Perhaps, the earliest known communication between owls and wisdom is their association with Athena as the Greek goddess of wisdom is often represented holding an owl. Their excessively big eyes and constant serious, almost thoughtful look make a wisdom impression as though owls a cut above all other birds. In legends, folklore, children's fairy tales of Hollywood, an owl were always night watchmen — sometimes ominous, but always wise. Unfortunately, owls actually are in closer to the lower degree of mental capacities of birds, and the crow is considered the cleverest bird.