The crow occupies a revered place in Japanese mythology and folklore. The imperial lineage in Japan, extending over 2,600 years from Emperor Jimmu’s traditional accession in 660 BCE to the present Emperor Naruhito, underscores this reverence. Emperor Jimmu, the mythical first Emperor of Japan and a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is celebrated for his successful Eastern Expedition which subdued Yamato, around present-day Nara, under the guidance of a divine crow sent from heaven.

Recorded in the “Kojiki,” Japan’s oldest existing chronicle, and the “Nihon Shoki,”a subsequent, more detailed record of Japanese history, these texts detail Jimmu’s initial positioning in Takachiho, present-day Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu. This area, also known as Hyūga, is of significant mythological and historical importance. From this strategic location, Jimmu embarked on his eastern expedition.

After crossing the Seto Inland Sea, Jimmu navigated from Naniwa, traveled up the Yodo River through Kawachi, and headed toward Yamato. However, he faced strong resistance from a local clan leader, forcing him to retreat. Interpreting this setback as a consequence of combating against the direction of the sun—a symbolic misalignment for a descendant of the sun goddess—Jimmu took a southern detour around the Kii Peninsula, aiming to approach Yamato from the north via Kumano, the area including present-day Mie, Wakayama, and Nara Prefecture.

Upon their arrival in Kumano, Jimmu and his army were struck unconscious, likely overwhelmed by the region’s sacred spiritual energies. At this critical juncture, a local man, guided by divine instruction, presented Jimmu with a celestial sword. This sword, imbued with the power to quell the surrounding tumultuous spirits, revived Jimmu and his troops.

Instructed to follow the divine crow Yatagarasu, Jimmu navigated through the deep mountains of Kumano to reach the Yoshino River’s upper reaches. This guidance proved pivotal, as the crow and the celestial sword’s power enabled Jimmu to consolidate control over the land and fortify his rule, achieving his goal of unifying the region. Renowned as a divine messenger from heaven, the crow that guided Emperor Jimmu holds a sacred place in Japanese culture, symbolizing guidance and triumph.

Indeed, Yatagarasu, the divine crow, is venerated at Kumano Nachi Taisha, a significant Shinto shrine located in Wakayama Prefecture, as a guardian deity for traffic and maritime safety. Additionally, many visitors are drawn to this shrine to admire the natural beauty of Nachi Falls and to pray for longevity and protection from disasters.

This revered status of the crow aligns seamlessly with our mission to lead readers through the diverse landscapes of international literature, drawing parallels between the profound spiritual heritage of Japan and the enriching journey we offer through thepower of stories.

In Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore, ravens hold a special place, symbolizing wisdom and divine communication. Odin, the chief god of the Norse pantheon, is frequently depicted with two ravens named Huginn, representing “thought,”and Muninn, representing “memory,”perched on his shoulders. These ravens are said to have contributed significantly to Odin achieving his status of all-seeing knowledge and wisdom. Each day, they fly out into the world and return to Odin, bestowing upon him information and knowledge, serving as his eyes and ears across the world.

As an embodiment of Odin’s wisdom and protection, the raven’s likeness is commonly depicted on Viking longships, armor, and banners, serving to invoke Odin’s power and insight to safeguard the warriors in battle.

As symbols of knowledge and wisdom across the realms, the distinct roles of crows and ravens in their respective mythologies reflect our dedication to disseminating valuable information and wisdom. Through literature, we aim to empower readers to navigate the sea of complexities in our increasingly turbulent global society.

Crows hold profound significance in both Japanese culture and among various Native American tribes, recognized as symbols of intelligence, spiritual guidance, rebirth, and transformative healing. Like the divine crow that guided Emperor Jimmu of Japan—a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu—crows are often associated with the power to channel the sun’s transformative healing energy to Earth.

The Tlingit people believe that the crow helped the Creator shape the world and has the power to release the sun. The Haida, on the other hand, attribute to the crow the ability to snatch the sun from the sky and bestow it upon Earth’s people. A particularly celebrated tale from Native American lore is that of the Rainbow Crow. This story highlights the crow sacrificing its stunning plumage and melodious voice to bring warmth back to Earth during an extreme cold spell, embodying the profound virtues of self-sacrifice and courage. In these cultures, crows are also regarded as messengers, bridging the spiritual and earthly realms with wisdom and insight.

Like the crow, a figure revered across cultures for its wisdom and transformative power, Linc Books aspires to publish literature that transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to universal human experiences. Our goal is to curate a collection of works that are not only admired globally but also have the power to heal and transform readers.

Crows, known for their intelligence and adaptability, inspire us to navigate the diverse literary landscapes of the world, bringing forth stories that enrich, enlighten, and offer new perspectives. In every book we choose to publish, we seek to embody the crow’s enduring qualities—its ability to connect different realms and its role as a bearer of profound knowledge and healing.

At Linc Books, we are committed to forging literary connections that bridge cultures, much like the crows in mythologies that link the earthly to the divine. Through our publications, we aim tooffer solace, understanding, and insight, facilitating a transformative experience that is as healing as it is enlightening.