Selk'nam mythology facts for kids

Selk'nam mythology is a collection of ancient stories and beliefs from the Selk'nam and Haush people. These groups lived in Tierra del Fuego, a land at the very tip of South America. Their myths explain how the world was made and tell about their powerful gods and ancestors.

The World and Its Skies

In Selk'nam and Haush myths, the world is divided into four huge skies. These skies are called sho'on and represent the four main directions:

• *Kamuk*: This is the northern sky.
• *Kéikruk*: This is the southern sky.
• *Wintek*: This is the eastern sky and is the most important. It is where the main god, Temáukel, lives. It is also seen as the source of everything that exists.
• *Kenénik*: This is the western sky.

Each of these skies is also linked to a season. Kamuk represents spring and summer. Kéikruk is linked to winter. Kenénik stands for autumn. Wintek, the eastern sky, represents all the seasons and even time itself.

Gods and Powerful Spirits

The Selk'nam people believed in a main god and many powerful spirits. While some might call this "many gods" (polytheism), the Selk'nam saw only one true god. The other powerful beings were more like ancient ancestors. These ancestors were very special and had powers similar to gods.

Temáukel: The Supreme Creator

Temáukel is the most powerful god in Selk'nam and Haush beliefs. He is the only one truly called a "god." He has always existed, even before anything else. Temáukel lives in the sky, specifically in the eastern sky (Wintek). He created the sky and the first Earth.

Howenh: The Ancient Ancestors

The Howenh were not seen as gods by the Selk'nam, but as very important mythological ancestors. They represent the great forces of nature. Before they became these forces, they lived as humans. They helped shape the Earth and everything on it.

Some of the most important Howenh include:

• Kenos: The very first Howenh to live on Earth.
• Kwányip and Čénuke: Other important early ancestors.
• Kojh: The Howenh of the sea.
• Kren: The Howenh of the sun.
• Kre: The Howenh of the moon.
• Josh: The Howenh of the snow.
• Shenrr: The Howenh of the wind.

Kenos: The First Organizer

Kenos was the very first Howenh to arrive on Earth. Temáukel sent him from the sky to the early Earth. Kenos's job was to organize the world and create other mythological ancestors. He is seen as a creator, organizer, and civilizing force in Selk'nam mythology. He is the most important being after Temáukel.

Xalpen and Her Soorts

Xalpen is known as the goddess of the underworld. She has seven special companions called Soorts: Sate, Yoisik, Wakus, Keyaisl, Talen, Pawus, and Sanu. There are also many other Soorts who work for Xalpen but do not have specific names.

See also

In Spanish: Mitología selknam para niños