| 1 | %% Image selected per Image Pickin' thread: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=1336341392074600100 |
| 2 | %% Please do not change or remove without starting a new thread. |
| 3 | %% |
| 4 | [[quoteright:331:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/owlknow2_4738.jpg]] |
| 5 | [[caption-width-right:331:You can't spell "knowledge" without "owl."\ |
| 6 | [-''Wise Owl'' by Cornelis Bloemaert II-]]] |
| 7 | |
| 8 | ->''"#1: All owls must wear graduation caps at all times. Turtles, you can wear the bowlers, that's okay, but the mortarboard is standard-issue gear for the owls."'' |
| 9 | -->-- '''Creator/TomKenny''' on the laws of the cartoon universe |
| 10 | |
| 11 | There is a long-running tradition of using owls as a symbol of knowledge. This might be because their eyes resemble NerdGlasses, because they are silent and mysterious, because their heads appear as round as a bald old sage's, or maybe just because OwlsAskWho Most likely, though, it's because of their [[ShapedLikeItself importance in various ancient cultures]], especially [[Myth/GreekMythology the Greeks]], where the owl was the bird of Athena, the goddess of, among other things, wisdom. Ironically, Athena's bird was the owl not because the Greeks themselves saw owls as wise, but because Athena's patron city Athens (and its environs) swarmed with wild [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_owl little owls.]] |
| 12 | |
| 13 | In any event, owls are usually depicted as wise and honorable and serve as {{mentors}}, teachers or {{a|uthorityTropes}}dvisors. Be aware, though, that they tend to share traits with the AbsentMindedProfessor and the TVGenius, so take their advice with a grain of salt. There is also a tendency for owls to act as [[ExpositionFairy narrators/storytellers]]. |
| 14 | |
| 15 | Compare CuteOwl (no reason an owl can't be smart and cute, and in fact that trope often portrays an owl as adorably bookish), OminousOwl (which may overlap if the owl is an EvilGenius), and UnwiseOwl (which is the antithesis of this trope). Compare to CleverCrows and BrainyPig. See also NobleBirdOfPrey, AnimalStereotypes and WoodlandCreatures. |
| 16 | |
| 17 | ---- |
| 18 | !!Examples: |
| 19 | |
| 20 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 21 | |
| 22 | [[folder:Advertising]] |
| 23 | * The mascot for the eyeglass chain America's Best is an bespectacled owl who tells people wearing glasses about the company. While he is somewhat snarky, he ultimately means no harm. |
| 24 | * A short animation from UsefulNotes/{{Spain}}[[note]]Sponsored by "Danone" yogurt, known as "Dannon" in North America.[[/note]] features an owl trying to convince "Las Tres Mellizas" (the title characters of an animated series, also from Spain) why they should go to bed. |
| 25 | * In a live-action 1970s Esso commercial for their auto service that has a takeoff of ''[[Literature/AesopsFables The Tortoise and the Hare]]'', the tortoise makes a pit stop with an owl as his "mechanic." |
| 26 | * There's a Geico commercial in which a wife asks her husband if he knows that there are some owls that aren't that wise. The scene then cuts to two owls in a tree -- another wife and husband pair, and the wife chats about a co-worker of hers, but the husband just keeps asking "Who?" |
| 27 | * The owl from the classic '70s animated Tootsie Pop commercial is the only one to suggest the application of the scientific method to the question. And then use that suggestion to get free candy. |
| 28 | --> [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzhB0gF5GTI&NR=1 "Mr. Owl, how many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?"]] |
| 29 | * The British pharmacy chain [[https://www.rowlandspharmacy.co.uk Rowlands Pharmacy]] used to have a an owl mascot called Rowland the Owl, he was introduced sometime around mid-way into the TurnOfTheMillennium, and during TheNewTens he appeared quite a lot in Rowlands Pharmacy's marketing in which he also received TheMerch, but disappeared sometime around the end of TheNewTens for unknown reasons. |
| 30 | * The owl in the ads for the medication Xyzal allergy relief encourages "Be wise all, take new Xyzal." |
| 31 | * Wise brand potato chips are named after their company's founder, Earl Wise, and feature a stylized owl's eye on their bags as a VisualPun. |
| 32 | %%* Woodsy Owl, the anti-pollution mascot. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 33 | [[/folder]] |
| 34 | |
| 35 | [[folder:Animation]] |
| 36 | %%* Inverted by Hoo Hoo from ''Animation/BoonieBears'', who is lazy and often tries to sleep while flying instead of being smart. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 37 | * ''Animation/KeremAKovetkezot'': Doctor Bubo from this Hungarian animated series is an owl with a medical doctorate, [[FurryBaldness balding head]] and NerdGlasses. [[SubvertedTrope However]], he's an AbsentMindedProfessor whose medical diagnoses are typically [[KnowNothingKnowItAll extremely flawed]], [[HilarityEnsues leading to all sorts of crazy shenanigans]]. |
| 38 | * ''Animation/KikoRiki'': Despite being a comedic character, Olga is still a CoolOldLady with worldly wisdom. |
| 39 | %%* ''Animation/VinniPukh'': Just like in the [[Literature/WinnieThePooh original work]], this trope is basically subverted. But instead of being KnowNothingKnowItAll student parody, Owl in this cartoon is a {{Cloudcuckoolander}} [[GenderFlip lady]]. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 40 | [[/folder]] |
| 41 | |
| 42 | [[folder:Anime & Manga]] |
| 43 | * Professor Hou from ''Anime/DoraemonNobitaAndTheWingedBraves'' is the leading archeological expert of Birdopia and the wisest of the characters. And he's an owl. |
| 44 | * Professor Hoot from ''Manga/HappyHappyClover'' appears to be one of the more intelligent characters in the series along with Rambler and Hickory. Professor Hoot even owns an entire book shelf of old and new books one containing the story of Santa Claus (Which he only allows for grown ups to read). |
| 45 | * ''Anime/KemonoFriends'': The library is run by a pair of owls, and treated as the main source of information by the characters. |
