Lightning Bird - The Bird

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.

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Famous quotes containing the word bird:

    Yet I would bear my shortcomings
    With meet tranquility,
    But for the charge that blessed things
    I’d liefer not have be.
    O, doth a bird deprived of wings
    Go earth-bound wilfully!
    Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)

    Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.
    Bible: Hebrew Ecclesiastes 10:20.