godsanimals

Godsanimals is a term used to describe the animals closely associated with deities in various mythological and religious traditions. These animals often symbolize a god's power, realm, or moral attributes and appear in temple art, iconography, festivals, and sacred narratives. While not a standardized scholarly term, godsanimals is used to discuss how animal symbolism reinforces religious beliefs and cult practices across cultures.

Examples include: in Greek and Roman myth, Zeus is associated with the eagle; Athena with the owl; Poseidon with horses and dolphins; Artemis with deer. In ancient Egypt, the Bennu bird, Bastet’s cat, Anubis’s jackal, and the Apis bull symbolize divine presence. In Hinduism, Nandi the bull guards Shiva; Garuda the eagle is the vehicle of Vishnu; Ganesha is depicted with a mouse; and Durga and Narasimha are linked with the lion and tiger. In Norse myth, Odin is connected with ravens, while the wolves Geri and Freki attend the gods, and Thor’s goats pull his chariot. In East Asian traditions, the dragon embodies imperial authority and the phoenix (fenghuang) represents virtue.

Usage and interpretation: godsanimals inform visual storytelling, heraldry, and religious art; they influence contemporary branding and literature. The same animal may bear different meanings in different cultures, and some deities share animal associations or acquire new ones over time.

See also: animal symbolism, totemism, iconography.