The ravens of the Westman Islands. Fish Focus’ latest feature follows our trip to the Icelandic archipelago, Vestmannaeyjar.
The ravens (hrafnar) of the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar) are more than just birds, they are deeply woven into local folklore, spiritual beliefs and everyday life. These intelligent and mysterious creatures have long fascinated Icelanders and on the Westman Islands in particular, ravens carry a special symbolic weight.
Ravens in Icelandic Culture
In Norse mythology, Odin, the Allfather, was accompanied by two ravens: Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory). These birds flew around the world each day, bringing news back to their master. This mythological connection gave ravens a reputation for wisdom, foresight and spiritual depth.
In Icelandic folklore more broadly, ravens are often seen as:
- Omens, either of death or fortune, depending on context.
- Messengers between the world of the living and the dead.
- Protective spirits or guides, particularly for those traveling or lost at sea.
Ravens in the Westman Islands
The Westman Islands, with their wild cliffs, open skies and close relationship to nature, are a perfect haven for ravens. Here, they are not just animals but participants in local stories, often appearing in tales passed down through generations.
Some locals believe that the ravens of Heimaey (the main island) guard the cliffs and the people, watching from high perches above sea and stone. They’re said to appear before major events, such as storms or volcanic activity, acting as silent sentinels of the islands.
In particular, stories were told of ravens behaving strangely before the 1973 eruption of Eldfell, circling low over the town, calling more loudly than usual. Some interpreted this as a warning that something unnatural was about to occur.
Ravens are often seen following fishing boats or flying out toward the sea. In old stories, a raven seen flying back toward land was considered a good sign, a guide for lost fishermen, or a sign that safe harbour was near.
In some tales, a single raven will appear to fishermen in fog or during storms and fly just ahead of the boat, leading them safely home. Such a raven is believed to be a spirit of a loved one or a guardian spirit of the island itself.
Superstitions and Sayings
Islanders, like many Icelanders, held a range of superstitions about ravens:
- Seeing two ravens fighting was a bad omen, possibly foretelling conflict or death.
- If a raven sat on your roof and cawed three times, someone in the household might be in danger or ill.
- Killing a raven was considered extremely unlucky and in some versions of local belief, could curse a fisherman’s luck for years.
The Raven of Heimaklettur
One of the enduring local legends is of the Raven of Heimaklettur, the massive cliff overlooking Heimaey harbour.
A young boy once climbed Heimaklettur despite warnings from the elders, hoping to collect raven eggs to prove his courage. As he reached the nest, a great black raven appeared, not like any ordinary bird, but larger and with silver-tipped wings.
The raven spoke to him, not in words, but in thoughts and warned him that if he took what was not given, he would pay dearly. The boy ignored the warning and stole the eggs.
That night, a sudden storm hit. His family’s fishing boat was lost at sea. The boy, stricken with guilt, returned the eggs to the nest the next day. The raven appeared once more, silently watching him. After that, the boy never took from the cliffs again and became one of the island’s most respected fishermen, always saying he was guided by the raven when out at sea.
Today, ravens are still a common and celebrated sight in the Westman Islands. Tourists and locals alike enjoy watching them soar along the dramatic cliffs. While puffins get much of the attention due to their seasonal nesting, ravens are seen year-round and are recognised by islanders as symbols of endurance, memory and connection to the land.
The local respect for ravens is quiet but deep. They’re often called “old souls” or “the watchers” and while no longer feared as omens, they are still regarded with a mixture of reverence and curiosity.
The ravens of the Westman Islands are more than just part of the ecosystem, they are storytellers, watchers and spiritual presences in a landscape shaped by sea, sky and fire. Through centuries of change, they have remained constant, mysterious black silhouettes against the wind, echoing the myths of gods, ghosts and guardians.
We will be posting an article every day, covering this amazing trip and showcasing the Icelandic Seafood industry, cutting edge aquaculture, Icelandic heritage and the hospitality of the Icelandic people. You can read the whole publication here
Image: Pixabay