I133A — The constellation of the great bird.

There is a constellation that represents a bird and corresponds to several large constellations in European traditions (mainly equatorial, rather than circumpolar).

Berezkin category: Supernatural objects, objects and creatures

This is of motif type Cosmology and etiology and is part of group 2, Moon spots, stars, constellations.

I13a.  A huge aquatic or celestial serpent, dragon, or snake-like creature with horns on its head.
I13b.  A small snake, the snake has horns on its head.
I13c.  Reptiles possess a treasure that humans take or try to take. Usually it is a crown, a precious stone, or horns on a snake's head.
I13d.  A person enters the dwelling of snakes, spends a long time there, is released or escapes. While in the dwelling of snakes, he usually licks a stone that relieves thirst and hunger.
I13e.  The snake agrees to let the man go on condition that he does not tell anyone about their meeting. Under threat of death, the man breaks his promise. The snake teaches him to drink a broth made from its flesh and takes revenge not on the man, but on those who forced him to break his word.
I13F.  In autumn, a man falls asleep in a bear's den. When he wakes up, he thinks that the night has passed, but it is already spring. Usually, the bear gives him advice before parting.

This motif has been recorded in 7 traditions: Melanesians of Admiralty Islands (incl Manus); Seimat (Western Islands), Tikopia, Bellona, Rennell, partly Aneytium, Futuna (=Erronan, not to be mixed with Futuna in Western Polynesia), Vaeaka-Taumato, incl Matema, Nifeloli, Nukapu, Nupani, Pileni, Ontong Java, Nukumanu, Takuu, Nukuria, Truk, Eastern Fayu, Losap, Pulap, Puluwat, Mortlock (incl. Satawan), Manchu, Wapishana (incl Ataroi); Mapidian; Taruma, Guiana Kariña, Kaliña, Galibi