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Anthropomorphic Personification
"Humans have always ascribed random, seasonal, natural or inexplicable actions to human shaped entities."
Hex, explaining the theory of "Implied Creation" in Hogfather, by Terry Pratchett

"You are utterly the stupidest, most self-centered, appallingest excuse for an anthropomorphic personification in this or any other plane!"
Death berating Dream in The Sandman

The living embodiment of a fundamental abstraction. They are typically god-like in power, but have a much narrower focus. Athena does many things; Death only one. In non-magical series they resemble a Sufficiently Advanced Alien, but unlike them are an intrinsic part of the workings of the universe.

Good & Evil and Order & Chaos come in pairs. A universe that has one will usually have both.

Other, less fundamental concepts can have an Anthropomorphic Personification, such as fear and panic, as can nations and geographical features.

This trope is probably the oldest one in history, maybe as old as Humanity itself. Not only is it as ancient as religion, but one of the earliest examples is the Venus of Willendorf, a prehistorical female statuette that's thought to be an Anthropomorphic Personification of fertility and maternity.

Expect mortals in these settings to be Pals With Jesus or Enemies With Death. See also Moe Anthropomorphism, in which case the Anthropomorphic Personification is cute.

This is very common in anime series, when various items come to life usually becoming completely human like creatures who seek to fulfill purpose which they had while being in item form, or taking revenge on humanity which disposed them.

Definitely not to be confused with Funny Animal.

TV Tropes has its own personification in the form of Trope-tan.

Examples:

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