Back to the North Carolina Tar Heels Newsfeed

Putting the “Hell” in Tar Heel: An evolution of Rameses

Related Topics: Evolution, Hell, Mascot, Tar Heel, Ramesses II

Mascots at sporting events are generally considered great— their interesting antics, school spirit, and dance moves provide entertainment for children not interested in the game, and Instagram photo ops for sorority girls. As sweaty-human-in-cosplay (or animal) symbolism of centuries-old rallying cries of their schools, they can fall into the following categories:

Intimidation: Chief Osceola, Mike the Tiger, Ralphie the Buffalo

In this category, imposing warlords or animals that will trample you or EAT YOUR F***ING FACE storm the field and fire up crowds. Political aspects of Osceola aside, these mascots are awesome.

Whimsical: Big Red, Sebastian the Ibis, the Stanford tree

These guys are just here to party.