Cherokee mythology facts for kids
The Cherokee people are a Native American group who have lived in the Appalachian Mountains for a very long time. They have many interesting spiritual beliefs and stories. Their mythology tells about special spirits who helped create the world.
The Cherokee believe that the spirit world is closely connected to our real world. They think that things like special signs, visions, dreams, and amazing powers are all gifts from these spirits.
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Cherokee Creation Story
The Cherokee creation myth explains how the earth began. They believe the earth is a huge floating island surrounded by a big ocean. This island hangs from the sky by cords at its four corners.
The story says that the first part of the earth was made by a tiny water beetle named Dâyuni'sï. He came down from the sky world, called Gälûñ'lätï, to see what was under the water. He swam around but couldn't find anywhere to rest. So, he dived to the bottom and brought up some soft mud. This mud grew and grew in every direction, becoming the earth we know today.
Soon, other spirits in Gälûñ'lätï wanted to come down to the new earth. First, birds were sent to check if the mud was dry enough. The buzzard was sent ahead to get things ready. But the earth was still very soft. As the buzzard flew, he got tired. His wings dipped low and brushed the soft mud. This created the mountains and valleys we see today.
When the earth was finally dry, all the animals came down from the sky. It was dark, so they decided to put the Sun in a path to travel from east to west. At first, they set the sun too low, and the crawfish got burned. So, they lifted the sun higher several times to make it less hot.
The creation story also explains how some animals and plants got their special features. All creatures were asked to stay awake for seven nights. Only a few animals, like the owl and panther, could do it. Because of this, they were given the power to see and hunt at night. Only a few trees, such as the cedar, pine, spruce, and laurel, also stayed awake. That's why other trees have to shed their leaves in the winter.
The first people were a brother and sister. The story says the brother tapped his sister with a fish and told her to have children. After this, she gave birth to a child every seven days! Soon, there were too many people. So, women were then asked to have only one child each year.
Important Cherokee Spirits
The Cherokee people deeply respect a spirit called the Great Spirit. She is known as Unelanuhi, the sun goddess. She was in charge of everything when the earth was created. It is said she made the earth to provide for her children. Unelanuhi is believed to be able to see everything, know everything, and be all-powerful. An old Cherokee text, the Wahnenauhi Manuscript, calls God Unahlahnauhi, meaning "maker of all things," and Kalvlvtiahi, meaning "the one who lives above."
The Twin Thunder Boys are the sons of Kanati and Selu. They live in a land above the sky, in the west. When you hear thunder, it is believed the boys are playing ball. Their beautiful clothes are the lightning and the rainbow. Priests would pray to the thunder, and it was believed the thunder spirits would visit people. They brought rains and blessings from the South.
It was also believed that some thunder beings lived closer to Earth. These were found in cliffs, mountains, and under waterfalls. Sometimes, they could cause harm. These other thunder spirits were thought to cause trouble. However, the thunder beings were seen as the most powerful helpers of the Great Spirit. They were honored in the first dance of the Green Corn Ceremony each year. They were believed to bring the rains needed for a good corn crop.
Other Important Spirits
- Asgaya Gigagei - This spirit is called The Red Man or Woman. This spirit is asked for help in spells to cure sick people. Asgaya Gigagei can be male or female, depending on the patient's gender.
- Kanati - Known as "The Lucky Hunter." Sometimes called First Man. He lives with his wife, Selu ("Corn"), in the east where the sun rises. Their sons, the Twin Thunder Boys, live in the west.
- Ocasta - Also known as "Stonecoat." His name comes from his coat, which was made of pieces of flint. Ocasta was a helper of the Creator, but he could be both good and bad. Ocasta created witches and would travel from village to village, causing problems. Some women managed to trap Ocasta, holding him to the ground. The men then burned Ocasta. While he was burning, he taught them songs and dances for hunting, fighting wars, and healing. Some of these men gained great power and became the first medicine men.
- Selu - Known as "Corn." Sometimes called First Woman. She is Kanati's wife. Selu secretly created corn by rubbing her belly. Her sons, the Twin Thunder Boys, caused her to disappear after they saw how she created corn.
- Sun - A goddess. When Sun's daughter was bitten by a snake and went to the Ghost Country, Sun hid herself because she was so sad. The world became dark, and Sun's tears caused a flood. Finally, the Cherokee sent their young men and women to help Sun feel better. They did this with singing and dancing.
Bad Spirits and Sickness
In Cherokee beliefs, there isn't one single evil spirit. An asgina is any kind of spirit, but it is usually thought of as a bad spirit. Uya, sometimes called Uyaga, is a bad earth spirit. This spirit works against good and right things. There are also Nun'Yunu'Wi and Kalona Ayeliski. These are bad spirits who prey on the souls of people who are dying. They would bother their victims until they passed away.
Traditionally, all disease and suffering were believed to be caused by spirits or by witchcraft. It was also believed that plants made medicine to cure every sickness that came into the world. When a medicine man doesn't know which medicine to use, the spirits of the plants are said to tell him.
