Tabaldak facts for kids
Tabaldak is a very important creator figure in the stories of the Abenaki and Algonquian people. These groups live in the northeastern part of North America. Tabaldak's name means "The Owner." It also means the one who "created all living things but one."
Who is Tabaldak?
Tabaldak is seen as a creator who is both male and female. This is called being androgynous. They are known for bringing life to the world.
How Tabaldak Created People
Tabaldak first tried to create people from stones. However, these stone people had hearts that were too cold. Tabaldak was not happy with them. So, they broke the stones into pieces. These pieces were left scattered across the Abenaki land.
Next, Tabaldak tried a different material. They used wood to create people. From this wood, the Abenaki people were born. These new people had warm hearts.
Odzihodo: The World Shaper
There was only one being Tabaldak did not create. This was Odzihodo. His name means "He Makes Himself from Something." Odzihodo was not a creator of new things. He needed help from Tabaldak to become fully formed.
When Odzihodo first appeared, he only had one hand. As he grew, he began to change the world. He shaped it to fit his own ideas.
Shaping the Land
Odzihodo worked hard to transform the land. He piled up dirt to create tall mountains. He also dug long lines in the ground. These lines became rivers that flowed across the land.
He took special care when forming Lake Champlain. Odzihodo was very pleased with his work on the lake. After finishing his tasks, he turned himself into a stone.
