In Egyptian, Persian, Assyrian and Sumerian imagery, kings are often shown hunting lions and defeating them with their bows to establish their power. Images of the epic hero Gilgamesh often show him holding a lion firmly, as if it were a cat. That image establishes his greatness, just as images of kings killing lions establishes theirs.

In mythology, heroes are identified at an early age by their ability to deal with wild animals. In the Bhagavad Purana, Krishna is considered a hero because, early in life, he defeats demons who take the form of wild animals: snakes, horses, bulls, birds. In Greek mythology too, baby Hercules kills two serpents while still in the cradle.