziness and seeking handouts rather than working.

Ingenuity

The remora’s unique sucker that allows it to fasten onto much larger sea creatures highlights human ingenuity in overcoming challenges.

Remora Symbolism in Mythology and Folklore

Remoras play interesting symbolic roles in the mythologies and folklore of various cultures:

In Hawaiian mythology, remoras were believed to guide lost souls back to their earthly homes. This attributed wisdom and purpose to the fish.
Chinese mythology states that remoras could predict storms and imminent danger, granting them powers of prophecy.
There is a Tibetan folktale of a remora assisting a monkey in crossing the ocean by attaching itself to the monkey’s chest. This story emphasizes themes of ingenuity, symbiosis, and overcoming limitations.
Some Pacific islanders tell folktales of adventurers and voyagers teaming up with remoras to explore the ocean’s depths. These tales highlight human curiosity and the remora’s knowledge.

The Remora in Literature and Art

Various writers, poets, and artists have incorporated symbolic remoras into their works:

Shakespeare references remoras in several of his plays, linking the fish to themes of persistence, attachment, and dependence. In The Rape of Lucrece¹, he writes: “The remora, that still sticks unto the bark.”
The poem Remora by Thomas Lux² utilizes the fish as a metaphor for the clinginess and one-sidedness of lost love and heartbreak.
Still, Life with Shark and Remora by Janos Enyedi depicts the odd symbiosis between the predatory shark and opportunistic remora in a vivid painting.
Giorgio de Chirico’s surrealist painting The Evil Genius of a King shows a menacing remora latched onto a rhinoceros horn, reflecting themes of control and domination.

Analyzing Remora Symbolism in Dreams

When remoras appear in dreams, pay close attention to what the fish is doing and what it is attached to as this shapes possible interpretations:

A remora clinging to a shark may symbolize tenacity in pursuing one’s goals, even in the face of significant obstacles or danger. Don’t let challenges discourage you.
Seeing a remora attached to a boat or other vehicle can suggest going along for the ride rather than determining one’s course. Are you too reliant on others’ paths?
Envisioning a remora trying but failing to latch onto something may indicate missed opportunities. Reflect on any chances you may have failed to seize.
If a remora attaches itself to you in a dream, this could mean others are depending on you too much lately. You may need to set better boundaries.
A lifeless remora floating alone could symbolize isolation or independence to an unhealthy degree. Seek a better balance.

Remora Symbolism in Tattoos and Totems

Due to its persistence and opportunism, the remora makes an interesting tattoo design and animal totem:

Remora Tattoos

Remora tattoos generally represent seizing opportunities, determination, and resourcefulness. Popular images include:

A remora accompanying a shark or whale
A standalone remora
A remora integrated into a larger aquatic scene or pirate ship

Since remoras are viewed ambivalently, those getting remora tattoos should consider if they want to emphasize the fish’s ingenuity or its perceived parasitic nature. Its meaning can shift depending on other visual elements.

Remora Totem

Individuals with a remora totem animal are skilled at adapting to circumstances and turning situations to their advantage. They are nimble, flexible, and able to thrive in changing conditions. But remora totem people should beware of excessive dependency on others. Ultimately, they need to balance resourcefulness with independence.

Key Questions about Remora Symbolism

What does the remora symbolize?

The remora symbolizes resourcefulness, seizing opportunities, persistence, and dependence. It exemplifies both skill and tenacity as well as perceived laziness and parasitism depending on one’s perspective.

What does a remora tattoo signify?

Remora tattoos generally signify traits like determination, opportunism, adaptability, and grit. But they can also reference themes of clinging dependence and freeloading if that is the intention.

Is the remora a positive or negative symbol?

The remora has both positive and negative symbolic associations. Its resourcefulness is praiseworthy, but its dependence is seen critically. Ultimately, its symbolism depends greatly on context and perspective.

What does a remora spirit animal mean?

As a spirit animal, the remora represents opportunism, versatility, overcoming limitations, and maximizing chances that come your way. But it cautions against excessive reliance on others.

Conclusion

In closing, the remora’s unique survival methods have made it a multifaceted symbol of both virtue and vice. Its ability to adapt and seize free rides displays commendable persistence but also raises accusations of parasitic laziness. By understanding the nuances of remora symbolism, we can apply both its wisdom and its cautionary elements for better-navigating life’s unpredictable waters. Whether you view it as a model of determination or dependence likely says more about you than it does about the clever remora itself.