Valravn

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The Valravn (Danish: raven of the slain) is a mythical raven found in Scandinavian folklore.

Contents

[edit] Folklore

According to Danish folklore recorded in the late 1800's, when a king or chieftain was killed in battle and not found and buried, ravens came and ate him. The ravens became Valravne. The Valravn that ate the king's heart gained human knowledge and could perform great malicious acts, could lead people astray, had superhuman powers, and were "terrible animals".[1]

In another account, the Valravn is described as a peaceless soul in search of redemption that flies by night (but never day) and can only free itself from its animal countenance by consuming the blood of a child. This is reflected in a Danish traditional song that describes how, after refusing offers of riches, the Valravn makes an agreement with a maiden to take her to her betrothed after she promises it her first born son. After completing the agreement, the Valravn flies away. In time, the couple have a child and the Valravn returns. The Valravn asks the maiden if she has forgotten her promise and takes the child away. The Valravn then tears into the chest of the child, consumes the blood contained within the child's heart, and transforms into a knight. Other accounts describe Valravn as a monster that is half-wolf and half-raven.[2]

According to Jacob Grimm, in his 1844 work Deutsche Mythologie, the "vilde ravn or vilde valravn" ("wild raven or wild Valravn") take "exactly the place of the diabolical trold" in Danish folk songs. Grimm gives the Old High German equivalent walahraban.[3]

[edit] Influence

The Valravn has subsequently inspired an early 20th century book of short stories[4] and some modern popular culture references, such as a modern Danish musical group that plays a form of traditional music,[5] Valravn, a Danish Germanic Neopagan magazine published in 24 issues from 2002 to 2007,[6] and mentions in children's books.[7]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Kristensen, Evald Tang. (1980) Danske Sagn: Som De Har Lyd I Folkemunde, page 132. Nyt Nordisk Forlag Arnold Busck, Copenhagen. ISBN 87-17-02791-8
  2. ^ Olrik, Axel. Falbe, Ida Hansen. (1909) Danske Folkeviser, pages 43 to 46. Gyldendal
  3. ^ Stallybrass, James Steven. (Trans.) (2004) Teutonic Mythology, volume 3, page 997. Dover Publications ISBN 0486435482
  4. ^ Stuckenberg, Viggo Henrik Fog. (1908) Valravn og Sol: smaa romaner Gyldendal
  5. ^ Valravn online: [1]
  6. ^ Valravn magazine online: [2] All issues for download: [3]
  7. ^ Bjerre, Birgit. (1991) Skovtrolden i Lerbjergskoven, page 10. Høst & Søn ISBN 87-14-19005-2
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