The Trickster Transformer of the Northwest Pacific
Of all the mythological figures I have researched over the years, one of my absolute favorites has to be Raven. The stories involving this character always hold deep meaning, but the chaos that surrounds him is also pretty fun. Here is a short biography:
Raven
Sculpture by Bill Reid of Raven releasing the first men from a clam in the Haida creation story
Native name: Xhuuya, Wiigit, Saghani Ggayy, Dotson’sa among others
Equivalent: Coyote (Western NA Tribes), Rabbit (Southeast NA Tribes) among others
Deity of: Creation, Mischief
Race: Transformers
Spouse: N/A
Father of: N/A
In mythology:
Raven is a cultural hero of many societies in the Pacific Northwest, and goes by countless names and titles. Stories of his activities can vary significantly, though there are common themes of him as either creator or trickster – or both – with magical talents and the ability to shapeshift. He is often considered a complex reflection of one’s self and, despite being benevolent in general, his curiosities and selfishness regularly get the better of him. While some clans believe it was Raven who brought the Earth into being, others credit him with releasing light, fresh water, fire and even humans into the world. An interesting note, however, is that the legends tend to show his creativity through stealing or consequences rather than intent, and more than one involves the accidental death of another deity. As such, the Raven myths usually teach one how to live a good life by revealing the cost of bad actions. Xhuuya is his personal name in Haida mythology, while Yaahl is the literal word for raven.
In Axtelera Ray:
Xhuuya is considered to be one of the first and greatest of the Yaahl Tribe, remembered as the “Raven Father” and “Nankil’slas” (He Whose Voice must be Obeyed). His tales of heroism and wisdom are often intermingled with selfish cunning and troublemaking, and he was both loved and loathed by the ruling Great Spirit. Though his kin are plentiful in Western Octavia, his descendants reside in several places around the world, perhaps most notably the mysterious Kilsiid who offers royal counsel in Yggdrasil.
Learn more cool history and mythology trivia at our encyclopedia.
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