zaro

Why Does Auburn Yell "War Eagle"?

Published in Auburn Traditions 3 mins read

Auburn University fans yell "War Eagle" as their primary battle cry and rallying call, a tradition deeply rooted in a legendary football game where an eagle's appearance was interpreted as an omen of success and a spark for victory.

The Legendary Origin of the "War Eagle" Tradition

The iconic "War Eagle" cry traces its origins back to an unforgettable moment during a football game between Auburn and Georgia. As the intense match unfolded, an eagle reportedly began to circle above the field. At a crucial juncture in the game, with Auburn steadily advancing toward the Georgia end zone for what would become a thrilling victory, the majestic bird's presence captivated the crowd.

  • A Symbol of Fortune: Elated by their team's determined play and inspired by the eagle's dramatic appearance, Auburn students and fans viewed the bird's presence as a powerful omen of impending success.
  • An Impromptu Roar: In response to this perceived good fortune, they spontaneously began to yell "War Eagle!" to energize and encourage their team to seal the win. This powerful, collective shout resonated through the stadium, marking the birth of a tradition.

From Omen to Enduring Battle Cry

What began as a spontaneous outburst of excitement and belief transformed into the definitive rallying cry for Auburn University. Over the years, "War Eagle" has become synonymous with Auburn spirit, perseverance, and pride. It's not just a cheer; it's a greeting, a farewell, and a declaration of allegiance among the Auburn faithful.

What "War Eagle" Symbolizes for Auburn

The "War Eagle" tradition encompasses far more than a simple chant. It embodies the very essence of Auburn University's athletic and community spirit:

  • Unity and Identity: It serves as a unifying call that connects generations of Auburn students, alumni, and fans.
  • Spirit and Determination: It represents the fighting spirit of Auburn teams and the unwavering determination of its supporters.
  • A Call to Victory: Much like its origin, it continues to be used to spur on teams during critical moments, evoking the same hope for success.

The tradition is so ingrained that Auburn University's official mascot is an eagle, "Aurea," who soars over Jordan-Hare Stadium before home football games, providing a living connection to the historic moment that inspired the yell.

Aspect Description
Origin Point An eagle's appearance during a pivotal football game against Georgia, interpreted as a positive omen.
Initial Purpose To spur on the team as they marched towards a thrilling victory.
Current Use A versatile battle cry, greeting, and symbol of Auburn spirit used by students, alumni, and fans worldwide.
Symbolism Represents unity, determination, the pursuit of victory, and the unique identity of Auburn University.
Mascot Connection Auburn's live eagle mascot, "Aurea," performs pre-game flights, directly connecting the modern tradition to its historical roots and solidifying the imagery of the "War Eagle" cry. Learn more about the tradition on the Auburn University Traditions page.