Dew Eagle
Also known as: Oshadagea, Cloudland Eagle
Mythological Narrative
The great eagle of the upper air in Seneca tradition, who lives above the clouds, gathers dew in its feathers, and watches over the people, coming down when calamity threatens.
Scholarly Commentary & Evolution
## Above the clouds
Parker calls O's'hä'dä'geä' the chief of all creatures of the air. It lives above the clouds and collects the dew in its feathers; some say it carries a pool of dew on its back between its shoulders. It is described as watching over humankind, the Haudenosaunee especially, and coming to earth when great calamities threaten.
## The eagle on the Tree of Peace
A separate and much better-known eagle stands at the top of the Great Tree of Peace in the Great Law tradition, watching for danger to the Confederacy. The two are not the same figure in the sources this site uses, though both express the eagle's role as a far-seeing guardian.
## Restraint
Parker adds that the Iroquois regard the Dew Eagle with great reverence and connect it with many worthy exploits. In keeping with the guidance followed throughout this tradition's entries, this site does not describe any ceremony or society associated with it.
Academic Discussion & Critique
Exchange peer-reviewed hypotheses, comparative Indo-European etymologies, and archaeological field interpretations regarding Dew Eagle.
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