| 46 | * In ''Anime/LupinIIITheWomanCalledFujikoMine'', the Fräulein Eule uses the Owl as their symbol for the connotations of knowledge and science. As a work, however, the frequent images of [[OminousOwl owls are a creepy]] AnimalMotif. |
| 47 | * In ''Anime/NegimaSecondSeason'', Yue ({{The Smart G|uy}}irl) transforms into an owl as her suka/dud form. |
| 48 | * Ash's Noctowl in ''Anime/PokemonTheOriginalSeries'' is said to be very intelligent in the episode in which he captures it, but it isn't really mentioned later. |
| 49 | %%* Old Man Owl from ''Anime/SonicTheHedgehogTheMovie'' is a fairly slick aversion; maybe he was at one point, but emphasis on the fact that he's known as ''Old Man'' Owl. The guy's senile as a head of Wensleydale and his vision is so bad even those cokebottles he wears don't do him any good. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 50 | * In ''Manga/TokyoGhoul'', BigGood Yoshimura is associated with owls. He serves as a surrogate father figure and wise leader to the other ghouls of the 20th Ward, and is well-respected for his knowledge. He doles out advice and information as need be, while guarding many significant secrets. His child, on the other hand, is [[OminousOwl the other trope]], while his right-hand man is associated with CleverCrows. And all of them are [[FlechetteStorm ukaku-users.]] |
| 51 | * The wolves in ''Anime/WolfsRain'' are creeped out by the owl of the Forest of Death because it doesn't have a scent (maybe it's a ghost), and its utterances don't ''seem'' to make sense. On the other hand, it turns out that they not only ''do'' make sense, but eventually lead the wolves and Cheza out of the forest to (temporary) safety. |
| 52 | * In ''Manga/{{Yaiba}}'', on their way to the Seven Orbs, Yaiba and the others met a huge, wise-looking owl and asked him for directions. He wanted to [[OminousOwl be paid.]] They eventually resorts to bind him and taking him with them. |
| 53 | [[/folder]] |
| 54 | |
| 55 | [[folder:Arts]] |
| 56 | * ''Art/TheLadyOfShalottHolmanHunt'': A lamp near the Lady shows owls above sphinxes, suggesting wisdom triumphing over mystery. The lamp is extinguished, because the Lady has not done that. |
| 57 | [[/folder]] |
| 58 | |
| 59 | [[folder:Comic Books]] |
| 60 | * Sandorst from ''ComicBook/TheAutumnlandsToothAndClaw'' is a complete {{inver|tedTrope}}sion. He is short-sighted, ignorant, and a terrible judge of character. His daughter Enna is thankfully smarter and more rational. |
| 61 | * Otero and Liebber in ''ComicBook/{{Blacksad}}'' are both anthropomorphic owl scientists during the cold war. |
| 62 | * The Owl in ''ComicBook/{{Daredevil}}'' is a crime lord known for his vast intelligence network. Sometimes he's specifically referred to as "seeing everything", which, of course, is fitting for a recurring enemy to a blind superhero. |
| 63 | * In many Disney comics, a judge that both Donald and Mickey have dealt with is an owl (not certain if it is meant to be the same person, or if being a judge is just a thing that comes naturally to anthropomorphic owls) -- which is obviously meant to be symbolic, as it is rare that the {{Funny Animal}}s in the comics are easily identifiable as anything but generic "birdpeople" or "dognoses". |
| 64 | * Owls are reoccurring minor characters in the Swedish comic ''Hälge''. They are, however, not really wiser than any other inhabitant of the forest they live in, but lean more towards being wiseasses prone to making ''really'' bad puns. |
| 65 | * In ''ComicBook/PocketGod'', Klik's SpiritAdvisor, Nox, is shaped like an owl. |
| 66 | * Harvey Who, an extremely minor character from ''ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics'' series is a member of the Kingdom of Acorn's Secret Service. However, King Max portrayed him as a CassandraTruth sayer, ignoring his advice and leading to the downfall of his kingdom [[note]]Unless it's retconned out, Max admitted back in issue 58 or so that he and all previous kings had bonded with a magic pool called "The Source of All", essentially a counterpart of [[Franchise/StarWars The Force]], to guide their actions so he probably wasn't as skilled at the whole king thing as he thought.[[/note]]. He sees Max's son, Elias, as a worthy holder of the crown and is working to help him get it back. |
| 67 | * The ''Comicbook/TwoThousandAD'' strip "Feral & Foe", a tongue-in-cheek SwordAndSorcery story, features the owlbore, a pastiche of ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''' owlbear that sends its victims to sleep with a never ending stream of useless information. |
| 68 | [[/folder]] |
| 69 | |
| 70 | [[folder:Comic Strips]] |
| 71 | * ''ComicStrip/PaulusDeBoskabouter'': Oehoeboeroe is a very stoic owl, who usually remains solemn and calm at all times, providing words of wisdom and using very old-fashioned language. |
| 72 | * Howland Owl from ''ComicStrip/{{Pogo}}'' is actually a parody/subversion of the trope, as his idea of intelligence is [[DelusionsOfEloquence using big words]] and spouting LittleKnownFacts. |
| 73 | * The judge in ''ComicStrip/SlylockFox'' for whatever case Slylock is prosecuting is almost always an owl, with a variety of designs over the years. |
| 74 | [[/folder]] |
| 75 | |
| 76 | [[folder:Fan Works]] |
| 77 | * In ''Fanfic/ImaginarySeas'', Minerva, Athena's last remnant and terminal, takes the form of an robotic owl that looks half-finished with half its wire frame showing. |
| 78 | * In ''Zelda and the Manacle of Cahla'', Groo, Zelda's sidekick in the vein of Link's {{Exposition Fair|y}}ies, is a talking owl who is something of an InsufferableGenius and makes [[NotQuiteFlight a good parachute]]. He's actually a wooden figurine of her village's GuardianEntity brought to life. [[spoiler:More specifically, brought to life with her late adoptive mother/aunt figure's spirit.]] |
| 79 | * A different ''Zelda'' fanfic, a novelization of ''Fanfic/TheMythOfLinkAndZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', retains Zelda's status as a bookworm girl who loves to learn, and it expands upon Zelda's sealing power. Instead of it just being a sealing power represented by glowing gold power and Triforce imagery, [[spoiler:she wields the power of an enormous ethereal spiritual figure called the Owl. It fits perfectly with her role as Link's intelligent guide throughout the story.]] |
