Iktomi facts for kids
Iktómi is a special spider spirit in Lakota mythology. He is known as a trickster and also a culture hero for the Lakota people. This means he often plays tricks, but he also taught important lessons and skills to the Lakota. You might hear him called by other names like Ikto, Ictinike, Inktomi, Unktome, or Unktomi. These different names come from various Native American tribes who knew about this spider spirit.
Iktómi usually looks like a spider. But he is a shapeshifter, so he can change into any form, even a human. When he appears as a human, people say he wears red, yellow, and white paint. He also has black rings around his eyes.
The Story of Iktómi
Many stories about Iktómi teach important lessons, especially to young people. Iktómi was also important because he brought many parts of Lakota culture to the people.
Originally, Iktómi was called Ksa. He was the first son of Inyan, the Rock. Ksa was known as the god of wisdom. However, Ksa used his wisdom to cause problems for other gods. Because of this, a god named Skan changed Ksa. He was no longer allowed to sit with the other gods. His great wisdom turned into cunning tricks that often backfired on him. This is how he became known as Iktómi.
Iktómi still had the power to create games. In many stories, Iktómi shows the difference between being truly wise and being foolish. He started playing tricks because people would make fun of his unusual looks. Most of his plans end up failing, and he often gets caught in his own traps. Because Iktómi, a respected spirit, acts foolishly, listeners can learn from his mistakes without feeling like they are being told off.
Sometimes, Iktómi is shown in a more serious way. For example, he is part of the popular story of the dreamcatcher.
Iktómi can change his shape and even use invisible strings to control humans like puppets. He can also make special potions. These potions can change gods or give him control over people. He often works with Mica, who is Coyote. Even though Iktómi is mostly a trickster, he sometimes helps the Lakota people. He has given them ways to protect themselves from danger, taught them new technology, and warned them about bad things.
Iktómi in Pop Culture
Iktómi has appeared in many modern stories and shows:
- In the TV show American Gods, Iktómi shows up briefly. He gives a special plant and a broken spear to another character.
- Sioux author Zitkála-Šá included tales of Iktómi in her book Old Indian Legends. This book was published in 1901.
- The Netflix comedy show Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt mentions Iktómi several times.
- Iktómi is shown in the 2002 movie Skins. This film was directed by Chris Eyre.
- The spaceship in the 2016 PC game Tharsis is named Iktómi.
- He also appears as a demon in the game Shin Megami Tensei IV.
