This Lithuanian sakmė, or etiological legend, offers a mythological explanation for the appearance of the Milky Way, demonstrating how pre-scientific cultures interpreted celestial phenomena through narrative frameworks that connected human concerns with cosmic patterns.

According to this folk tale, the light band visible in the night sky during autumn is known in Lithuanian tradition as the Bird's Way (Paukščių takas), a celestial pathway that guides migrating birds southward. The narrative explains that since birds cannot navigate clearly during their long journey, God created this celestial illumination to help them find their way. The seasonal appearance of this light corresponds with autumn migration patterns, reinforcing the connection between observable natural phenomena and the mythological explanation.

the origins and causes of natural phenomena through accessible narratives that integrate spiritual beliefs with empirical observation. In this case, the tale connects the visual pattern of the Milky Way with the seasonal movement of birds, creating a coherent explanation that reinforces the belief in divine concern for all creatures.

The narrative reflects the deep connection between celestial and terrestrial realms in Lithuanian mythology, where cosmic phenomena are often understood as manifestations of divine intervention in the natural world. By interpreting the Milky Way as a divinely created navigational aid, the legend emphasises the interconnectedness of all living beings within a harmonious cosmic order.

This sakmė appears in How the Earth Came to Be: Lithuanian Etiological Legends (Kaip atsirado žemė: lietuvių etiologinės sakmės), compiled and edited by the noted Lithuanian folklorist Norbertas Vėlius, representing an important element of Lithuania's rich tradition of nature mythology.