Auburn Tigers Origin of the Mascot

Auburn University's iconic tiger mascot, Aubie, boasts a surprisingly literary origin story. Unlike a ferocious jungle predator, Auburn's tiger pride stems from the gentle verses of an 18th-century poem.

In 1770, Oliver Goldsmith published "The Deserted Village," a poem containing the line, "where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey..." A local Alabama newspaper, captivated by the imagery, began referring to Auburn athletes as the "Plainsmen," referencing another line in the poem about "Sweet Auburn, loveliest village of the plain." However, the "tiger" reference also resonated, eventually eclipsing "Plainsmen" as the dominant nickname.

This literary association wasn't the end of the story. For decades, Auburn lacked an official mascot. It wasn't until 1959 that a cartoon tiger, appearing on a football program cover, ignited a spark. This playful depiction, the brainchild of artist Phil Neel, quickly captured the hearts of Auburn fans. The cartoon tiger paved the way for Aubie, the costumed mascot we know today, who debuted in 1981.

Interestingly, the "War Eagle" battle cry, a fierce rallying cry for Auburn fans, predates the tiger mascot. Its origins are debated, surfacing sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. While Auburn never adopted an eagle mascot, "War Eagle" seamlessly integrated with the tiger, creating a unique and potent combination of power and spirit.

Today, Aubie the Tiger reigns supreme. From energetic appearances at games to his role as a beloved symbol of Auburn pride, the tiger embodies the spirit of Auburn athletics. Though its origins lie in a quiet poem, Auburn's tiger mascot has become a roaring symbol of school spirit, a testament to the unexpected places where college mascots can be born.