Abstract
This study examines the symbolic meanings of animal motifs in Turkish folktales, focusing particularly on the deer motif and its mythological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. Alongside motifs such as the horse, wolf, fox, and rabbit, the deer stands out as both a sacred being and a guide, healer, and transformative figure within the narrative. In ancient Turkic belief systems, the deer was seen as a mediator between heaven and nature; in folktales, it functions as a protector and spiritual helper for the hero. This article explores the deer’s symbolic and cultural significance, revealing its deep-rooted place in Turkish mythology and folklore.