One of major symbols is the elephant seal because the two of them fought each other. One of them lost a tooth and Karana, the main character, got injured. Therefore, she is able to meet Rontu, the leader of the wild dog pack that killed her younger brother, and was able to forgive him. He was the one she spent most of her time with while being on the island. Also, when the elephant seal lost its tooth, she was able to use it to make into a spear. She used the spear as a weapon to hunt and to protect herself from danger. Therefore, the elephant seal tooth symbolizes survival, forgiveness, and friendship.