| 80 | [[/folder]] |
| 81 | |
| 82 | [[folder:Films -- Animation]] |
| 83 | * Friend Owl in Creator/{{Disney}}'s ''WesternAnimation/{{Bambi}}'' initially appears to be wise but turns out to be a KnowNothingKnowItAll. |
| 84 | %%* ''WesternAnimation/TheFoxAndTheHound'': Big Mama, who functions as a mentor figure to Tod. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 85 | * ''WesternAnimation/TheSecretOfNimh'': The Great Owl. As in the novel, he is both [[OminousOwl creepy]] and wise. Being a mouse and thus the natural prey of owls, Mrs. Brisby is understandably nervous about going to consult him. |
| 86 | %%* Archimedes from ''WesternAnimation/TheSwordInTheStone'', as per the film being an adaptation of ''The Once and Future King'' (see Literature). However, Archimedes' gruff nature from the books is played up here, to make him seem more like a cranky schoolteacher. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 87 | %%-->'''Archimedes:''' PINFEATHERS AND GULLYFLUFF! |
| 88 | * As depicted in Creator/{{Disney}}'s [[WesternAnimation/TheManyAdventuresOfWinnieThePooh numerous]] [[WesternAnimation/TheNewAdventuresOfWinnieThePooh animated]] [[WesternAnimation/WinnieThePooh2011 adaptations]] of the ''Literature/WinnieThePooh'' stories, Owl is a subversion, as some of his advice makes absolutely no sense. |
| 89 | [[/folder]] |
| 90 | |
| 91 | [[folder:Films -- Live-Action]] |
| 92 | * In the original version of ''Film/{{Clash of the Titans|1981}}'', Athena gives Perseus Bubo a clockwork duplicate of her own owl companion built by Hephaestus, which becomes Perseus' guide. |
| 93 | %%* The owl voiced by Creator/JennaElfman in the film ''Film/DrDolittle'' starring Creator/EddieMurphy. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 94 | * The UK educational film ''Film/PlaySafe'' has an owl teach a robin and the child viewers how to avoid getting injured or killed by electrical equipment by well, playing safe, and being aware of the dangers of electricity. |
| 95 | * The prologue for ''Film/SonicTheHedgehog2020'' shows that Sonic was initially raised by an owl named Longclaw, whom he describes as being like his [[Franchise/StarWars Obi-Wan Kenobi]]... and [[MentorOccupationalHazard true to form]], she's ([[UncertainDoom seemingly]]) killed by the end of the prologue, after sending Sonic to Earth to protect him from those who wanted to use his power for their own ends. |
| 96 | [[/folder]] |
| 97 | |
| 98 | [[folder:Jokes]] |
| 99 | * A cartoon by the British cartoonist Bestie (whose work features on a whole range of greeting cards) has a mortarboard-wearing owl lecturing several smaller birds about how he doesn't drink or have casual sex. The caption reads: "The other birds suspected that Owl hadn't gone to [[UsefulNotes/BritishUnis university]] at all." |
| 100 | [[/folder]] |
| 101 | |
| 102 | [[folder:Literature]] |
| 103 | * In ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfCaterpillarJones'', the Great Owl is regarded as the creator of the meadow, and is very wise and powerful. [[spoiler:It ends up being played with, as while he is wise and powerful, he grew up and learned like a normal owl and attributes Mother Nature with the meadow's creation]]. |
| 104 | * Spoofed in ''Literature/TheAdventuresOfPinocchio'', in which the Owl Doctor the Blue Fairy calls to determine wether Pinocchio is dead or alive is an utter KnowNothingKnowItAll contrarian to anything his slightly less dense [[CleverCrows Crow Doctor]] colleague expresses, especially when Pinocchio cries in response to the Cricket's scolding and the Owl disagrees with the Crow's observation that if Pinocchio weeps it's a sign he's still alive, by rebutting that when the dead weep, they're just being [[AfterlifeAngst displeased of dying]]. |
| 105 | %%* Stolas, a demon in the ''Literature/ArsGoetia''. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 106 | * In ''Literature/TheBeginningAfterTheEnd'', Cynthia Goodsky's {{Familiar}} Avier resembles an owl, which befits her role and image as the Director of [[MagicalAcademy Xyrus Academy]]. In actuality, [[spoiler:Avier's true form is that of a wyvern. Years later, after having been released by Goodsky to avoid being captured by the Vritra (and in the process avoiding the events that would lead to her death), Avier [[TheBusCameBack returns]] in order to establish contact between Arthur and the Hearth, the [[HiddenElfVillage secret enclave]] created by the Lost Prince Mordain]]. |
| 107 | * In ''Literature/TheBelgariad'', the philosophical and wise god Aldur has the owl as his [[AnimalMotifs totem]]. The sorceresses he taught, Poledra and Polgara, also favour that shape when they need to transform. |
| 108 | %%* ''Literature/TheChroniclesOfNarnia'': ''The Silver Chair''. The Parliament of the Owls. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 109 | * Subverted in the Literature/DoctorWhoNewAdventures novel ''Sanctuary'', by David A. [=McIntee=]: |
| 110 | -->"[The Doctor] is very much like the owl, I think," said Guy, half to himself.\ |
| 111 | "Wise, you mean?" Benny had heard several people comment on such a likeness. Perhaps it was his eyebrows and keen gaze.\ |
| 112 | "What has wisdom to do with owls? He is comfortable in the darkness, as they are, and I think he is equally as adept at hunting down prey in cold blood." |
| 113 | %%* Mr. Owl the schoolteacher from ''Literature/{{Franklin}}''. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 114 | %%* As a story whose main characters are almost all owls, ''Literature/GuardiansOfGaHoole'' has varying degrees of this and some aversions--depending on the owl in question. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 115 | * The ''Literature/HankTheCowdog'' series has Madame Moonshine, the witchy little owl. She often provides magical assistance to Hank when it suits her, although she does have some odd mannerisms, like referring to him as "Hank the Rabbit." |
| 116 | * Owls in the ''Literature/HarryPotter'' {{Verse}} seem to be unusually intelligent, at times seeming to almost be able to understand humans, and have the uncanny ability to find anyone in the world, as long as they have something addressed to that person. (WordOfGod says that wizards in hiding can enchant themselves to be untraceable by owls, though.) |
