In Dane-zaa lore, thunderbirds inhabit high mountains, nesting on elevated hills where they clear surrounding timber. Visible only to those with strong supernatural abilities, these formidable creatures are feared by others, as they can attack and kill those who approach without such powers. Despite their strength, “earth’s roots” are believed to be more powerful. Thunderbirds are described as being about the size of jackpine partridges.
Source:
The Beaver Indians
by Pliny Earle Goddard
The American Museum of Natural History – Anthropological Papers
Volume X, Part 4
New York, 1912
► Themes of the story
Supernatural Beings: The Thunderbirds themselves are powerful entities that reside on high mountains and possess the ability to destroy timber and attack humans.
Conflict with Nature: The Thunderbirds’ capacity to tear twisted trees apart and the danger they pose to humans highlight a struggle against formidable natural forces.
Sacred Spaces: The high mountains where the Thunderbirds dwell are considered perilous and are accessible only to those with significant supernatural power, indicating these locations hold spiritual significance.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Dane-zaa people
They breed where there is a high hill. They destroy all the timber where they make their nest. They live on every high mountain. The places where they live are dangerous. Only men with strong supernatural power can see them. Those are the only ones who know where they live. As soon as a person who has nothing of that kind (supernatural power) comes near, they attack him. The people who do not see them are afraid of them. They say they can kill a man because they are strong. “Earth’s roots” are the only things which are stronger than they are. They tear twisted trees to pieces. In reply to a question the informant added that the thunderbirds are about as large as the jackpine partridges. He said his father used to go to see the thunderbirds.
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Dreamtime Whispers 