10 Animal Myths You Always Believed And What's Actually True

3. The Wisdom of the Owl

Owls have long been associated with wisdom, a notion rooted in ancient mythology and symbolism. The Greek goddess Athena, the deity of wisdom, was often depicted with an owl, cementing the bird's reputation as a wise creature. However, in reality, owls are no more intelligent than other birds. Their large eyes and nocturnal habits have contributed to their mystical image, but their cognitive abilities are comparable to those of other avian species. While owls are skilled hunters with excellent night vision, the idea of their superior wisdom is more a product of cultural symbolism than scientific fact.