| 117 | * ''Literature/MonsterOfTheMonthClub'': Owl, the September Selection, is based on an owl and is very smart, getting smarter as he eats paper with new knowledge on it. Unfortunately, his ability to process new information is reduced when his glasses are removed. |
| 118 | %%* Merlin's owl Archimedes in ''Literature/TheOnceAndFutureKing''. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 119 | %%* Subverted harshly in the Creator/JamesThurber fable ''[[http://www.k-state.edu/english/baker/english320/Thurber-The_Owl_Who_Was_God.htm The Owl Who Was God.]]'' %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 120 | * Subverted in ''[[Literature/LandOfOz The Patchwork Girl of Oz]]'', which features a pair of minor characters called the Wise Donkey and the Foolish Owl, who are just that. |
| 121 | * Owlstar from ''Literature/WarriorCats'' was a wise and just leader of [=ThunderClan=] who is FamedInStory. He isn't actually an owl, but he copied his skills from one, and has an obvious owl theme. It's what made him a badass. |
| 122 | * [[ADogNamedDog Owl]] in ''Literature/WinnieThePooh'' stories is an outright KnowNothingKnowItAll. |
| 123 | * ''Literature/TalesOfTheMagicLand'': [[OverlyLongName Guamokolatokint]], Gingema's ex-familiar and Urfin Jus' cunning sidekick, suggests many useful ideas to him, including the one that launched his first conquest (get rid of the AlienKudzu in his back yard by frying it in the sun). |
| 124 | [[/folder]] |
| 125 | |
| 126 | [[folder:Live-Action TV]] |
| 127 | %%* Circuit, from ''Series/PowerRangersTimeForce''. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 128 | * In the kids' game show ''Series/{{Raven}}'', after all of the remaining series 5, week 3 warriors fail to win the challenge Demon Square on day 3, the eponymous character can only make this comment: |
| 129 | -->'''Raven:''' I had hoped my warriors would be as wise as owls. Unfortunately, they are all as feather-brained as cuckoos. |
| 130 | * One ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' sketch features a commercial for Literature/TheBible reenacted with birds. The three wise men are depicted as parrots, confusing the boy reading it and upsetting his father when he claims owls would be more logical. |
| 131 | [[/folder]] |
| 132 | |
| 133 | [[folder:Magazines]] |
| 134 | * ''Magazine/{{OWL}}'' magazine, published in Canada, is a digest meant to get kids interested in learning. The name and mascot are owls, obviously playing to the owl's association with knowledge. |
| 135 | [[/folder]] |
| 136 | |
| 137 | [[folder:Music]] |
| 138 | * Music/{{Nightwish|Band}}'s ''The Crow, the Owl and the Dove'' has the following lines: |
| 139 | -->''An owl came to me, old and wise\ |
| 140 | Pierced right through my youth\ |
| 141 | I learned it's ways, envied it's sense\ |
| 142 | But needed nothing it had'' |
| 143 | * The original trope name ("Wise Old Owl") comes from a nursery rhyme: |
| 144 | -->''A wise old owl lived in an oak\ |
| 145 | The more he saw the less he spoke\ |
| 146 | The less he spoke the more he heard.\ |
| 147 | Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?'' |
| 148 | ** This was later appropriated by the U.S. Army to encourage soldiers to keep their mouths shut (loose lips sink ships). |
| 149 | ** It was also written on the walls of the Owl Bar in Baltimore as a code for ordering alcohol during Prohibition -- when booze was available, an owl lamp above the bar would blink. |
| 150 | [[/folder]] |
| 151 | |
| 152 | [[folder:Myths & Religion]] |
| 153 | * Myth/ClassicalMythology |
| 154 | ** Owls are the emblem of Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom. They were also apparently very common in Athens; in several languages, "Carry owls to Athens" means doing something pointless. Though the last part may be referring to Athenian ''coins'' stamped with an owl motif -- Athena being, as its name implies, Athens' patron goddess -- rather than actual birds. |
| 155 | ** The Latin word for owl is "ibis", which is an entirely different taxonomic group of bird associated with [[Myth/EgyptianMythology an Egyptian god of wisdom]]. This probably came about when the Romans, like the Greeks before them, associated aspects of Athena/Minerva with Thoth/Djehuty. |
| 156 | * Inverted in Finnish mythology, in which owls were seen as ''stupid'' animals. While the imported image of owls as a symbol of wisdom is now the more popular one, the Finnish word "[[InherentlyFunnyWords pöllö]]" is still used to describe stupid people. |
| 157 | * Inverted in [[Myth/HinduMythology Indian mythology]], where owls are often portrayed as stupid because of their blank expression. Owls are also considered a symbol of stupidity in Japanese myth for the same reasons. |
| 158 | %%* The demon prince Stolas ([[WebAnimation/HelluvaBoss No, not that one]]) from the Ars Goetia and the Lesser Key of Solomon is said to bestow upon the conjurer knowledge of astronomy, herbs and precious stones. %%What's the connection with owls? |
| 159 | [[/folder]] |
| 160 | |
| 161 | [[folder:Pinballs]] |
| 162 | * ''Pinball/MagicGirl'' has a white owl watching from the top of the playfield. |
| 163 | [[/folder]] |
| 164 | |
| 165 | [[folder:Puppet Shows]] |
| 166 | * The Dutch children's show ''Series/DeFabeltjeskrant'' -- also known as ''I fablernas värld'' ("In the world of fables") in Swedish -- uses an owl called Meneer de Uil (Mr the Owl, originally enough) as a narrator. |
| 167 | %%* ''Series/MisterRogersNeighborhood'': X the Owl from The Neighborhood of Make-Believe. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 168 | * Charlie Owl from ''Series/NewZooRevue'' wears a mortarboard, implying wisdom. |
| 169 | * Hoots the Owl from ''Series/SesameStreet'' possesses the skills of saxophone playing and singing the blues. |
| 170 | [[/folder]] |
| 171 | |
| 172 | [[folder:Radio]] |
