Casters,
Welcome to theÂCryptid Corner, a recurring series on MetaZoo News where we take a closer look at the cryptids that inspire the iconic cards in MetaZoo! These cryptids are more than just tall tales; they are deeply ingrained in the culture and history that surrounds them, sparking countless stories of encounters and sightings. Today, we turn our attention to a legendary beast that has fascinated historians, explorers and cryptid fans alike - thePiasa Bird!
Towering over the limestone bluffs of the Mississippi River, the Piasa Bird (pronounced "Pie-Uh-Saw)" is one of North America's most enduring cryptid legends. With glowing red eyes, a dragon-like body and enormous wings, this fearsome creature is said to have terrorized indigenous tribes long before French explorers arrived in the 17th century. While modern historians and cryptozoologists debate its origins, the Piasa Bird remains a core piece of Illinois and Native American folklore.
First Sightings
The earliest written account of the Piasa Bird comes from Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit explorer who traveled the Mississippi River in 1673. He described seeing large, terrifying figures painted onto the limestone cliffs near what is now Alton, Illinois. Marquette's journal describes his experience:
"While skirting some rocks, which by their height and length inspired awe, we saw painted thereon, in red, green, and black, two monsters which at first made us afraid, and upon which the boldest savages dare not long rest their eyes. They have a fearful look, are as large as a calf, have horns on their heads like those of a deer, a horrible look, red eyes, a beard like a tiger's, a face somewhat like a man's, a body covered with scales, and so long a tail that it winds all around the body, passing above the head and going back between the legs, ending like a fish's tail."
This description suggests that the Piasa Bird was not merely a bird, but a hybrid of various animals, which aligns with indigenous tales of supernatural creatures.
The Legend & Native American Mythology
While Marquette documented the painted images, it wasn't until John Russell, an Illinois professor, wrote an article in 1836 that the Piasa Bird took on a more menacing narrative. Russell claimed that the Piasa was a real creature that devoured humans, describing how a tribal chief named Ouatoga heroically slayed the beast to save his people. However, with little to no Native American oral traditions supporting this version of the story, it is certainly possible that Russell embellished the legend to captivate the readers of the time. The arrowhead shaped monumenterected to memorialize this states:
"Placing himself [Ouatoga] in open view of the bluff, he soon saw the Piasa perched on the bluff eyeing his prey. Ouatoga drew up his manly form to its utmost height and planting his feet firmly upon the earth, began to chant the death song of a warrior. A moment after the Piasa rose into the air, and, swift as a thunderbolt darted down upon the chief. Scarcely had he reached his victim when every bow was sprung and every arrow sent, to the feather, into his body. The Piasa uttered a wild, fearful scream that resounded far over the opposite side of the river, and expired. Ouatoga was safe. Not an arrow, not even the talons of hte bird, had touched him. The master of life, in admiration of the generous deed of Ouatoga, had held an invisible shield over him."
Physical Description & Characteristics
Modern depictions vary, but common features include the following:
Wingspan - Massive wings capable of carrying off large prey.
Body - A hybrid form combining elements of a bird, reptile, and mammal, often with scales, feathers and fur.
Head - Horns or antlers, sharp teeth and glowing eyes that instill dread in those who meet its gaze
Tail- A serpentine or dragon-like tail.
The cryptid's nature could be interpreted as a symbol of the wild, untamed forces of nature that early inhabitants of the region sought to understand and appease. The original Piasa Bird petroglyph seen by Marquette was destroyed in the 19th century due to quarrying and erosion; however, a modern version of the mural was repainted in the 1930's and restored multiple times thereafter.
Piasa Bird & MetaZoo
The Piasa Bird remains one of the most popular cryptids in all of MetaZoo. From its inception in the original MetaZoo base set (Cryptid Nation), it has quickly become one of the most recognizable Fire Aura beasties. Featured in many competitive decks over the years and in the binders of many more collectors, the Piasa Bird has become part of the mystic and allure of MetaZoo.Â
Most recently, the Piasa Bird made headlines with its appearance on the newly revealed Base Set booster box. This updated design has sparked conversations throughout the community, as it showcases a completely different interpretation of the cryptid that more closely resembles the initial description of the beast that Marquette came across. The previous iteration of the beastie was more anthropomorphized and not particularly concerned about historical accuracy. To be fair, the original Piasa Bird design is one of my absolute favorites out of any beastie, but the new approach offers fans a much different depiction that tries to stay true to what the Native Americans originally depicted all those years ago on the limestone bluffs of Illinois.Â
Conclusion: The Piasa Bird's Legacy Soars On
From ancient limestone cliffs to the vibrant world of MetaZoo, the Piasa Bird's legacy has transcended time, evolving from a cautionary tale to a symbol of power, mystery and resilience. Its reimagined design on the upcoming Base Set booster box stands as a testament to its enduring allure, through its support and criticism. As MetaZoo's universe expands and new cryptids emerge, the Piasa Bird remains a fierce reminder that some legends are too powerful to be forgotten.Â
And now, as it soars into this new chapter, one thing is certain: the Piasa Bird isn't just a creature of the past - it's a force that will shape the future of MetaZoo.