He has been associated with the Birdman legends in Mississippian culture.

To the Winnebago Indians of the Plains and Midwest, Thunderbird was a Shapeshifter who could take human form.

He agreed to help, but asked that thereafter he only be depicted with wings stretched out atop a totem pole.

On the Pacific Northwest Coast, people begged Thunderbird for help with crops and food in times of scarcity.

The Menominee believe they are direct messengers from the Great Spirit.

According to the Algonquin Indians, Thunderbird controls the upper world the underworld is controlled by the Great Horned Serpent.

Only the strongest, most successful and powerful Chiefs and their families were permitted to use Thunderbird in their crests. Some tribes perceived them as sacred natural forces, while others saw them as normal parts of the animal kingdom. Many legends depict the anger of the Thunderbirds they are fearsome and frightening. Legends of the Thunderbird have been passed through the generations via stories, songs, and dance. Said to reside in the clouds above the highest mountains, the Thunderbirds had sharp claws and teeth and vibrant, colorful feathers. The Thunderbirds brought storms and rain – these could be good when the rain was needed or bad when floods, fires, and destructive winds were the result.

Lightning shot from Thunderbird’s eyes and the flapping of his wings sounded like thunder. Beneath his wings were lightning snakes, and these he wielded as weapons or tools as required.

Able to transform into human form by removing his head like a mask and his feathers like a cape, he was considered the most powerful of all Spirits in Native American culture. An enormous bird, he symbolized great power, strength, and protection for humans against evil spirits. The Thunderbird is a mythical creature of huge importance to the Native Americans of both the United States and Canada. One iconic symbol featured heavily in our stunning Native American jewelry at Indian Traders is the Thunderbird.

Thunderbird mythical birds