Compare how mythology is used in the 2 novels

Compare how mythology is used in the 2 novels Both Orwell and Adams use mythology to govern the lives of the animals in there novels and they perhaps reflect two opposing opinions about religion and myth. Whilst Animal Farm's strict rules eventually become corrupted and lead to downfall, Watership downs fables guide the animals to safety and peace. Orwell portrays aspects of religion through the character Moses. Moses tells the animals of a utopian "heaven", in the sky called 'sugarcandy mountain'; it is arguable that he has good intentions in keeping up the morale of the animals. The fact that the pigs try to stop the spreading of these stories perhaps shows how fragile their system is. It is clear that the pigs want all the animals to be focused, maybe even brainwashed into thinking about how fortunate they are to be a part of the regime. They want all the animals to work their hardest and also want them to think they are living the best possible life. Boxer and Clover are described as 'disciples' of the pigs and they rely on them completely. The horses in this novel are the working class on Animal Farm who have no say in the way things are run but do the overwhelming majority of the work that allows the system to continue. Discouraging the tales of Moses is perhaps more important for the horses if they believe a perfect afterlife awaits regardless of the amount of labour they've done, the system may fall apart. However the afterlife is shown very differently in Animal Farm. Initially, Hazel is scared of the 'Black Rabbit of Inle', and is 'trembling' at the thought of it. However by the end of the book and as Hazel has grown older he is more accepting. The black rabbit has a strangely and enticing friendly tone, inviting Hazel to join his 'Owsla', and inviting him into the afterlife. This perhaps reflects human nature and how are opinion of death and whether we should accept it changes over a lifetime. In this instance, Adams is possibly telling the reader that it is futile to worry about death as he gives a comforting portrayal of the afterlife. Orwell uses the 7 commandments in Animal Farm to show how the promise of a communist regime can be easily corrupted and destroyed. The changes made to the commandments throughout the book, by the pigs, clearly marks the deterioration of ideals, as well as having obvious religious connotations. Orwell focuses more on a religious belief in Animal Farm than the mythology surrounding 'sugar candy mountain' to perhaps portray the strong influence the church has on the way countries develop. The pigs in this instance, are the leaders of the religion and they change, without anyone noticing the rules of living a moral life to suit them. This reflects the way the a political party can sometimes allow religion in a way which only suit the ideals of the government. In contrast, the beliefs that rule the rabbit's lives in Watership Down teach the reader lessons instead of being a warning. The fables of El'arairah are allegorical and teach the characters in the story how to react to certain situations. Adams uses mythology, perhaps to show the importance of storytelling to provide life lessons for the young. Some of the stories of El'arairah are used to explain the importance of following the pattern of nature. However, like in Animal Farm, there is also a warning about what may happen if morals aren't followed. Cowslip's and Woundwart's warrens show the extreme of characters that disobey the fables and in this way Animal Farm and Watership Down are similar. In conclusion, Orwell uses mythology to reflect the futility of a communist regime whereas Adams shows a positive outcome for those who believe in fables and the supernatural.