Lightning Bird
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The lightning bird is a real or imaginary bird superstitiously associated with special powers among southern African native peoples. The believed supernatural powers vary according to the traditions of different tribes. Generally lightning is believed to be the bird's manifestation. The bird or its egg are believed to be retrievable from the scene of the lightning strike, both of which are believed to contain special properties.
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[edit] The bird
Among certain African tribes the Hammerkop is believed to be the lightning bird. Among others the lightning bird is believed to manifest itself only through lightning, except to women, to whom it reveals itself as a bird. In these instances the bird is of imaginary nature and may take several forms. In one instance a village girl described a black rooster-like bird that ran up her hoe and left claw marks on her body before it flew back to the clouds. In other instances it is described as having iridescent feathers like a peacock's or a fiery red tail, bill and legs.
[edit] Its powers
The fat of the bird is believed to be of significance either as the fuel that the bird sets on fire when it throws down a lighting strike or as a component in valuable traditional medicine. The fat is believed to be procured by catching the bird at the moment when the lightning strikes the ground, or by digging the bird up from an underground cavity at the spot. The bird is furthermore believed to lay a large egg underground at the location of the lightning strike. This may be a good or bad omen that may require digging to procure or dispose of the eggs.
[edit] Cultural significance
In most instances the tribe's witch doctor plays the essential role in dealing with the lightning bird. A supposed extract from the bird's flesh may for instance be prepared into a remedy for tracing thieves. In this way the witchdoctors may exert control over the minds of both law abiding and criminal members of their society.
[edit] References
- Myths and Legends of the Bantu, Alice Werner, 1933
- Bird-Lore of the Eastern Cape Province, Rev. Robert Godfrey MA, Witwatersrand University Press, 1941
- Lightning Bird: An African Adventure, Lyall Watson, 1982. Description of Adrian Boshier's adventures
