The Cherokee people, an Indigenous Nation with a rich and complex history, possess a vibrant tapestry of beliefs and traditions. Woven into this cultural fabric are stories of powerful spiritual forces, both benevolent and malevolent. Among the most feared of these figures is the Raven Mocker, a type of witch so dreaded that their very name evokes a sense of profound unease. This article delves into the chilling lore surrounding the Raven Mocker, exploring their nature, methods, and the desperate measures taken to ward them off.
A Thief of Life: Unveiling the Nature of the Raven Mocker
The Raven Mocker occupies a unique and terrifying position within Cherokee witchcraft. Unlike other witches who might inflict harm through spells or curses, the Raven Mocker’s primary goal is the theft of life itself. They are believed to prey upon the dying, extending their own lifespans by consuming the hearts of their victims. This act of cannibalistic parasitism ensures the Raven Mocker’s continued existence at the expense of another’s.
Crucially, Raven Mockers can be of either sex. This ambiguity adds to the fear surrounding them, as anyone within the community could potentially harbor this dark secret. There is no readily apparent way to identify a Raven Mocker, contributing to an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia. However, a common belief suggests that they often appear old and withered. This aged appearance is attributed to the numerous lives they have stolen and absorbed over the years, the accumulated years weighing upon their physical form.
The Nocturnal Flight of Terror
The Raven Mocker’s activities are primarily nocturnal, coinciding with the vulnerability and fear associated with sickness and death. When someone is gravely ill or nearing their final moments, the Raven Mocker embarks on their deadly mission. They are said to transform, taking to the skies with their arms outstretched, mimicking the wings of a raven. This transformation is not merely physical; it represents a complete surrender to their dark purpose.
Their flight is not silent or subtle. Witnesses claim to hear a wild, rushing wind accompanying their passage, a sound that heralds impending doom. Sparks are said to trail behind them, illuminating the night sky with an eerie and unsettling glow. Intermittently, they emit a cry, a sound chillingly similar to the croak of a raven. This vocalization serves as a terrifying announcement, a sign that death is imminent. Anyone who hears this sound understands that a life is about to be extinguished.
Invisible Predators: The Attack on the Dying
Upon reaching the home of their intended victim, the Raven Mocker often finds themselves in the company of others of their kind. These gatherings of witches, invisible to ordinary eyes, create a formidable force. Unless a skilled Indian Doctor, a medicine person with the knowledge and power to repel them, is present, the Raven Mockers will infiltrate the dwelling.
Once inside, they unleash a barrage of torment upon the sick person. They frighten and harass the individual, exacerbating their suffering and hastening their demise. Those attending to the sick may misinterpret these actions as the natural struggles of a dying person fighting for breath, unaware of the supernatural assault taking place. This deception allows the Raven Mockers to operate undetected, preying on the vulnerable without interference.
The Heart of the Matter: Consuming Life Force
After successfully claiming a life, the Raven Mockers proceed to their gruesome task. They extract the heart from the deceased, consuming it in a ritualistic act of cannibalism. By devouring the heart, they believe they absorb the remaining life force, adding the victim’s remaining days or years to their own existence. This act is the core of their power, the source of their longevity and the reason for their dreaded reputation.
Despite the invasive nature of this act, there is no visible scar or wound left on the body. The Raven Mockers possess the ability to remove the heart without leaving any trace of their intervention. It is only through careful examination that the absence of the heart is discovered, confirming the horrific truth of the Raven Mocker’s involvement.
Defense Against the Darkness: The Role of the Medicine Person
The only reliable defense against the Raven Mocker lies in the presence of a skilled medicine person, an individual possessing the knowledge and power to recognize and repel these malevolent beings. These medicine people are well-versed in traditional Cherokee medicine and possess the spiritual insight to perceive the Raven Mocker’s true form.
If a medicine person stays in the room with the sick person, the Raven Mockers are said to be afraid to enter. The presence of such a powerful force acts as a deterrent, disrupting their plans and protecting the vulnerable individual. If a Raven Mocker is recognized in their true form by a medicine person, it is believed that they will die within seven days. This consequence serves as a significant deterrent, discouraging Raven Mockers from revealing themselves.
Guarding the Departed: Protecting the Body After Death
Recognizing the continued threat posed by Raven Mockers even after death, traditional Cherokee communities often take measures to protect the body until burial. When it becomes clear that a person is beyond saving, friends and family will often request a medicine person to stay in the house and guard the body. This vigil ensures that the Raven Mockers cannot steal the heart after death, preventing them from further extending their lives.
The act of burial provides a final layer of protection. It is believed that witches, including Raven Mockers, will not steal hearts after the body has been laid to rest. This belief underscores the importance of proper burial rites in Cherokee tradition, ensuring the deceased can pass on to the spirit world undisturbed.
A Web of Fear: Jealousy and Revenge Among Witches
Even within the shadowy world of witchcraft, a hierarchy exists. Raven Mockers, due to their unique power and longevity, are often the object of jealousy and fear among other witches. These lesser witches are typically hesitant to enter the same house as a Raven Mocker, recognizing their superior abilities and the potential for conflict.
However, this fear does not always translate into respect. Upon the death of a Raven Mocker, other witches may seek revenge for past grievances or perceived slights. They may desecrate the grave, digging up the body and abusing it in an act of retribution. This macabre practice highlights the dark and often brutal nature of the Cherokee witch world, where even in death, there is no escape from the cycle of fear and violence.
In conclusion, the legend of the Raven Mocker serves as a chilling reminder of the power of fear and the importance of community in traditional Cherokee belief. These malevolent beings, capable of stealing life and defying death, embody the darkest aspects of witchcraft. The stories surrounding them underscore the need for vigilance, the importance of traditional medicine, and the enduring power of the human spirit to resist even the most terrifying of threats.