Zuni Folktales · Character

The Eagle

An old Eagle who spreads his wings to bless a marriage, then teaches a human youth to fly in an eagle-coat.

supporting

Also known as The Eagle, Eagle, the old Eagle, Great Eagle, mine, himself, its

As a supporting figure in Zuni Folktales, The Eagle is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The youth's beloved Eagle wife, who tries to dissuade him from following her and ultimately abandons him after his betrayal.

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In the great white-walled house of the Eagles, reached only through roof openings, this old man rises to pronounce the youth and Eagle-maiden wife and husband. He belongs to a winged people who can take human or bird form at will, and he oversees the patient training that follows: soft bedding laid on the floor, a novice flapping and tumbling, then at last sustained flight. His welcome and his blessing turn a stranger into kin, making the marriage and the youth's slow transformation feel earned rather than magical.

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Character Web

28 connections

A slice of how The Eagle sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Twin War Gods and Companions
Animal Helpers and Tricksters
Elders and Testers

+23 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the children’s joyful play turns to horror as the elder siste…

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In the story

The Eagle appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Youth and His Eagle
The youth's beloved Eagle wife, who tries to dissuade him from following her and ultimately abandons him after his betrayal.
The Coyote Who Killed the Demon Síuiuki
Mentioned as one of the Gods of Prey living in the village.
The Young Swift-Runner Who Was Stripped of His Clothing by the Aged Tarantula
Summoned after Kingfisher's failure; attempts to recover the clothing.
The Maiden the Sun Made Love To, and Her Boys
A wise old Eagle set by the Sun to watch over the maiden; he is kept in a cage on the housetop.

Chapter companion notes

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