10 Owl Symbolism, Myths & Meaning: A Totem, Spirit & Power Animal

The Greek Goddess Athena and her Owl Companion

One of the most adored gods in Greek mythology was Athena. We all know that Athena had the Owl as her sacred animal. In addition to her strength, she served as the patroness of knowledge, bravery, ingenuity, culture, law, and justice. The Owl, which was regarded as her personal animal, was one of her symbols. Because of this, seeing an Owl on the battlefield bodes good tidings for soldiers — the goddess of war has smiled upon them.

Many portrayals of Athena use her Owl companion as a major element. The Owl was revered as a sign of knowledge and wisdom, and it was considered that, like Athena, the bird was able to penetrate darkness to uncover the truth. The depiction of the Owl can be seen on some ancient Greek currency which symbolizes wealth and status.

According to legend, Athena was born fully grown, armored, and with an Owl resting on her shoulder. The Owl was believed to be a gift from Zeus, the god king, and it quickly became her lifelong friend.

Another story says that Athena, also presented as the Greek goddess of wisdom and guardian of the Acropolis, actually used to have a crow for a companion. The goddess eventually banishes the crow for being a trickster. Looking for a replacement, the search ends with favoring the Owl because Athena became captivated with the creature’s seriousness and wisdom.

The Owl was commonly portrayed on coins and other forms of coinage in ancient Greece. These coins, with a picture of Athena on one side and an Owl on the other, were extensively used during transactions and trade throughout the Mediterranean continent.

Besides ancient coins minted of Athena with the Owl, the Acropolis of Athens features a great number of the species. Athena is commonly depicted with an Owl by her side throughout ancient Greek art and literature. The Parthenon fresco, a sequence of sculptures that formerly graced the façade of Athens’ Parthenon temple, is one notable example. In ancient texts and historical artifacts, historians learned that the Owls were to protect the Acropolis. The fresco depicts Athena holding an Owl in her left hand and extending her right hand in a guarding gesture. The Owl is believed to be a protector that possesses magical power – a power that also enables the creature to see in the dark. This magical power has also been thought of as a symbol to inspire Greek armies of victory to war.

The Owl was considered an emblem of good fortune and security in addition to just being associated with Athena. It was assumed that if an Owl had been seen or heard during such a battle, this would bring triumph to the side that had seen or heard it. This belief resulted in the widespread usage of Owl images on shields, banners, and other military emblems.

The Owl continues to be regarded as a symbol of skill and intelligence, and it is still linked with Athena. In many communities, the Owl is still recognized as a symbol of favorable fortune, and those who interact with it are said to get advice and direction.

To some extent, the Owl companion of the Greek goddess Athena has had a huge impact on Western civilization. The picture of Athena clutching an Owl has persisted as a sign of wisdom and knowledge, while Owls have actually evolved into symbols of great luck and security. These two figures’ myths and tales continued to fascinate and influence people all around the world.

Ancient Egyptian Owl-God

Minerva is frequently misunderstood as an ancient Egyptian Owl god. Minerva is the Roman goddess of wisdom and war, later connected with the Greek goddess Athena. Until now, in Ancient Egyptian mythology, there has been an Owl-god known as Wepwawet or Upuaut, who is often depicted as a werewolf or jackal-headed deity with an Owl mounted on his head or shoulder.

Wepwawet was a god connected with the ritual of opening the mouth, which was an important ritual done during the mummification process. The purpose of the mouth-opening ceremony was to enable the departed to eat and drink in the afterlife. Wepwawet was also associated with hunting, and he was usually shown as the pharaoh’s guardian in military operations.

The Owl, which was connected to Wepwawet, was considered to symbolize wisdom and intellect. It was frequently shown with a human head on its body since it was also thought to be a guardian of the dead.

Egyptian mythology apparently gave rise to the Owl god Sokar in addition to Wepwawet. Sokar, a deceased person’s god, was usually depicted as a hawk-headed god standing on a boat and wearing a helmet with two enormous plumes. Sometimes, Sokar was shown with an Owl perched on his arm or shoulder. The Owl was seen as a sign of enduring wisdom and direction.

Even though Minerva wasn’t the Ancient Egyptian Owl god, the Owl was an important emblem in Roman and Greek mythology. The Owl was a sign of intellect and wisdom and was connected with Athena, the Greek goddess of knowledge and war. The Owl was highly regarded as a protector of Athens and was frequently depicted on Athenian coins and other forms of currency.

The Owl was connected with Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts in Roman mythology. Minerva, like Athena, was often shown holding an Owl or with an Owl resting on her shoulder, and the bird was seen as an emblem of her knowledge and intelligence.

