Gendenwitha facts for kids
Gendenwitha (also spelled Gendewitha) is a special character from the old stories of the Iroquois people. She is known as the Morning Star, the bright star you see in the sky just before the sun comes up. Her name means "It Brings the Day." Gendenwitha was once a very beautiful young woman. A great hunter named Sosondowah loved her. Sosondowah was held by Dawn, a powerful spirit of the sky, who made him guard her lodge. Dawn changed Gendenwitha into the Morning Star after Sosondowah tried to make her his wife.
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The Legend of Gendenwitha and Sosondowah
Sosondowah was a very skilled hunter. One day, he chased a special Sky-Elk high into the heavens. There, Dawn captured him. She told him he had to guard the door of her home in the sky forever.
From his post in the sky, Sosondowah saw Gendenwitha standing by a river. He immediately fell in love with her.
Sosondowah's Visits
During Spring, Sosondowah found a way to escape from Dawn while she was sleeping. He entered the body of a bluebird to visit Gendenwitha. Gendenwitha did not know the bluebird was Sosondowah. She welcomed him as a happy sign that Spring had arrived.
Sosondowah escaped from Dawn again during Summer. This time, he entered the body of a blackbird. He visited Gendenwitha at the river once more. She greeted him as a sign that Summer was here.
In Autumn, Sosondowah escaped for a third time. He took the form of a giant nighthawk. He swooped down to the river and carried Gendenwitha up to the lodge in the sky. He wanted to make her his bride.
Gendenwitha Becomes the Morning Star
Dawn was very angry at Sosondowah for disobeying her. She decided to punish him. Dawn changed Gendenwitha into a star. She then placed Gendenwitha right on Sosondowah's forehead. This meant he would always wish for her but never be able to reach her.
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