In 2014’s “Maleficent,” the raven Maleficent rescued and recruited as her informant is named Diaval.
Maleficent finds Diaval trapped by a farmer and saves him from being killed. In gratitude, Diaval offers to serve her, becoming her loyal companion, messenger, and source of information about the human kingdom. His name is revealed when he introduces himself after Maleficent transforms him into human form.
Diaval is not limited to raven form. Maleficent can transform him into different creatures and people, including a human, horse, wolf, and dragon, depending on what she needs. This shapeshifting makes him useful as a spy and helps explain why the film describes him as her “wings.”
A common mix-up is with Maleficent’s raven-like companion in Disney’s 1959 animated “Sleeping Beauty,” whose name is Diablo. The 2014 live-action film reimagines that character as Diaval, played by Sam Riley. Diaval also returns in the 2019 sequel, “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” as Maleficent’s confidant.