"The Legend of Zynodoa" Centuries ago before the white man came to the American Shores, there lived in the primeval forest of what is now the Valley of Virginia a beautiful songbird. Its sweetest song was sung at twilight, the time when day so beautifully blends into night. The song which this bird sang was "zynodoa, zynodoa". One evening as a young squaw was lulling to rest her papoose near the camp fire at the door of a wig wam, a zynodoa perched nearby poured forth its evening lay. It sang as never before, its throat shook with rapturous trills and the melody of it entered into the mother's breast. She named her little brave Zynodoa. Years passed and Zynodoa the brave became a great warrior and his fame spread from one tribe to another. At last the Great Spirit called him and he entered into the Happy Hunting Grounds but he was not forgotten. As a memorial to the beauty, strength, and bravery of his life, his people gave his name to the river, mountain and valley which we now call Shenandoah. Zynodoa Restaurant in Historic Downtown Staunton, VA

Zynodoa, the namesake of the Shenandoah Valley and the river that flows through it comes from the legend of Zynodoa, an indian brave known for his strength, courage, and appreciation of the valley's bounty.

Zynodoa is a restaurant simultaneously sophisticated and approachable, familiar yet new, featuring meals that reinterpret the classics prepared in a simple and unpretentious manner, using the freshest and best local ingredients. The atmosphere boasts an urban feel with a warm and inviting environment. Come and enjoy.

“THE LEGEND OF ZYNODOA”

Centuries ago, before colonists came to the american shores, there lived, in the primeval forest of what is now the valley of Virginia, a beautiful songbird. Its sweetest song was sung at twilight, the time when day so beautifully blends into night. The song which this bird sang was “zynodoa, zynodoa.”

One evening as a young mother was lulling to rest her son near the camp fire, a zynodoa perched nearby poured forth its evening lay. It sang as never before, its throat shook with rapturous thrills and the melody of it entered into the mother’s breast. She named her brave zynodoa.

Years passed and zynodoa the brave became a great warrior and his fame spread from one nation throughout. When he passed he was not forgotten. As a memorial to the beauty, strength, and bravery of his life, his people gave his name to the river, mountain, and valley which we now call shenandoah.

paraphrased shenandoah university, 1944