| 173 | * ''Radio/JohnFinnemoresSouvenirProgramme'' features a sketch about how unfair it is that owls get stereotyped like this just because they look like they're wearing glasses--when those big, incredibly acute eyes are actually taking up most of their heads and leaving little room for their brains. The owl being interviewed this points out that the depiction of owls as really clever with poor eyesight is pretty much exactly of the truth. |
| 174 | [[/folder]] |
| 175 | |
| 176 | [[folder:Tabletop Games]] |
| 177 | * ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons'': |
| 178 | ** The wisdom-boosting spell in 3rd ed. and later is called "Owl's Wisdom". In a bit of FridgeBrilliance, Wisdom as a stat is associated more with instinct and savvy than actual knowledge, covering things like tracking and perception, much like how a real owl's brain works (see RealLife below). |
| 179 | ** Giant owls, along with giant eagles à la Creator/JRRTolkien, are among the few "giant animal"-type monsters to have been sapient in all incarnations of ''D&D''. Some editions also feature normal-sized talking owls, a bird which is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin; these are wise oracles of the forest that seem to be at least partially related to Fey. |
| 180 | ** ''TabletopGame/{{Mystara}}'': The hsiao are a Lawful race of giant owls with clerical (which, notably, are Wisdom-based) spellcasting powers. |
| 181 | ** ''TabletopGame/{{Planescape}}'': The Beast Lord of owls is one of oldest beings on his plane and is a part-time sage of godlike wisdom and knowledge. Noctral are LawfulGood supra-genius barn owls with 20' wingspan collecting (and dispensing to anyone capable of hearing) knowledge. |
| 182 | ** ''TabletopGame/{{Spelljammer}}'': [[SpaceX Space Owls]] are normal-sized owls with genius-level intelligence and great longevity. They are often used as navigators on spelljamming ships, being able to memorize all the heavenly bodies in a crystal sphere and orient themselves without even a star chart. They are also often proficient in some other subjects, such as astrology, ancient history, animal lore, engineering and spellcraft. |
| 183 | * ''TabletopGame/GammaWorld'': A ''Magazine/{{Dragon}}'' article on personality types for mutant animals suggested owl-people weren't any smarter than anyone else, but [[KnowNothingKnowItAll acted as if they were]]. |
| 184 | * ''TabletopGame/MagicTheGathering'': |
| 185 | ** Owls are almost exclusively associated with Blue, the color of knowledge and its application. Even owls meant to be more [[OminousOwl creepy]] than wise are still Blue, and have card effects relating to drawing and looking at cards (in flavor, the card deck is meant to represent the player's mind) and to casting spells (generally by making it cheaper for you to do so, by rewarding you for doing so, or by impairing your opponent's ability to do so). |
| 186 | ** Aven, the game's BirdPeople, normally resemble generic humanoid raptors. Many Blue aven, however -- and in particular ones associated with magic or wisdom in some form -- resemble owls instead. |
| 187 | [[/folder]] |
| 188 | |
| 189 | [[folder:Video Games]] |
| 190 | * Dahlia from ''[[VideoGame/AngryBirds Angry Birds Stella]]'' is a rare example portrayed as a GadgeteerGenius rather than a scholarly bookworm. |
| 191 | * Blathers, the curator of the Museum in the ''VideoGame/AnimalCrossing'' games, is knowledgeable in most, if not all of the things you donate, and in the early games would [[MeaningfulName blather on]] about whatever fish, bug, or completed fossil you gave to the museum (his lectures were brought back in ''New Horizons'', but made optional). There is also his sister Celeste, who runs the observatory in ''Wild World'' and ''City Folk'' and is the authority on all things related to astronomy. |
| 192 | * In the ''VideoGame/{{Bayonetta}}'' series, [[SecretCharacter Jeanne]] has her own version of the eponymous character's [[CleverCrows Crow Within]] technique called Owl Within, in which she transforms into a blood-red owl. It's very fitting for her role in the first game, as throughout the game she not only acts as Bayonetta's [[TheRival rival]], but also as her [[TheMentor mentor]], reminding Bayonetta of the techniques she's forgotten and her role as an Umbra Witch. This could double with an OminousOwl as well, since for most of the first game Jeanne acts as Bayonetta's enemy. |
| 193 | * ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}'': The series as whole sometimes features owls as enemies (including in combination with the Owl Knight), as well as pets/weapons of Maria Renard, familiars for Nathan Graves and Shanoa, and even a magical transformation for Charlotte Aulin. However, they count more as OminousOwl. What ''does'' count here, however, is the presence of Stolas, a large, crowned owl-like creature, in ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaAriaOfSorrow'' and ''VideoGame/CastlevaniaDawnOfSorrow''. Inspired by the ''Literature/ArsGoetia'' demon of the same name, Stolas is described in the bestiaries as "An aged, wise owl", and "A wise, old creature said to have considerable intelligence". Both enemies are late-game enemies that summon other powerful monsters, and they also have the highest [[{{Mana}} MP]] in the game -- 9,999 in ''Aria'', and 1,500 (still the most MP of any regular enemy; the next highest ones are at 999) in ''Dawn''. They drop two different soul abilities, depending on the game -- one, "God's Wisdom", is an intelligence boost; the other, "Concentration", enables you to sacrifice strength for an intelligence boost. |
| 194 | * In the epilogue of the ''VideoGame/{{Cuphead}}'' {{DLC}} "The Delicious Last Course", the judge who sentences [[spoiler:Chef Saltbaker]] to community service is an owl named "Honorable Judge Wise". [[spoiler:And since Chef Saltbaker is shown to have a HeelFaceTurn as he atones for his crimes, the sentence handed down was very wise indeed.]] |
| 195 | * The tarot card for human mage characters in ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'' features a flying owl, to reflect both their mystical nature and the fact that they have more formal education than the other five possible backgrounds. Their eventual headquarters Skyhold has running owl motif among them. |
