Every once in a while, nature likes to throw us a curveball in the categorization of different species of animals. Corvus corax, also known as the common raven, is a bird famous for its deep black feathers. Yet there exists a rare variation whose feathers are fleece white, the result of a condition called leucism (pronounced “luke-ism”). When a raven is born with leucism, it loses the pigmentation in its feathers, resulting in its ivory coloring. Leucism is similar to albinism, but where albino birds often have red or pink-hued eyes, white ravens have stark blue eyes.

Owing to the rarity of the white raven, many cultures have attached a variety of symbolism to the creature. Some view a white raven as a sign of healing, while others believe it represents change and metamorphosis. In Emerson Valley, a white raven is viewed as a herald of death and destruction. Historical records indicate that a white raven was spotted in the area right before the dam broke and washed away Harrisontown. Another was seen in the days prior to the Union Army’s arrival during the Civil War.

As a warning that times of great upheaval are ahead, the people of Emerson Valley fear the coming of a white raven. However, there is no denying the animal’s mesmerizing allure, possessing both dangerous and entrancing qualities. Over the years, local mythology has transformed the white raven from a mere symbol to an anthropomorphic personification of apocalyptic inevitability. People swear to having seen a white raven enter the mists of Blackwood Forest and emerge again in the form of a terrifyingly beautiful woman.

In the late-1980s and early-1990s, a cult arose that worshipped the white raven—or rather, the ethereal being they called the White Raven. Not much is known about them besides their troubling practice of gathering in Blackwood Forest at night to offer sacrifices to the White Raven. When Sheriff Oliver Price was elected in 1994, one of his campaign promises was to stamp out the cult and “other devil worshippers.” He declared the matter settled in 1997, and there has only been the occasional rumor of their continued existence.

The white raven is interesting due to Emerson Valley’s historical connection to birds from the corvid family, which includes crows, rooks, magpies, and jackdaws alongside ravens. Traditionally, the color white is associated with goodness, purity, and peace, which is the opposite of our town’s depictions of the white raven. Nobody has seen one of these animals for many years, which should be encouraging to us. And yet there has been a sense of foreboding in the last few years, like we’re collectively holding our breath as we await the imminent arrival of the next white raven.

-Sarah Donovan, Local Legends, Emerson Valley Gazette