The witch's accomplice

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, 31 October 2024
The witch's accomplice
Barn owl © Hugh Clark FRPS

Christine George

Volunteer and member of the Friends of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Countless legends, myths and folklore have developed over hundreds of years to do with birds and their supernatural powers. Three of those that can be found at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve are Ravens, Crows and owls.

Ravens are considered to be intelligent, and in Celtic mythology they were said to be able to act as messengers between the realms and speak prophecy, sometimes being used in rituals and spells. Being an all-black bird, just added to them being associated with ‘darkness’. In Welsh mythology, there is a belief that witches and sorcerers had the ability to transform themselves into Ravens and fly away, to avoid being captured.

Raven
Raven © Alan Price

Crows are another dark bird which may be seen eating the carcass of a dead animal and this has led to them being associated with death and spirits. Many a supposed witch had a Crow as a ‘familiar’.

Crow
Crow © Roger Wilmshurst

Owls are associated with the night and therefore carry a mysterious edge. Many hundreds of years ago it was thought the sight and particularly the sound of an owl would bring bad luck or a death. Feared by the Romans, they were sometimes nailed to the front door to avert danger.  

Tawny owls
Tawny Owls © Darin Smith

It is around the time of Halloween that owls, particularly Tawny Owls, become more vocal. The young are now independent and, particularly on a clear night, both adults and young are hooting and kee-wicking as they sort out territories and mates for the coming year. The call of a Barn Owl is more of an unearthly screech and as these birds can find cemeteries good hunting territory (often many mice and voles) they have also been linked with spirits and the dead.

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Comments

  • Robin Harris:

    Lovely piece, Christine. Well done!

    04 Nov 2024 18:17:00

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