Wise, dumb, stupid, evil helpers of witches

In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom and is regularly associated with an owl. Other examples: Owl (Winnie the Pooh), The Animals of Farthing Wood, Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Bambi, The Sword in the Stone, Kaepora Geabora (The Legend of Zelda). Although owls are often associated with wisdom and intelligence this image is not timeless, nor universal. During the Middle Ages, owls were seen as dumb, stupid and evil helpers of witches. On many paintings of Hieronymus Bosch the bird can be seen as a symbol of stupidity and/or evil. The Dutch profanity word "uilskuiken" ("owl chick") is used to insult a stupid person and the Dutch saying "Wat baten kaars en bril als de uil niet zien wil?" ("What use are a candle and glasses if the owl refuses to see?") still reminds people of this totally opposite view of owls. In Asian culture owls are traditionally seen as dumb animals instead of symbols of wisdom.

The interpretation of evil owls can be found in films such as Rock-a-Doodle. The Grand Duke of Owls, a magical owl who despises Chanticleer and the main antagonist of the film.