Zoomorphism
Zoomorphism is the device of giving animal-like qualities to humans, gods, and inanimate objects. It can include giving the features of one animal to another.
Therianthropy is a special class of zoomorphism where a human is able to shape-shift into an animal.
Origin
The word zoomorphism comes from the Greek words ζωον (zōon), which means “animal,” and μορφη (morphē), which means “shape” or “form.”
Difference between zoomorphism and anthropomorphism
Zoomorphism is the opposite of anthropomorphism.
- Anthropomorphism involves giving human characteristics and qualities to animals or deities.
- Zoomorphism involves giving animal qualities to humans.
Examples of Zoomorphism
1. Many superheroes have superpowers that involve animals.
- Spiderman
- Ant Man
- Batman
- Catwoman
- Black Panther
2. Some idiomatic phrases in English are examples of zoomorphism.
- She was barking up the wrong tree by questioning him.
- The trade deal ruffled some feathers in the company.

GIF from giphy.com
Zoomorphism in literature
Fiction writing
Zoomorphism is found in mythology, folklore, religion, classical literature, and modern genre fiction such as science fiction, fantasy, and comic books.
Religion
Gods were represented in animal form in several different religions: the deity Ganesha (the elephant-headed god in Hinduism), or the Holy Spirit in Christianity (represented with a dove).
Classical literature
“In classical literature, the sphinx played an important role in the play Oedipus the King by Sophocles …”
Zoomorphism is common in examples of comparing a person’s features, movements, or characteristics to an animal. This popular device aids in describing a new character to a reader.
Examples in literature
Examples here from Othello (William Shakespeare), The Golden Compass (Phillip Pullman), Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling), and more. Quiz included.
Source
Zoomorphism, Literary Devices, literarydevices.com.
Pingback: Theme Reveal: Blogging from A to Z Challenge (April 2017) | Beyond the Precipice
Yet another interesting one to finish on. Your month of entries makes a valuable writing guide! Well done and I look forward to reading more on your blog in the future. 🙂
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Thank you for following the A to Z posts. I look forward to reading more on your blog in the future as well.
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Learn something new every day!
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Very true!
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With the X post, it amazed me how we hear of xenophobia but not xenia, the art of hospitality.
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oh, this has a name as well. Glad to know.. 🙂
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😀
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