Anthropomorphism (in brief) is the attributing of human characteristics to other things – be they living or non-living. The term was apparently coined in the mid 1700’s and as a literary device can enhance a storytelling as it uses our own insight and experience to help us relate in a more deeply personal way.
This old fellow has long stood watch over his neighborhood and though he may bear a passing resemblance to Tolkien’s Ents he is far more interesting…he’s real.