In some cultures, ravens symbolize death and the afterlife and are believed to guide souls to the underworld and act as emissaries of the god of death. In this vein, ravens are viewed as creatures of magic and mystery, messengers between the mortal and divine worlds.

Yet, in other traditions, the raven is a trickster, a mischievous creature that delights in causing chaos and playing pranks on unsuspecting humans. Despite this, the raven is also seen as a protective spirit, watching over and guiding humans in certain cultures.

In essence, the raven's symbolism is a complex tapestry of meanings that has fascinated people for generations, serving as a mirror to our fears, hopes, and dreams.

The Raven and Odin in Norse Mythology

In the realm of Norse mythology, a bird with a voice akin to human speech soared through the skies, leaving the people in awe of its wisdom. It was no wonder the Norse believed this feathered creature possessed all-encompassing knowledge. Thus, the one-eyed All-Father Odin was gifted two ravens as companions, Huginn and Muninn, representing Thought and Memory, respectively.

The ravens would venture forth each day to observe the land of humans, only to return at nightfall and whisper all their discoveries to Odin. It was as if these birds were the eyes and ears of the wise Raven God, who would gather all the knowledge he could for the betterment of his people.

But Odin's bond with the ravens extended beyond mere companionship. His valiant daughters, the Valkyries, would descend from the heavens as ravens tasked with scouring the battlefield for the chosen warriors who had earned a place in Valhalla. 

While the Valkyries have been predominantly portrayed on horses in nordic legends, it is noteworthy how ravens have earned a place in our collective psyches as scavengers, with numerous illustrations of them in art with their dark wings casting a shadow over the aftermath of battles, scavenging the remains.

To encounter the Morrigan in her raven form was a sign of impending doom, for she was the personification of looming death itself. In one myth, the Morrigan appears to the hero Cú Chulainn as a raven and warns him of his impending death. But for those who earned her favor, she could be a valuable ally in the art of war. Such was the power of this ancient goddess, whose legend still echoes through the ages.

Meanwhile, in the realm of animated fantasies, one cannot forget the enchanting presence of Maleficent, the Mistress of All Evil, and her loyal raven companion, Diablo. Together, they captivated audiences with their dark allure, becoming some of the most beloved characters to grace Disney's animated masterpieces. 

This belief is so deeply ingrained in the British identity that during the Second World War, even Winston Churchill had ravens transported from Scotland to ensure their continued presence at the Tower when their numbers dwindled.

This mythic connection between ravens and protection is rooted in the Welsh hero Brân the Blessed, whose name translates to raven or crow. He was known as the keeper of ancestral memories, a powerful and wise figure whose spirit remains present in the form of these dark-feathered birds.

The Raven in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, the raven was highly regarded for its connection to the god Apollo, the all-seeing and prophetic deity of the sun. 

In the myth, all ravens once possessed a pure white coat, but this all changed when the raven brought tragic news to Apollo about his lover Coronis. Enraged, Apollo struck the messenger bird. Its once-white feathers turned black, forever marking the raven's feathers with a somber hue.

While the raven was initially linked to the wise goddess Athena, the owl later replaced it as her trusted and insightful companion. Yet, the raven's significance in Greek mythology remains as a symbol of prophecy, change, and even death, a creature with a dark allure that has captivated the imagination for centuries.

The Raven as a Helper of Humanity

The raven, often associated with malevolence, is portrayed differently in various cultures worldwide. 

In the biblical account of Noah's story, the raven was dispatched to scour the vast expanse in search of habitable land but neglected to return, thus earning a disreputable reputation as no ally of humanity. Yet, when the dove was dispatched next, it triumphantly accomplished its mission of locating the precious olive branch, rendering it an opportune harbinger in the eyes of many.

On the other hand, Viking explorers sent out ravens in search of new land and regarded them as helpers of humanity. Similarly, in the Mahabharata, the raven is viewed as a messenger of death without the ill-fated connotation often present in Western tales.

The Raven in Indigenous Cultures

The Indigenous peoples of the Americas view the raven as a mighty guardian of humankind and a symbol of the Creator. The raven is credited with crafting the universe and finding and looking after the first human in various myths. It is the favored bird of shamans who converse with the birds to discern what the gods are planning for humanity. 

And it was there, high above the earth, that he discovered the source of all light and warmth: the sun, the moon, and the stars.

Without hesitation, the Raven snatched up these glowing orbs in his beak and talons, clutching them tightly as he returned to the world below. Then, with a deft and graceful touch, he placed the sun in the sky and the moon in the night and scattered the stars across the heavens like a jeweled cloak.

But the Raven was not content to simply create the world anew. He was also a trickster, a being of insatiable curiosity and a penchant for mischief. In one tale, he played a clever trick on a greedy village chief, disguising himself as a helpless baby and convincing the chief's daughter to take him in as her own.

Once safely ensconced in the chief's household, the Raven stole treasures and food, outwitting the chief at every turn. And when he was finished, he revealed his true form once more and took to the sky, leaving the befuddled chief to wonder at the power of the Raven's cunning.

And yet, for all his mischievousness, the Raven was also a bringer of great gifts to the people. He was the one who first brought fire to the world, stealing it from the spirits themselves and teaching humanity how to harness its power for warmth and cooking.

In this way, the Raven symbolizes creativity and trickery, the power to create, and the drive to explore.

As different tribes honor the raven uniquely, the lore surrounding this majestic bird adapts to reflect the varying beliefs and traditions. This comprehensive article is an excellent resource for delving into the myriad of stories associated with the raven in Indigenous beliefs.

The Raven in Ancient Egypt

The raven's role as a guardian of the deceased is a recurrent theme in ancient Egyptian mythology. Nephthys, the goddess of the dead and overseer of funerary rites, is often depicted with the crow or raven as one of her symbols. 

Nephthys is wedded to her brother Set, the god of war and chaos, and the mother of Anubis, the god of death and mummification, whose father is Osiris, Set, and Nephthys's brother - complicated family ties! Although Nephthys is usually portrayed with falcon wings, in some representations, the raven or crow is her trusted companion, standing by her side as she guides souls to the afterlife.

Consider the Slavic witch Baba Yaga, infamous for her solitary existence in the forest and ability to shapeshift into a crow. She embodies the cunning and wisdom of nature, like her trusted crow companion.

The Hindu goddess Dhumavati, on the other hand, is associated with death and transformation, and her portrayal as a fearsome old crone is remarkable. She is often seen riding a chariot pulled by crows or perched atop a crow, which serves as her animal guardian. 

It is intriguing to observe how the concepts of old age and ugliness are intertwined. Nevertheless, in myths and fairy tales, we see the power of wise older women and their raven/crow counterparts as they represent the duality of death and new beginnings. Without these "old crows," life's transmutation and regeneration would not occur.

Inviting the Raven Within

As we journey through life, we are presented with many symbols that carry hidden meanings and messages. These symbols can come in many forms - chance encounters with a particular animal, a series of recurring numbers, or even an unusual pattern in the clouds above. And yet, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be all too easy to overlook these signs and their deeper significance.

Warmly,

Anny

Kindly note: The information included in this blog is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for mental health services. Please consult with a qualified professional to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own life experiences or if you have any questions.