Uncovering the Myths Surrounding Ravens, Blackbirds, and Crows

Ravens, crows, and blackbirds in general have been negative omens for many different cultures throughout the world. Scavengers willing to pick the skin off a dead carcass, these birds have never been a favorite of humankind.

Some cultures, like the Egyptians, Romans, and Arabs, have respected the power of these birds while others have feared them. Some have viewed them as symbols of pure evil while others have merely viewed them as omens or prophets.

The Irish once used these birds for divination because they believed that they possessed second sight. It is said that the British believed that ravens fleeing the Tower of London would be an omen of the upcoming fall of the English monarchy.

Writers have, over the years, written about the raven. Many contended that he is the symbol of death. The bird is even mentioned in the Bible; plucking out the eyes of sinners in Proverbs 30:17 and descending upon the wicked in Isaiah 34:11.

Some contend that the raven was once a beautiful white bird. However, when Noah sent it out of the Ark to test the waters for land, it failed to return to deliver its message. As punishment, it is was believed that God turned the bird black and condemned it to eat nothing but dead carrion.

The Greeks, on the other hand, believed that it was the sun god, Apollo, who turned the bird black when he dared to reveal a message that the god's beloved had been unfaithful. The Norse valued the tattletale nature of the bird. It was said that the great god Odin used the raven to travel the world, watching and observing; returning home to inform him of what was happening among his people.

Many religions, including that of Christianity, believed that these blackbirds were symbols of damnation. In many instances they were even associated with the ultimate sinner; that of the devil himself. Still others thought that the birds were the result of the casting of a witch's spell.