Okay, Hear Me Out: The Heron as Grief (Boy and the Heron Thoughts)

So, just saw The Boy and the Heron. Still kinda processing. Visually stunning, obviously, Miyazaki doesn't miss there. But I'm really stuck on the Heron character. Like, on the surface, he's this annoying, kinda gross trickster bird who lures Mahito into this other world. But I think he's WAY more than that – I think he is Mahito's grief. Think about it: Mahito is completely consumed by his mother's death, right? The Heron appears right after he moves to the countryside, constantly taunting him with the possibility of seeing his mother again. He's manipulative, he's insistent, and he's ultimately leading Mahito on a journey to confront something he's not ready for. Isn't that kinda what grief does? It follows you, it whispers promises, it pushes you down rabbit holes. The grotesque nature of the Heron, the way he shapeshifts and lies, it reminds me of how grief contorts your thoughts and feelings. And the scenes where Mahito is interacting with the Heron in the other world? It feels like he's wrestling with his own internal demons. He attacks the Heron, he tries to ignore him, he even (briefly) trusts him. It's like he's trying to control his grief, to understand it, to escape it. Himi is arguably a representation of his mother's more beautiful qualities, but the Heron feels like the raw, ugly, uncomfortable parts of losing her. I'm probably totally off base, but that's just the vibe I got. What do you guys think? I'm intersted to hear other interpretations, especially about the pelicans. Maybe I'm just projecting my own stuff onto it (definitely possible lol), but I couldn't shake this feeling. Plus, that whole scene where the Heron tries to become good at the end seems like Mahito is finally coming to terms with his mother's death, right? Anyway, lemme know your thoughts! I could chat about this all day. Also, sorry for any typos, typing on my phone!