Dragonflies, bats and 6 other creatures commonly associated with death around the world

Throughout human history, animals have always been linked to the legends and folklore of certain regions. While some species represent a “softer” mysticism, there are also those animals that have been associated with death in several cultures.

But why have these creatures become synonymous with the end of life? For each of them there are different explanations. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of six animals that have historically been likened to a sign of death and the afterlife. Look!

1. Hornbills

The southern ground hornbill is a carnivorous bird that hunts small animals and insects and is found in grasslands, savannas, and open forest areas. According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, these shiny-billed hunters bring death and destruction to nine countries in southern and eastern Africa.

In general, people considered hornbills a bad omen. In Zimbabwe and Malawi, some people believe that when a hornbill lands on the roof of a house, it brings bad luck to its occupants. If hornbills are spotted in odd numbers, this is considered a clear sign of death. In Tanzania, the bird is seen as bringing dead souls and angry spirits.

2. Dragonflies

In Japan, red dragonflies emerge as adults in low-lying grasslands and migrate to high mountains to feed. The abundance of these creatures tends to increase in early autumn, as they descend from the mountains to lower-lying breeding grounds.

This moment is perfectly in line with the summer festival of Obon, which celebrates the spirits of the dead returning to visit their loved ones. For this reason these insects were seen as messengers of these spirits to these people.

3. Vultures

No wonder vultures are on the list of animals associated with death. After all, these birds use their incredible sense of smell to spot carrion from more than a kilometer away, and their penchant for scavenging for corpses in the wild and feeding on their flesh isn’t something that helps their reputation.

In Ancient Egypt, for example, vultures were seen as a symbol of purification within the circle of life and death. Some cultures also see these birds as sacred means of disposing of the dead.

4. Bats

In many cultures, bats have long been associated with death. For example, the Maori of New Zealand associate bats with the hokioi, a mythical nocturnal bird said to predict death.

Legend has it that this bird had never been seen, but only heard at night through its cries in the darkness. Researchers believe the hokioi was actually an extinct bird known as Haast’s eagle, a bird of prey large enough to carry a small child.

5. Crows

The so-called black crows are extremely intelligent birds that eat everything from berries to the rotting flesh of dead animals. Thus, in Irish folklore, Badb is one of a trio of war goddesses who took the form of a raven.

This folklore, according to studies, said that this goddess was capable of foreshadowing bloodshed, which terrified soldiers on the battlefields. Therefore, the appearance of a crow was a clear sign that people were about to die.

6. Rats

In nature, rats are known to carry numerous pathogens, some of which are deadly. For example, these rodents were blamed for the spread of the Black Death in the 14th century, which killed at least 25 million people in Europe in just 5 years.

Studies conducted in recent years, however, suggest that mice were not the main vectors of the disease. Nonetheless, this has not stopped these creatures from becoming a clear sign of death in several cultures.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.