The Owls are not what they seem

David Lynch’s Twin Peaks is an ominous tale but it has spiritual implications delivered throughout the show. The allegation that was stated many times: once by the Giant, another time by Man From Another Place, and a further time by the Log Lady, was “The owls are not what they seem”.
Owls are usually thought of as representing wisdom and knowledge. The owl is known to be a bird that understands all of life’s secrets. In the Native American folklore of the Yakama Tribe, the owl is viewed “as a powerful totem. Such taboos or totems often guide where and how forests and natural resources are used and managed…” (Owl Pages). The owls act as a guide, making sure everything has a task and is in order. In Cooper’s dream you can see a shadow pass along the back wall. The shadow appears to be in the shape of a bird, in all probability an owl. I believe the owl was placed in this scene to symbolize the journey Cooper has to go on to find out who killed Laura. The owl was leading Cooper to find answers. Another example of using the imagery of owls is in the scene where Leland dies and BOB is expelled from his body. After the expulsion, an owl is seen flying through the forest. The owls know that BOB is not a natural being so when he is near they guard their forest and direct him away from it. The owls seem to be the watchers of the forest, the decision makers between right and wrong, natural and supernatural. The owls lead the characters to find truth.
- Rebecca B.



http://www.owlpages.com/articles.php?section=Owl+Mythology&title=Owls+Lore+Culture&page=3