Author: Kevin Parada
The mythical creature known as the Thunderbird is a significant and powerful figure within Native American mythology. Often depicted as a large birdlike entity with Godlike powers and abilities with some cases claiming the entity is made of lightning and is practically Intangible. The thunderbird is believed to create thunder by flapping its whings and shoot lightning from its eyes. For these reasons this entity is depicted as a protector within Native American culture it is also a symbol of power and strength.
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| Thunderbird by windfalcon on DeviantArt |
The Thunderbird is a very important figure and creature within many Native American tribes across the United States with some being located along the Pacific North-West coast, American South-East, The Great Lakes, and The Great Plains. Within these cultures the Thunderbird is associated with the coming of rain and storms and is also believed to have the ability to control the weather and the fait of their land as a whole.
Depending on the tradition the thunderbird can be seen as one of two things.
Option one: Within this tradition the thunderbird is seen as a protector and a guardian which protects mankind from evil spirits. It is also the symbol of change/transformation which leads it to appear within legends and stories as a powerful creature that bring about significant events.
Option two: Within this tradition the thunderbird is more commonly known as El Demonio De La Tormenta (The Demon of The Storm) which is believed to be a destroyer by nature and is depicted as an evil entity destroying villages, fields, and killing livestock as well as human. It is seen as a symbol of destruction or death which lead the creature to be a main antagonist within many stories and folklore within the Palmar area.
The Powerful Bird of Alaskan Folklore “A general recap of the thunderbird legend with images”
Ranging from version of the thunderbird legend the entity can either be a humanlike creature with the ability to turn into a bird made of lightning and granted God like powers. Or it can be a creature that was born with the first lightning strike also in some cases the thunderbird isn’t a single entity but a whole species with many specimens being spotted at a time.
The legend of the thunderbird originated in the genesis of Native Americans. Across these tribes the thunderbird embodied a array of symbolic meaning with some representations being strength, courage, protection, pride, and unfaltering will. The original depictions varied from tribe to tribe but some of the things that remained consistent were the following: Colossal size and outlandish wingspan with vibrant plumage consisting of intricate designs. It was also believed to be able to penetrate the deepest part of the huma soul revealing the hidden truths and unlit roads.
Work Cited:
Mythical Encyclopedia. "Thunderbird (Mythical Creature)." Mythical Encyclopedia, Mythical Encyclopedia, 2024, https://mythicalencyclopedia.com/thunderbird/. Accessed 7 NOV. 2024
Britannica. “Thunderbird.” Encyclopedia 7 Nov. 2024, Thunderbird | Symbol & Facts | Britannica
“The Legend of the Thunderbird Native American Mythology.” MythologyWorldwide, 2 Mar. 2024, The Legend of the Thunderbird in Native American Mythology -. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
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