Sinister winged creatures will arrive at Calton Hill on the night of Samhuinn Fire Festival to serve Winter’s cause. They are the Valravn, treacherous raven-like entities that straddle the worlds of the dead and the living.

The Valravn follow the Winter King, but at a price. He strikes a macabre bargain in return for their service, promising them a cut of Summer’s fallen for them to feast on. In Danisk folklore, the Valravn are a malevolent monster who feed on the dead of the battlefield. By consuming their prey, they ingest its power so that they are able to take on human or more monstrous forms. 

Winter’s scavengers are tricksy agents of chaos, renowned for sowing discord amongst mortals to create more battles for themselves to feed on. They will strike out ahead of the Wild Hunt, scouting the Hill and causing disarray in advance of Winter’s army. 

These are clowns with a gallows humour, their tricks and fire play designed to lead the careless astray. Beware their blinking eyes – they may fix on you and make you their next prey. The Valravn will target any humans who dare go near.

Tickets for Samhuinn Fire Festival are available to buy online from Citizen Ticket. Join the Facebook event here.

Featured image by Bleu Hope for Beltane Fire Society. All rights reserved.