Pamola facts for kids

Pamola (also known as Pamolai, P-mol-a, Pomola, and Bmola) is a powerful legendary spirit from Abenaki mythology. This amazing bird-like being is believed to bring cold weather.

Pamola's Home and Appearance

According to the Penobscot tribal nation, Pamola lived on Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. The Penobscot people believed Pamola was the god of Thunder and the protector of this important mountain. They described Pamola as having the head of a moose, the body of a man, and the wings and feet of a mighty eagle.

Why Pamola Was Feared

Pamola was both feared and respected by the Penobscot nation. People believed that Pamola did not like humans climbing Mount Katahdin. Because of this, climbing the mountain was considered a forbidden act, or "taboo."

The famous writer Henry David Thoreau explored the Penobscot River and Katahdin in 1846. He wrote that "Pomola is always angry with those who climb to the summit of Ktaadn." It was also believed that Pamola would capture people who dared to climb the mountain and keep them there forever.

Pamola's Legacy Today

Even today, Pamola's name lives on. A part of Mount Katahdin is called Pamola Peak. This peak is on the eastern edge of a ridge known as the Knife Edge.

Pamola's image is also used by the Pamola Lodge of the Order of the Arrow. This is an honor society for campers within the Boy Scouts of America. You can often see Pamola's picture on their badges and symbols.

Roy Dudley, a well-known early guide on Mount Katahdin, was famous for telling exciting stories about Pamola around the campfire.