Corvids Declassified

Corvids Declassified : Beyond the Myths of Misfortune

Corvids, a globally distributed group of passerine birds, encompass familiar species such as ravens, crows, and rooks. With 46 species, they are prevalent across temperate continents, excluding South America. Ravens and crows are among the world's most adaptable species due their high cognitive abilities as well as high drive for survival and resistance. They have demonstrated remarkable intelligence and problem-solving capabilities, rivaling those of humans. For instance, ravens have been observed using busy traffic cars to crack open nut shells and access the soft nut inside. They also utilize tools, such as sticks and pebbles to fetch water and food. Furthermore, in urban environments, they've adapted to incorporating plastic waste (strings and wrappers) , barbed wire and fibers into their nests. This behavior, while showcasing their adaptability, also highlights the increasing presence of human debris in their habitats. Scientists suggest that their ability to readily adapt to urban environments contributes to their resilience and makes them less susceptible to extinction.

Common Raven

 

Today, we delve into the myths and omens surrounding crows across diverse cultures. The collective noun "murder," used for a group of crows or ravens, itself hints at the taboo and symbolism associated with these birds, often linked to evil and dark magic. Their predominantly black plumage contributes to their perception as emissaries of the Devil, fostering beliefs of their connection to devil cults. In the Indian subcontinent, crows are frequently associated with death, akin to vultures. Furthermore, their significance in various tantric and occult practices, where nests, feathers, and even entire bodies are sought after, intensifies the fear and terror surrounding them.

However, despite these ominous associations, crows play a crucial role in ecosystems. As scavengers, they cleanse streets, aiding in disease prevention and insect control. They also occasionally act as pollinators, highlighting their integral part in maintaining ecological balance.

Crows have been deeply ingrained in ancient cultures, portrayed in multifaceted ways across various pantheons and belief systems.

Kakbhushundi

 

The humble crow, often overlooked, holds a surprisingly profound place within the tapestry of Hindu culture. Beyond its common presence, it weaves through myth and ritual, embodying complex symbolism.

Firstly, the crow serves as the vahana, or vehicle, of both Shani, the austere god of karma, and Dhumavati, the widow goddess representing the void. This association elevates the crow from a mere scavenger to a conduit of powerful, often challenging, divine energies.

Secondly, the epic Ramayana introduces Kakbhushundi, a sage-like crow. This being, possessing the ability to traverse vast stretches of time and witness multiple iterations of the epic, hints at a concept akin to the multiverse – a testament to the crow's connection to cosmic understanding and cyclical existence.

Furthermore, the ritual of Shraddha, performed to honor departed ancestors, involves offering food to crows. This act reflects a belief that the crow acts as a vessel, carrying sustenance to the spirits of loved ones. It suggests a continuity of connection, a bridge between the living and the departed, where the crow functions as a tangible link.

Therefore, the crow within Hindu tradition is not simply a bird, but a multifaceted symbol of spirituality. It embodies divine power, cosmic awareness, and the enduring bonds of kinship, demonstrating a profound reverence that transcends its seemingly ordinary nature.

Huginn and Muninn

Odin's corvid companions, Huginn and Muninn,  embodiments of Thought and Memory, underscore the profound intellect attributed to these creatures in Norse lore, positioning them as vital extensions of the Allfather's wisdom. This showcases the wisdom of corvids in real life world too.

       The three-legged Yatagarasu, a royal symbol in Imperial Japan, was also believed to consume dragons, signifying both its imperial authority and formidable power. This dual nature highlights its complex role in Japanese mythology and also solidifies its role in Imperial Japan.

Yatagarasu

The crow-headed Mahakala (Kakamukha), a wrathful deity in Buddhist traditions, occupies a position of profound spiritual importance, embodying protection and fierce compassion. This contrasts sharply, yet intriguingly, with the common raven's esteemed status as the national bird of Bhutan, where it symbolizes wisdom and prophecy. This juxtaposition reveals the diverse and multifaceted symbolic roles that corvids play across different cultural and religious landscapes, showcasing their adaptability to represent varying concepts, from divine power to national identity.

Kakamukha Mahakala

Crows appear in several Aesop's Fables, often showcasing their cleverness, like in "The Crow and the Pitcher" and "The Fox and the Crow." These stories, along with scientific observations, reinforce the idea of crows as intelligent animals and promotes the idea of cognitive abilities in non human creatures.

                    In Greek Mythology, the crow acted as a witness and messenger, reporting Coronis's betrayal to Apollo. This report triggered Apollo's anger, resulting in her death and the crow's black color from the intensity of the heat.

               The Celtic goddess Morrigan is strongly linked to crows and ravens. These birds symbolize her roles in war, fate, and death. She often shapeshifts into them, and they act as her messengers and omens, highlighting her power. Therefore, crows and ravens were worshiped as the emissary of Goddess Morrigan herself. 

Aesop's Fable Illustration

The prevalence of corvids, particularly crows and ravens, within diverse cultural narratives underscores their multifaceted significance. From the mythic tales of Apollo's messenger to the symbolic embodiment of the Celtic Morrigan, these birds transcend simple superstition. Their remarkable intelligence and adaptability, evident in their ability to thrive across varied environments, from high-altitude regions to scorching temperate zones, have long fascinated human societies. Rather than succumbing to ingrained fears or viewing them solely as harbingers of ill fortune, we should acknowledge their crucial ecological roles. Their presence within our ecosystems contributes to balance and stability, while their cultural prominence highlights their enduring impact on human understanding of the natural world. A deeper appreciation for corvids fosters a more nuanced understanding of their complex relationship with both the environment and human civilization, ultimately promoting a shift from fear to respectful recognition.

Credits:- Pictures from Internet (ebird, Wikimedia and Himalayan art resources)

Data from Wikipedia and various mythological books from internet.

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