Tlanuwa

Tlanuwa are giant hawk- or eagle-like beings from Cherokee folklore, believed to dwell in the high peaks and remote balds of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Feared for their immense size and strength, they were said to be capable of carrying off large animals - and sometimes people - from exposed ridges.

#SouthernFolklore #GhostStoriesandLegends #CherokeeMountainBeings

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We never talked about 'Tlanuwa' growin' up. But I was pretty easily scared.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

We never talked about 'Tlanuwa' growin' up. But I was pretty easily scared.

Origin

Tlanuwa come from Cherokee oral tradition associated with the Smoky Mountains and surrounding highlands of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. They are described as enormous predatory birds, far larger than any known eagle or hawk, nesting in inaccessible cliffs and cloud-covered summits.

Unlike symbolic spirit animals, Tlanuwa were treated as physical beings that posed real danger. Their stories helped explain disappearances, sudden shadows, and the risks of lingering too long in open mountain terrain.

Notes

Traditional stories describe Tlanuwa with several consistent traits:

Vast wingspans - large enough to darken entire hillsides.
Great lifting power - capable of carrying deer or people.
High-mountain dwellers - nesting on cliffs, balds, and peaks.
Natural predators - dangerous but not supernatural judges.
Defeated by wit - overcome through strategy rather than strength.

In well-known Cherokee stories, Tlanuwa are often defeated by clever heroes who target their stone nests or use deception instead of direct confrontation. These tales emphasize intelligence, patience, and cooperation when facing overwhelming forces.

Legacy

Tlanuwa remain among the most striking figures in Cherokee mountain folklore. Their stories reinforce the idea that the high peaks are not empty or harmless places, but ancient territories governed by powerful beings.

Within Appalachian folklore, Tlanuwa stand alongside Tsul’kalu and Uktena as reminders that the mountains demand humility, awareness, and respect.

Kin Topics

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, December 15). Tlanuwa. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/tlanuwa
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Tlanuwa." HillbillySlang.com, 15 Dec. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/tlanuwa.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Tlanuwa." HillbillySlang.com. December 15, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/folklore/tlanuwa.

Dislaimer

What you're reading here is traditional Southern and Appalachian folklore - including stories, old wives' tales, planting lore, signs, and superstitions - not medical advice and not meant to guide health, pregnancy, agricultural, or personal decisions. These beliefs reflect how people once made sense of the world, passing knowledge and traditions through families, midwives, farmers, and community storytelling. Some entries draw from Cherokee and other Native American traditions historically present in the region and are shared respectfully as part of the broader cultural landscape of Appalachia, not as lived instruction or authoritative teaching.

If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.