![]() There is much curiosity surrounding the existence of the Thunderbird myths. From the numerous stories of the Thunderbird, it is often assumed that Thunderbird is a protector – though at times this creature can be forced to punish those of low moral integrity. Thunderbird is a mythological character that appears in many Native American legends. ![]() ![]() The people below stare in awe at this mighty protector and enforcer. It seems to be coasting on the winds above, but with every flap of its wings the rumbling of thunder can be heard. The bright feathers of this enormous winged creature make for a stark contrast in the sky. The clouds grow dark as a figure in the sky approaches with impressive speed. For a short time, thousands of years ago, the bird shared territory with early Native Americans. Probably the largest bird ever to fly, it died out following the last ice age. Perhaps Teratornis merriami was the creature that inspired the myth. According to myth, Thunderbird was so large and flew so high, it carried the rain on its back and created thunder and lightning. Its origin remains a mystery, even to Native Americans. Legend tells of a huge bird called the Thunderbird. Thunderbirds in this tradition may be depicted as a spread-eagled bird (wings horizontal head in profile), but also quite commonly with the head facing forward, thus presenting an X-shaped appearance overall. The thunderbird creates not just thunder (with its wing-flapping), but lightning bolts, which it casts at the underworld creatures. In Algonquian mythology, the thunderbird controls the upper world while the underworld is controlled by the underwater panther or Great Horned Serpent. Midwest states (e.g., Ojibwe in Minnesota ). The discussion of the “Northeast” region has included Algonquian-speaking people in the Lakes-bordering U.S. The thunderbird myth and motif is prevalent among Algonquian peoples in the “Northeast”, i.e., Eastern Canada ( Ontario, Quebec, and eastward) and Northeastern United States, and the Iroquois peoples (surrounding the Great Lakes). The thunderbird is said to create thunder by flapping its wings (Algonquian ), and lightning by flashing its eyes (Algonquian, Iroquois ). It is especially important, and frequently depicted, in the art, songs and oral histories of many Pacific Northwest Coast cultures, but is also found in various forms among some peoples of the American Southwest, East Coast of the United States, Great Lakes, and Great Plains. It is considered a supernatural being of power and strength. The thunderbird is a legendary creature in certain North American indigenous peoples’ history and culture.
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