The Ancient Thunderbird Of Legend Were Real And Some Might Still Exist

Up to 15,000–18,500 new species of animals are discovered and identified each year using cutting-edge DNA testing around the world. In fact, extinct and even undiscovered animals are continually being discovered these days as well. So, what happens when myths about extinct species being sighted are proven to be true?

The Native American myth about ‘Thunderbirds.’

The Thunderbird is a common mythical beast or great spirit in Native American stories from the United States and Canada. People said that the huge bird was a supernatural being. It was a sign of power and strength that kept evil spirits away from humans. It was called the ‘Thunderbird’ because its strong wings made a sound like thunder when they flapped, and lightning would shoot out of its eyes. The Thunderbirds brought rain and storms, which could be good or bad. When the rain was needed, it was good, but when it came with strong winds, floods, and fires started by lightning, it was bad.

There were stories that the birds were so big that they could pick up a whale in their claws. They were said to have sharp teeth, claws, and bright, colorful feathers. People said they lived in the clouds and atop the highest solitary mountain peaks. Different tribes have different stories about the magical Thunderbird that they both feared and respected.

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The native Americans created totems about these mythical creatures and worshipped those

Native Americans created folklore tales about unusual creatures like Thunderbirds in North America’s wildernesses. The mythical animals are shown as gigantic birds that can generate thunderstorms. They served the Great Spirits of the World as servants. These monstrous creatures inspired awe and revulsion in equal measure.

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But what were these so-called thunderbirds?

Scientists and archaeologists believe that these legendary thunderbirds belong to the genus Pterandonon, which includes some of the largest flying reptiles in the world. Many of their fossilized remains have been found in North America.

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