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Native American Wren Mythology

In most Native American cultures, wrens have little mythological importance. Like other small birds, they sometimes play the role of meek characters with more power than they appear to have at first glance. Among the Pueblo tribes, however, wrens are considered birds of war. Catching sight of a wren is believed to boost a person's courage, especially a warrior. The Hopi war kachina Tuposkwa (or Turposkwa) is embodied by a canyon wren. In some Pueblo tribes, rock wrens are associated with madness and dangerous magic, and the people used to avoid touching one at any cost, though most modern Pueblo people consider this more of a superstition than a part of traditional Pueblo religion.

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Native American Wren Gods and Spirits

Turposkwa Kachina (Hopi)

Native American Legends About Wrens

*Coyote, Wren, and Grouse:
    Kalispel legend about Wren defeating Coyote.
The Little Bird That Could Talk:
    Chitimacha folktales about the wren.

Recommended Books of Wren Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
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Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies:
    Book about the meanings of Indian animal spirits, including a chapter on wrens.
Flights of Fancy: Birds in Myth, Legend, and Superstition:
    A good book on the meaning of wrens and other birds in world mythology, including Native North America.
Native American Animal Stories:
    Great collection of American Indian tales about animals, told by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.



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