The Raven

The Raven constellation is strongly associated with the goddess Morrigan, that can transform in a raven. It comprises twenty-one stars that delineate the layout of a standing bird. From the south of the continent, it is mostly visible during the third month of the Bliadhna Gealaich, Mios Morrigan strenghtening the simbolic bond with the deity; it remains visible at naked eye during the winter and spring. During summer and autumn it is only possible to see the Raven from the east part of the continent, at least without any magnification tool.

Geography

The constellation of the Raven is located in the eastern quadrant of the sky of Phaldorya. The first star of the group is often used by mariners to help locate the east. The most luminous of the stars of the constellation is the fifth that is located in the back of the head, while the least shiny is the ninth situated in the center of the tail. Just north of the Raven lies the constellation known as Lyr's Galley and on the west it is possible to spot Dagda's Hammer.

Oh coward! Fear the nights when the Raven doesn't shine and the wind howls, as in those nights Morrigan lead her murder to punish you and glorify the brave. At the dawn they shine again and the beak stars are blood red!

— Herbert of Alkar in Tuatha de Danaan

This constellation, alike anything associated with Morrigan, is strongly linked with berserkers. In the northern cultures, it is said that the twenty-one stars are the firecamp where, the warriors who have died gloriously in battle, are called to feast for eternity. Before a battle it is considered good omen if the stars of the Raven are shiny, while it's a bad omen if they are hidden by clouds.

Alternative Name(s)

Morrigan's Herald

Type

Star System