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 the villagers to slowly lower him down into the nest from the mountaintop before the Tlanuwas returned from their daily hunt; slowly, steadily, and with much anxiety, he reached the gigantic nest; within were four chicks. The man threw the young Tlanuwas over the cliff-edge, disappearing into the river-water with a flurry of high-pitched screeches. Smelling their scent, an Uktena rose from its underground dwelling and devoured the chicks. Returning to their nest, the Tlanuwas witnessed their babies’ demise, becoming enraged upon seeing their empty nest and smelling the blood of their children. Slithering into the waters, Uktena cowered at the sight of the birds, but when it bobbed for air, the circling Tlanuwas dove, clutching the serpent in each of their talons. Flying high into the sky, the smaller Tlanuwa tore the snake into tiny pieces, while the other carried it higher and higher until the villagers could no longer see them. Neither the snake nor birds were ever seen in those mountains again.