Weather

When considering what to discuss in my blog this week, one theme continued to come to mind: weather. The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven begins with a story that relies heavily on weather metaphors (appropriate considering that the entire book is basically about weathering storms). On my usual weekly Google search for this course I came across quite a bit of material concerning American Indians and myths and legends concerning the weather. 

One such myth is that of the spirit Pomola (also known as Pamola and Bemola) that is associated with the Penobscot and Abenaki tribes. Pomola is associated with cold weather and was often credited with night, wind, snow, and storms. He is also considered by some to be the god of thunder and protector of Mt. Katahdin (the tallest mountain in Maine). Pomola, though respected by the tribes, is also greatly feared. Legend has it that Pomola lived at the top of the mountain which was off limits to those who lived below.  Though it is not certain, it is speculated that Pomola looked something like the following picture: 

True and random fact: The image of Pomola is used frequently by the Boy Scouts of America! 

There is very little information about Pomola. However, I was able to find the following myth about a woman who married Pomola. http://www.native-languages.org/penobscotstory2.htm

Though there are no videos about Pomola directly, there are several about Mt. Katahdin that offer insight into the Penebscot Indians who once dwelled there.