In Egypt, the Owl also takes on the more traditional role as a guardian of occult knowledge. It is said that Owls guide the souls of the deceased to the next plane of existence. The Owls are perceived as seer of souls and ruler of the night. It symbolizes protection of the dead and the underworld that accompanies souls into the realm of spirit to free them from the physical world.

The Owl teaches us many lessons, obtained through keen observation not just of itself but of our surroundings that we may be all empowered with the Owl’s prudence and wisdom.

To summarize, while Minerva is not an Ancient Egyptian Owl god, Owl gods such as Wepwawet and Sokar existed in Egyptian mythology. In both Roman and Greek mythology, the Owl was associated with goddesses of knowledge such as Minerva and Athena. Because of the Owl’s link with wisdom and guidance, it has grown into an everlasting emblem in so many cultures, and it continues to amaze and motivate people today.

Story of the Owl and the Moon

The Native American Story of the Owl and the Moon is a beautiful story passed down through generations. This story illustrates how the Owl became related to the moon and why it is regarded as a holy bird in many Native American tribes.

According to the legend, long ago, the moon was lonely and wished for a partner. It looked down at the ground and noticed a lovely Owl soaring across the night sky. The moon was smitten by the Owl’s elegance and beauty that he decided to summon it.

The Owl flew to the moon as if it were calling to it. They got along well right away and flew together frequently at night. Quite often, the moon and the Owl would converse for hours, sharing stories and secrets.

One evening, the moon apologized to the Owl for occasionally not being able to be seen in the sky. The Owl listened attentively before offering a solution. The Owl proposed to be seen during the night, even on the darkest of nights, if the moon shared its brightness with it.

The moon was thrilled with the concept and agreed to let the Owl use some of its light. Story from then on, anyone could see the Owl flying over the evening sky while illuminated by the moon. The Owl and the moon became inseparable, and the Owl remains to represent the moon and its wisdom.

There might be a vast range of understanding taken depending on the group and civilization that narrates the Native American tale of the Owl and the Moon. The Owl, in particular versions of the narrative, is a symbol of knowledge, intellect, and insight.

The Owl is regarded as a spiritual bird in many Native American tribes. Its ability to see through the dark is regarded as a metaphor for seeing through illusions and recognizing the truth in challenging situations.

In some communities, the Owl is even regarded as a child guardian. So according to mythology, the Owl will keep watch on young children as they sleep, protecting them against harm. The Owl is also associated with medicine since it is said to have healing properties.

The Hopi tribe of Native Americans finds the Owl sacred that it symbolizes divination and prophesy being the god of the dead. It is believed to favor the ground and serves as the protector of plants and the underworld.

The Owl is also connected to the afterlife because of its capacity to interact with the ghosts of the dead. Other tribes see the Owl to herald the end of life, bringing fear among them. It is a creature that allows the passage of a person from life to the spirit world through what is called the Owl bridge. There are also legends that tell of a witchcraft that the Owls are shape-shifters harming people at night.

Although it has many good characteristics, the Owl has long been feared and misunderstood. Because of its eerie cry and nighttime activities, many people equate this with darkness and evil. The Owl has been considered a forerunner of mortality or a sign of bad luck in different cultures.

Despite its negative connotations, the Native American story of the Owl and the moon reminds us that the Owl is a beautiful animal full of wisdom and beauty. Its relationship with the moon symbolizes the strength of friendship and the importance of establishing company in life.

The intriguing tale The Native American Story of the Owl and the Moon educates us on the value of wisdom, the endurance of friendship, and the splendor of the natural world. It stimulates us to go deeper than life’s external impacts in pursuit of its greater meaning. The bird never fails to amaze and fascinate us, whether we see it as a sign of protection, healing, or intellect.

Legend of the Owl Tengu

The tengu, a mythological being from Japanese mythology, is frequently shown as a bird or a creature mimicking a bird with human features. For instance, the Owl Tengu is widely known for its capacity to change into an Owl and its connection with intellect and wisdom.

Tradition holds that the Owl Tengu resided far into the mountains and forests of Japan, where it studied ancient texts and engaged in combat techniques. The Owl Tengu was said to be extremely knowledgeable and intelligent, able to see right through ignorance in the same manner as an Owl can see the darkness of the night.

In some different versions of the legend, the Owl Tengu was a keeper of the forests and the creatures that lived there. It was rumored to care deeply about fairness and to use its combative abilities to protect people who had been wronged or mistreated.

