Ravens: What
Are They and
What Do They
Mean?
By Erick L.
Staff Member, Grade 8
Art By Natalie C.
Staff Member, Grade 8
The phrase “bird brain” is commonly
coined as a derogatory term, referring to the
minuscule intelligence of the common bird.
One species of bird defies this conjecture
through its brainy demeanor. Ravens,
scientifically classified as the Corvus Corax, are
a species of passerine bird commonly
identified by their pitch black feathers and
beak. This distinct species of avians have been
remarked as the paramount of intelligence
between different genus o f bird, and because of
this, have been made prolific symbols of olden
literature and mythology throughout various
cultures.
However, olden tales were more free
form with their interpretations, and wouldn’t
always represent the gorgeous raven as a sort
of genius among avians. The raven, in western
tales, is typically interpreted as an omen of
darkness and desperation soon to manifest. It’s
sleek, harrowing, jet black feathers, signify an
oncoming and accumulating despair, soon to
arrive. Furthermore, it's mysterious, almost to
the point of being an enigmatic specter-like
being. The raven, depicted in the legendary
poet, Edgar Allan Poe’s, “The Raven”, arrives in
the protagonists home, only to utter one single
word, “Nevermore.” It’s cryptic messaging is
daunting, and has both, the readers and the
protagonist question if a substantial meaning
is present behind the raven’s words. The poem
itself is a wonderful read, worth anyone’s
times, and captures the almost mortifying
presence of just one single raven.
In late mythological texts, ravens have very
freeform meanings, with each culture
interpreting either the appearance of a raven
or the raven(s) themselves in their own unique
fashion. On one hand, Native Americans
believed that the Creator of the world was, in
fact, a raven, while the ever so superstitious
English people, during the time of the English
Civil War, firmly believed that the absence of
ravens from London Tower would ensure the
demise of the ENTIRE Kingdom of England.
Unlike both the Native Americans and the
English. Some cultures attach varying levels of
importance to ravens. The connotations
behind a ravens emergence also are dependant
on the cultural context. Several cultures regard
the raven as a proclaimer of death, occurring
most recently. To these unique, unified groups
of people, ravens are by no means harbingers,
but instead, messengers.
Regardless of which interpretation you
are most fond of, be aware that, much like any
vocalized outlook or opinion, the uprising of
people with an opposing and or disagreeing
viewpoint will ensue. When this occurs, do not
be naive and closet yourself away from those
who oppose you, ;be open-minded and
remember that freedom of thought exists. Any
one person is free to believe what they please,
and you must respect and uphold this liberty.
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