Animals in Myth

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      In the story of Cagn and his daughter joining the snakes, I believe the "snakes" are metaphorical for mankind with underhanded motives. Cagn becomes worried about his daughter fraternizing with them, and sends Cogaz in after her. Similarly, the baboons that Cogaz encounters are meant, I think, to be uncivilized humans. They believe that Cagn is insulting them, and proceed to Cogaz and rejoice in his victory. Both groups are meant to represent other groups, possibility of a different nationality, that are different from Cagn and his family. The "snakes" clearly succeed in their cunning intentions by drawing Cagn's daughter to them, and the "baboons" clearly get Cogaz and Cagn worked up.

     The use of animals to represent these other people is a definite use of metaphor. Also, the male centered god is overwhelmingly apparent in this myth, most obviously in the the form of Cagn as the creator of all animals, creatures, etc. Race is also arguably a concept, presented by the "snakes" and "baboons". 

photo credit: deviantart.net

      If I could choose an animal to base a creation myth on, it would feature the tiger. These wild jungle cats are strong, fearsome, and absolutely beautiful. When simply laying in the grass or sunning themselves, the tiger is such a regal animal to see. However, more incredible is how they hunt. They can leap, pounce, chase and capture almost any sort of prey. While the lion is more commonly considered "the King of the jungle," there is a similar power and prowess associated with tigers that I would choose to use as one of the important leaders in my creation myth.