A dog’s bark during a thunderstorm startled the thunderbird, causing it to fall dead near a village. Villagers observed its frog-like skin and three large water-filled bags—one between its legs and one under each armpit. The thunderbird’s eye-opening produced lightning, its voice was thunder, and squeezing the bags caused rain. It was as large as a house.
Source:
Traditions of the Ts’ets’a’ut
by Franz Boas
The American Folklore Society
Journal of American Folklore
Vol.9, No.35, pp. 257-268
October-December, 1896
Vol.10, No.36, pp. 35-48
January-March, 1897
► Themes of the story
Mythical Creatures: Described as large as a house with skin resembling that of a frog, the thunderbird is a formidable creature within the myth.
Conflict with Nature: The interaction between the barking dog and the thunderbird highlights a confrontation between natural elements, leading to the thunderbird’s demise.
Origin of Things: The narrative provides an explanation for natural phenomena such as lightning, thunder, and rain, attributing them to the thunderbird’s characteristics and actions.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Tsetsaut people
Once upon a time a dog barked while it was thundering. This frightened the thunderbird so badly that it fell down dead near a village. The people went to see it, and observed that its skin was similar in appearance to that of a frog. It carried three large bags, one between its legs and one in each armpit. They were full of water. Its view made the people sick. When the thunderbird opens its eyes, there is a flash of lightning. Its voice is the thunder. When it presses the bags it begins to rain. It is as large as a house.
► Continue reading…
Running and expanding this site requires resources: from maintaining our digital platform to sourcing and curating new content. With your help, we can grow our collection, improve accessibility, and bring these incredible narratives to an even wider audience. Your sponsorship enables us to keep the world’s stories alive and thriving. ♦ Visit our Support page
Dreamtime Whispers 