Is it possible that ravens created the world? Myths and legends abound about ravens across the globe. They have gained a reputation as a bad omen and are seen by many as a symbol of death. But for generations of Native Americans, ravens are sacred.
The Tlingit people of Alaska revere the raven as the creator and bringer of light. Some stories passed down through oral tradition suggest that the world was dark until the raven found the only man who had access to light. Disguising himself, the raven tricked the man into giving him the stars, moon, and sun. After releasing it for the world to use, the raven heard of a man with a never-ending supply of water. Stealing the water and dripping it as he flew, the raven formed lakes, rivers, and creeks.
Outside of legends, ravens play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They’re notorious for scavenging from other animals. A raven frequently feasts on carrion, helping to maintain the health of their environment.
But ravens are also skilled hunters – they’re able to cooperate in groups to take down prey too big for a single bird. Their talent for problem solving makes them one of the world’s most intelligent birds. Studies have shown that ravens have grasped how to barter and how to use string-pulley systems for rewards of food. Observing the world around them, they are extraordinary imitators and are able to copy others and learn quickly. They can even mimic human speech among their approximately 30 vocalisations.
While ravens are integral to Native American storytelling and beliefs, their contribution to the ecosystem is as important. It’s time we opened our eyes to their value, rather than being too quick to judge a bird by its feathers.
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