Ravens

Ravens are among the more intelligent birds to be found in Middle-earth. Not as noble nor as wise as the Great Eagles. Ravens are nevertheless on the side of good — unlike all too many of their lesser Corvidae cousins. They are reputedly the messengers of the Vala Námo (Mandos) and are associated with Fate and Prescience. The Ravens of Erebor befriended and counselled the Dwarves of the Line of Durin during the Third Age.

These noble birds live a long time: Roäc of Erebor lived past 150 years of age. Brilliant and somewhat enchanted, most Ravens can speak the tongues of the Free Peoples (or at least of Men and Elves; the tongue of the Dwarves is too secret and that of the Ents too lengthy for ravens to learn). Conjurers have long sought out the foreknowledge of Ravens.