Ornithophobia, the fear of birds, screech-owl, night birds, liver, and prophecies from the flight of the fowl of the air
Ornithophobia, the fear of birds, is a specific phobia that involves intense anxiety and distress at the sight or thought of birds. While it’s a relatively modern term, its roots and associations go back centuries. Its origin and development are intertwined with human beliefs, myths, and cultural practices that have long imbued birds with a sense of mystery, power, and sometimes, terror.
Ancient Beliefs about Birds and Fear
Birds have always held a significant role in human culture and spirituality. Many ancient civilizations regarded birds as messengers of the gods, possessing supernatural or divine qualities. For example, in ancient Rome, augury was practiced, which involved interpreting the flight patterns and behavior of birds to predict future events. A bird’s flight direction, the sounds it made, or the position it occupied in the sky were all considered omens. If a bird flew in an unusual manner or was seen at an odd time, it was interpreted as a portent—an omen that could either foretell disaster or bring a message from the divine.
In the Bible, birds were also seen as agents of prophecy. The flight of certain birds or their actions could indicate upcoming events. For instance, in ancient Hebrew traditions, specific birds were thought to carry messages of either hope or doom. This idea continued in other cultures, where birds were seen not just as animals, but as having a magical or mystical power over human lives. The Greeks, for instance, practiced ornithomancy, divination by bird signs, believing that the flight patterns of birds could predict the future.
In a more sinister context, birds were sometimes believed to be omens of death or destruction. The ancient Romans practiced a form of divination known as haruspicy, in which the intestines of a sacrificed bird, typically a chicken, were examined for signs. A bird’s entrails could reveal the fate of an empire or the success of an upcoming battle. These rituals, often performed by priests called augurs, show just how seriously birds were regarded when it came to interpreting fate—both the good and the bad.
Birds have long been associated with the idea of having an almost supernatural ability to observe the world from an elevated perspective. Their flight, particularly their ability to do so silently, has sparked both awe and unease. Birds, especially owls and other nocturnal species, possess specialized feathers that enable them to fly with little to no sound. This characteristic, while fascinating from a biological standpoint, adds to the uncanny perception many cultures have about birds. Their ability to fly unnoticed and observe from above is often viewed with suspicion, as it feels as though they are privy to secrets that should remain hidden.
From this perspective, birds represent a sort of “all-seeing eye.” When perched on tree branches or rooftops, they are able to peer into homes, observing intimate moments and private actions. In many cultures, birds are thought to possess an ability to witness human lives from angles that are otherwise inaccessible, seeing things that are meant to be concealed. Whether it’s the simple act of glancing through a window or watching someone from a high branch, there’s an eerie sense of intrusion tied to this perception. Birds can be seen as a metaphor for an omnipresent force that never misses a thing, silently watching and silently knowing what is otherwise hidden to human eyes.
Additionally, the very heights that birds can reach — soaring far above human reach — have often been associated with the acquisition of “higher knowledge.” While humans are bound by the physical constraints of the earth, birds can fly into the heavens, where they are believed to have access to divine or esoteric wisdom that is beyond our understanding. This concept ties birds to the idea of enlightenment or spiritual awareness, but also of a kind of terrifying omniscience. They become intermediaries between the mundane world of humans and the ethereal, unreachable realms of the gods, making their flight symbolic of a journey toward wisdom — or, in darker interpretations, of the knowledge of secrets humans are not meant to know.
This higher knowledge is often linked with foretelling, particularly in the case of nocturnal birds like owls and ravens. The screeching cry of the owl, often heard in the dead of night, has long been a portent of doom in many cultures. In ancient Rome, owls were considered omens of death, their calls often interpreted as warnings of someone’s imminent demise. This connection to death is particularly potent because of the owl’s ability to silently fly through the darkness, representing the unknown, the shadowy parts of existence that humans cannot see but are nonetheless affected by. The Bible even reflects on the ominous power of birds in such contexts, comparing demons to birds in Ecclesiastes 10:20, which says, “Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; because a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird on the wing may tell the matter.” Here, birds are symbols of the far-reaching consequences of one’s words, their ability to carry secrets and expose hidden things. In this passage, the bird is likened to an unseen listener, a vehicle for both revelation and judgment.
The connection between birds and demonic or malevolent forces is rooted in their perceived ability to transcend the boundaries of human experience. Birds, especially those associated with the night, seem to inhabit the space between the physical and the metaphysical, between life and death, light and shadow. Their cries in the dark can be heard as reminders of mortality, while their silent observation can be seen as a subtle warning — that no secret is safe, no life untouched by their gaze.
This dual nature of birds as both symbols of divine insight and harbingers of fear and doom contributes to the fear they elicit in some individuals. It’s not just their physical presence that can evoke dread but their symbolic weight. They serve as reminders that there are forces in the world — both seen and unseen — that lie beyond human comprehension and control, observing from above, knowing more than we do, and silently passing judgment on our actions. This mystical, omniscient quality is part of what gives birds a kind of power that can seem unsettling, leading some to view them not just as creatures of nature, but as bearers of knowledge, fate, and perhaps even danger.
