The folk tale about the origin of the Milky Way is a sakmė, or etiological legend, that explains the presence of a light band in the sky, which appears in autumn.

In Lithuanian mythology, this light is known as the Bird's Way, a pathway that guides migrating birds southward. Since birds cannot see clearly during their long journey, God created this celestial light to help them navigate. The light appears during autumn, providing the birds with a visual guide as they travel.

This narrative, like many others in Lithuanian mythology, reflects the deep connection between the natural world and divine influence. The story intertwines natural phenomena, like the migration of birds and the seasonal appearance of the Milky Way, with the beliefs and values of the culture, in this case, the importance of divine care and guidance in the life cycles of creatures.

For more on the cultural context of such sakmės, refer to works like How the Earth Came to Be: Lithuanian Etiological Legends by Norbertas Vėlius, where these legends are compiled and explored in greater depth.