According to legend, 'the kingdom will fall' if the Queen's Ravens leave the Tower of London. One of the birds is now missing, but don't panic - yet.
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One of the Queen's Ravens at the Tower of London is missing and feared dead, causing concern that the 'kingdom will fall,' according to legend.
Merlina was found to be missing from the medieval castle in the heart of London several weeks ago when the ravens were all being put to bed, Sky News reported.
The Tower's Ravenmaster, Christopher Skaife, told BBC Radio 4's Today show on Thursday: "Merlina is a free-spirited raven and has been known to leave the Tower precincts on many occasions.If Merlina has died, then there will only be seven ravens left at the Tower and legend says that if there are any less than six, then both the Tower will crumble and disaster will befall the kingdom, the Independent added.
The Ravenmaster also told Today: "We do have seven ravens here at the Tower of London, six by royal decree. And of course, I still have a spare one, so we're okay at the moment."—The Tower of London (@TowerOfLondon) January 13, 2021
Although nobody is sure where the legend about the ravens came from, some say it came from King Charles II, who reigned in the 17th century, who is thought to have said that they must be protected after being warned the crown and the Tower itself would fall if they left, according to NBC News.
Others say it comes after Charles II refused to remove the ravens at the request of his Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, whose view of the stars was being blocked by them, The Guardian noted.
There are still six ravens at the Tower of London and a spare one meaning that the kingdom will not yet fall just yet.Copyright © 2021. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.
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