The Ecosystem of Literature

Silent Heroes

We enjoy using metaphors and similes to make comparisons in our narratives. Like proverbs and idioms, they have set meanings and can be used instead of long sentences. Moreover, our similes often have a charming quality. We usually construct them around living beings. The meanings we attribute to animals can become part of our everyday language and define people. Conversely, the characters in stories can also influence the narrative itself. So today, let's talk about living beings in literature.

How fortunate we are to live in a world surrounded by animals! Even if we don't all have pets, there are plenty of opportunities to encounter and interact with animals. While we may not be able to offer each one a perfect life, it's certain that even a brief encounter can bring happiness to both parties. I was reminded of this the other day when I was petting a dog that had got caught in the rain. Although they can't speak, there are still ways in which we can communicate with them. I quickly winked at the dog and blew it a kiss. I never expected it to come closer. When it did, I stroked its chin for a while. When I let go, the dog came closer again, wanting more. In the end, my new friend got what it wanted. So did I. Without saying a word, we shared a sweet moment.

After we parted, I began to think about the subject I wanted to dwell on, along with the feelings it evoked. As you may recall from my writing, every author incorporates aspects of themselves into their work. The bonds we form with pets or through chance encounters are also part of us, which is why they often feature in literature. These creatures also reflect the writer.

---

I tried to remember as I thought about it. As I said, unfortunately I don't have any pets at the moment, but I would love to have some — probably just like you! This made me think about the animals I've written about in my stories.

For example, I had a dog. I named him Balköpük. One snowy day, when I was lost in an unfamiliar city, this blonde dog guided me through the desolate whiteness. We walked side by side, and it was as if the dog knew where I stayed. In fact, it reminded me of a street that I had forgotten. It was very difficult to say goodbye to Balköpük, but I took a photo of it and included it in my story as a way of honouring our brief journey together.

I have a horse that carries my character throughout the lengthy tale that spans half the book, carrying him from place to place without question. It is a true companion. I named it after the eastern wind. At first it was somewhat temperamental, but as we travelled together, it became inseparable from my character. Of course, the character couldn't bear to part with it either; they became close friends. The strange thing is that, throughout my life, I have never touched a horse, let alone ridden one. I'm not afraid of them; life just hasn't introduced me to them yet. Like everyone else, though, I value and revere horses in my own way. Perhaps this urge inside me inspired me to create such a silent helper.

Other than that, I only had a few unnamed animals. Rather than referring to them as characters, they simply existed in my mind. I had lambs. Other than that, I suppose you could say wolves. Seagulls appeared from time to time. The insects I didn't like played an interesting role. I realised late on that I could achieve an effect with animals that people couldn't provide. While this isn't a problem, I would have liked to include more. This has therefore become one of the topics I will focus on in my stories.

By immortalising Balköpük in my story, I have ensured that it will never be forgotten.

Now, let's focus on literature and see what springs to mind. I won't mention any names when I give you some examples. Remember that this is a fun guessing game and that the characters are actually more effective than you might think. I'm sure many of these characters, who sometimes lend their names to works, will pop into your head or remind you of similar ones.

Animals

• In a forest and a girl is skipping along. Suddenly, an animal appears and tries all sorts of tricks to distract her.

• A bird with jet-black feathers slips into the gloom on a stormy evening, bearing 'news'.

• A man who finds life boring and is overwhelmed by social pressure doesn't want to leave his room; he feels like an insect.

• A bird with snow-white feathers appears at the window of an orphaned child, enabling him to embark on a magical journey that will change his life.

• The symbiotic relationship between the smallest and the largest gradually evolves into conflicts between civilisations.

• There are two lazy animals. One spends its days lounging in the summer sunshine, while the other works tirelessly.

• There's a revolt on the farm! They all believe they should have equal rights, but over time, those who resemble humans find a way to rise to the top.

• There's a legendary animal that says, “If you kiss me, I will become a prince.” Is it telling the truth?

• Four abandoned friends, all rejected by their owners, climb on top of each other to catch the thief who has entered the house.

• A man with intellectual disabilities has an animal as his closest friend. In fact, the book's title consists of the animal's name and the plants that symbolise the man's sadness.

• Driven by a desire for revenge, the captain of the boat pursues a sea creature, ultimately destroying himself in the process. The book opens with a rather classic sentence.

  
  

Plants

• Thanks to this plant reaching towards the sky, the character is able to travel between realms.

• The enormous roots of this plant sprouting on a small planet cause a young child to embark on an interplanetary journey.

• A child recounts their day's activities and dreams to the sapling in their new garden.

Photo by Brian Garrity on Unsplash

In fact, many books, films and animations depict real-life creatures. When you stop and think about it, you realise this. And that's without even taking into account the fairy tales of our childhood or the fables that have been told since the earliest periods of history. Nature inspires us, and literature reflects this. It's not just animals, either; trees, plants, and the concept of the “tree of life” feature in every mythology and culture.

Thanks to these creatures, we can describe life, question our humanity and bear witness to tragedy. We rediscover our humanity through their existence. Sometimes, we use them as censorship tools in our attributions. We express criticisms and feelings that we cannot voice ourselves through them.

Their presence reminds us that ecosystems can be established in our stories, and that they do not belong solely to humans.