The Raven Mockers are figures in Cherokee mythology, described as witches or evil spirits that prolong their lives by preying on the sick and dying. They are often depicted as withered and aged, flying through the night while emitting cries resembling a raven’s call. Consuming the hearts of their victims, they absorb the remaining years of life. Though invisible to most, skilled medicine men can detect and repel them. According to tradition, recognizing a Raven Mocker in its true form causes it to die within seven days.

The Raven Mocker, or Kâ'lanû Ahkyeli'skï (Cherokee: ᎪᎳᏅ ᎠᏰᎵᏍᎩ), is said to prey on the sick or dying to extend its lifespan. At night, it is believed to fly through the air in fiery form, with outstretched arms resembling wings and sparks trailing behind. Their flight is accompanied by the sound of rushing wind and their cries, described as resembling a raven's dive call, are considered an omen of death.

Raven Mockers are said to gather at the homes of the dying, tormenting their victims by pressing on their chests to restrict breathing or throwing them to the ground. After the victim dies, the Raven Mocker is believed to remove and consume the heart to absorb the victim's remaining lifespan. No marks are left on the body, but the heart is said to be missing.

Although feared for their power, other witches are said to avoid the Raven Mocker. Medicine men, using special knowledge, can detect and repel them from entering homes. Tradition holds that if a Raven Mocker is seen in its true form, it dies within seven days. Gunskaliski, a renowned Cherokee shaman, was said to have destroyed several Raven Mockers by using a special tea made from duck-root, enabling him to see them.

In Cherokee tradition, Raven Mockers are also called "Kâ'lanû Ahkyeli'skï" ("The Death Spirit") and "Tsundige’wi" ("He Who Covers His Face"). Other titles such as "Death Caller" and "Heart Eater" reflect their feared ability to consume hearts and steal life.

A notable tale involves a young hunter who sought refuge in what appeared to be an abandoned home. While resting, he heard the cry of a raven. An old man and woman returned to the house and revealed themselves as Raven Mockers when they discussed stealing lives. The hunter witnessed them roasting what appeared to be a human heart. The next morning, the old man gave the hunter a gift of beadwork, warning him not to speak of what he saw. However, the hunter discarded the gift in a stream and informed his village. Seven days later, a group of warriors found the couple dead and burned their home to ensure the destruction of the Raven Mockers.

Another story recounts how two men prepared by a medicine man fasted for seven days and were given a vision-enhancing remedy made from muskrat brain. This enabled them to witness creatures, including a Raven Mocker, gathered near a grave. The men saw the Raven Mocker dig into the earth but fled in fear after attempting to stop it. They later underwent healing rituals to recover from the experience.

Another account tells of a man left to die alone because his family feared the presence of Raven Mockers. As he lay dying, witnesses claimed the Raven Mockers tormented him, hastening his death by pressing on his chest and lifting him from his bed. After his death, it was believed they stole his heart to extend their lives.