The Piasa Bird

The Piasa Bird is generally considered a myth, but is none the less interesting for that. The story of the Piasa Bird is interesting - but the story of the story of the Piasa Bird is even more so.

Our modern knowledge of the Piasa Bird comes mainly from a mural discovered in 1673 by Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette. The two men were leading the first European expedition of the area around the middle of the Mississippi river. Painted on the cliffs above the river near where Alton stands today they saw a pictograph depicting two huge creatures:

"While Skirting some rocks, which by Their height and length inspired awe, We saw upon one of them two painted monsters which at first made Us afraid, and upon Which the boldest savages dare not Long rest their eyes. They are as large As a calf; they have Horns on their heads Like those of a deer, a horrible look, red eyes, a beard Like a tiger's, a face somewhat like a man's, a body Covered with scales, and so Long A tail that it winds all around the Body, passing above the head and going back between the legs, ending in a Fish's tail. Green, red, and black are the three Colors composing the Picture. Moreover, these 2 monsters are so well painted that we cannot believe that any savage is their author; for good painters in France would find it difficult to reach that place Conveniently to paint them. Here is approximately The shape of these monsters, As we have faithfully Copied It."

Illini Legend?

The best known story regarding the Piasa Bird is said to be an Illini legend. According to this, the Piasa was a fearsome storm Bird that ravaged the tribe. It was given the name Piasa which means "bird that devours men". Eventually Chief Ouatoga with help from the Great Spirit was able to defeat the creature by using himself as bait. The painted carving was made in his honour.

Unfortunately that story appears to have been invented in the 19th century and has no connection with local native mythology. The rock painting was genuine (though the original no longer exists) but the "legend" that goes with it was fiction.

John Russell

The "legend" of the Piasa Bird was invented by John Russell in 1836. As well as the story itself, Russell also invented the discovery of a cave strewn with bones. Russell's tale was first published in The Family Magazine and was later reprinted elsewhere. It soon achieved the status of a "genuine" native legend.

The Piasa Bird is fascinating because we have a confirmed piece of modern fiction that has now been accepted by many as an ancient legend. This despite one glaring flaw in the story - the original account of the painting makes no mention of wings. So the "Piasa bird" isn't even a bird, let alone one that devours men!

Russell's story provides a salutary lesson to all cryptozoologists and students of the weird.