Significance of lynx

The lynx is a symbol of the ability to see the future and the ability of sight in general. The lynx is linked with Niska throughout the story and it comes to her often as she has the ability to see the future. That is why the lynx does her the favor of killing the Frenchmen. The lynx and Niska share a bond of being able to see the future and whenever the lynx is mentioned, there is a mention of the future. This is seen when Xavier and Elijah track a lynx before and after the great fire. The presence of the lynx before the fire foreshadows the destruction that is going to take place.