Birds have held a special place in the human imagination since the beginning of time; both ancient and contemporary cultures believe their creators are birds, while some see them as messengers between the earthly realm and the heavens. In today’s blog we look at just three different species who have been exalted to a higher purpose.
The widespread use of birds as symbols of divinity across different cultures and religions underscores the fascination we have with these winged creatures. The choice of specific birds as deities gives us remarkable insight into the cultural values of that time, and the mythological narratives that accompany each chosen species can remind us of the other-worldly quality that birds exhibit on a daily basis. Let’s read on to find out more about three very powerful birds.
King of Birds
Hinduism, often cited as the world’s oldest religion, claims millions of gods of various size and importance, but Garuda sits among the greatest. Depicted as a divine eagle- or kite-like bird with the body of a man, Garuda is the mount of Lord Vishnu, the primary deity of Hinduism. Golden feathers and a magnificently hooked beak lend a formidable appearance to this King of Birds. Symbolizing strength, power, and loyalty, Garuda is revered for his devotion to Lord Vishnu, and believers invoke his blessings to ward off evil forces and grant protection from ailments and the courage to face adversity.
Raven Goddesses, Odin’s Friends
In Celtic mythology, the Morrigan is a complex and multifaceted deity associated with war, fate, and prophecy. Often represented as a trio of sisters known as the Morrigna, they are seen as ravens, whose dark plumage and haunting call has shaped myths and folklore for centuries throughout the world. Often seen as a psychopomp, ravens are said to guide souls between the realms of the living and the dead.
Ravens also display remarkable intelligence, and in Norse mythology, Odin had two ravens named Huginn (who represented thought) and Muninn (who embodied memory). These intelligent birds flew across the world, bringing back information to Odin. The ravens’ keen perception and ability to traverse great distances made them symbols of wisdom and knowledge.
Astral Creator
Ancient Egyptian mythology holds one of the earliest recorded bird gods, in the form of a great heron or crane who embodies the soul of the sun god, Ra. Bennu represents the creation of all things, as well as rebirth: according to Egyptian belief, the Bennu would build a nest every 500 years and then set it alight, but then rise from the ashes, reincarnated. Bennu therefore symbolizes the eternal cycle of life and death, reinforcing the idea of cosmic renewal. In September 2023, NASA successfully harvested soil and rock samples from the oldest known asteroid in our universe, thought to be 4.5 billion years old. Scientific classification has given it the name 101955, but the world now knows it as Bennu.
The veneration of birds in different mythologies shows us the profound connection between humanity and our seemingly docile and detached feathered friends. Birds become conduits for expressing the ineffable, and our human quest for the divine. Whether as messengers, clever companions, or embodiments of cosmic forces, birds continue to hold a central place in our understanding of the mystical aspects of existence.
