Dragons of Fame

Kinepeikwa / Msi-Kinepeikwa

Alternative Names: Kinepikwa
Type/Species: Serpent
Origin: Shawnee Native American Mythology

History: Unlike many dragons, the Msi-Kinepeikwa achieved its form slowly. This massive serpent finally reached its form by shedding one skin and growing the next, changing each time as it goes. It is said that the first stage of this creature was a fawn with one red and one blue horn which was inside of a lake. This fawn grew and moved toward the water's edge, changing and growing until it became the serpent that the Native Americans saw.¹

Symbolism: While this is unclear, the Msi-Kinepeikwa could have been a symbol of growing up the the Shawnee Native Americans. After all, who would suspect a small baby to become a huge warrior?

Physical Description: This was described as being a large serpent, much like a snake, that inhabited a lake.

1. Giants, Monsters & Dragons by Carol Rose

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.