In the folk legends of the South Slavs, the eagle plays the role of a leader of hail clouds. This belief is widespread in Bulgaria, Serbia, and other countries in the region. The eagle is considered a protector of fields from bad weather: it fights against clouds, draws them away from the earth, and saves the harvest. Therefore, killing an eagle or destroying its nest is forbidden, and those who violate this prohibition may face serious consequences — injuries, illnesses, or misfortunes in the family.

These beliefs are connected with the faith in the magical power of the eagle. For example, in Bulgarian belief, the eagle is able to visit the celestial and underworlds. A Russian riddle also mentions the eagle's connection with the heavens: "An eagless flies across the blue sky, spread its wings, reached the sun."

— Gura. Symbolism of Animals in Slavic Folk Tradition, p. 611