Atahensic facts for kids

Atahensic is an important Iroquois sky goddess. She is often connected with things like marriage, having children, and other important matters for women.

Atahensic: The Sky Goddess and Creator

Atahensic plays a central role in the creation stories of the Iroquois people. These stories explain how the world came to be and how humans received important gifts from the gods. She is seen as a powerful figure who helped shape the early world.

The Story of Creation

According to ancient legends, at the very beginning of time, a giant tree broke. This left a big hole in the sky that seemed to lead to the center of the Earth. Atahensic fell from the sky through this hole. As she fell, she was gently carried down by the wings of many birds.

The birds brought her safely down onto water. Then, a giant turtle rose up from the deep waters. This turtle offered its back as a safe place for Atahensic to land. On the turtle's back, she gave birth to a daughter, who became known as Earth Mother.

Earth Mother later gave birth to twin sons. These twins were named Hahgwehdiyu and Hahgwehdaetgah. Hahgwehdiyu was known as the good twin. His brother, Hahgwehdaetgah, was not as kind. During his birth, Hahgwehdaetgah caused his mother, Earth Mother, to pass away.

After this sad event, Hahgwehdiyu, the good twin, planted a special seed into his mother's body. From this seed grew maize, which is also known as corn. This maize became a very important gift for all people. It provided food and helped communities grow.

Different Names and Meanings

While Atahensic is the name commonly used by the Huron for this first mother, other Iroquois groups might call her by different names. For example, the Senecas, another Iroquois nation, often refer to this character as Eagentci. This name literally means old woman or ancient bodied. This shows how different tribes can have their own unique ways of telling the same important stories.