| 196 | * The language-learning EdutainmentGame ''VideoGame/{{Duolingo}}'''s mascot is a CuteOwl named Duo. Duo even has [[AndYourRewardIsClothes a nightgown and monocle as a reward]]. |
| 197 | * ''VideoGame/{{Eastshade}}'': Several of the scholarly or philosophical characters happen to be owlfolk. |
| 198 | * In ''VideoGame/HotlineMiami'', one of the first masks that you unlock is that of an owl named Rasmus. While wearing the mask, secrets around the maps become easier to spot. |
| 199 | * The wise leader of the ''VideoGame/JitsuSquad'' is an andromorphic owl named Ramen, who serves as TheMentor to the heroes. |
| 200 | * ''VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance'': Peepsta Hoo dream eaters use a fairly sound strategy: [[EnemyScan scan an enemy for its]] [[ElementalRockPaperScissors elemental weakness]] [[AttackItsWeakPoint and then ruthlessly exploit it]] with high-level magic and tuned attacks. A handy spirit to have in your party, [[OminousOwl but in nightmaresform...]] |
| 201 | * In ''VideoGame/KingsQuestVAbsenceMakesTheHeartGoYonder'', Cedric the Owl is ''intended'' to help guide the player through the game and offer insightful input. In practice he just [[AnnoyingVideoGameHelper hangs around annoying you]], [[CowardlySidekick leaves when anything dangerous might happen]], makes [[CaptainObvious inane observations]] ("Graham, watch out! A ''poisonous'' snake!") and when he says something that actually could have been a useful warning, it's always too late to avert the catastrophe. The key here is he was designed to give information; he just sucks at it. |
| 202 | * ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'': |
| 203 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaLinksAwakening'': An owl serves as Link's guide, and owl statues give extra hints and backstory all throughout the game. This owl, in turn, seems to have been the inspiration for... |
| 204 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'': Kaepora Gaebora, an owl who serves as Link's guide and advice dispenser. The wisdom part may be justified here as the stones scattered around Hyrule in ''Ocarina'' suggest that he was once one of the Sages, and ended up reincarnated. ''Hyrule Historia'' confirms that Kaepora Gaebora and [[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Rauru, the Sage of Light]] ''are'' indeed the same person, watching over the Hero of Time. |
| 205 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'' has Zelda's father Gaepora, who is technically a human-like Hylian but has BigOlEyebrows resembling his owl namesake and, along with the other teachers at the Knight Academy, robes resembling those worn by the [[BirdPeople Rito]] in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheWindWaker''. He's also the most knowledgeable person in Skyloft about the old legends of Hylia and her battle against the demons on the surface (other than Fi, who was actually around when that stuff happened). |
| 206 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'': |
| 207 | *** Kaneli, the owl-like elder of the [[BirdPeople Rito]], is known for telling Rito children tales of the Champions of old and the ancient Sheikah {{Magitek}}. Despite his knowledge of those tales, he still ends up EntertaininglyWrong about Link's identity, assuming the latter is a descendant of the Hylian Champion rather than the Hylian Champion himself -- of course, since Link was in suspended animation for a hundred years, that's not that unreasonable a conclusion. (And if Link has the Master Sword when he talks to him after beating Divine Beast Vah Medoh, Kaneli's reaction implies he connects the dots at that point.) |
| 208 | *** ''[[AllThereInTheManual The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Creating a Champion]]'' explains that the Zonai (an extinct civilization whose ruins can be found in the Faron region) used owls to symbolize the Triforce of Wisdom. |
| 209 | * ''VideoGame/MyWorldMyWay'': An owl gives advice and a few spells to the heroine. |
| 210 | * ''VideoGame/NiGHTSJourneyOfDreams'': [[ADogNamedDog Owl the owl]] serves as the game's ExpositionFairy. |
| 211 | * ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'': Hoothoot and its evolution Noctowl, while not exactly Psychic-type, can still learn a lot of good Psychic-type moves. The Pokedex also states that they're very intelligent -- Hoothoot's ''Platinum'' entry states that "some countries consider it to be a wise friend, versed in the world's ways," while Noctowl's Silver entry states that "When it needs to think, it rotates its head 180 degrees to sharpen its intellectual power." The second line of owl Pokémon ''VideoGame/PokemonSunAndMoon'''s grass starter Rowlet has a notable aversion with its evolved form Dartrix. Dartrix is actually ''called'' a birdbrain, and is actually a BrainlessBeauty obsessed with its appearance and often bungling things and then making them worse trying to fix them. |
| 212 | * In ''VideoGame/{{Potionomics}}'', a talking Owl with a wizard hat and beard is the former business partner of protagonist Sylvia's now-deceased uncle, who provides the tutorials for how to operate the potion workshop she inherited and teaches Sylvia skills such as how to "mental mulligan" a hand during the shopkeeping portion of the game. |
| 213 | * In ''VideoGame/TheSecretWorld'', the hermit witch {{C|oolOldLady}}ucuvea is popularly known as "The Owl," and has spent many centuries providing wise counsel and magical assistance to the people of Transylvania -- and to you, when you finally meet her. For good measure, she's also capable of [[VoluntaryShapeshifting actually transforming into an owl]] in order to keep any eye on her enemies. |
| 214 | * In ''VideoGame/SimonTheSorcerer'', Simon meets an owl in a tree labeled "Wise owl" but instead of giving useful advice the owl turns out to suffer from dementia and can't finish a single sentence. |
| 215 | * The Owl in ''VideoGame/SongBirdSymphony'' has a reputation as "the smartest bird in the forest", and he lives alone in a sanctuary full of books and ancient artifacts. He guides the PlayerCharacter, Birb, on a quest to learn the songs of every bird in the forest in exchange for helping him find his real family. [[spoiler:[[TreacherousAdvisor He's also]] the BigBad, and a [[VileVillainSaccharineShow shockingly heinous]] one at that. His true goal is to use the power of music to conquer the forest, and he is willing to [[FinalSolution annihilate the entire Lyrebird race]] so he alone can claim ownership of it.]] |
