Spearfinger is a shapeshifter of Cherokee folklore. State Archives of North Carolina Raleigh, NC, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons The Wendigo is a powerful creature that can only be killed by shamans.Ħ) Spearfinger A Cherokee chief from North Carolina. Wendigos have the power to possess humans and drive them to do evils like cannibalism. The creature represents greed, famine, and cold weather conditions. Some stories depict the Wendigo as being much larger than humans. The Wendigo has an emaciated appearance and gray skin. The Wendigo is a scary creature or evil spirit that appears in the mythology of Plains and Great Lakes Native Americans. SpongePP, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons They are peaceful beings.ĥ) Wendigo An artistic interpretation of the Wendigo’s frightening appearance. These large and hairy human-like creatures have luminescent eyes and the cry of a loon. According to the legends of the Yup’ik people, Urayuli were once children who got lost in the woods. The Urayuli, or “hairy men,” are ten foot tall shaggy men that allegedly live in southwestern Alaska. Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons The Navajo people have expressed their desire to keep the stories of the Skin-walker to themselves to best preserve their culture.Ĥ) Urayuli The Urayuli live in southwestern Alaska. Not much else is known about the Skin-walker. This creature is evil and harmful in Navajo stories. The witchcraft of Skin-walkers represents a perversion of the sacred work of medicine men. The main purpose of the Skin-walker in Navajo stories is to represent the antithesis of Navajo values and culture. The creature shapeshifts and possesses the spirits of different animals, with the sneaky coyote being a preferred option. The Skin-walker is a witch and shapeshifter of Navajo mythology. Jakubdrastich2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons The elements that make up the Piasa Bird’s appearance symbolize its connection to the Under, Upper and Present worlds of Native American mythology.ģ) Skin-walker An artistic interpretation of the skin-walker’s shapeshifting appearance. Its long tail resembles that of a fish or serpent. The Piasa is depicted as a panther-like creature with antlers and wings. The original murals are gone, but have been replaced by the one shown above. The guides feared the murals because of the Piasa’s dangerous powers. Murals of the Piasa were discovered by Jacques Marquette as he traveled down the Mississippi River with Native guides. The Piasa Bird, or Piasa, is another powerful Native American creature. Burfalcy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons For example, Algonquian stories depict the Thunderbird as controlling the Upper World.Īccording to the Ojibwe, the Thunderbird was created to fight underwater spirits.Ģ) Piasa Bird A modern mural of the Piasa Bird in Illinois. The Thunderbird has significance in the stories of Southwestern, Northwestern, Great Plains, Great Lakes, and Eastern tribes.Īlthough a widespread symbol of power, the Thunderbird’s characteristics and purpose vary between people groups. The Thunderbird is a supernatural bird that represents strength and power for many Native peoples across America. Namgis, Native American, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons 1) Thunderbird A mask depicting the Thunderbird. Their appearances and powers have endured for generations and some aspects of these creatures are safely guarded by storytellers within Native groups. These are powerful creatures respected and feared by Native peoples. The creatures listed in this category have significance to Native American religion and culture. Many of America’s most famous creatures derive from Native American folk stories and mythology. We look at creatures from Native American mythology first, and then dive into the mystery of American cryptids. We have divided our list of creatures into two categories based on their origins. The creatures of American myth and legend come in all forms: winged, finned, furry, and more. Gropper, William Associated American Artists, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons American mythical creatures derive from Native American mythology and more recent folklore. Also called cryptids, the existence of these creatures has not been proven. Other American creatures are based in more modern folklore and legend. These creatures are powerful beings who have the ability to help or hurt humans. Some of the most famous and enduring mythical creatures of America are sacred characters in Native American religion and mythology. Some American mythical creatures are thousands of years old. 18 Creatures from American Mythology & Legend Īmerican folktales, legends, and mythology all involve creatures with supernatural appearances and powers.
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