The Great Animal Spirits
Animal Spirits are living embodiments of nature and the wild that take the form of animals of various species.
Overview[]
Some of these spirits have come to be worshipped as gods, while others are viewed simply as feral manifestations of nature.
Many Human civilizations have come to venerate these Animal Spirits and had their culture and society inspired by the way of life of these animals, including the Berserkers, the Inuit, and the Comanche among others.
Description[]
Along with being able to traverse the wilderness of the the Earth, Animal Spirits are also able to access a primal realm known as the Feywild, created long ago by various nature deities as a preserve for wildlife seeking to escape the destructive advances of the emerging human species. Animal Spirits serve as guardians of this realm, each with their own region known as a Wild which they embody as animalistic spirits which guard the plane from external intruders wishing to rule over nature.
Notable Animal Spirits[]
Of the numerous animals that inhabit planet Earth, there have been a few that have long inspired humanity through their unique ways of adapting to the environment and ability surviving throughout the ages. Some of these animals have even come to be recognized across multiple cultures as symbols for the many ways of life, with predators being revered for their power and strength, birds for their ability to fly and be free, and others for their ability to endure the harshest of climates.
Bears (Ursidae) are carnivoran mammals that have been presented in various human religions, mythology and legends, as symbols of nature, forests and the hunt. They are both feared for their beastly ferocity, and admired for their nurturing protective nature.
Werebears are among those who seek guidance from Bear Animal Spirits, as they aid in finding balance with nature and taming one's savage nature.
The Wolf (Canis lupus) is a predatory canine that appears in religions, mythologies and pantheons throughout the world as a symbol for ferocity as well as loyalty.
In a similar manner, Wolf Animal Spirits can appear as threatening guards of areas off limits to humans, or as wild companions to those who have made the wilderness their home.
Throughout history, wolves have also been feared due to their predatory nature as well as their association with Werewolves, who are particularly known for their savage behavior.
Throughout the religions, mythologies and pantheons of the world, the Lion appears often as a sign of strength, power and bravery. Lions are able to see in the dark, and emit a resonating roar that can be heard for miles. Due to its ability to survive in one of the most dangerous environments on Earth, Lions have come to be known as the Kings of the Jungle.
Lion Animal Spirits act as the guides for great and noble heroes and the strong willed.
Elephants have been depicted in mythology, symbolism and popular culture as great and powerful noble beasts. In ancient times, elephants were revered for their prowess in battle and capacity to be used for warfare. Ever since the Stone Age, when elephants were represented by ancient petroglyphs and cave art, they have been portrayed in various forms of art, including pictures, sculptures, music, film, and even architecture.
Elephants are most revered in Hindu culture, where they are venerated in the form of Ganesha, the elephant headed god that removes impurities and obstacles from one's path. Elephants are also highly respected in Buddhism, as it is believed the Buddha had been an elephant in one of his previous lives.
Crocodiles have been depicted in mythology, symbolism, and popular cultures as powerful predators capable of crushing any living creature within its jaws. These animals have perfected the art of the ambush attack, so much so that as a species, the crocodile has continued this lifestyle since the age of the dinosaurs, and has inspired cultures like Ancient Egypt, who like the crocodile also rely upon the Nile River for sustenance.
While amongst the most volatile of the Animal Spirits, these beasts are known to grant great power and protection to cultures that understand and respect their role in nature, as is seen with the crocodile headed god Sobek, who served as protector of Ancient Egypt.
Snakes are widely recognized in mythology, symbolism, and popular culture as one of the among the great predators to rule the wilderness.
Having sacrificed their limbs, snakes in turn are able to slither stealthy into the burrows or unto the trees which would normally serve as shelter for other creatures. Snakes can inject prey with venom, swallow them whole, or crush them to death with constriction.
Snakes are also associated with rebirth, as they shed their skins in order to be rejuvenate their scale hide.
Dogs, commonly referred to as mans best friend, are the most loyal of guardian spirits. In ancient Greece it was the hound Cerberus that faithfully guarded the entrance to the Underworld. In Ancient Egypt the dog headed god Anubis was responsible for mummification and the transference of the soul into the afterlife.
In China, the dog is one of the twelve animals of the Zodiac. Animals born in the year of the Dog are thus said to be gifted with the traits of loyalty, honesty, and responsibility.