What's in an ugly word?
One filled with heartache.
A bursting of a thin glass vase,
water spilling over,
waves racing its rim.
When it finally breaks,
gushing out,
shards strewn,
everything's ruined.
Everything is liberated.
Clever, sneaky Raven releasing the sun, moon, and stars to the earth. A protagonist hero, born from the darkness, Raven has always played a creative part in this world. Geographically, ravens can be found across the northern hemisphere, yet it is here, in Lingít Aaní, where Raven's legend is the foundation of life. Conversely, in Scandinavia, Raven holds magic, prosperity, luck, laced with a kiss of death. Travel further and Raven is regarded as a lost soul who didn't experience a proper burial. When you dive down the rabbit hole of Raven tales, you find there is a LOT of magic, myth and lure. A creature of grandiose historic significance, even depicted on Odin's shoulders. It is impossible to hide Raven from the pages of history, just as it is impossible hiding prosperous land from Raven.
Also interesting is the beautiful symbiotic relationship between wolves and ravens. Ravens scavenge wolves' kill, often assisting in hunting by spotting prey from above. They've also been seen playing together.
Above all of this, old timers in Alaska can contest to talking ravens in Juneau and throughout Alaska. It's said you can slit the tongue of a raven and it can regurgitate words, similar to a parrot. Stories of ravens helping to locate missing hikers and boaters echo in the minds of survivors. Intelligent animals to say the least!
So, why no ravens near Taku River? I hadn't noticed this until my dear friend, Sydney, mentioned it. The question has been burning in the back of my mind since. There's certainly moose there, so you'd think the wolves would be out. Is it deeper than that? I tried asking a few Tlingit friends why ravens might avoid an area, no such luck on an answer just yet. Perhaps it's the haunting memories of Point Bishop? Did the spirits of the Taku Tlingits move on? Too much bad blood? Ravens surround the area in abundance, so what is it that keeps them away? And Why?
I have a secret suspicion that the ravens will one day return, Sydney, who belongs to Raven moiety, has dug her roots deeper into the land here. In due time I believe she'll call them in, if and when she sees fit ;)
