the use of elephants in such fashion went beyond the common royal power to dispense life and death. elephants have long been used as symbols of royal authority (and still are in some places, such as thailand, where white elephants are held in reverence). their use as instruments of state power sent the message that the ruler was able to preside over very powerful creatures who were under total command. the ruler was thus seen as maintaining a moral and spiritual domination over wild beasts, adding to their authority and mystique among subjects.