| 216 | * Barnshe from ''VideoGame/{{Temtem}}'' is a [[PsychicPowers Mental-type]] owl which is the mascot of a university because it uses its mind as a weapon. |
| 217 | * ''VideoGame/{{Transistor}}'': Bailey Gilande's Subject image has her with an owl in her collar, fitting her image with intellgence, as someone who was statistically focused, on gathering information and worked as head of city archives. |
| 218 | * ''VideoGame/VivaPinata'': Hootyfruity's encyclopedia entry jokes that it must be wise to be able to fly around trees in the dark without bumping into them, and its house is a stack of books. |
| 219 | * In ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'', the kingdom of Duviri is home to owl-like creatures called paragrimms that can be found perched on signs providing symbols for the nearby Enigma puzzles. The glint of their eyes makes it [[NoticeThis easy to spot the puzzles from afar]], and solving these puzzles both makes the paragrimm flap its wings in approval and rewards the player with Enigma Gyrums, tokens that can traded at the merchant Acrithis for various [[AnInteriorDesignerIsYou decorations for your orbiter]], including a paragrimm of your own. Paragrimms can also be found waiting for help from the Drifter in searching for their lost tomes, which is done through a minigame in which the player sees Duviri from bird's eye view and must hold the cursor over these tomes to collect them. |
| 220 | * The owls found all over the place in ''VideoGame/ZanZarahTheHiddenPortal'' serve as MrExposition. |
| 221 | [[/folder]] |
| 222 | |
| 223 | [[folder:Web Animation]] |
| 224 | %%* ''[[http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/500820 Lil' Hoots]]'': "Oh, Old Master Owwwww-wul!" %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 225 | * In ''WebAnimation/HelluvaBoss'', Stolas is a dedicated bookworm. And, like the Goetic demon that inspired his namesake and character, is particularly invested in astronomy and botany. |
| 226 | * Mumei Nanashi of ''WebAnimation/{{Hololive}}'' is the AnthropomorphicPersonification of Civilization who chose an owl [[AnimalMotif motif]]. She's also [[ForgetfulJones prone to forgetting things]], often being unable to remember what she just said moments earlier, and despite being the avatar of Civilization, has forgotten most of what Humanity has ever accomplished. She does remember that she was at one point quite intelligent and not as forgetful in the past, but has had her memory weakened over the ages. |
| 227 | [[/folder]] |
| 228 | |
| 229 | [[folder:Webcomics]] |
| 230 | * In ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'' owls are related to the knowledge, albeit in a different way. [[spoiler:"[[RunningGag READ, or the owl will eat you]]".]] |
| 231 | * ''Webcomic/HarkAVagrant'' knows [[http://www.harkavagrant.com/index.php?id=258 what makes owls wise.]] |
| 232 | * ''Webcomic/HeroesOfThantopolis'' Helene's cautious chief adviser takes the form of an owl, complete with eyes shaped like [[NerdGlasses round spectacles]] |
| 233 | * Political satire comic ''Webcomic/IDrewThis'' pointed out the falsehood of this on one occasion: |
| 234 | -->Owls have a reputation for being wise. But in fact, they're no smarter than they need to be. Larry King looks like an owl. But recently he asked the dumbest question anyone has ever asked on TV: "How can you out-and-out deny creationism, since if evolution is true, ''why are there still monkeys?''" |
| 235 | * In ''ComicStrip/ThePerryBibleFellowship'' comic "[[http://pbfcomics.com/comics/wise-shitashi/ Wise Shitashi]]", a samurai goes to a wise old Shitashi with news about an upcoming war, only to find that the owl is... not wise old Shitashi. |
| 236 | %%* According to Jason Love's ''Snapshots'', [[http://www.jasonlove.com/cartoons/00136-daily-cartoons-owls.gif some owls more than the rest.]] %%Example needs context besides a dead link to make sense on its own. |
| 237 | [[/folder]] |
| 238 | |
| 239 | [[folder:Websites]] |
| 240 | * ''Website/{{Mortasheen}}'' gives us the [[http://www.bogleech.com/mortasheen/bemzuul.htm Bemzuul,]] which is essentially an owl with oversized, creepy-looking eyes. While not wise per se, it is capable of telepathy, photographic memory, and even MindRape. Bonus points for having a name derived from B.E.M., the acronym for "Bug Eyed Monster." |
| 241 | [[/folder]] |
| 242 | |
| 243 | [[folder:Web Videos]] |
| 244 | * ''WebVideo/TheMinervaAlliance'' uses a barn owl as its mascot to represent knowledge. Their primary mission is ToUnmasqueTheWorld and let the public know about the anomalies of the world. |
| 245 | [[/folder]] |
| 246 | |
| 247 | [[folder:Western Animation]] |
| 248 | %%* Professor Owl in the ''WesternAnimation/AdventuresInMusicDuology''. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 249 | %%* [[SpeciesSurname Owl]] from ''WesternAnimation/TheAnimalsOfFarthingWood''. %%Example needs context to make sense on its own. |
| 250 | * In ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'', Wan Shi Tong, the knowledge spirit who runs the greatest library in the world, is a giant, black barn owl (who crosses over into OminousOwl territory when he gets mad). His name, 万知堂 ''(wànzhītáng)'' even [[MeaningfulName means]] "[[TheOmniscient He who knows 10,000 things.]]" In the SequelSeries ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'' however, his self-imposed exile has left him [[KnowNothingKnowItAll poorly informed when it comes to human technology]] and he is easily swayed by [[EvilUncle Unalaq]]. |
| 251 | * Olivia Owl in ''WesternAnimation/{{Birdz}}'' is the nerdy type. |
| 252 | * In ''WesternAnimation/TheBlinkins'', Benjamin the Owl is the wisest creature in the forest and often helps the Blinkins if they need it. |
| 253 | * The owl Zocrates from ''WesternAnimation/TheBluffers'' is not only [[NamedAfterSomebodyFamous named after an ancient Greek philosopher]], he is even dressed like a [[HollywoodHistory stereotypical ancient Greek]], complete with laurel wreath on his head. |
