Wolves and Ravens: Beloved animals of the Norse people

Tsar

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I have been fascinated with these two animals for a long time. You have Ravens, who have the intelligence of a seven year old human. And wolves, who have undying loyalty to their pack. These two play an important role in Norse mythology, often attributed as the divine companions of Odin.

While they are indeed both intelligent and give off an aura of mysticism, I’ve always wondered why the Norse people chose these animals to be symbols of their culture.
 
Ravens and wolves are monogamous animals which is rare in the animal kingdom (less than 5% of mammals). Watch some videos of ravens and you’ll notice they keep themselves upright and proud, like they see themselves as regality.
 
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Not sure about ravens, but I know wolf packs are one of the few animal species that consist of a nuclear family structure. I’m sure the Vikings thought “they’re literally me.”
The old Turkic societies had a similar idea. The explanation I heard was that the Turk is represented with the wolf because wolves are among the few animals who have this concept of "revenge". If you harm even the weakest link in their pack they will hunt you down to avenge their fallen. In the same manner, the Turk is willing to hunt down anyone who harms another Turk or so the story goes.
 
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Ravens are intelligent and able to mimic any sound, almost like they’re speaking to you directly from the other side. Just think about if you were resting on a log and you hear the voice of another man echo through the air, only to realize it's a bird teasing you.
You weren’t kidding.

I also found one video of a raven using stones to raise the water level inside a jar.
 
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