Descriptions of the thunderbird are found on totems, pottery, cave art, and in the ancient legends and myths of Native Americans. The Thunderbird symbol is one of the most dominant icons in Native American Indian culture and art. For additional information refer to Mythical Creatures. Thunder was believed to be a sign the spirits were at war in the skies but this also foretold of victory for tribal wars fought on the ground. The Native Americans believed that the giant Thunderbird could shoot lightning from its eyes. The name of the Thunderbird name originates from the belief that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind. The meaning of the Thunderbird symbol was viewed by some tribes as an omen of war when the sound of thunder was heard.

Native American symbols are geometric portrayals of celestial bodies, natural phenomena and animal designs and representations of actual events. The enemy of the Thunderbird was the Underwater Panther, a sea monster from the Underworld. The origin of the Thunderbird symbol derives from the ancient Mississippian culture of the Mound Builders of North America and were major elements in the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex of American prehistory (S.E.C.C.). Native American Indians were a deeply spiritual people and they communicated their history, thoughts, ideas and dreams from generation to generation through Symbols and Signs such as the Thunderbird symbol.

Thunder bird