Top 12 Ball Lightning Folklore From All Around World

3. The Thunderbird's Eggs of Native American Lore

Advertisement

Ball lightning has been connected at times to the mythological Thunderbird among various Native American tribes, especially those of the Pacific Northwest. Said to be enormous birds able to produce thunder by discharging lightning from their eyes and with wing beating. According to certain ceremonies, ball lightning is the eggs of these strong entities. According to the legends, occasionally Thunderbirds fight fiercely in the heavens while releasing eggs that seem to be glittering orbs descending to earth. These are holy and quite robust eggs. Some legends see courageous warriors or shamans gathering these heavenly eggs developing incredible insight or ability. Still, the tales also caution of the perils of upsetting or mistreating these revered objects. A shattered or damaged Thunderbird egg is supposed to cause terrible storms or release resentment. In other stories, the eggs are thought to have a life of their own and may roll over the ground or maybe float through the air in search of a secure location to hatch. The Thunderbird egg mythology not only clarifies the phenomena of ball lightning but also supports Native American conviction on the interaction of natural events and spiritual forces. This mythology inspires a harmonic coexistence with the surroundings and its secrets since it reminds us of the respect and regard these civilizations have for the enormous powers of nature.