Duck

The duck is a bird that moves over land, on and under water, in the air, and is, unlike most creatures, well-adapted to all these elements.

The Self

The duck's ability to be comfortable in all elements makes it sometimes a symbol of the Self, the soul, and/or the transcendent function – or, put differently, the unconscious's ability to find a way. In North America, for instance, the duck was considered a guide through the various elements.

Undeveloped principle

Since ducks are associated with the sun but live in feminine environments, von Franz suggests that they represent an undeveloped consciousness principle in the service of the unconscious (1999, pp. 100-101).

Myths and folklore

In some creation myths, the creator needs soil from the bottom of the sea, and only the duck succeeds in the task. In folktales, the duck can be a savior, but in Europe during Christianity, it was also associated with devils and witches. Another fairy tales theme places the duck in relation to the bride, where the protagonist must catch a duck to win his bride. This can illustrate that the man's "inner woman" is still under the influence of the mother figure – it has not yet developed into a person. (See also Goose.)

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