Owls get a mixed reputation around the world.

I think most people see them positively, especially in a modern context, but they do have a few negative associations too from what I’ve read.

This short summary of owl myths covers a lot of places. I can’t vouch for how accurate it is, but I’ll copy some highlights.

World Owl Mythology

Arabia: the Owl is a bird of ill omen, the embodiment of evil spirits that carries off children at night. According to an ancient Arabic treatise, from each female Owl supposedly came two eggs, one held the power to cause hair fall out and one held the power to restore it.

Arabs used to believe that the spirit of a murdered man continues to wail and weep until his death is avenged. They believed that a bird that they called “al Sada” (or the death-owl) would continue to hoot over the grave of a slain man whose death had not been avenged. The bird would continue to hoot endlessly until the slain man’s death was avenged.

Aztecs: one of their evil gods wore a Screech Owl on his head.

Indonesia: Around Manado, on the isle of Sulawesi, People consider Owls very wise. They call them Burung Manguni. Every time someone wants to travel, they listen to the owls. The owls make two different sounds; the first means it is safe to go, and the second means it’s better to stay at home. The Minahasa, people around Manado, take those warnings very seriously. They stay at home when Manguni says so.

Middle East: the owl is linked with destruction, ruin and death. They are believed to represents the souls of people who have died un-avenged. Seeing an owl on the way to battle foretells a bloody battle with many deaths and casualties. Seeing an owl at somebody’s house predicts their death. Seeing an owl in your sleep is fine as long as you don’t hear it’s voice. An Owl’s sound forecasts a bad day.

A person who nags and complains a lot is compared to an owl. When someone is grumpy or is delivering bad news, they are said to have a face like an owl.

Tangiers: Barn Owls are the clairvoyants of the Devil.

There’s a lot more at that link. Again, no idea the accuracy of any of it. If any of you have anything to add or correct, I’d love to hear it!