Some Thoughts on the Gender of Odin's Ravens

 I have previously discussed the symbolism of Odin's ravens, Huginn and Muninn, on my various blogs. I refer my readers to my article from 22 July 2019 on this blog, Huginn and Munnin, Symbols of the First Function . The article may also be found in my book, Wotans Krieger Volume 4: A Final Blast on the Giallarhorn , also published in 2019 by Black Front Press.

In that article, I discussed how Edred Thorsson viewed the different but related functions of these two ravens. Huginn represents the rational mind, the 'left brain', and so it is emblematic of sovereignty and the law. Munnin represents the intuitive mind, the 'right brain', and so it is concerned with transformation, magic, in other words. Both these ravens, with their separate but related functions, are thus symbolic of the god, Odin Himself.

My recent studies of the various corvid species in the British Isles have caused me to consider another aspect of these ravens and their functions. All corvids mate for life and are very loyal birds. Indeed, I almost always see local carrion crows fly in pairs; no doubt they are mated couples. Where one sees an odd number, say three, if the third bird is a mature adult, then it is highly probable that its mate has died. Rooks, on the other hand, tend to be present in larger groups, not just pairs.

This information made me realise that Huginn and Muninn are a mated pair. The question then arises as to which one is male and which one is female. Huginn is symbolic of rational thought, a quality more associated with men, while Muninn represents intuition, a quality more associated with women. I realise, of course, that I am projecting human gender characteristics onto a different species, but what matters here, is symbolism.