The Thunderbird Wakinyan
Wakinyan is the great Thunderbird of Lakota mythology, a powerful sky spirit associated with thunder, lightning, and storms. His flapping wings create thunderclaps and his eyes flash lightning. When Unhcegila emerged from the primordial waters to flood the land, Wakinyan flapped his wings to dry the earth and shot lightning to destroy the serpent's heart. The Thunderbird represents the destructive yet renewing power of storms and is considered one of the most potent spirits. Wakinyan is also associated with the west direction and is a protector of the Lakota people against chaos and disorder.