Native American Legends
Grandfather Thunder
An American Indian Legend - Nation Unknown
Muxumsa Pethakowe, our Grandfather the Thunder, was father of the
first people, and the Moon was the first mother. But Maxa'xâk,
the evil horned serpent, destroyed the Water Keeper Spirit and loosed
the waters upon the Earth and the first people were no more. Since
then, the Thunderers, Pethakowe'jàk, have always been on
the lookout for Maxa'xâk and other such evil water monsters,
and when one appears, the Thunderers shoot their crooked, fiery
lightening arrows at them, hoping to avenge the deaths of the first
people and to make sure that none of the evil shall ever disturb
the harmony upon the Earth or cause harm to our Lenape'wàk.
Long ago, there was a time when Grandfather Thunder was forgotten
among our people, unlike Grandmother Moon who has always been remembered
and honored by us. He became bitter and despondent over our neglect
and forgetfulness of him, and in his anger he came from his home
in the west, calling out in a voice that shook the heavens and the
Earth. Hidden in clouds, he crossed right over the homes and villages
of our people. In his fury he shot lightening arrows at the Earth,
killing people, burning houses and shattering trees, and the clouds
cried their tears of sorrow upon the Earth. Luckily, he never stayed
in one place too long, and usually was seen traveling towards the
east.
At first he would come alone, but after a while his many children
came with him, and they frequently brought fear into the hearts
of our Lenapé people. Some would come from a cave under the
falls know today as Niagara and others came from the mountains where
they often made their homes.
At the sight of dark clouds and lightening, and at the sound of
the thunder, being the roar of the wings of the Thunderers and the
shaking of their rattles filled with bones, which shook the sky,
our people became most fearful.
Nanapush finally saw that we, his grandchildren, were in distress
and so he came to help us saying, "You have hurt and insulted
your Grandfather Thunder through a lack of respect and thought for
him. Grandfathers need to be remembered and honored too, for they
also, like grandmothers, have shared in the gift of life and in
helping their grandchildren into the future. So, when you first
hear Grandfather Thunder in the spring, telling you that winter
has ended and that life is again coming to the Earth, burn tobacco
and greet your grandfather with prayers.
Whenever you hear his voice, do this and you will gain his protection
and lightening will not strike you. Grandfather Thunder has charge
of the rains that water the Earth and make your crops grow. With
the proper respect, he will be thankful, bringing blessings to you,
and protect you from the horned snakes and water monsters, and he
will come to bring you warnings!"
From that time to this our Grandfather Thunder and our Lenapé
people have always been close. We listened to our wise Grandfather
Nanapush, and we have always shown respect to Old Thunder and love
him dearly, and we always give thanks for his many gifts to all
land and life upon Mother Earth.
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