![]() ![]() Instead of clouding our thinking, it is hoped that such a comparison will provide a valuable counterpoint to our knowledge and understanding of shamanic practice in Norse mythology. In this paper, the raven’s role in both Norse mythology and myths of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest will be explored and discussed. For example, in Kwakiutl mythology (Croft Long, 1963), boys’ placentas were left exposed so that they might be eaten by ravens, thereby enhancing the boys’ prophetic ability. At first glance, the raven of the Pacific Northwest is very different from the raven of Norse mythology, yet both share an association with prophetic vision. Here the raven is considered to be the creator of the world but also a trickster god – “constantly selfish, sly, conniving, and hungry” (AIHF, 2017). Across the ocean, the raven plays an equally prominent role in the mythology of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Perched on his shoulder, the twin ravens Huginn and Muninn whisper news of what they see and hear. The raven also plays an important role in Norse mythology, both as a “beast of battle” and the shamanic eyes and ears of Odin. In literature, Edgar Allan Poe (1845) and Charles Dickens (1841) were both fascinated by the prophetic symbolism of the raven, as were many other writers including the Brothers Grimm. Indeed, legend has it that England will fall if ever the ravens leave the Tower of London. The raven has long held a special place in folklore. Hugin and Munin (pronounced HOO-gin and MOO-nin Old Norse Huginn and Muninn, the meaning of which will be discussed below) are two ravens in Norse mythology who are helping spirits of the god Odin.
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