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Native American Legends: The Thunders
Name: Thunders
Tribal affiliation: Iroquois Indians,
Wyandot
Also Known As: Thunderers, Thunder Beings, Thunder Men, Onditachiae, Ondiaachiae,
Hadiwennodagyes, Hadiwennoda:dye's, Plétho, Pletho
Type: Nature spirit,
thunder,
lightning
Related figures in other tribes: Thunderbirds,
Animikii,
Wakinyan,
Binesi
The Thunders are a clan of powerful storm spirits
who live in the sky and cause thunder and lightning. They are usually described as winged men, although in some accounts
they have the heads of turkeys and in others they shapeshift back and forth between human form and giant birds.
Although they are dangerous beings and their gaze can bring
death to mortal men, the Thunders usually play a positive role in Iroquois legends and spirituality and are typically portrayed
as honorable and fair. In some Iroquois legends, the leader of the Thunders is a divine being named
Hinon.
Stories about the Thunders
The Four Thunders:
Story of a mistreated teenager who became a Thunder's wife.
The Thunder Boy:
The story of a Thunder's son.
Onditichiae:
Huron and Tobacco Indian myths about the Thunders.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois:
Wonderful illustrated collection of Iroquois Indian legends, by Oneida and Mohawk authors.
Legends of the Iroquois:
Legends and traditional stories told by a Mohawk elder.
Legends, Traditions and Laws of the Iroquois or Six Nations:
Collection of Iroquois legends and oral history told by a Tuscarora chief.
Iroquois Indian Myths And Legends:
Traditional stories from the Iroquois tribes.
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Additional Resources
Iroquois myths and legends
Iroquois Indians
Mohawk Indian tribe
Oneida Indians
Wyandot Indians
Map of New York
Eastern Woodlands Indian
Learn more about the Iroquois tribe
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