1. The Raven

Series examining the importance of five groups of animals and birds to the ancient cultures of Britain.

Presented by Joanna Pinnock.

Flying in first, the raven is a wise prophet in Celtic culture, but also a sinister, threatening bird of the underworld.

Its intelligence and ability to mimic the human voice gave it supernatural powers.

In Norse mythology, Odin was advised by two ravens who sat on his shoulders and reported what was happening around the world.

In Ireland, ravens were associated with hideous crones who picked over the corpses after battle.

And no mention of ravens would be complete without a visit to the Tower of London whose connections with the bird go back farther than you may think.

First in a five-part series featuring:

* Chris Harvard
* Amanda Green
* Kevin Crossley-Holland
* Andy Orchard
* David Copes

Producer: Brett Westwood

First broadcast in May 1999.