Tribal Affiliations: Cherokee, Natchez 

• THE NEST OF THE TLANUWA - CHEROKEE LEGEND

• HOW TLANUWA DEFEATED UKTENA - CHEROKEE LEGEND

In ancient times, there were said to be two Tlanuwas nesting in a cave; safely hidden away in a lofty, rocky mountainside, several human settlements knew not what moved in above them before it was too late. Soon, they lived in fear under the monsters’ shadows.

The Tlanuwa were giant, powerful birds that ruled the skies and mountains. They followed rivers and gliding over villages fearlessly, swooping down to grasp large fish, deer, dogs, and children. As the birds’ attacks increased, people grew even more afraid and desperate but were unable to reach the Tlanuwas’ nest. Each time the beasts appeared above them, they sent a barrage of arrows, but they would harmlessly ricochet off their feathers. Forlorn, the villagers sought the help of a distant medicine man. After a brief moment of reflection, he made a long rope out of tree bark, tying loops at the ends for his feet. He instructed…