| The selection of the name Thunderbirds was influenced in part, by the strong, regional Indian and folklore of the southwestern US, where Luke AFB is located. The Thunderbirds mentioned in Indian folklore, from Mexico to as far north as Alaska. The Algonquins, Sioux Comanches, Kiowa, and Arapaho all know of the Thunderbird. Indian legend has it that the lightning were caused by these great birds; thunder by the flapping of their giant wings, and by the opening and closing of the birds' eyes. Thunderstorms were said to the battles between birds and predatory monsters. Thus in the Indian mind was developed the idea that this "god" was battling evil, or the traditional conflict of light over darkness. |
