Tradition / Region: German Mythology, Austrian Mythology
Alternative names: Nightraven; Nachtkrapp; Nachtrabe; Nattravn; Nattramn; Nattkorp
Category: Bird
The Myth
The Night Raven is a fearsome supernatural bird said to appear only after dark. Across much of Europe it is described as a giant raven-like creature that haunts forests, crossroads, and lonely places, often serving as a harbinger of death and misfortune. In many traditions, Night Ravens are not ordinary birds at all, but the spirits of the dead transformed into raven form.
In German folklore, the Night Raven leaves its hiding place after sunset to hunt. It is especially feared by children, whom it is said to snatch from the night and carry away to its nest. Some stories claim it tears its victims apart before devouring them, while others say it simply stuffs disobedient children into a sack and disappears into the darkness. Northern German legends also speak of an Iron Bird, whose iron wings beat offenders to death.
Scandinavian traditions often portray Night Ravens as the restless ghosts of suicides, murderers, unbaptized children, or those buried in unconsecrated ground. They fly through the night in the form of ravens or even skeletal birds, filling the darkness with eerie creaks and shrill cries. Some tales warn that gazing into the empty eye sockets of these ghostly birds brings death, while holes in their wings spread sickness and disease.
Though their forms vary from region to region, Night Ravens are almost always seen as omens of suffering, restless spirits, and the dangers that lurk in the darkness. Their cries and shadowy flights served for centuries as warnings to keep travelers from wandering at night and children safely indoors.
Sources
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Night raven. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 29, 2026, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_raven