Animals in mythology and religion around the world

Sacred creatures: the countries that worship animals

In the intriguing practice of zoolatry, or animal worship, certain creatures are revered as deities, symbolizing profound connections between humanity and the natural world. Across diverse cultures and traditions, these sacred animals hold divine significance, celebrated for their mythical qualities and spiritual meanings. Whether viewed as gods or symbols, they embody humanity's enduring respect for nature and its mysteries, blending faith, tradition, and reverence into a fascinating ritual of life.

Click through the gallery to discover the sacred animals that continue to inspire awe and devotion around the world.

The sacred cow

In Hinduism, Jainism, and Zoroastrianism, the cow holds a divine status. Similarly, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Israelites deeply revered these sacred mammals, symbolizing nourishment, spirituality, and cultural reverence.

The cow's sacred status stems largely from its practical contributions, as its milk offers nourishment, while its dung enriches soil. Historically vital for farming, cows are even believed to bring health, fortune, and prosperity through the consumption of their urine.

The tiger: a symbol of protection and strength

In Korean folklore, the tiger embodies power, courage, and divine energy. As the guardian of the west, it is revered for its ability to ward off evil and bring good luck, reflecting its status as a spiritual protector and an enduring cultural icon.

Elephants: icons of serenity and majesty

Elephants, revered for their strength, wisdom, and regal presence, hold the highest rank in Hinduism's reincarnation concept. These majestic creatures embody serenity and royalty, earning their celebrated status as sacred symbols in Hindu traditions.

Pigs: symbols of luck and divine worship

In ancient Egypt, pigs were sacred and linked to a deity depicted with standing bristles, watching over storms, chaos, deserts, and darkness. They symbolized divine power, and sacrificial rituals involving pigs were performed to honor and appease the gods.

Goats in ancient rituals and mythology

In ancient Syria, goats adorned with silver necklaces roamed cities during royal weddings, believed to carry away evils. Mythical figures like Silenus, Satyrs, and Fauns were depicted with goat-like features, reflecting their symbolic and cultural significance.

Dogs: sacred guardians

In parts of India and Nepal, dogs are deeply revered, especially during Tihar’s five-day festival. In Hindu belief, dogs serve as messengers to the god of demise and guardians of heaven’s gates, embodying loyalty and spiritual significance.

Horses: symbols of deities

Horse worship is prevalent among Indo-European and Turkish cultures, highlighting their sacred status. In mythology, the water deity Poseidon was once envisioned in a horse’s form, reflecting the animal’s strong connection to divinity and natural forces.

Cats: sacred and protected in ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt, cats were revered for their ability to control snakes and vermin, earning them a sacred status. Their elegance and effectiveness made them symbols of poise and grace, integral to Egyptian culture and spirituality.

Killing a cat was also a grave offense in ancient Egypt, reflecting their sacred status. Deceased cats were often mummified, just like humans, to preserve their bodies and honor their importance in Egyptian culture.

Snakes: symbols of strength and renewal

In ancient cultures, snakes symbolized strength and renewal. In North America, the Hopi people honor this belief through annual snake dances, uniting serpentine spirits to rejuvenate nature's fertility and maintain balance with the natural world.

Nag Panchami, a vibrant snake festival in India, celebrates snakes as sacred beings. Devotees worship serpents alongside Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, who is famously depicted with a cobra around his neck, symbolizing power and protection.

The sacred bull: a universal symbol

Across the ancient world, the Sacred Bull was deeply revered. In the Western tradition, the biblical episode of the Golden Calf highlighted this practice. When the Hebrew people created the Golden Calf idol in the wilderness of Sinai, Moses condemned and destroyed it, denouncing idol worship.

Wolves: spiritual guardians or divine trials?

Wolves are pivotal in the mythologies of Eurasia and North America. In the Old Testament, particularly Leviticus and Deuteronomy, the Malleus Maleficarum portrays wolves as either God’s messengers, sent to punish sinners, or the devil’s envoys, sent with divine approval to challenge true believers and their faith.

The sacred she-wolf

In Ancient Roman legend, the she-wolf Goddess Luperca nurtured the twin siblings Romulus and Remus, offspring of Rhea Silvia and Mars, laying the foundation for the mythological origins of Rome.

The eagle: a sacred symbol in Native American culture

Among Native Americans, the eagle is deeply revered as a powerful spiritual symbol. It embodies vision, valor, healing abilities, and the boundless freedom to pursue dreams, serving as an emblem of strength and inspiration in their traditions and beliefs.

Lions: guardians in China and divine symbols in Egypt

In China, lions are revered as protectors against evil, often represented by guardian lion statues found at temple entrances. 

Sacred sheep and Banebdjedet: Egyptian symbolism

In ancient Egyptian belief, Amun, the god of Thebes, was depicted with the head of a ram, symbolizing strength and fertility. His followers regarded rams as sacred and honored the deity with annual ram sacrifices.