Animals That Symbolize Death: 25 Creatures With Grim Message

Throughout history, animals have played an important role in human culture, serving as sources of food, clothing, and companionship, and inspiring myths, legends, and spiritual beliefs.

Some animals, however, have taken on a more sinister connotation, becoming symbols of death, danger, and the supernatural. From the raven to the scorpion to the spider, these creatures have captured the human imagination with their eerie qualities and associations with mortality. 

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most iconic animals that symbolize death and examine the meanings and cultural significance behind these powerful symbols.

Key takeaways

• Many cultures around the world associate animals with death and mourning, such as the black cat, the crow or raven, and the vulture.
• Some animals, like the owl and the bat, are thought to be messengers of death or omens of impending doom.
• The symbolism of animals associated with death often varies by culture, with some animals being seen as positive, such as the butterfly which represents transformation and rebirth, while others are viewed negatively, such as the hyena which represents darkness and decay.

List of animals that symbolize death

In many cultures throughout history, various animals have been associated with death and the afterlife.

Some animals that symbolize death have been linked to death due to their physical characteristics or behavior, while others have been chosen because of their symbolic meanings or perceived connections to the supernatural realm.

1. Bats

One of the most widely recognized animals that symbolize death is the bat. With their nocturnal habits, sharp teeth, and association with the vampire mythos, bat symbolism has long been regarded as an omen of the dark.

In some cultures, they have been believed to be the physical manifestation of evil spirits or demons, while in others they have been seen as guardians of the underworld.

Interestingly, some species of bats are also associated with rebirth and renewal, perhaps because of their ability to hang upside down and “reawaken” each night.

2. Birds

While birds are often seen as symbols of freedom and grace, they also have a long history of representing death and the afterlife.

In many folktales, birds have been viewed as messengers between the living and the dead, and their ability to fly has been seen as a bridge between this world and the next.

Certain birds, such as owls, vultures, and crows, are particularly associated with death because of their scavenging habits or eerie calls. However, some birds, such as the phoenix, have been seen as symbols of resurrection and immortality.

3. Blackbirds

In European folklore, blackbirds are often seen as animals that symbolize death and the supernatural.

The birds’ dark plumage and mournful song have led them to be seen as omens of impending doom or even as psychopomps, guiding the souls of the deceased to the afterlife.

Some cultures also associate blackbirds with magic and shapeshifting, adding to their mystical allure. Despite their reputation, blackbirds are also celebrated for their beauty and musical abilities and have been the subject of many poems and songs throughout history.

4. Black Cats

Cats, in general, have been associated with magic and the supernatural since ancient times, but black cats, in particular, have a strong connection to death and witchcraft.

In some cultures, black cats are seen as familiars or companions of witches, and their sleek black fur has been linked to darkness and mystery.

However, black cats have also been regarded as symbols of good luck and prosperity in other cultures, and have been valued as pets and companions for centuries.

Despite their dark reputation, black cats remain beloved by many as charming and affectionate companions.

5. Bulls

Bulls have been used as animals that symbolize death in various cultures throughout history. In ancient Greek mythology, the Minotaur, a half-man half-bull creature, was a symbol of death and destruction.

Bulls were also used in bullfighting, a sport that involves the ritual killing of the bull, which has been associated with death and sacrifice.

In Hinduism, the bull is the mount of the god of death, Yama, and is therefore considered to be a symbol of death.

Additionally, the bull is often depicted in tomb paintings and other funeral art, where it is thought to represent the transition from life to death.

6. Butterflies

While butterflies are often seen as symbols of beauty and transformation, they have also been associated with death and the afterlife in various cultures.

In many Native American traditions, butterflies are believed to carry the spirits of the dead to the afterlife. In Japan, the butterfly is a symbol of the souls of the dead, and it is believed that they transform into butterflies upon death.

In Christian art, the butterfly is often used as a symbol of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life after death. Overall, the symbolism of butterflies in relation to death is often linked to the idea of transformation and the afterlife.

7. Crows

Crows are a common symbol of death and for good reason. They’re often found at or near graveyards, and they’re known to prey on the dead as well as the dying.

Crows are also associated with horror stories because of their dark feathers, which can make them appear like vultures.

Crows have been associated with death since ancient times when they were believed to be messengers from the underworld.

In some cultures, it’s believed that if you see a crow or hear its call, someone in your family will die soon.