The Krabat film
The Krabat films from 1977 and 2008 both delve into the theme of dark birds as an analogy for demonic forces, a striking symbol of power, corruption, and inevitable fate. The birds in these films aren’t just creatures of nature—they represent a malevolent force, a presence that lurks beyond human comprehension, just as the dark magic at the heart of the story does.
In the 1977 Krabat film, directed by Gerhard Klingenberg, the birds are associated with the sinister, controlling forces that rule over the black school. The crows and ravens, which appear throughout the story, seem to embody the dark sorcery that entraps Krabat and the other students. These birds, often linked with death or the supernatural, echo the theme of loss—loss of innocence, of freedom, and of identity. They fly like shadows, always circling, never truly free, a visual manifestation of the curse that haunts the characters. The dark birds act as harbingers, warning of doom and marking the characters’ entanglement in a world where magic isn’t just a tool, but a prison.
The 2008 version, directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner, also draws heavily on the symbolism of these dark birds, but with a slightly more visceral, almost gothic sensibility. The birds in this film are often depicted as ominous creatures, with their black feathers and shrill cries, reflecting the looming darkness of the sorcerer’s power. Just like in the earlier film, they serve as an analogy for the demonic forces that control and manipulate the characters. However, this version also places more emphasis on the birds as a representation of the dual nature of magic: both a seductive force and a dangerous one. They are agents of temptation and destruction, symbols of the pact that Krabat is drawn into, much like the fallen angels who once stood in heaven but are now bound to darker realms.
Both films use the imagery of dark birds to enhance the themes of fate, sacrifice, and control. The birds are not merely present—they are entwined with the very fabric of the story. They are a manifestation of the malevolent forces at play, a visual reminder of the characters’ entrapment in a world of magic that has a price. In the end, just as fallen angels are forced to wander the earth, these dark birds circle the characters, signifying their struggle to escape or transform. In Krabat, the birds are not just demons—they are part of the world that Krabat must navigate, a reflection of the dark forces he must confront within himself and the world around him.
Impurity and self-condemnation
While birds have a long history of being associated with ominous or dark forces, they can also embody purity, love, and divine presence, which can evoke a different kind of fear. The dove, in particular, has long been a symbol of peace, purity, and spiritual transcendence. Its presence is one of grace and holiness, which can be equally unsettling to some individuals. The contrast between the fear of birds tied to their dark, mysterious qualities and the fear that arises from their connection to purity and holiness illustrates just how complex our relationship with these creatures can be.
In Christian theology, the dove holds profound significance, particularly as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The moment of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan River is marked by the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus “like a dove” (Matthew 3:16). This act represents divine approval, peace, and the beginning of Christ’s earthly mission. The dove’s white, serene appearance is often associated with innocence, purity, and the untainted nature of the divine. As a creature that flies effortlessly in the sky, the dove seems to embody an otherworldly connection between heaven and earth, further solidifying its association with the sacred.
Yet, it is precisely this embodiment of purity and love that could evoke a fear response. For some, the dove’s symbolism can be overwhelming—especially when confronted by the stark contrast between its divine purity and the darker aspects of their own lives. The fear here isn’t necessarily of the bird itself, but of what the bird represents. Its untainted nature can shine a light on imperfections, wrongdoings, and the very human condition of fallibility. In the presence of such purity, the individual may feel condemned or unworthy, overwhelmed by a sense of spiritual inadequacy. This fear is not of the bird’s potential harm, but of the emotional or moral “weight” it carries.
In fact, the Bible captures this idea in its references to doves’ purity and the unapproachable nature of holiness. In Psalm 55:6, the psalmist says, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” Here, the desire to escape to the purity and rest that the dove symbolizes can be seen as an attempt to avoid confronting the difficult truths about oneself. The dove’s flight represents liberation, but it is also a reminder of the gulf between the divine and the human. For someone who feels unworthy or disconnected from divine grace, the dove’s presence might provoke a form of fear — fear of not measuring up, of being unable to attain the purity and love it represents.
Moreover, the dove’s tendency to be easily frightened away—flapping its wings and fleeing from perceived danger—can further contribute to the unsettling nature of its presence. This fragility, its vulnerability in the face of even the slightest threat, amplifies the tension between its divine symbolism and the harsh reality of the world. The dove, despite its power to embody divine love, is so easily startled, and its fearfulness can mirror the anxious, unsettled state of those who come too close to its embodiment of pure love and grace. It might be seen as an admonishment: that pure love is not something to be taken lightly, but something to be approached with humility and reverence, as it is a reminder of what we might lack in our own hearts.
