Found in: Great Lakes area, the deepest part of lakes and rivers
The Underwater Panther is the most important of several water beings among many Great Lakes and northern Native American tribes. It is described with the body, head and paws of a great cat, such as a lynx or cougar, but covered in scales. It has dagger-like spikes along its back and tail, which is "exceptionally long" and occasionally described as serpentine. It also has horns similar to that of a bison or deer, and is sometimes depicted with bird feathers, or parts of other animals. It is said that its roars or hisses sound like storms or rushing rapids.
The Algonquin believed the Underwater Panther was the most powerful being of the Underworld, and among the Ojibwe, it was said to be the master of all water creatures, including snakes. In some versions of the Nanabozho creation myth, there are whole communities of them. The Underwater Panther lives as opposite but complimentary to the Thunderbird, and the two are eternally engaged in conflict as masters of opposing forces, maintaining balance.
The Underwater panthers are said to cause storms, and though some traditions hold that they are helpful and protective, they are often viewed as bringers of death and misfortune. They often need to be placated in order to safely cross a lake.
Artist notes: Pencil on paper. I went for a big cat look, and incorporated a few adaptations that I imagined a great water cat would have; webbed paws, gills, and a flat, rudder-like tail like that of a sea snake.
Last updated 11/9/15
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