What characteristic do myths often attribute to animal figures in creation stories?

In creation stories, animals often embody various characteristics that help convey the themes and morals of the myth. The notion that animal figures frequently represent chaos is significant in many cultural myths. These stories often depict animals as chaotic forces that can disrupt order, challenge the status quo, or introduce unpredictability into the world. This aspect of mythological storytelling underscores the tension between chaos and order, a common theme across various cultural narratives.

The cleverness of animals, while present in some myths, does not universally apply across all creation stories. Similarly, anthropomorphism—where animals are endowed with human traits—is indeed a common characteristic in myths but does not specifically address the nature of their role in creation stories. The idea of being solely heroic does not encompass the full range of attributes that animal figures can represent, as many animals in myths serve as tricksters or embodiments of natural chaos rather than traditional heroes. Thus, understanding animals as representations of chaos adds a crucial layer to our grasp of creation myths and their underlying messages.