O.E.
hræfn (Mercian),
hrefn; hræfn (Northumbrian, W.Saxon), from P.Gmc.
*khrabanas (cf. O.N.
hrafn, Dan.
ravn, Du.
raaf, O.H.G.
hraban, Ger.
Rabe "raven," O.E.
hroc "rook"), from PIE base
*qer-, *qor-, imitative of harsh sounds (cf. L.
crepare "to creak, clatter,"
cornix "crow,"
corvus "raven;" Gk.
korax "raven,"
korone "crow;" O.C.S.
kruku "raven;" Lith.
krauklys "crow").
"The common raven is easily tamed, but is mischievous and thievish, and has been popularly regarded as a bird of evil omen and mysterious character." [OED]
O.E. also used
hræmn, hremm. The
raven standard was the flag of the Danish Vikings.
[rav-uh
n] 