Origins and Natural History
Owls belong to the order Strigiformes, a group of birds characterized by forward-facing eyes, a flat facial disk that helps focus sound, and silent flight. There are around 250 species of owls distributed worldwide, except Antarctica. Their nocturnal nature and specialized hunting adaptations made them mysterious to early humans, who saw these birds as creatures of the night and often harbingers of the unknown.
Owls in Ancient Cultures
Ancient Greece and Athena’s Owl
One of the most famous historical associations of owls is with the ancient Greek goddess Athena, the deity of wisdom and warfare. The Little Owl (Athene noctua) became a symbol of Athena and, by extension, wisdom, knowledge, and strategic thinking. The owl was featured on Athenian coins and pottery, representing the city’s values of intellect and governance.
The Greeks believed the owl had the ability to see what others could not — it was a guardian of secrets and protector of the city. The phrase “wise as an owl” has roots in this symbolism.
Rome and the Omens
In ancient Rome, owls were often considered omens of death or misfortune. The hooting of an owl was sometimes interpreted as a bad sign or a warning of impending danger. Roman writers like Pliny the Elder documented various beliefs around owls, including their eerie calls signaling death or calamity.
The Owl in Egyptian Mythology
In ancient Egypt, owls had a dual reputation. On one hand, they were associated with death and the afterlife due to their nocturnal habits. On the other, the Egyptian hieroglyph for “m” — a character resembling an owl — was an essential part of their written language, showing that owls were integrated into daily life and communication.
Native American Beliefs
Among many Native American tribes, owls hold powerful spiritual significance. Some tribes regard owls as protectors and guides in the spirit world, while others see them as messengers of death or bad news. For example, the Hopi and Apache associate owls with death, while the Cherokee sometimes view the owl as a wise protector. shutdown123