The use of animals in stories has several purposes. Firstly, it can create a sense of wonder and magic. Think about the unicorns in fairy tales. They add an element of fantasy. Secondly, animals can be used to simplify complex ideas. For instance, a story about a hard - working ant and a lazy grasshopper is easy for people to understand the importance of hard work. Lastly, animals in stories can connect with our emotions. We might feel sad when a fictional animal character suffers, just like we would for a human character.
Well, often it's for symbolism. Animals can symbolize certain qualities. A lion might stand for courage, like in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' where Aslan, the lion, is a symbol of great strength and leadership. They can also be used to make the story more relatable to a wide audience, especially children who are often fascinated by animals. And sometimes, using animals in stories is a way to explore different cultures, as different cultures may have different beliefs and stories associated with specific animals.