Well-Read Raven Repeats Famous ‘Nevermore’ Line From ‘The Raven’

A curious video has emerged of a pet raven repeating the famous lines from Edgar Allan Poe's, ‘The Raven’ when he says "Nevermore".Show more

Watch this hilarious clip featuring a raven repeating ‘nevermore’ over a dozen times. The results are mind-blowing. If he could hear this talking raven, Poe himself would give this performance the nod of approval.

Footage shows a black bird sitting next to a window and reciting the well-known poem. Even if this video is edited, ravens are indeed capable of imitating sounds.

Of course, Edgar Allan Poe knew what he was doing when he used the raven instead of some other bird to croak out “nevermore” in his famous poem. The raven has long been associated with death and dark omens, but the real bird is somewhat of a mystery. Unlike its smaller cousin the crow, not a lot has been written about this remarkable bird which is actually very intelligent, similar to dolphins and chimpanzees.

In captivity, ravens can learn to talk better than some parrots. They also mimic other noises, like car engines, toilets flushing, and animal and bird calls. Ravens have been known to imitate wolves or foxes to attract them to carcasses that the raven isn’t capable of breaking open.

"The Raven" is a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. First published in January 1845, the poem is often noted for its musicality, stylized language, and supernatural atmosphere. It tells of a talking raven's mysterious visit to a distraught lover, tracing the man's slow fall into madness. The lover, often identified as being a student, is lamenting the loss of his love, Lenore. Sitting on a bust of Pallas, the raven seems to further instigate his distress with its constant repetition of the word "Nevermore".