According to “Animals in African Folklore,” African cultures associated owls as foretellers of good things to come.
True
False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
In many African cultures, owls are often associated with ominous or foreboding symbols rather than being seen as foretellers of good things. The perception of owls in African folklore is generally negative, with these birds often linked to death, misfortune, and witchcraft. In some African societies, an owl’s hoot is believed to be a sign of impending danger or a warning of death in the community. For example, in parts of Southern Africa, owls are seen as omens of bad luck or misfortune and are feared because they are thought to have spiritual powers that can influence the lives of people.
On the other hand, certain African cultures also associate owls with wisdom and supernatural abilities, but this is often linked to their connection with the spirit world rather than being a purely positive or prophetic figure. The owls’ nocturnal habits and haunting calls have contributed to their role in folklore as creatures that bridge the realms of the living and the dead.
While owls might be revered in some traditions for their mysterious and elusive nature, the more common belief across much of African folklore is that they bring bad tidings. This association is often stronger than any belief that owls might predict positive events. In contrast, in Western and some other global cultures, owls are more commonly seen as symbols of wisdom, foresight, or even good luck, which reflects the cultural differences in how animals are interpreted in folklore.