Animals in mythological narratives serve various essential purposes, often representing symbolism and embodying traits that reflect human characteristics. They are used as messengers, guides, or protectors, helping heroes on their quests or asserting moral lessons. For instance, the cunning of the fox may represent intelligence, while the strength of the lion embodies courage. Additionally, animals can signify the connection between the human and natural worlds, indicating harmony or imbalance. Myths often use animals to explore complex themes such as transformation, chaos, and rebirth, making them integral to the storytelling fabric of many cultures.