Tradition: Teton Mythology, American Mythology
Alternative names: Mi-ni-wa-tu (“sea monster”)
Category: Cow
The Myth
The Mi-ni-wa-tu, meaning “sea monster,” is a creature from the folklore of the Tetons. It is said to inhabit the Missouri River.
The Mi-ni-wa-tu is an amphibious creature with the body of a buffalo, covered in red hair. It has a single horn projecting from its forehead and a single eye. Its back is notched like a saw or gear.
At night, the creature can be safely seen swimming powerfully upstream. As it moves through the river, it churns the water and glows like fire. In spring, the Mi-ni-wa-tu is said to break up the ice covering the river.
Encountering one during the day is dangerous. Those who see the creature in daylight suffer confusion and loss of sight. Madness then sets in, followed by a day of convulsions, after which the unfortunate victim dies.
Sources
Countess Sica. “Mi-ni-wa-tu.” A Book of Creatures. July 29, 2015. Accessed August 29, 2026. https://abookofcreatures.com/2015/07/29/mi-ni-wa-tu/