"And he knew surely that to him Christian had been as Christ, and had suffered and died to save him from his sins...."See in text(The Were-Wolf)
The Christian-Jesus symbolism is made unambiguous here. While Christian represents Jesus, Sweyn represents those whom Jesus died to save, even though they were not deserving of such a sacrifice.
"with his arms flung up and wide..."See in text(The Were-Wolf)
With his injured hands stretched out, Christian—whose name refers to religious followers of the biblical Jesus—has frozen in a position that resembles the crucified Jesus. Similar to the biblical story of Jesus, Christian died for those who were less perfect than he was in order to save them from their vices, suffering greatly in the process. According to Christian tradition, this allows humans to triumph over death, an interesting fact in light of the comparisons of White Fell to a spectre of death.
"when in old Greece man and maid raced together with two fates at stake..."See in text(The Were-Wolf)
This likely refers to the legend surround the Greek figure Atalanta, a virgin huntress who does not want to marry. Her father, Iasus, sets up a challenge for any prospective suitors: they must beat Atalanta in a footrace to win her hand in marriage, but if they lose, they die. Eventually the suitor Hippomenes wins with the help of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
"And the strange unusual howl of the wolf-hound was an omen to be feared, be the rest what it might...."See in text(The Were-Wolf)
Some believe that the howl of a dog signals an approaching menace or supernatural presence due to a belief that dogs and other animals have stronger senses than humans. Also, the old wolf-hound’s name is Tyr—which is the name of the Norse god of war, justice, and courage. Tyr’s warning then suggests the approach of something unnatural or evil.
