Zoomorphism is the process of attributing animal characteristics to deities, people, or events. It is used differently in various cultures, and can be misunderstood. Anthropomorphism is the process of applying human qualities to inhuman creatures or objects. Both are used to create figurative language.
Zoomorphism is the process of attributing a deity, person or event with characteristics and descriptions of an animal nature. The various deities of Egyptian mythology, for example, are often depicted with different animal heads or bodies, and these are used to symbolize aspects of their functions or personalities. Characters in a story or event may also be described using animals or animal-like traits to provide comparisons and create figurative language. In contrast to zoomorphism, anthropomorphism is the process of applying human qualities to inhuman creatures, objects, and other subjects, usually to make them more recognizable or to provide insight into their function.
How zoomorphism is used depends very much on the context of it and the social meanings that can be conveyed through such comparisons. Various cultures often associate different animals with certain ideas or values. In cultures influenced by Judeo-Christian thought or religion, the serpent is often associated with deceit and malice, due to the story of the Garden of Eden and a serpent responsible for mankind’s fall from grace. Other cultures, however, consider the snake to be a symbol of the cycle of life and rebirth, as snakes shed their skin.
These kinds of differences can make zoomorphism more or less effective, and easily misunderstood, in different cultures. A group that views snakes negatively would probably read a line like “He crawled into the room” as a description of someone who shouldn’t be trusted or who has some evil in mind. This same line, when read from a different culture, might see it another way, potentially reading it as a positive sign or indicating suppleness and grace, as swiping can be seen in a flowing motion.
Such differences are important to keep in mind when looking at examples of zoomorphism in various mythologies and religions. Egyptian myths often use birds to symbolize wisdom as birds’ wings lift them above others. Many gods are depicted with bird heads, showing that they are above other people’s thoughts and more intelligent or wise. The Hindu representation of Ganesha with an elephant head symbolizes similar wisdom, as the large size of the head allows for greater intelligence.
Anthropomorphism can be used in a similar way to zoomorphism, although it gives various animals or objects more human characteristics. People often see pet dogs or cats and associate their behavior with human emotions and thoughts, sometimes speaking for them to imply the kinds of ideas they might have. Some activities can be used for both zoomorphism and anthropomorphism. For example, a person telling someone else what to do might be labeled “barking orders,” while people might see a barking dog enthusiastically talking to other dogs about a good dinner or waving to someone coming home.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
