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Fresh water Quote by W. Ben Hunt

“The mythical Thunderbird, in one form or another, was held in awe by practically all of the Indian tribes. On the Great Plains, where the phenomena of thunderstorms was very striking, the Thunderbird was supposed to be a deity in the form of a bird of enormous size, which produced thunder by…” quote by W. Ben Hunt
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““The mythical Thunderbird, in one form or another, was held in awe by practically all of the Indian tribes. On the Great Plains, where the phenomena of thunderstorms was very striking, the Thunderbird was supposed to be a deity in the form of a bird of enormous size, which produced thunder by flapping its wings, and lightning by opening and closing its eyes. These great birds were thought to carry a lake of fresh water on their backs, which caused a great downpour when they flew through the air. Tribes of the Pacific Coast thought the Thunderbird caught whales during a thunderstorm and used its wings as a bow to shoot arrows. Each tribe interpreted the bird differently in its art, as shown on these two pages. The design of the Thunderbird was used to decorate war drums, pottery, and walls and was supposed to protect individuals and tribes from the Evil Spirits.””

W. Ben Hunt

About This Quote

Source Book: "American Indian Mythology" by W. Ben Hunt, 1935

The Thunderbird is a powerful mythic bird revered by many tribes, symbolizing thunder, rain, and protection.

In simple terms: Thunderbird is a revered giant bird that makes thunder and protects people.

Key Takeaway

Respect cultural symbols and their meanings.

Themes

mythology nature protection

Mood

respectful inquisitive

Type

educational reflective

When to use this quote

  • cultural education
  • heritage preservation

Key Concepts

tribal stories art symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the Thunderbird represent in your culture?
  • How do myths shape environmental respect?
A Different Perspective

Interpretations vary widely among tribes.

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