Owls have been symbols of wisdom, death, prophecy, witches, and bad omens for thousands of years. But why? In this episode of Folklore & Bullshit, we dive into the strange folklore surrounding one of the world’s creepiest birds, from ancient Greece to death omens in the American South and everything in between. Are owls actually supernatural messengers, or are humans just really good at making spooky shit out of things that go hoo in the night?

Sources:

1. National Audubon Society. 13 Fun Facts About Owls. Audubon Magazine. Published October 15, 2015. Accessed August 23, 2026.
2. Zellner X. How Do Barn Owls Fly So Silently? Audubon. Published May 13, 2016. Accessed August 23, 2026.
3. Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The Wonderful World of Owls. Bird Academy. Accessed August 23,  ...