Hahgwehdiyu facts for kids

Hahgwehdiyu (also known as Ha-Wen-Neyu, Rawenniyo, or Hawenniyo) is a very important god in the Iroquois religion. He is known as the god of goodness and light, and he is also a creator god. Hahgwehdiyu had a twin brother named Hahgwehdaetgah, who was the god of evil. They were the children of Atahensic, also called Sky Woman, or in some stories, her daughter, the Earth Mother.

Hahgwehdiyu is believed to have created the world using parts of his own body and his mother's body. For example, his outstretched hand became the sky. His mother's head became the sun, and her chest became the moon and stars. He also made her body into the Earth itself. Then, he planted a special seed into the Earth, which grew into the important maize (corn) plant.

The Story of Creation

This version of the creation story comes from old Iroquois traditions.

Long ago, the Earth was just a thought in the mind of a powerful ruler. This ruler lived on a wonderful island floating high above the clouds. He was known by many names, including Ha-wen-ni-yu, which means He who governs or The Ruler. This island was a peaceful place where everyone had what they needed, and there was no pain or death.

On this island grew a huge apple tree where the people would gather for meetings. One day, the Ruler said, "Let's make a new place where other people can live and grow. Below our council tree is a vast sea of clouds that needs light." He then ordered the council tree to be pulled up. He looked down into the deep space below.

He asked Ata-en-sic, also known as Sky Woman, to look down too. He heard the voice of the cloud-sea calling out. He told Ata-en-sic, who was pregnant, to bring life to it. He wrapped her in light and gently sent her down through the hole.

The Birth of the Twins

When Sky Woman reached the surface, the land grew and became an island. Soon, Ata-en-sic heard two voices inside her. She knew it was time for her babies to be born. One voice was calm and quiet, but the other was loud and angry. These were the Do-yo-da-no, or The Twins.

The good twin, Hah-gweh-di-yu (also called Teharonhiakwako), was born in the usual way. But the evil twin, Hä-qweh-da-ět-gǎh (also called Sawiskera), was born in a difficult way, which sadly caused his mother's death.

Shaping the World

After Sky Woman passed away, the island was covered in darkness. Hah-gweh-di-yu then shaped the sky. He created the sun from his mother's face, saying, "You will rule here, and your face will shine forever."

However, Hä-qweh-da-ět-gǎh, the evil twin, created a great darkness in the west. This darkness was meant to make the sun go down each day. Hah-gweh-di-yu then took the Moon and Stars from his mother's chest. He placed them in the night sky, seeing them as his sisters who would guard the night. He gave his mother's body to the Earth, making her the Great Mother from whom all life would come.

Gifts to Humanity

Hah-gweh-di-yu, who is similar to the Huron spirit Ioskeha, created the first people. He was a kind and helpful god. He healed illnesses, fought against bad spirits, and gave the Iroquois many important magical and ceremonial rituals. Another special gift he gave was tobacco, which is still used as a central part of the Iroquois religion today.

Hah-gweh-di-yu is not alone; he is helped by many other spirits who work with him.