Hamster wheel symbolism has been prevalent in literature, art, and popular culture. The wheel symbolizes the idea of hope, striving, futility, and the never-ending cycle of life. This can be seen in its use in ancient cultures, where the sun wheel symbolized the eternal cycle of life and nature. In literature, the hamster wheel often represents a character's struggle with the monotony of life, the inevitability of death, and the cyclical nature of fate. The wheel also often symbolizes a need for escape from such a mundane existence, as well as a sense of futility in trying to break out of it. The wheel has also come to symbolize freedom, adventure and the possibility of discovery. It is no wonder, then, that the wheel has become such a popular pet icon. Whether taken literally or figuratively, the hamster wheel is a powerful symbol of hope and perseverance, and it is one of the reasons why hamsters make such perfect pets for people of all ages and personalities!