Native American Mythology Introductory Info Before the White

Native American Mythology

Introductory Info. Before the 'White Man' came trampling all over the land, the native tribes and nations of what would one day become America had all the space in their world. They made good use of it, living close to nature in what might seem to modern society like a glorious camping vacation (If you ignore the constant threat of starvation and war).

Introductory Info . v The Native American peoples had (and still have) a huge respect for nature. Animal spirits in particular were very powerful and it was necessary to thank them and placate them if you wanted to make a meal of them. v When corn arrived courtesy of the deities, it was also given its due measure of respect.

Intro Info. Continued v. The thought of organic free-range food sounds alluring, but hunting wasn't as easy as getting up in the morning, taking a stroll and shooting a few passing bison with your bow. v. Even Plains societies who lived off the prolific buffalo fell under the threat of starvation at times. When herds were found, the people were grateful and thanked the gods and spirits profusely.

Intro. Info. Continued v Many Native American tribes fought terrible wars with each other, especially when the larders were getting bare. v Great warriors were held in high esteem, and the gods smiled upon them - so long as the medicine men did their bit in the ritual department.

v And at the end, Heaven was the Happy Hunting Ground, much the same as Earth but with better weather and animals that didn't run away. v Until the White Man came, it was a hard but healthy life, with tales round the campfire and no churches, shrines or temples necessary.

MAJOR NAVAJO GODS AND GODDESSES

ESTSANATLEHI • “Woman who changes” • At times, this is called as the Earth goddess, however, more as a seasonal deity of Navajo. • Her appearance changes from being youthful to mature to old woman • The Navajo myth states that Yebaad (First Woman) and Yebaka (First Man) observed a black cloud that descended on to the mountain. They saw a baby girl who is Estsanatlehi. She had been the daughter of Yadilyil (sky god) and Naestsan (Earth Goddess). They took her home and in only 18 days, she grew up into adulthood.

TONENILI (WATER SPRINKLER ) • Tonenili is the Navajo Indians’ god of rain. • He takes control of the sky water as opposed to seas, rivers and lakes. • He carries the water into some Navajo pantheon major deities.

HASTSEHOGAN • He is the god of farming and of household He is considered as the benevolent deity who is responsible for curing diseases and aiding mankind. • Hastsehogan has casts evil spells. a malevolent aspect in which he also

YOLKAIESTSAN (WHITE SHELL WOMAN) • Based on the Navajo myth, she has been created same time like her Estsanatlehi. at the • In other myths, Yolaiestan has been created by some gods during the time when they brought to life the artistic women depiction formed through white shells. • In the Navajo creation story, White Shell Woman (Yoolgai asdzáá) is the sister of the Goddess Changing Woman and a wife of Water.

TSOHANOAI (THE SUN BEARER) • Tsonahoai is the god of sun of Navajo. • In other myths, he has been depicted as the man who carries sun in the sky right on his back. • Some myths state that he has been depicted as the warrior on a horseback who carries the sun which serves as the gleaming shield.

NOHOILPI • He is the god of gambling in Navajo myth. • He was the renegade Tsohanoai’s son. • Nohoilpi descended to Earth to teach his own gambling games into different tribes. • He abused his own power through besting the people in all games and collected his winnings through enslaving them to establish a city for his glory.

TKLEHANOAI (NIGHT CARRIER) • He is the father of Tsonahai (the sun god) and he carries the moon right on the back while his son bores the sun all throughout daytime in the sky.

HASTSEOLTOI • Hastseoltoi is the goddess of hunting of the Navajo people. She has been Nayanazgeni’s wife, the war • She is carrying 2 arrows on both hands and is wearing bow case and a quiver. god.

Navajo Creation Story