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What were your first impressions of the raven, or else, Balto's mother in the form of a raven?

I always imagined a raven symbolizing death and evil. But Balto's mother isn't evil. I think that she should have come in the form of an Eagle. Not a raven.

I don't remeber how was Balto2 *scratches her head* But I remember that I didn't liked it,Maybe the raven simbolizes Aniu,because at the end the raven appears then it turns ito Aniu,That is all I remember :}

I don't and I'd never think a raven is evil. I think it's smart and intelligence. for this case I think it reminds me of a "spirit" being. you know... some culture says ravens are dead human's reborn form. (totally noooo offence)

Ravens are an extreamly powerful spiritual symbol often found in connection with the wolf.

Hence the Raven in Balto Wolf Quest.

I agree with you, Drew.

Also, the Raven is a symbol of change and guidance (but I'll mention more in one of my articles . . . one's almost finished so watch for it soon!), and quite mysterious (note the black color? sometimes it's noted for its connection with "darkness".).

When I first watched Wolf Quest, I had a feeling that the Raven was meant to lead Balto to understanding something about the wolf, but the ending with the Raven turning into Aniu . . . . that was unexpected, but it kind of made sense. Aniu wanted Balto to understand how important his wolf heritage was, even if he was only half wolf. But of course, the whole focus (although at points, it was quite minor) was all about Aleu.

But I'll stop there . . . that's a whole different article/discussion/etc.

- Juuchan17

The Raven has always been my second favorite animal other than the wolf. When I went on my roadtrip accross country in March, I saw the first raven I had ever seen in my life. Guys, it was different then we picture ravens, they are beutifull!

Their feathers change colors in the sun, they have a magnificent wing span, and they are all around amazingly cool!

Maybe the Raven is Aniu? But in bird form? Or MAYBE its his fahter?

Yes, Ravens are often associated with bad and evil animals, just like the wolves. So I'm quite glad when they show them in a good way

Same here, Steet. But . . . . maybe there was a sort of "bad" quality that the raven had: Balto might have thought that the Raven was sort of bad because it wouldn't leave his dreams alone and give him the sleep that he needed. But perhaps that's what the Raven (AKA Aniu) wanted?

Just a thought . . . . I'm working on an article that may help with this topic, so yeah . . . .

- Juuchan17

Isn't it crows that symbolize evil and death? I might be mistaken, since ravens and crows are easily confused. Anyway...

I think the raven might be Balto's mother. Along with that, the first time I watched the movie, it seemed to be a symbol that Aleu was going to have to leave. Think about it. Ravens symbolize death (even though Aleu didn't die...) and sadness, so it could have been foreshadowing a painful event in Balto's life. I dunno if that's right or not, but that's how I look at it.

Sounds reasonable to me, but I have never heard of crows being associated with bad things either.....

Oh, I've heard a few things about crows being bad luck and foreshadowing that something unlucky is going to happen. Some people are actually afraid of crows because they're so smart. I'm sorry to get off-topic here.

Yeah! Crows are very intelligent! take a look:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1209_041209_crows_apes.html

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/20563/bird_brain/

I can easily think of something symbolizes death, vultures. Heh although I didn't really know what to think of it. Some dark force I guess lol. Didn't expect it to be his mother a TON but I had my suspicions.