12 Beliefs About Animals That Shaped History

Here's a look at how human beliefs about animals have shaped religions, cultures, politics, and traditions throughout history.

Alyana Aguja
November 2, 2025
4 min read

12 Beliefs About Animals That Shaped History — Ray Hennessy from Unsplash

Throughout history, animals have carried symbolic and spiritual meanings that deeply influenced human societies. From sacred cats in Egypt to wolves demonized in medieval Europe, these beliefs shaped laws, rituals, and even political power. By examining these examples, we see how human-animal relationships not only defined cultural identities but also left lasting marks on world history.

1. 1. Cats as Divine Beings in Ancient Egypt

The Egyptians believed cats were sacred creatures connected to the goddess Bastet, symbolizing protection and fertility. Killing a cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death because they were thought to embody divine powers. This belief led to widespread cat worship and the mummification of cats as offerings.

2. 2. Horses as Symbols of Power in Steppe Cultures

Nomadic tribes like the Scythians and Mongols believed horses were not just animals but extensions of their identity and strength. Horses were buried with warriors to accompany them into the afterlife. This belief elevated horses to a status that helped shape warfare, migration, and empire building.

3. 3. Elephants as Sacred Animals in India

In Hinduism, elephants are associated with the god Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. They came to symbolize wisdom, strength, and prosperity, and were often used in royal ceremonies. This belief influenced Indian art, religion, and politics, with elephants becoming living symbols of divine authority.

4. 4. Wolves as Demonic Creatures in Medieval Europe

During the Middle Ages, wolves were believed to be agents of the devil. Their predation on livestock and eerie howls contributed to their reputation as cursed beasts. This led to centuries of wolf hunts, pushing the species to near extinction in parts of Europe.

5. 5. Dogs as Loyal Guides in the Afterlife

In Aztec mythology, dogs, particularly the Xoloitzcuintli, were believed to guide the souls of the dead through the underworld. Owning one was thought to ensure safe passage in the afterlife. This belief preserved the breed and gave it a spiritual role in burial rites.

6. 6. Cows as Sacred Providers in Hindu Tradition

For Hindus, the cow is seen as a nurturing, maternal figure, providing milk and sustenance. This belief led to religious protections for cows, which are not to be killed or eaten. It shaped Indian dietary customs and continues to influence social and political debates today.

7. 7. Bears as Ancestors in Indigenous Beliefs

Some Indigenous peoples of North America and Siberia regarded bears as human relatives or ancestors. Bears were respected as powerful spiritual beings that could cross the boundary between human and animal worlds. Rituals were performed to honor them, shaping hunting practices and cultural traditions.

8. 8. Snakes as Symbols of Healing and Danger

The New York Public Library from Unsplash

In ancient Greece, snakes were associated with Asclepius, the god of medicine, symbolizing both danger and healing. The snake-entwined staff remains a symbol of medicine to this day. At the same time, fear of snakes fed myths about their demonic qualities, showing how dual beliefs shaped human attitudes toward them.

9. 9. Lions as Symbols of Royalty

From Mesopotamia to medieval Europe, lions were seen as symbols of courage, kingship, and divine authority. Monarchs kept lions in menageries to demonstrate power, and the animal became a common emblem on coats of arms. This belief tied the lion to political and cultural imagery across civilizations.

10. 10. Pigs as Impure Animals in Abrahamic Religions

In Judaism and Islam, pigs were considered unclean and forbidden to eat. This belief stemmed from cultural and environmental conditions where pigs were harder to sustain. Over time, it shaped dietary laws, identity markers, and cultural practices that still endure today.

11. 11. Eagles as Messengers of the Gods

In ancient Rome, the eagle was seen as the sacred bird of Jupiter and a symbol of imperial power. Legions carried eagle standards into battle, believing they carried divine protection. The eagle later influenced symbols of state power, appearing on flags and emblems worldwide.

12. 12. Rabbits as Symbols of Fertility

In European folklore, rabbits were believed to embody fertility and rebirth because of their rapid reproduction. They became tied to spring rituals and later to Easter traditions as the “Easter Bunny.” This belief transformed a simple animal into a lasting cultural symbol.