Chinook Mythology & Legends
ORAL TRADITION THUNDERBIRD
THE ORIGIN OF THE CHINOOK
The Thunderbird is a powerful and majestic creature in Chinook mythology, revered for its strength and protective qualities. According to the Chinook oral tradition, the Thunderbird resides in the highest peaks of the mountains, controlling the elements and watching over the land. It is often associated with storms and thunder, symbolizing both the destructive and life-giving forces of nature.
In the myth, the Thunderbird is said to have a direct influence on the formation of the Chinook people. The sight of a Thunderbird is considered an omen, signifying significant events or changes. This myth highlights the reverence the Chinook people have for natural phenomena and their belief in powerful spiritual guardians. The Thunderbird's presence in their stories underscores its role as a protector and a symbol of the intricate balance between destruction and creation.
Origin of the Tribes
The Mythological Tapestry of the Chinook
The myth of "Origin of the Tribes" tells the story of Wishpoosh, a monstrous beaver that lived in Lake Cle-el-lum, and the cunning Coyote. As the animal people struggled against Wishpoosh, Coyote took on the challenge to defeat the monster beaver. Their epic battle reshaped the land, creating new lakes and rivers. Ultimately, Coyote used his wisdom and cunning to transform into a branch, allowing himself to be swallowed by Wishpoosh, whom he then defeated from within.
After Wishpoosh's defeat, Coyote used the beaver's body to create various tribes, each with unique characteristics. The head became the Nez Perces, the arms the Cayuses, the legs the Klickitats, the ribs the Yakimas, and the belly the Chinooks. This myth explains the origin of these tribes and emphasizes themes of transformation, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all life.
Legends of Pillar Rock
Origin Stories
The origin of Pillar Rock is steeped in legend and mythology, with narratives passed down through generations. One such legend tells of a chief named Taluaptea, who, according to Chinookan tradition, angered the spirit Talapos and was transformed into a rock, placed where the waters of the Columbia River would wash over him. Over time, variations of the story emerged, connecting the rock's origins to different figures and events.
In one rendition from 1890, Chief Skamokawa, a powerful and skilled magician, becomes enraged when his son marries a princess from the Nehalem tribe. In his fury, Skamokawa tears a considerable shaft from a cliff and impales the young couple as they approach their canoe, creating Pillar Rock. This tale serves as a moral explanation for intertribal conflicts along the Lower Columbia River, warning against disobedience and the consequences of anger.
Another version, written in 1900 by F. H. Saylor, depicts Pillar Rock as an ancient animal god at Celilo who selfishly hoarded salmon, only to be turned to stone by Coyote to ensure the free passage of fish up the river. This story teaches the lesson that selfishness is harmful, both to others and oneself.
Variations of the origin stories of Pillar Rock include tales of young warriors turned to stone for disobedience, battles between groups, and the defiance of star-crossed lovers. These narratives continue to offer moral and historical guidance, reflecting the enduring significance of Pillar Rock in Chinookan mythology and the region's cultural heritage.