| 254 | * Wanda Pierce from ''WesternAnimation/BoJackHorseman'' is a TV Executive who woke up from a 30-year coma. She is far from intelligent, but only because she is keeping up with the times from her old life. However, she has enough know-how to be in control and give the audience what they want. |
| 255 | * In the ChristmasSpecial ''Christopher the Christmas Tree'' is a young owl runs away from home because he's tired of being taunted for not being as smart as the rest of his family (he can't fly or [[TalkingAnimal even talk]]). His smarter brothers are even shown wearing mortarboards, playing into this trope. |
| 256 | * ''WesternAnimation/{{DuckTales|2017}}'': Zan Owlson is a businesswoman possibly even more level-headed than Scrooge [=McDuck=] himself. She later gains the job of preventing Flintheart Glomgold from ruining his company with his inane schemes. After quitting from the company, she goes on to be mayor of St. Canard, where she successfully wipes the city of crime. |
| 257 | * In the show ''WesternAnimation/{{Franklin}}'' the eponymous turtle's teacher, Mr. Owl, is a Great Horned Owl. |
| 258 | * The family of owls from the ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' short "WesternAnimation/ILoveToSinga" is a family of classical musicians -- except for the youngest, who wants to be a jazz singer. |
| 259 | * Virgil from ''WesternAnimation/MightyMax'' isn't officially an owl -- he's a "Lemurian fowl" -- but he certainly looks the part, and has the intelligence common to popular portrayals of owls. |
| 260 | * ''Animation/MrKrbecAndHisAnimals'': Kukula the Owl resides in the huge library of the castle Kulikov. She's wise and well-read. She's often the target of Ruprecht's mischief. She's not pleased that Mr Krbec was not informed beforehand about the castle being haunted and warns Mr Krbec about Ruprecht. |
| 261 | * Owlowiscious (pronounced the same as the even less phonetic Aloysius) in ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' becomes the pet of [[BadassBookworm Twilight]] [[CuteWitch Sparkle]], and for a pet he's extremely competent, helping Twilight out at night when Spike is asleep. Enough so for Spike (a fully sentient dragonling who has been with Twilight for years) feels his position as "number 1 assistant" threatened by the owl. |
| 262 | * There is a WesternAnimation/{{Noveltoons}} character, Ollie the Owl, who appears in two cartoons from TheSixties. He is a ChildProdigy, complete with oversized eyeglasses. In his first appearance, he uses a detective kit to try and outsmart and arrest a bank robber (and he succeeds), and in his second he goes on a children's quiz show and ends up answering all the tough questions correctly, to the dismay of the TV studio. (They were hoping the contestant would not be able to answer the questions so the TV studio wouldn't have to give away the prizes and lose all their money... but all Ollie really wanted was a lollipop.) |
| 263 | * ''WesternAnimation/TheOwlHouse'': |
| 264 | ** Hooty inverts this, which is actually more realistic than what most believe owl intelligence to be; owls aren't particularly smart compared to other birds and are known to make life-threatening mistakes while hunting. He does show some signs of intelligence, though, as he's the one to teach [[KnowNothingKnowItAll King]] about the different demons in the Boiling Isles. |
| 265 | ** [[AnimalMotifs Eda]] is known as the Owl Lady, and she claims it's because she's wise, although Hooty and King beg to differ. [[spoiler: It turns out none of them were right.]] Credit where's due, though, she has a point; she is quite StreetSmart and highly skilled at using magic. |
| 266 | * Aloysius Owl in Creator/{{Terrytoons}}' ''Possible Possum'' series tries to avert from Possible's more outrageous schemes. |
| 267 | * One of the teachers on ''WesternAnimation/TimmyTime'' is Osbourne, a kindly and patient owl. His son also attends, and clearly looks up to his father, emulating him whenever possible. |
| 268 | * Good-guy leader Leoric from ''WesternAnimation/{{Visionaries}}'' has a magic staff with the power of Wisdom, manifesting as a talking owl whose advice usually take a scene change to figure out. |
| 269 | * On ''WesternAnimation/WildAnimalBabyExplorers'', Izzy the owl knows a lot of things, but isn't always a good sport when he gets something wrong, or has to admit he doesn't know something. |
| 270 | [[/folder]] |
| 271 | |
| 272 | [[folder:Real Life]] |
| 273 | * The owl is the unofficial mascot of the high IQ organization UsefulNotes/{{Mensa}}. |
| 274 | * The FFA (Future Farmers of America) has the symbol of the owl for the Advisor (a teacher that helps organize FFA activities). To quote, from opening ceremonies: |
| 275 | -->'''Vice President:''' The Advisor?\ |
| 276 | '''Advisor:''' Here by the owl.\ |
| 277 | '''Vice President:''' Why stationed by the owl?\ |
| 278 | '''Advisor:''' The owl is a time-honored emblem of knowledge and wisdom. Being older than the rest of you, I am asked to advise you from time to time as the need arises. I hope that my advice will always be based on true knowledge, and ripened with wisdom. |
| 279 | * Purdue University's Online Writing Lab takes advantage of its [[FunWithAcronyms acronym]] to draw a connection between its purpose as a knowledge base and research for professional writing and owls, which have been featured in some way either as an emblem or logotype for the writing lab. |
| 280 | * Although owls are large-brained birds, they seem to be at the lower end of bird intelligence based on behavioral studies of captive birds and mostly failed attempts to train them for use in falconry. Owls in the wild have been observed to make life-threatening blunders not frequently witnessed of other birds, such as failing to avoid traffic on busy roads when hunting prey. This is because owls' large brains are [[CripplingOverspecialization optimized for extremely acute audio-visual sensory processing and not much else]]. Thus they're highly effective hunters, but they don't have what humans interpret as "intelligence". |
| 281 | [[/folder]] |
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