Perhaps no bird on Earth is steeped in as much lore, reverence, and infamy as the Common Raven. As the world’s largest songbird, its glossy black plumage, guttural voice, remarkable intellect, and abundant presence in symbolism and culture make it one of British Columbia’s most intriguing and recognizable species.

Ravens are among the most intelligent animals, renowned for their problem-solving abilities and complex social systems. Their intelligence reinforces their role in myth and folktale as cunning tricksters and sources of wisdom.

The Raven also plays a prominent role in the mythologies of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including the Tsimshians, Haidas, Heiltsuks, Tlingits, Kwakwaka'wakw, Coast Salish, Koyukons, and Inuit. In these cultures, the Raven is both a Creator of the world and a trickster/God, embodying duality and transformation.

In mountain-dwelling communities, the Raven is often mythologized as the carrier of souls, guiding those lost in the mountains to the afterlife. This powerful symbolism elevates the Raven to a revered status, reflecting its deep connection to nature and the human spirit.

In European folklore, the Raven is similarly wrapped in mystery and significance. In Norse mythology, the raven was sacred to Odin, the all-father god, who had two ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory), that flew across the world and brought him knowledge. Ravens were also considered omens of death and were believed to foretell battle outcomes in ancient cultures. The sight of ravens circling above was seen as a sign of victory or doom, depending on the situation. In medieval Europe, ravens were associated with the goddess of war, Rhiannon, and were seen as messengers between the gods and humans, bearing omens and wisdom.

This deep, shared reverence for the raven across cultures—whether in Indigenous traditions or European folklore—highlights its role as both a messenger and a symbol of transformation, wisdom, and mystery.