The purity of the dove’s presence can also be a reflection of divine judgment. As the bird is easily frightened away, it can symbolize the idea that pure love cannot abide in the presence of sin or moral corruption. The fear of the dove, then, could stem from a fear of the moral and spiritual reckoning that might follow when confronted with something so pure. The person in the presence of the dove may feel the weight of their own shortcomings in the face of such overwhelming holiness and goodness.
In this sense, the fear of birds, particularly those like the dove, might stem from their power to confront the inner moral and spiritual conflict within us. The dove represents an ideal—one of perfect love, grace, and purity—that is often difficult to attain. For someone who feels disconnected from those ideals or unworthy of them, the dove’s presence can bring a profound sense of discomfort or fear. It is not the bird itself that is feared, but what it represents: a standard of divine love that shines a light on our deepest flaws and can expose us to judgment, whether self-imposed or spiritual.
So, the fear of birds like the dove is not always linked to dark, ominous forces. It can also come from the overwhelming purity and power of love, from the sense that one is not worthy of such divine grace, and from the awareness that some truths—those of personal purity, grace, and the divine—are not always easy to face. The fear, in this case, is rooted in what the bird embodies: a vision of what we might aspire to, but also a reminder of the gulf between the sacred and the human, the ideal and the imperfect.
Angels and Demons
Birds with their wings, their delicate yet powerful flight, often evoke the image of angels—both the pure and the fallen. Their wings, crafted by nature’s hand, seem to hold the weight of the heavens and the earth, a symbol of grace, freedom, and, at times, tragedy.
The holy angels, in their celestial beauty, might resemble the delicate flight of a bird soaring effortlessly through the skies. Their wings are symbols of purity and divine purpose. Birds like doves, with their gentle flight, carry with them the essence of peace, a quiet whisper of divinity. It’s easy to imagine them as messengers, as the angels once were, spreading hope, truth, and love across the world.
Yet, there’s something haunting about the wings of birds too. Perhaps the fall of angels is reflected in the darker, more chaotic flight of birds like crows or ravens. Their wings, once pure, now spread darkness and mystery, as though they too bear the burden of ancient fallings. Just as the fallen angels were cast out of heaven, these birds seem to hover between worlds, caught in the space between light and shadow. Their flight is often erratic, a reflection of rebellion, or a yearning for something lost.
Birds remind us that wings are not just for soaring to the heavens, but for carrying all that is both divine and damaged within us. The creatures of flight, whether angels of light or of darkness, offer us a glimpse into the soul’s journey. Each wingbeat whispers of ascension and descent, of grace and struggle.
The Modern Connection: Hitchcock’s The Birds
In the 20th century, birds took on a more sinister and ominous role in popular culture, particularly with Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 thriller The Birds. The film, based on Daphne du Maurier’s short story, revolves around a series of increasingly violent and inexplicable bird attacks on a small California town. Hitchcock’s film taps into deep-seated fears about the unpredictability and aggression of birds, transforming them from symbols of natural beauty and freedom into instruments of terror. The birds in Hitchcock’s film appear as malevolent creatures, seemingly under no one’s control, turning an everyday element of nature into an unrelenting source of horror. This portrayal likely intensified ornithophobia, bringing it to the forefront of public consciousness in the mid-20th century.
Hitchcock, who was known for his ability to play with audience psychology, used birds as a metaphor for nature’s chaotic, uncontrollable force. The idea that birds, which were once symbols of divine messages or harbingers of fate, could become agents of destruction, may have amplified existing anxieties. The film leaves us with an unsettling question: Are we as humans really in control of our environment, or are we at the mercy of forces far beyond our understanding, symbolized by the birds?
Modern Psychological Perspectives on Ornithophobia
Today, ornithophobia can be understood through a psychological lens as a specific phobia—an intense fear of birds that can cause significant distress, avoidance behavior, and even panic attacks. For many, this phobia might stem from a traumatic experience with birds, like a bird attack or a frightening encounter with aggressive or large birds, like crows or seagulls. However, the cultural and symbolic significance of birds in human history may also contribute to the development of the fear. The power of birds to symbolize life, death, and the unknown in ancient and religious traditions likely fed into the psychological weight of their portrayal in modern media.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Fear
Ornithophobia, though perhaps heightened by modern portrayals like Hitchcock’s The Birds, has roots deep in human history and culture. From the belief in birds as divine omens to the frightening associations of birds with death and the unknown, humanity’s relationship with these creatures has always been complex and tinged with both reverence and fear. Ancient practices like augury and the use of birds in divination helped to establish birds as both messengers and harbingers, imbuing them with an eerie power that continues to resonate with some individuals today.
Ultimately, ornithophobia might be understood not just as a fear of birds themselves, but as a manifestation of humanity’s deeper anxieties about the uncontrollable forces of nature and fate that birds, through history, have come to symbolize. Whether viewed as prophetic agents, harbingers of doom, or the unsuspected terror in Hitchcock’s chilling cinematic vision, birds have always held a strange, potent grip on the human psyche.
