Ancient cultures developed myths and legends to explain things about the world that they did not understand. The Egyptian myth of the phoenix is an example of one of those myths. The story was about a creature named Bennu, which was the Egyptian name for the phoenix or thunderbird and was thought by those ancient people to control the rise and fall of the Nile River.

Another legend concerning the thunderbird is found in Greek mythology. A magical bird was thought to live 500 to 1,000 years before throwing itself into a fire, only to rise and live again for another 1,000 years. The phoenix is mentioned throughout history as a supreme bird.

In India and Russia, the mystical creature was called a firebird. The bird is depicted as having an eagle's beak, scarlet wings and a golden body. Tubbs school colors are red and gold.

In China the bird is depicted as a creature that only comes around in a time of peace or a time of war, much similar to their idea of yin and yang. The Oriental birds can also represent agricultural prosperity, but because of their relationship as opposites, the thunderbird can also symbolize to them a time of drought and hardship.

Even South America has it's own story behind the legend of the thunderbird. The tribes there including the Aztecs, Mayans and Toltecs called the bird a Quetzal who was the companion of Quetzalcotal. This association implies a relationship to the solar cycle, blessings and happiness.

The most important myth of the the thunderbird comes from North America. The Native Americans believe the thunderbird is a very powerful spirit who has control over the weather, especially thunder and lightning.