Thunderbird and Whale (Kwakwaka'wakw)
The epic struggle between Thunderbird (Tseiqami) and Whale is one of the most important myths of the Pacific Northwest, found across Kwakwaka'wakw and Nuu-chah-nulth traditions. Thunderbird is a massive supernatural bird whose wingbeats cause thunder and whose eyes flash lightning. He hunts whales for food, plunging from the sky to seize them in his talons. In the Kwakwaka'wakw version recorded by Franz Boas, the battle takes place between Thunderbird and the leader of the animals, who retaliates against Thunderbird for carrying away one of his sons. The leader raises an army carried in an art