Yehasuri facts for kids
The Yehasuri are small, mysterious creatures from the ancient stories of the Catawba people. These legends say that Yehasuri live on the Catawba Indian Reservation in South Carolina. Their name means "wild little people," which gives you a good idea of what they are like!
Who Are the Yehasuri?
The Yehasuri are often described as being about two feet tall. That's roughly the height of a small child or a large dog! Even though they are small, they look like ordinary people. They are known as tricksters. This means they enjoy playing pranks and causing mischief. Sometimes, their tricks can be harmless fun. Other times, they might be a bit more troublesome.
Where Do They Live?
According to Catawba beliefs, the Yehasuri make their homes in unusual places. They are said to live inside old tree stumps. Imagine a tiny house hidden away in the woods! This helps them stay hidden from people.
What Do They Eat?
The Yehasuri have a very interesting diet. They are believed to eat a wide variety of foods. This includes things like frogs and bugs. It sounds like they are not picky eaters at all!
Are They Dangerous?
While Yehasuri are mostly known for their tricks, some stories say they can be a bit fierce sometimes. If you ever found yourself in a tricky situation with a Yehasuri, the Catawba people have a special way to deal with them. They believe you can stop a troublesome Yehasuri by rubbing a bit of tobacco on your hand. Then, you would say an ancient Catawba prayer. The prayer is "dugare ini para'ti na yehasuri deme hana te we stere yanamusi sere". This special prayer is thought to make the Yehasuri leave you alone.
