animikii
The word for "thunderbird" in Ojibwe is animikii.
animikii refers to the mythological bird.
Meaning: mythological bird (noun)
Did you know?
- The animikii is often depicted as the eternal rival of the mishebeshu, the underwater panther. Their struggle is believed to cause the storms and turbulence seen in the natural world.
- In Ojibwe tradition, the flapping of the animikii wings creates thunder and the blinking of its eyes produces lightning.
- In many Ojibwe dialects, the word animikii is not just a name for a bird but is treated as a living entity with its own spirit and agency. This means one might speak of the bird as an active participant in the world rather than just a creature.
Example conversation
Bemizii and Winona are looking at a piece of traditional art.
- BemiziiAaniin, animikii wiidooko?Look, is that a thunderbird?
- WinonaEi, animikii ina.Yes, it is a thunderbird.
- BemiziiGichi-manidoo animikii.The thunderbird is a great spirit.
- WinonaEi, gichi-manidoo wiidooko.Yes, it is a great spirit.
