They teach you how to manage stamina, archery, and what a shield is for, they're also for early mining of copper.
Animals are for teaching stealth and archery.
Water is for teaching the futility of sails.
Creatures that throw things are for teaching you about your shield blocking and parry.
Armor is for teaching you that wolves don't care about it.
Did that rock just stand up?
Did that wolf just stand up?!
Who is that just standing there staring at me?
Mosquitoes... psh. whatever - AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! my stuff...
Why is this island sinking? My boat is just 1 stamina point away from me... my stuff... again.