Title: Animals in Mythology | Encyclopedia.com
Headings: Animals in Mythology
Animals in Mythology
Animals in Mythology
Theme Overview
Major Myths
Mythological Animals in Context
Mythological Animals in Art, Literature, and Everyday Life
Read, Write, Think, Discuss

Content: Among the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest, the beaver, the eagle, the raven, and the killer whale are all associated with particular clans. People display their identity and status with totem poles, which are tall standing logs carved with images of mythical animals. Totem poles mark village entrances, burial sites of chieftains, and the entrance of each clan house. In many societies, people believed that shamans had animal helpers who guided them through the supernatural realm. This idea is similar to the common image of a witch's “familiar”—an animal, usually a black cat, that gives the witch certain powers. Traditional African religions had secret societies that performed rituals that involved wearing leopard skins. The men in these secret societies believed they took on a leopard's strength by performing these rituals. Animals offer helpful advice to ordinary people in many legends. Generally, those who ignore the animal's advice will fail to achieve their goal. Many cultures have legends of human children raised by animals.