Winter Thunder (Iiʼniʼ Jiłgaii)
Winter Thunder (Iiʼniʼ Jiłgaii) is a spirit in Navajo mythology associated with thunderstorms that occur during the cold months. Unlike the summer thunder bringers who release rain for crops, Winter Thunder brings snow, ice storms, and the fierce blizzards that test the resilience of the Navajo people. He is one of the Thunderbird beings and is closely associated with the Thunderbird Mountain in the Chuska range. Winter Thunder is invoked during the Night Chant ceremony to bring clarity and purify those afflicted by illness, and his appearance signals a time of trial and spiritual testing