Totem Pole symbols and their mythological meaning
The following are general references of Totem Pole symbols. Interpretation of the symbols varies among the Native Peoples.
Raven - The mercurial trickster of Northwest Coast Native lore. Curious and mischievious, often misbehaving but never boring.
Thunderbird - A mythological bird known to manifest the rolling of thunder while beating its wings and creating lightening when blinking it's eyes. Known to kill whales.
Eagle - Intelligent and resourceful. He rules the sky and is able to transform himself into a human.
Wolf - Very powerful totem who can help people that are sick or in need.
Sea Turtle - This totem is representative to Mother Earth.
Bear - A teacher symbol as it is believed that Bear taught the People to catch salmon and pick berries.
Frog - Known for bringing wealth and is associated with Copper Woman. In another myth, frog was held down in fire, when it burst lava flowed and engulfed an entire village.
Otter - The otter is a mischievous creature that is also a symbol of laughter, curiosity, grace, and empathy.
Salmon - The salmon symbolizes instinct, persistence, and determination.
Owl - The owl is a very respected animal and is thought to symbolize the souls of the departed.
Killer Whale - Whales are honored as strong and brave fish. The mythology of the killer whale is that is will bring food and assistance to a chief or other important person lying helpless and/or wounded.