Tlanuwa
The Copper Bird
Cherokee Mythology
The Cherokee had a great affinity with birds, particularly with the red-tailed hawk. As such, their mythology includes a creature, the Tlanuwa, which is an enormous mythical bird resembling the red-tailed hawk.
The Tlanuwa was a feared creature with feathers that were said to be made of metal. These metal feathers meant the raptor was impervious to arrows and other weapons. Tales often vary in the interactions with the Tlanuwas; however, they strike fear in the hearts of those they prey upon.
Tlanuwa were known to prey upon large game such as deer, as well as fish, dogs, and even children in the nearby village. Their appearance is that of a giant red-tailed hawk. In some legends they possess the same markings as modern birds. However, other legends describe them as having copper-colored backs.
Tlanuwa’s Battle with Uktena
Perhaps the most famous tale of the Tlanuwa is their battle with Uktena. In this story, a village near the Tennessee River grows frustrated with the Tlanuwa preying upon their children. Each time the Tlanuwa appears, warriors from the village launch a volley of arrows. Nevertheless, these arrows prove ineffective against the metal feathers of the birds.
Seemingly futile, the village asks for the help of a powerful medicine man. As he gauges the situation, he comes up with a plan to rid the village of the Tlanuwa. Climbing the cliffs above the nest, villagers hoist the medicine man into the nest using a rope. The process is long and arduous, and must be completed before the birds return to the nest from their hunt.
Eventually, the medicine man safely reaches the nest. Within this, there are four chicks waiting for their parents to return. One by one, the medicine man throws the chicks out of the nest into a river below. Notably, an Uktena emerges from the river and devours the chicks as they fall from the nest.
As the Tlanuwa return from their hunt they spot the Uktena eating their offspring. At the same time, the Uktena attempts to hide in the river. However, the Uktena had to come up for air, and once its head emerged the Tlanuwa grabbed it with both talons.
Flying high up in the sky with the Uktena in its talons, the smaller Tlanuwa began to rip into the snake. They continued to ascend high into the sky until they disappeared from sight completely. Tlanuwas were never seen by the Cherokee again after this encounter.
Symbolism in Cherokee Mythology
The Cherokee believed the world was divided into three parts:
- Above World – A realm where the guardian and protective spirits inhabit. These spirits often travel to the middle world to aid humans.
- Middle World – The physical world where humans, plants, and animals reside. Often, the middle world is portrayed as an island floating between the below and above worlds.
- Below World – A realm below the island of the middle world. Bad spirits reside here and cause chaos, disorder, and destruction.
The Tlanuwa battle with the Uktena portrays a balance of harmony between the upper and below worlds. These birds also represent the duality between protection and threat. Although they are able to defeat the feared Uktena, they also prey upon the children of the village. This duality emphasizes the need to respect and honor power.