In the mythology of many Northwest Indian tribes, Raven is honored as a culture hero.
He is a revered and benevolent transformer figure who helps the people and shapes their
world for them, but at the same time, he is also a trickster character and many Raven stories
have to do with his frivolous or poorly thought out behavior causing trouble for him and the
people around him. Raven is noted for negative traits such as gluttony, greed, and impatience
as well as for his heroism and great deeds.
Ravens are also used as clan animals in many Native American cultures, particularly those of the
Northwest Coast (such as the Haida, Tlingit, Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Nisgaa-Gitksan, and Salishan tribes)
and the northern Athabaskan tribes (such as the Tanaina.) Raven is an important clan crest on the
Northwest Coast and can often be found carved on totem poles, bentwood boxes, and other traditional
northwestern art. Other tribes with Raven Clans include the Menominee tribe.
Raven Tales:
A collection of traditional Northwest Coast Raven legends presented by the Quileute tribe.
Raven's Athabaskan Tales:
Online collection of seven Ahtna and other Alaskan Athabaskan legends about the trickster hero Raven.
Raven Annoys Octopus:
Northwest Coast Raven legend about the trickster learning a lesson about pestering others.
Flying Wonder:
Cree legend about a witch taking the form of a raven to take revenge on his inlaws.
Raven and His Grandmother:
Aleut myths about the wives of the trickster hero Raven.
Recommended Books of Raven Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
Native American Indian cultures
Arctic Raven (Eskimo-Aleut tribes)
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