The Owl Tengu’s cleverness was also recognized widely. It was said to enjoy duping others, particularly the arrogant or stupid. A few traditions view the Owl Tengu as a deceiver who exploits trickery and wit to fool its enemies.

In spite of its trickery, the Japanese folklore Owl, Tengu, was considered a smart and respected being. It became commonly characterized as mankind’s educator or mentor, imparting its expertise and wisdom to the worthy.

Japanese pop culture has recently witnessed the popularity increase of the Owl Tengu. It really has been in computer games, comic books, cartoons, and other media. The Owl Tengu has become known as a significant symbol among Japanese learners and educators since it is associated with wisdom and knowledge.

Therefore, the Owl Tengu myth is an important part of Japanese mythology. This creature has grown into a lingering icon of intelligence and trickery in Japanese society due to its ability to transform into an Owl and its association with knowledge and wisdom. The Owl Tengu, whether regarded as a cunning trickster or a wise tutor, still seems to captivate and inspire other people.

Owl and the Crow

Hindu mythology generally portrays the Owl and the crow as opponents, with the Owl standing for intelligence and the crow for greed and stupidity. One tale describes how the Owl outsmarted the crow and triumphed.

Legend has it that the crow was notorious for his avarice and arrogance. He would occasionally take food from other animals and hoard it for later. On the other hand, the Owl’s tendency to predict the future made many people adore him. All the animals in the forest respected him for his wisdom and advice.

The crow once spotted a slice of cheese that some people had left behind. He snatched the cheese in a flash and flew to a nearby tree to devour it. On the other hand, the Owl had already been keeping an eye on the crow and had seen him steal the cheese.

The Owl moved towards the crow and began applauding him for his skill and knowledge. Asserting that the crow was the smartest bird in the forest, he told the bird that he had never previously experienced such a clever creature.

The crow was flattered by the Owl’s compliments and began to proudly preen his feathers. The cheese slipped from his beak and fell to the ground below as he did so. The Owl swooped down and snatched the cheese from the crow, leaving the crow with nothing.

The crow was furious at the Owl for deceiving him and swore revenge. He waited till the Owl was asleep in his tree before squawking loudly in an attempt to wake him up. The Owl, on the other hand, was actually asleep and did not move.

The Owl, however, kept his calm and displayed no feelings. He remarked, opening his eyes and facing the crow squarely, “I am not frightened of you, small bird. I am a creature of knowledge and wisdom, and your ignorance cannot harm me.”

Humiliated by his defeat, the crow departed, swearing he wouldn’t ever again have any contact with the Owl.

The Owl and crow legend is commonly used to highlight the importance of intelligence and knowledge over greed and stupidity. It is a reminder of the dangers of greed and the advantages of selflessness.

The Owl is often associated with the deity of wealth and prosperity in Hindu mythology, but the crow is connected with avarice and selfishness. The story of their conflict serves as a reminder that ultimate riches and prosperity are gained through knowledge and wisdom rather than material possessions.

Huldra and the Owl

In Scandinavian myth, the Huldra is a powerful symbol that is shown as a beautiful woman with a long, flowing tail that resembles a cow’s or a fox’s tail. The Huldra is renowned for luring men into the jungle with her alluring beauty, where they will perish for all time. The Huldra meets an Owl in one tale and forms a remarkable relationship with it.

The Huldra begins her tale by singing a beautiful melody as she goes through the jungle. An Owl comes close and begins to inquire as to her loneliness while she sings. The Huldra admits to being alone and wishes she could share the rest of her life with someone.

The Owl volunteers to be the Huldra’s friend and comrade, and the two begin to spend their time together. The Owl educates the Huldra about the forest and its wonders, while the Huldra teaches the Owl about magic and enticement.

Over time, the Huldra and the Owl become companions, and the Huldra recognizes she has feelings for the Owl. She expresses her affections to the Owl, but he doesn’t reciprocate her sentiments because he has long been in love with the moon.

Even though she is devastated, the Huldra continues to be friends with the Owl and cherishes her time with him. Subsequently, the Huldra meets a wandering human male and uses her charming abilities to seduce him into her world.

The Huldra dismisses the Owl’s warnings that the guy is harmful and continues to hang out with him despite the Owl’s concerns. Later, the man grows envious of the Huldra’s friendship with the Owl and demands that she make a decision between himself and the Owl.

With her affection for the man and her loyalty to the Owl, Huldra suffers intense conflict. When she finally chooses the man, the Owl takes off and never looks back.

The life lesson of Huldra and the Owl emphasizes the risks of choosing love over friendship. It serves as an indicator that perhaps the people we care about might occasionally lead us to make bad decisions, which is why it is necessary to listen carefully to their advice.

