Throughout time, Birds have guided us towards possibility, offered us colorful glimmers, enhanced our stories, and even become companions in understanding creation, spirit, and the way we make sense of the world. From a Goddess's familiar, to bringing humans to earth, to the inception of the stars themselves, Birds decorate our living library with vibrancy, imagination, and wisdom.

In this potent season of reflection, we often turn to comforts, creativity, and community as a way to churn warmth from within ourselves and our relationships. It is, therefore, an opportune time to explore some of these Bird-related magic and myths. But, first, let us clarify what a myth really is! While it is often colloquially considered to mean something of a false or untrue nature, its deeper and original definition is that of a sacred narrative passed down through generations that provides meaning, context, and value to cultures.

With acknowledgement of the importance of myth, we invite you to explore the myriad of Bird folklore that is timeless evidence of our intimate connection with the intrepid!

Creation Stories
‍Hummingbird Creates the Stars

In Chumash legend, there shines a story about the creation of night and the cosmos. It begins before the world was inhabited by humans, when animals lived in complete balance and harmony. Until, they didn’t! Varying species began to take more than their share of the food web, inciting arguments and division amongst the creatures.

In order to admonish animosity, the Great Spirit threw a blanket over the sky, immersing all in complete darkness. As fear ensued, the animals came together in search of solutions. First, Bear, being the strongest, took a running leap! She reached just high enough to scratch the sky, leaving light-filled streaks across the darkness. But, she could not bring the blanket down.

Then, a great winged being- the Turkey Vulture- flapped his mighty wings, going higher and higher till “pop,” his head broke through the barrier. Too close to the sun, he returned having made a hole in the sky, but with a barren, bald, and red head.

Finally, Hummingbird knew she wasn’t the strongest or the fastest, but she was tenacious and she had an idea. She beat her rapid wings until she reached the blanket where, over and over again, she poked her slender beak into that which made the world go dark. As she continued to poke holes, the animals marveled at the shapes, at the beauty of the sky above them.

Together, they began sharing in awe, smiles, kindness, and the gifts that come from togetherness. Upon noticing this shift, Great Spirit wanted to reward their camaraderie. But as a reminder of the need for balance, he decided to take the blanket away for only half of each day, leading to the cycle of night and day we know so well. Each night, we can still see the efforts of the animal kingdom. Just look to the Milky Way for where Bear scratched, the moon for where Vulture collided his head, and all the dancing stars for Hummingbird’s consistent determination!

View "How the Night Came to be"

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The Cry that Birthed the World
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In ancient Egypt, Bennu was a heron-like bird often associated with life and rebirth. Some myths tell of his being birthed from the heart of Osiris- the god of the afterlife and rebirth- and some say he represents the soul of the Sun God Ra. It is believed that Bennu flew over the chaotic, primordial waters, alighted on a stone amid the waves and screeched a cry so powerful it broke the silence of the universe and brought about the creation of the world.

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Magpie Dreamtime

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According to Aboriginal cultures of Australia, dreamtime references the period of time in which life came to be and “dreaming” is the word often used to describe the stories that explain how that life came to be. Throughout the continent, each aboriginal group has their own version of these living histories!

One version of a Wadawurrung dreamtime story honors the resourcefulness and intelligence of Magpies. At one point in history, the sky hung so low there was not enough room for trees to grow and everyone had to crawl around in the dark. One day, the Magpies gathered together and, using sticks, lifted the sky so all could move freely. At this, the sky cracked open, revealing the first, beautiful sunrise. Overjoyed, the Magpies broke into a dawn chorus and to this day can still be heard singing each morning.

Read "The Magpie Story"
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Read "Magpies have chortled since the very first dawn"

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Legendary Birds

The Phoenix

A potent symbol of renewal, the Phoenix is depicted in Egyptian and Greek Mythology. This giant bird represents the indestructibility of the soul as, after hundreds or thousands of years of life, the mystical Bird sets itself on fire, only to be reborn from its own ashes.

The Thunderbird

This mythical Bird appears in many North American traditions and, like its namesake, is connected to lightning and thunder. It is believed that the flap of this giant bird’s wings causes both wind and storms, among other supernatural strengths and abilities! In many stories, Thunderbird is also a protector of humans.

Yatagarasu

A three-legged crow from Japanese culture that is believed to offer guidance to humanity. The three limbs can symbolize heaven, earth, humanity, and it is said that Yatagarasu guided the first emperor of Japan through the mountains.

Huma

Originating in Persian mythology, the Huma is said to be in eternal flight and is often called the “Bird of Paradise.” Since it never alights on the earth, catching a glimpse of the Huma or being passed by its shadow was said to bring good fortune, luck, and happiness.

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Bird Familiars

Adar Rhiannon

In Welsh mythology, the Goddess Rhiannon, who governs horses, fertility, forgiveness, and the moon, is believed to travel with three birds (possibly Starlings) whose song is so beautiful that they can wake the dead, lull the living to sleep, and bring peace.

Swan of Saraswati

In Hindu tradition, the Goddess Saraswati is connected to learning, wisdom, music, and fine arts. She is often depicted as riding a Mute Swan, or Hamsa, which is also a symbol of wisdom, as well as purity. Mute Swans are thought to have beaks that separate milk from water and are therefore adept at discernment and separating truth from illusion.

Avians of Aphrodite

Aphrodite is the Ancient Greek Goddess of Love and Beauty. Her and her roman counterpart, Venus, are often depicted with white Doves surrounding them or pulling their chariot. This is believed to be due to the fact that Doves are a potent spiritual symbol representing hope and peace.
While we have not even scratched the surface of the deep and comprehensive list of Bird myths, these serve as a reminder of our both imaginative and instinctual connection to wild beings. Stories live in our bones and so, too, does our knowing that this planet, this universe, is a shared one.

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