The fact that crows have been seen around graveyards for centuries is enough to convince most people that they’re bad omens.

8. Dragonflies

In many cultures, dragonflies are seen as messengers from beyond. They are believed to carry messages from the dead to the living, and vice versa.

The dragonfly’s ability to transform itself into water and air helps convey this message: that death is not the end, but rather a transformation into something new and different.

In addition to their role as emissaries of the afterlife, dragonflies are also known for their beauty and gracefulness. Their wings flit through the air like a dance or a prayer, and they fly with such speed and precision that they seem almost magical.

The beauty of these creatures lends credence to their reputation as beings who can transcend time and space and perhaps even death itself.

9. Eagles

Eagles are a symbol of death because they are associated with the sun and their feathers are often used in ceremonies to honor deceased ancestors.

Eagles have special significance in Native American cultures, particularly in reference to death. The eagle is often seen as the “spirit guardian” or protector of souls after death.

Many Native American tribes believe that eagles guide a person’s spirit to the afterlife and help them find peace in the afterlife.

In many Native American traditions, eagles are also seen as messengers between Earth and heaven. This has led some Native American tribes to use eagle feathers as ceremonial gifts when they pray for someone who has died.

10. Horses

Horses are often seen as symbols of death in literature and mythology. They have been associated with death and destruction since the dawn of time, and even today they are often seen as harbingers of doom.

The horse’s speed and strength made them valuable commodities in battle but also meant that many horses were killed in the process of war.

Their ability to run for great distances made them excellent for long-distance travel; however, when horses began to be used as public transportation, many more animals were killed accidentally by cars.

Horses have also been associated with death because their appearance is so similar to humans. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that mummies were actually just humans who had died and were waiting to be reborn as horses.

11. Hyenas

Hyenas are animals that symbolize death. They are known for their amazing ability to adapt to their environment and for their predatory hunting skills, but they are also known for their scavenging habits.

The hyena has long been used as a symbol of death, in part because it was believed that the hyena was able to reach into graves and steal corpses.

In some cultures, this belief led people to believe that hyenas could also kill people. This led to an association with witchcraft and evil spirits which continues today in many societies.

12. Jackals

Jackals are often associated with death because of their appearance: they have long snouts with large nostrils and ears that stick up at an angle over its head.

The jackal’s eyes glow red in the dark as a wolf’s eyes do; this can be very disconcerting if you’re not expecting it! These features are similar to those found in ghosts, who also symbolize death in many cultures around the world.

Jackals also have a reputation for being scavengers: they will eat whatever they find dead on the ground or in trees where they live – whether it’s another animal or human remains!

13. Mooses

There’s a reason why the moose is called “the ghost of the forest,” and it’s not just because they’re so big and imposing.

The moose is not only a symbol of death but also a harbinger of death, who will bring their own kind to the afterlife with them.

It’s one thing to be hunted by these majestic creatures, it’s another thing entirely to be hunted by one that has already been killed before you.

When you see a moose, your life as you know it will change forever. While they are beautiful animals with great power and strength, they are also incredibly dangerous. You should never approach one unless you want to die.

14. Moths

Moths are a symbol of death and the afterlife. Moths are often found near the bodies of those who have recently died, and they have been known to flutter around the heads of those who are dying.

Moths also represent the souls of the dead, particularly in their ability to travel through walls and fly through windows.

The moth is also associated with witchcraft because it is believed that witches can transform themselves into moths.

This association was especially strong during the Salem Witch Trials when people believed that witches would fly in the form of moths to commit their crimes.

15. Owls

Owls are animals that symbolize death. They are associated with the goddess of war, Athena, and their large eyes were thought to be able to see into the future.

Owls are also associated with wisdom and knowledge, which can be a symbol of death because it often means you have come to terms with your own mortality and the fact that you will one day die.

Another reason why owls are associated with death is that they are considered harbingers of doom in some cultures; in ancient Greece, owls have thought to predict disaster or death when seen flying overhead at night.

16. Rams

Rams have always been associated with death. The ancient Romans believed that the gods of the underworld were depicted as rams, and that’s why they sacrificed lambs to them.

In a more modern context, the ram is often used as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross because it was an animal that was sacrificed in place of him.

Additionally, some cultures believe that when you dream of a ram, it means someone close to you will die soon.

