Transformer (spirit-being) facts for kids
The Transformer is a very important spirit-being in many stories of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast in North America. These stories are also found among some groups living further inland in the same area.
Often, people talk about more than one Transformer, calling them Transformers. The name for this special being (or beings) changes from one group of people to another. However, many names in the Coast Salish languages are quite similar.
Who Are the Transformers?
The Transformers are powerful spirit-beings. They are central figures in the traditional stories of many Indigenous peoples along the Pacific Northwest Coast. These beings often traveled the land, shaping the world and teaching people important lessons. They could change things, like turning animals into rocks or creating rivers.
Different Names for the Transformers
The name for the Transformer varies depending on the language and the specific Indigenous group telling the story. Here are some examples:
- In the Squamish language, the name is Xáays. In their traditions, there wasn't just one Transformer, but several. They are often called the Transformer Brothers.
- In Halkomelem, the the name is Xaːls. You can learn more about this at X̱á:ytem.
- In the Lummi dialect, the Transformer is called Xelas, or sometimes Xeʼlas.
A Kwakʼwala Story
In the Kwakʼwala language, one of the Transformers is named Q!aʼneqe lak. There is a story about him marrying the daughter of a chief from the ʼNamgis people. This happened at their village called Whulk, which is located at the mouth of the Nimpkish River. The chief, whose name was Gwaʼ nalalis, was later transformed by Q!aʼneqe lak into the Nimpkish River itself. This shows how the Transformers could change the landscape and create important features of the world.