The Owl is typically associated with intelligence and direction in Scandinavian mythology, but the Huldra is linked with seduction and enchantment. Their unusual friendship serves as a lesson that sometimes the most unlikely of companions may build a bond founded on trust and mutual respect.

Celtic Tale of the Owl and the Moon

In Celtic mythology, the Owl is highly associated with the moon and regarded as a representation of wisdom, mystery, and intuition. Certainly, the Owl and moon story has been handed down from generation to generation and continues to be told until today.

One Celtic tale says that the Owl was once a magnificent and powerful bird, with feathers that gleamed in the moonlight. She was an admired creature that everybody who saw finds to appreciate it. The moon, with her gorgeous brilliance illuminating the night sky, was also a pairing source of astonishment and inspiration.

The Owl once came up to the moon and inquired of her how she managed to shine so brilliantly in the night. The moon replied by stating that she acquired her light from the sun and distributed its beams to the earth. This fascinated the Owl, who sought permission for him to do the same.

The Owl was told by the moon to stretch her wings and soar high into the sky, who nodded its head in response. The Owl followed every instruction and flew higher until she was engulfed in darkness. She calmed her head and stay focused, bringing all of her might and concentration to bear.

The Owl was eventually surrounded by a brilliant light that had flown all the way from the moon. The Owl cried out loudly since this light had been so dazzling. She didn’t falter, though, and gave it her best to embrace the power of the moon.

When the light dwindled, the Owl broadened her vision and gazed at the surface below. To add to her surprise, her feathers had already acquired a shimmering silver color that mirrored the moon’s brilliance. She suddenly knew she was born with the power to shine like the moonlight in the night sky.

All through time, the Owl was revered for its shrewdness and compassion and grew to be recognized as a moon symbol. She was regarded as the earth’s protector during the night, guiding those who wandered out alone.

The Owl and the moonlight tale are frequently seen as an analogy for the power of instinct as well as the importance of pursuing education and learning. The Owl represents the potential to see past what is obvious and discover the hidden truths that lie beyond due to her keen senses and ability to see through the dark.

The Owl was also associated with the deity Cerridwen, who was recognized as the wisdom goddess and the keeper of the cauldron of wisdom in Celtic mythology. Cerridwen was believed to be escorted by an Owl, which signified her link to the moon and her intelligence.

All in all, the story of the Owl and the moon is a beautiful and inspiring fable that reminds us of the importance of intuition and pursuing knowledge and wisdom in our lives. It acts as an indicator that the deepest secrets and insights are sometimes only uncovered by going beyond the superficial and digging into the mysteries of the unknown.

Myth of the Owl and the Sun

A few African cultures consider the Owl a magnificent and mysterious being that is frequently linked to the moon and the night sky. The story of the Owl’s significance in the solar cycle does, meanwhile, exist.

Folklore holds that the sun and moon were once wed and co-ruled the skies. But they didn’t have a pleasant marriage. They feuded and quarreled all the time. Eventually, the moon decided to split from the sun as it grew weary of their regular arguments.

The loss of his wife devastated him, and he slipped into a profound depression. The sun no longer shines as brightly as he once did, and the world becomes dark and chilly. People on Earth were frightened and prayed for the sun to return.

The Owl made the choice to help after hearing the people’s cries one night. She flew up to the sun and offered to carry him on her back, enabling him to shine once again. The sun agreed, and they soared across the sky together, the Owl bearing the sun on her strong wings.

As they flew higher, the amount of sunlight increased, illuminating the scene beneath. The citizens of Earth looked in amazement and awe as they witnessed the sun’s glory once more. They rejoiced and welcomed the return of the sun.

Every day, the Owl soared across the sky, carrying the sun on its back to provide light to the land. The sun and the Owl built a deep bond over time and became good friends.

The Owl and the sun fable is frequently interpreted as a lesson on the value of partnering and helping one another. The Owl’s selfless deed of carrying the sun on her back shows the strength of her compassion and her eagerness to help others in need.

Moreover, the tale points out the significance of the sun and its function in the physical world. In so many African traditions, the sun is considered a symbol of life and vitality, providing warmth and light to all living things.

Overall, the myth of the Owl and the sun is a nice story that teaches readers about the importance of teamwork and the power of empathy. It was a sweet story of friendship and loyalty with an uplifting message of regeneration and potential. The Owl is symbolic of mankind’s greatest power, in addition to the critical role that all living things play in the circle of life because of their wisdom and strength.