An elephant may seem like a silly topic for writing an honors thesis. For many people, the elephant is a mammal only found at the zoo or in a circus. It is not something to be cherished and loved. It's a machine for moving logs across the country or for waging war. It’s something to look at with adoration and wonder. It's something they never touch. They might as well just be fairy tales and stories. The truth about elephants is that they are truly magical creatures from fairy tales and stories. These are creatures that have been on Earth for millions of years. They lived at a time when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth and continue to survive today. People need to understand the importance of these remarkable creatures. They also need to understand the value these animals play in the lives of thousands of people, including mine. They represent a symbol of strength, hope, knowledge and thousands of other things. They have been depicted in gods and religions. Most importantly, they are a symbol of love and adoration to me. They remind me of a time when my father was still with me. This is why I am writing my thesis. I plan to discuss the importance of elephants to many different religions and cultures. Elephants have been considered gods, deities, symbols and support many different people. There are good reasons why elephants were chosen as gods, deities and symbols. These reasons explain why so many different religions and cultures have used them as a symbol of their community and beliefs. The meaning of these symbols varies among different religions and cultures. Some cultures have transformed this belief into a fear of the elephant. They fear being reprimanded ... middle of paper ...cyclopedias that help start the investigative process. Second, I plan to turn to secondary sources. These secondary sources include journal articles, blogs, and other websites. I found many journals and websites dedicated to understanding elephants. There are also many videos that explain animals as deities and festivals where elephants are present. Additionally, I plan to observe real-life phenomena, including artwork and human behavior around elephants. I also plan to observe their behavior towards elephants and the impact they have had on my life. The elephant is a highly valued mammal in many different religions and cultures. The meaning of the symbol varies according to each religion and culture. Throughout this dissertation, I will share the results of my investigation to answer the eight research questions I discussed earlier..