Most images connected with flight in mythology involve birds. They are animals like ourselves, yet they have command over gravity. They were considered to have a special relationship with the forces of nature. They often became forms of the gods, and humans were occasionally transformed into birds. They served as guides, companions, messengers and guardians.

Among native tribes throughout North America, the eagle or Thunderbird, was a powerful figure. He was associated with the sky, the sun, thunder and other phenomena. Those who were struck by his lightening were either enlightened or destroyed.

In many cultures there are people with special powers that were gained through a relationship with bird spirits. In China, the mountain men were considered immortal and capable of flight. In India, the term used to address a master yogi is Paramahamsa, or "supreme wild gander." The Indian god Brahma flew on a wild goose. And in Egypt, people believed that when a person died, their soul left the body in the form of a small bird.

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Last modified: Tue Jul 1 15:32:17 PDT 1997

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