What metaphors are used in Forward the Foundation by Isaac Asimov?

Much of the narrative can be seen as a metaphor for chaos. Although Isaac Asimov's novel Forward to Foundation a few times touches on mythology, when he refers to chaos it is not to explain how the universe comes about from nothingness, but how mathematicians are limited in their ability to predict how events will unroll from a given starting point. Chaotic systems are dynamic, with new variations constantly developing. It is particularly difficult when one deals with free-will actors reacting and behaving to stimuli.