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Twelfth Song of Thunder Allusions & Cultural References

When poets refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Historical References

  • Mountain Chant ceremony (throughout): “Twelfth Song of Thunder” is a chant sung as part of the Mountain Chant ceremony, a ceremony that the Navajo people traditionally carry out in winter. The Navajo live in the southwestern United States. The Mountain Chant ceremony is performed to bring about rain and healing. We’d say rain and healing are pretty good things to sing for, wouldn’t you?