The Raven

Raven legends abound along the Northwest Coast of North America. Many stories are told of Raven’s role as creator and trickster and of his ability to change shapes. In the beginning, when Time was not, all the world was dark. No one had seen the Sun, Moon or Stars, for they were kept hidden by the Magician in a great carved chest in his lodge in the place that always was and ever will be. The Earth Mother needed light that she might bring forth creation. Raven promised to help her and flew to the place where the Magician lived. There, he changed himself into a pine needle and floated into the cup of the Magician’s daughter, who drank him down. In this way, she gave birth to a baby boy who was Raven in disguise. As the only grandchild, the boy could have anything he desired and he was given the Sun, Moon and Stars to play with. Changing back to his bird shape one night, Raven took the Worlds of Light and flew through the smoke hole of the lodge. The Magician sent fire after him which blackened his white feathers but failed to stop him. Then the Magician flew after Raven in great anger. Raven’s burden was heavy and he grew tired trying to escape the Magician, so he had to drop off the Shining Worlds as he flew through the sky. Raven was cursed by the Magician who took away his beautiful singing voice and gave him hoarseness instead. He also took away his gift of changing shapes and made him remain forever black. But Raven’s promise to the Earth Mother was fulfilled and light was brought to the world.