Cherokee Hawk and Crow Story

Cherokee Story of the Crow, Hawk, and Eagle

Last Updated on December 10, 2024 by Avia

Stories are the lifeblood of humanity. They carry big wisdom from one generation to the next, including lessons about how to live, learn, and get along with each other. Years ago, I had the privilege of meeting a Cherokee woman who told me the story of the crow and the hawk and how it was a teaching lesson for her people. Today, I share it with you in hopes that you might also glean insight and understanding from this artful tale.
As you read, you’ll find not only a story to enjoy but also lessons to carry with you—lessons as timeless as the flight of a bird and as powerful as the connection we share with the Earth and each other.

Cherokee tale of the crow and the hawk

Elder’s Voice: The Story of the Crow, Hawk, and Eagle

Come close, my children, and listen well,
For I have a story, a truth to tell.
It’s a tale of Crow, with feathers so black,
And Hawk, who carried the sky on her back.

On a warm spring morning, so bright and clear,
Crow laid her eggs—her treasures, so dear.
But Crow, you see, was restless and wild,
Not quite ready to tend her child.

“Oh, the wind calls me, the sky is wide!
I’ll return to my clutch after one quick glide.”
With a flap and a caw, she flew far away,
Leaving her eggs to the sun’s hot sway.

Now Hawk, in her tree, saw this from afar,
Her heart, as wide as the evening star.
“Oh, those eggs will perish! They’re left alone.
I cannot bear to hear them moan.”

With gentle wings, she swooped right down,
And wrapped those eggs in her feathers brown.
She warmed them, turned them, sang them to sleep,
Promising the sky their souls she’d keep.

Then came the day—crack, crack, crack!
Out popped the chicks with feathers of black.
“Mother!” they cried, and Hawk, with pride,
Taught them to soar and the winds to ride.

But one summer evening, with the sun low and red,
Crow returned, her heart heavy as lead.
“My babies!” she cried, her voice full of woe,
“I flew too long, I didn’t know!”

The chicks were confused. “But this is our mother,
Who raised us with love like no other!”
Two mothers now, and one great dispute—
Only Eagle, the wise, could bring the truth.

High in the sky, where the clouds like to play,
Eagle listened to all they had to say.
With a voice like thunder and eyes so keen,
Eagle declared, “Now let this be seen:

Crow, you left, and Hawk stayed near,
She gave them her heart, her love sincere.
But love, you see, cannot be owned,
It’s a gift we give, a seed that’s sown.”

The chicks, now grown, spread their wings wide,
“We have two mothers—one who gave us life,
And one who taught us to soar with the wind.
Together you’ve shown us where we begin.”

Eagle smiled and said with delight,
“Let this be the way of the birds in flight.
It takes a village, as you all see,
To raise the young in harmony.”

And so, my children, here’s what is true:
Responsibility lies with both me and you.
The tribe is strong when we all take part,
Guided by wisdom, and led by heart.

Symbolism of the Birds

Cherokee tale of the hawk and the crow
  • Crow: In Cherokee lore, Crow is a messenger and a symbol of transformation. Crow teaches us the importance of honesty with ourselves and responsibility for our actions. Like Crow, we must balance freedom with accountability. Get more about crow symbolism and meaning here.
  • Hawk: The Hawk, a guardian of vision, symbolizes observation and protection. Hawk reminds us to be vigilant and care for others, even when it is not expected of us. Get more about the symbolism of the Hawk here.
  • Eagle: The Eagle, the sacred King of Birds, is a symbol of vision, strength, and unity. Eagle teaches us to rise above conflict and see the broader picture, offering wisdom to mend hearts and foster community. Get more about the symbolic meaning of the Eagle here.

May the spirits of these birds guide you in your lives, my children, and may you always remember: We are stronger when we fly together.

Lessons and Takeaway Points of This Story

This Cherokee story of the Crow, Hawk, and Eagle offers many teachings, each rooted in Cherokee values and their deep connection to the natural world. Here are four important lessons we can carry with us:

The Importance of Responsibility

Crow’s initial decision to abandon her eggs teaches us the consequences of neglecting our duties. When we take on a role—whether as a parent, friend, or member of a community—it is our responsibility to honor it. Hawk’s compassionate intervention shows that stepping up to help when someone else falters can preserve what matters most. Responsibility isn’t just about doing what’s required; it’s about caring deeply for what we nurture.

The Strength of Community

In Cherokee culture, the tribe functions as a unified whole. Every member contributes to the wellbeing of the group, just as Hawk stepped in to care for Crow’s eggs. This story reminds us that it often takes more than one person to ensure the success of the next generation. When we support each other, we build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone can thrive.

The Power of Communication

Had Crow spoken her intentions to the other birds, perhaps her departure would have been better understood. This underscores the value of open, honest communication in resolving misunderstandings. Within the Cherokee tradition, harmony within the tribe is maintained through dialogue, mutual respect, and listening to one another’s voices—qualities that strengthen relationships and resolve disputes.

Shared Roles Lead to Greater Wisdom

Cherokee story of how the eagle helped the crow and hawk

Eagle’s wise judgment reminds us that roles in a family or community are not rigid. Both Crow and Hawk had a hand in the chicks’ upbringing, teaching them different yet complementary lessons. Cherokee people respect the concept of shared roles and responsibilities, knowing that diversity of experience leads to greater wisdom. When we work together, we expand our perspectives and achieve more.

Cherokee Values and Their Connection to Birds

The Cherokee people hold deep respect for birds, viewing them as sacred messengers and symbols of the spirit world. Birds often serve as guides in Cherokee stories, bringing lessons of vision, communication, and community. The eagle, revered as a sacred bird, symbolizes strength, leadership, and connection to the Creator. Hawks and crows, too, hold spiritual significance: hawks are seen as protectors and keepers of insight, while crows embody transformation and wisdom.

Community is central to Cherokee life, where each person plays a vital role in maintaining harmony and balance. Elders, much like the Eagle in this story, are respected for their wisdom and guidance. By placing value on collective responsibility and mutual care, the Cherokee people teach us the enduring strength found in working together.

This story reminds us that responsibility, community, communication, and shared wisdom are timeless values that we can honor in our own lives, just as the Cherokee people honor the lessons of the natural world. May we all strive to fly together, lifting each other higher with the wind beneath our wings.

Mighty brightly,

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