Anthropomorphism is the
attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities.
Personification is the related
attribution of human form and characteristics to abstract concepts such as
nations, emotions, and natural forces, such as seasons and weather.
Both have ancient roots as
storytelling and artistic devices, and most cultures have traditional fables
with anthropomorphized animals as characters. People have also routinely
attributed human emotions and behavioral traits to wild as well as domesticated
animals.