To the Pacific Northwest Indian, the Thunderbird is the most powerful of all spirits. They create thunder by flapping their wings and shoot lightning bolts out of their eyes. ![]() Thunderbirds are usually said to bring storms and rain in the native stories. Although native myths vary between tribes, the acts and personalities of these supernatural beings in the stories generally describe the effects of earthquake and/or tsunami. The Thunderbird and Whale in the Native American stories are creatures of supernatural size and power. The Pacific Northwest traditions speak of shaking and flooding from the sea by referring to a struggle between the Thunderbird and the Whale. Other stories refer to the effects of earthquake or tsunami metaphorically. Some native stories are literal, and clearly refer to recent historical happenings. ![]() Earthquake and flood references are common in native oral traditions all along the Cascadia margin from Yurok territory in northern California to Kwakwaka'wakw territory at the northern end of Vancouver Island.
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