CRANE THE MAGICIAN by artist Ulla Anobile

CRANE THE MAGICIAN

In Finnish folklore, the Crane is often mentioned as the King of Birds because of its majestic stature.

For that reason, the mythical crane is described as the supporter of the arch (or ‘lid’) of heavens, upon whom the entire ‘Linnunrata’, meaning the path of the starry universe, rests.

The crane is the most watched migratory bird. Its ‘plough’, the v-formation of the flying flock, has always been considered the most reliable sign of the change of seasons.
The long and sturdy neck of the crane has given the main support log running through the pitched roof of old buildings the name ‘kurkihirsi’, the ‘crane log’.

The Crane also holds the title of The Magician, who can bestow all kinds of favors upon people, including fortunes in the form of gold coins.