In the modern European folk-tales these animal friends are rather Supernumeraries and are occasionally replaced by the formula of the Grateful Animals, to whom the hero does some service during his wanderings, in reward for which they rescue him from some extremity.
"Europa's Fairy Book"
Joseph Jacobs
My retinue consisted of eight men, who considered themselves in my employ, besides three or four Supernumeraries, and all together formed a crowd around the door.
"Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. I."
John L. Stephens
They were, in truth, Supernumeraries added to the chief of the State, as a concession to the spirit of equality and as a blind to hide the reality of the new despotism.
"The Life of Napoleon I (Volumes, 1 and 2)"
John Holland Rose