The Harbinger Bird

Imposing and jet-black, the raven has perpetually been linked with sinister portent. Yet the myths and legends that envelop this bird also acknowledge its remarkable cognitive prowess — its capacity to (1) .......... sounds and voices with startling fidelity, and the seemingly deliberate manner in which it appears to (2) .......... up any given predicament. Humanity has, in truth, never quite resolved how to (3) .......... the raven: in numerous northern cosmologies it stands as architect of the world and harbinger of light, yet simultaneously as a cunning and malevolent trickster. Countless traditional narratives hinge upon the disconcerting means by which Raven contrives to gain the (4) .......... of some hapless human opponent. Folklore (5) .......... it that once the Tower of London is bereft of ravens, the Crown itself shall crumble. King Charles II, in the seventeenth century, accordingly (6) .......... that no fewer than six ravens must be maintained within those ancient walls at all times. Today the complement stands at seven — six to safeguard the monarchy, one held in (7) .......... . Ravens are formally enlisted as guardians of the realm and, precisely as is the (8) .......... with members of the armed forces, may be dishonourably discharged for conduct unbecoming.