Secrets of mythology: a raven is a symbol with a contradictory and diverse meaning

The raven is a very mysterious bird. He is credited with both positive and negative qualities. Raven is a symbol that is often found in fairy tales, legends and myths. In many countries, there are a lot of signs associated with this bird. Therefore, we should consider the significance of the crow as a symbol, in different cultures, peoples and manifestations.

Mythology

The crow is a symbol with a deep mythological semantics, which is determined by the properties and skills of this bird. It is believed that the black color is the creature acquired because of contact with smoke or fire.

Many call the crow a mediator between life and death. Because this bird does not disdain carrion. Dead meat is neither plant nor animal food. So the raven personifies a kind of compromise between herbivorous and predatory creatures.

Another bird is considered a messenger of evil. After all, crows, trying to find food, dig into the ground, communicating with her. But at the same time, these birds can fly. Therefore, in mythology they are called mediators between heaven, earth and the afterlife. And because these birds are able to peck out the victim's eyes, they were often associated with a bloody bat.

In the Slavic culture

The interpretation of the symbol of the crow can also be positive. In Slavic mythology, this bird was considered a wise helper and faithful companion of the god Varuna, the supreme guardian of justice and the ruler of human destinies. If he decided that suddenly the deceased person had not yet completed the business, he directed the crow to the soul of the deceased, so that he returned it to life.

Another crow was called an assistant in travel and predictor, as he was able to reproduce human speech. In many myths, it was the crow that brought messages from the spirit world.

Also, this bird is often associated with the sun and light. People believed that his black plumage gives the crow the ability to withstand close contact with the luminary. However, there is another interesting explanation for such an amazing and uniform coloring. It was believed that this raven painted all the other birds, and he himself became black.

Religious aspect

A very interesting value is attributed to a crow in Buddhism. It is believed that this bird personifies Dharmapala, the defender of Buddhist teaching. There is one interesting legend, which is the reason to believe so. They say that when the first Dalai Lama came into being, his family was attacked by robbers. And the parents fled before they could reach the baby. When they returned in fear the next morning, they saw the house untouched. And the child was asleep, surrounded by a dense ring of ravens who patronized him.

In the Bible, this bird is not considered something good. It is believed that Noah released her from the ark, so that she brought news of the state of the earth. The bird did not fulfill the commission, choosing the will and beginning to feed on carrion around the ark. Noah cursed the crow, because of what he got black and became the personification of the powers of hell.

In Judaism this bird is considered a spirit close to sorcerers and witches.

About intellect

Everybody knows that the crow is a symbol of wisdom. And so they think with good reason.

There is a logical explanation of the reasonableness of this bird. In captivity, they are able to live up to 100 years, and everyone knows that with age comes wisdom. But the term of their life on freedom is 3-4 times less. Although earlier people believed that these birds are able to live up to 300 years.

Crows also have high learning abilities. Birds do not quarrel among themselves, besides, they get on well with other animals. And if the crow sees the hunter, he follows him, knowing that he can count on food. By the way, in some explanations of the wisdom of this bird there is a reference to its shade. Black color represents the mind, intellect, power, excellence and meditation.

More crows are perceived as a symbol of wisdom, because in many myths and tales they were assistants of sorcerers and sorcerers. Secret knowledge was revealed to him. And in German-Scandinavian mythology, for example, the helpers of the supreme god Odin were two crows, who were his eyes and ears - flown around the world and reported to the ruler about all the events happening in the world.

Other values

Well, as you could already understand, the raven is a truly ambiguous character. He is a natural non-heraldic coat of arms, personifying longevity and foresight.

Black raven is a symbol always depicted only in this color solution. And completely and completely, including the beak, claws, language and weapons. Most often it is depicted standing, ready to take off or fight. Crows can often be seen on German or Scandinavian arms, but in Russian heraldry it is extremely rare. Which is not surprising, as previously it was said that he personifies evil spirits, hell and evil spirits. But on the family coat of arms of the descendants of the Vikings and Danes, the crow can often be seen, because he represents greatness.

You can still tell a lot about the symbolic meaning of this bird. It will take more than a dozen pages. This is really a unique symbol. And the fact that it is found in every culture is the best confirmation of this.