This may be because they’re associated with death or because they’re considered very strong animals that can take down much larger opponents.

17. Rats

Rats are animals that symbolize death. This is because rats are associated with several different things that are associated with death.

For example, in the Bible, a plague of rats is mentioned as one of the signs of the end times. In addition to this, rats have been known to spread disease and destroy crops and food sources. 

They have also been known to carry diseases such as leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through contact with rat urine.

18. Ravens

Ravens have long been associated with death and other dark, foreboding elements of life. In many cultures and mythologies, ravens are seen as harbingers of death or messengers of the underworld.

This is likely due to their black feathers, their eerie calls, and their reputation as scavengers that feed on the remains of dead animals. In literature and popular culture, ravens are often depicted as ominous creatures that portend tragedy or disaster.

Despite their dark reputation, however, ravens are also celebrated for their intelligence and their role as protectors of the natural world, making them complex and fascinating symbols with many layers of meaning.

19. Roosters

Roosters are a symbol of death in many cultures. Roosters are often associated with birds of prey and can be seen as a symbol of the sun rising and setting, which is a symbolic representation of life and death.

They are also associated with the god Apollo, who was known for his ability to revive people. In Greek mythology, it was said that when a rooster crowed three times at dawn, it would bring about the end of the world.

In Japanese folklore, it was said that if a rooster crows during an eclipse, it would mean that someone close to you would die soon. 

20. Scorpions

Scorpions have been associated with death and danger in many cultures throughout history. This is likely due to their venomous sting, which can be fatal to humans and other animals.

In ancient Egypt, scorpions were considered to be symbols of death and protection and were often depicted in art and amulets. In Greek mythology, the scorpion was sent by the goddess Artemis to kill the hunter Orion.

In many cultures, scorpions are also associated with transformation and rebirth, as their venom can be used in healing rituals.

21. Snakes

Snakes are often associated with the underworld, and they have been used in many cultures to represent death.

They are known to be cold-blooded, which is a trait associated with death in many cultures. Snakes can be seen as symbols of transformation, as they shed their skin and appear to be reborn again.

Snakes have been used as symbols of eternity or immortality since Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece when they were often associated with the gods Isis and Hermes.

22. Spiders

Spiders have long been associated with death and the supernatural in various cultures. Their venomous bite and ability to trap and consume prey have made them symbols of danger and death.

In some cultures, spiders are seen as omens of impending doom, while in others they are considered protectors and guardians of the home.

In many mythologies, spiders are also associated with magic and weaving, representing the interconnectedness of all things.

23. Swans

Even though they symbolize love, swans are often associated with death, and for good reason. The swan’s beauty, grace, and ability to fly are all symbols of life and the human spirit.

But if a swan dies, it sinks to the bottom of the lake where it has been swimming its entire life, or it may simply be left on shore to rot away into nothingness.

The swan is a creature that gives up its own individuality at death, and in doing so becomes part of something greater than itself—something that embodies the very essence of nature and its cycles.

24. Vultures

Vultures are a symbol of death for many people. They are powerful birds that have a keen sense of smell and can pick up the scent of death from far away. When vultures arrive, you know that someone has died.

Vultures are also scavengers, and when they find something dead, they will not let anyone else have it. They will fight to keep their prize until they have eaten every last bit of it.

It is said that when vultures come to visit your home, it means death is near. If you see a vulture circling overhead, it could mean death will soon come upon you or someone close to you.

25. Worms

The worm has long been associated with death. This is because of its association with decay and disease. It burrows through the earth and eats dead matter, so it’s no surprise that it would be seen as a symbol of death.

In many cultures, worms are used to foretell the future or to predict what kind of life a person will have. Ancient Romans believed that if a worm emerged from an apple, it meant that someone in your family was going to die soon.

In other cultures, seeing a worm near the house meant that someone in your family would soon die from illness or injury.

FAQ

Let’s check the most frequently asked questions about animals that symbolize death.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, many animals have come to symbolize death in various cultures and mythologies around the world. From ravens to scorpions to spiders, these creatures have captured the human imagination with their mysterious and often terrifying qualities.

However, it’s important to remember that these animals are also an essential part of the natural world, with their own unique roles and contributions to the ecosystem.

What are your thoughts on these animals that symbolize death? Have you ever encountered any of them in the wild or in your own life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.