Story Summary
Discover the Inuit legend of The Owl and the Raven, a classic myth explaining how the two birds got their distinct black and speckled feathers through art.
Long ago, in the eternal snows of the north, the Owl and the Raven were both as white as the drifts that covered the tundra. One day, they grew tired of their plain appearance and agreed to paint one another with beautiful patterns. The Raven began first. With great care and patience, he used a tuft of moss to paint delicate black spots and elegant stripes across the Owl's white feathers, creating a magnificent design. When he finished, the Owl was pleased and began to return the favor. However, the Raven was impatient and could not stop hopping about. He danced and teased the Owl, refusing to sit still for the delicate work. Frustrated by the Raven's constant movement and mocking laughter, the Owl lost her temper. She picked up a pot of thick, black lamp soot and poured the entire contents over the Raven's head. The Raven was soaked from beak to tail, and no amount of washing in the snow could remove the stain. To this day, the Raven remains solid black, while the Owl wears her intricate, speckled patterns with pride.
The Moral
Patience and cooperation yield beauty, while impulsiveness and mockery can lead to permanent misfortune.
“Because you could not be still, you shall be black as the charred remains of a fire forever.”
Fun Fact
This story is an 'etiological' myth, a type of legend intended to explain why things in nature, like animal colors, are the way they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Owl and the Raven?
The moral is that patience is a virtue and that acting impulsively or mockingly can have lasting negative consequences. It also highlights how mutual cooperation requires respect for the process.
Why is the Raven black in Inuit mythology?
The Raven is black because he would not sit still while the Owl was painting him. Out of frustration, the Owl poured a whole pot of black lamp soot over him.
Were the Owl and the Raven always different colors?
No, according to the legend, both birds were originally pure white like the Arctic snow. They only gained their current colors after trying to paint each other.
What kind of owl is featured in this story?
The story features the Snowy Owl, which is native to the Arctic regions and is known for its white feathers with dark, speckled markings.
Who painted the Owl's feathers?
The Raven painted the Owl's feathers. He did so with great care, creating the beautiful spots and patterns that Snowy Owls are known for today.
What was used as paint in the story?
The birds used dark lamp soot or charred oil from a traditional soapstone lamp, which was a common source of pigment in the Arctic environment.
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