Indian language
American Indian cultures
American Indian crafts

Native American Frog Mythology
Frogs play a variety of roles in Native American mythology from different tribes. In some tribes,
frogs are considered medicine animals who have healing powers and the ability to bring rain.
In others, they are associated with disease and bad luck. To the Anishinabe tribes, frogs
represent transformation and growth. To Northwest Coast Native people, frogs are associated
with springtime and renewal. In some Southern California cultures, Frog
is a major mythological character who killed their Creator god with evil witchcraft. And among
indigenous tribes of Panama, such as the Buglé and Kuna tribes, the rare golden frog is associated
with fertility, wealth, and a happy afterlife.
Sponsored Links
Frogs are also used as clan animals in some Native American cultures. Tribes with
Frog Clans include the Chippewa tribe (whose Frog Clan and its totem are called Omakakii or
Makakii,) the Zuni (whose Frog Clan name is Tak'ya-kwe) and other Pueblo tribes of New Mexico,
and the Tlingit. Frog is an important
clan crest on the Northwest Coast and can often be found carved on totem poles.
The Creeks also have a Frog Dance
among their tribal dance traditions.
Native American Frog Gods and Spirits
Monster Frog (Wabanaki)
Anikapeu, the Frog Master (Innu)
Paakwa Kachina (Hopi)
Native American Legends About Frogs
The Monster Frog Story
Glooscap Fights the Water Monster
The Monster That Swallowed The Stream:
Koluscap Frees the Water:
Wabanaki Indian stories of a giant water-hoarding bullfrog defeated by the culture hero Gluskabe.
Rabbit and Frog Tales:
Cree folktales about the marriage of two unlikely animals.
Recommended Books of Frog Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Frog Brings Rain:
Colorful children's book illustrating a Navajo frog legend about the first people.
The Frog Princess:
Picture book for kids based on a Tlingit Indian folktale about a girl who married a frog.
Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies:
Book by a Karuk elder about the meanings of Indian animal spirits, including a chapter on frogs.
Native American Animal Stories:
Great collection of stories about American Indian frogs and other animals, told by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.

Back to our Indian animal index
Back to Indian myth
Back to Legendary Native American figures

Indian jewelry
Shell wampum
Shawnee names
Buy Native American flute
Native tribal tattoo
Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?
Native Languages of the Americas website © 1998-2020
Contacts and FAQ page