Across nearly all mythological traditions, tales abound of humans transforming into beasts. In Greek mythology, gods and deities often assumed the forms of various animals to accomplish specific tasks, gaining speed, strength, or stealth. In Norse mythology, Odin frequently transformed into an eagle, and Loki took on the guise of a salmon. Similarly, Eastern religious lore is rich with stories of human-to-animal metamorphoses.
A key reason for such beliefs lies in the near-universal human perception that the distinction between the souls of animals and humans is not absolute. This belief forms the foundation of theories such as reincarnation.
Since ancient times, humanity has generally held that animals possess souls, embodying intelligence and instinct. Many have also believed that a soul existed even before a human body took form, though the soul's activities during this pre-embodied state remain a mystery. Dreams and fantasies, they argue, are reflections of the soul’s prior experiences.
After death, a soul continues its existence, either ascending to heaven or attaching itself to an animal. Reincarnation theory posits that a soul’s destination depends on the individual’s actions during life. The cruel and malevolent might find their souls dwelling within wild beasts, the timid might reincarnate as rabbits, and drunkards or gluttons might inhabit boars.
Humans and animals also share striking similarities in cognition and behavior. For example, young children often exhibit instincts that parallel those of animals.
Though humans and animals differ in physical appearance, they share emotional and instinctual commonalities. People frequently attribute humanlike emotions and motives to animals, imagining them experiencing discrimination, fighting for honor, or engaging in other behaviors considered human traits. This anthropomorphism is well illustrated in stories like that of Finberg:
"One night, after everyone had fallen asleep, Finberg quietly rose, armed himself, and slipped out of the tent. He crept to the pasture and hid among the tall grass, clearly waiting for something. Soon, a massive gray bear lumbered onto the field. It swatted a sheep with its paw, killing it instantly, and prepared to feast. Leaping from his hiding place, Finberg challenged the bear: 'Hey, you there! Why not face me like a warrior instead of preying on helpless sheep?' The bear rose, stared at Finberg, and then lowered its head. Undeterred, Finberg continued, 'What’s the matter? Afraid of my weapons? Fine, I’ll put them down!' He discarded his helmet and shield and shouted again: 'Come on, coward, fight me like an equal!' The bear hesitated before finally rising to meet him."
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A story told by a Native Osage warrior also reflects the belief that humans and animals occupy equal standing:
The warrior sought a wife as intelligent and meticulous as a beaver. He journeyed to a beaver's home and observed a mother grooming her children while a male beaver, presumably the husband, welcomed him warmly. The male beaver explained his family life and his pride in leading raids against otters. Over time, the warrior noticed one of the beaver daughters moving closer to him, eventually embracing him. The father offered his daughter in marriage, extolling her virtues as a hard worker and excellent cook. The Osage warrior and the beaver daughter were soon wed.
Such stories reveal an ancient view of animals as equal to humans, sharing similar souls despite differences in physical form. Many cultures, educated and otherwise, regard the body as a mere vessel for the soul. In Buddhism, the soul is believed to exist independently, with the body serving as a temporary vessel, easily donned or shed. The Buddha himself is said to have assumed various forms, including a rabbit and even using his flesh to feed an eagle.
This notion extends beyond Buddhism. Numerous mythologies consider the body a transient shell, with the soul as its eternal occupant. As Butler once remarked, limbs and sensory organs are mere tools for the soul to carry out its functions, much like canes or telescopes, ready to be discarded when no longer needed.
The late Mr. Holloway recounted an extraordinary experience of his own. One night, unable to sleep, he gazed at the stars through his window. He felt an overwhelming desire for his soul to leave his body and ascend to the heavens. As his soul began to float, he suddenly thought of his wife and the anguish she would endure upon finding his lifeless body the next morning. Resolving to spare her such pain, he willed his soul to return, rejoining his physical form in the bed.