The Navajo song ceremonial complex is a spiritual practice used by certain Navajo ceremonial people to restore and maintain balance and harmony in the lives of the people. One half of the ceremonial complex is the Blessing Way, while the other half is the Enemy Way ( Anaʼí Ndááʼ ).
134-545: The rites and prayers in the Blessing Way are concerned with healing, creation, harmony and peace. The song cycles recount the elaborate Navajo creation story ( Diné Bahaneʼ ). One of the most important Blessing Way rites is the Kinaaldá ceremony, in which a young girl makes the transition to womanhood upon her menarche . During the course of the ceremony, the girl enacts the part of Changing Woman ( Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé ),
268-571: A child experiences her first menstruation. During this ceremony, the initiate will have an adult female mentor, known as the Ideal Woman, who is a prime example of someone who follows the Navajo ceremonies and also resembles characteristics of the Changing Woman. This ceremony involves five steps: molding into Changing Woman, running, hair washing, painting, and the making of the corn cake. Changing Woman
402-412: A day for each day of the ceremony to prepare her for a challenging life and to make her stronger. She must complete these daily runs towards the east at dawn, noon, and sunset. The purpose of the runs is to make her more powerful, energetic, and diligent, and to help improve her lifespan. The arduous runs are also meant to prepare the initiate for the hardships of life. During this portion of the ceremony,
536-570: A hogan to live in. It was not like a hogan of today. First Man dug a shallow pit in the earth and placed poles in it. For the main poles he used two parts of the Black Bow, Ałtį́į́ʼ Diłhił . One pole he cut from the Male Reed. One pole he cut from the Female Reed. The structure was covered with earth and grass. First Woman ground white corn and they powdered the poles and sprinkled corn meal inside
670-412: A hogan to live in. It was not like a hogan of today. First Man dug a shallow pit in the earth and placed poles in it. For the main poles he used two parts of the Black Bow, Ałtį́į́ʼ Diłhił . One pole he cut from the Male Reed. One pole he cut from the Female Reed. The structure was covered with earth and grass. First Woman ground white corn and they powdered the poles and sprinkled corn meal inside
804-528: A member of some other Indian tribe”. A form of treatment called blackening or the blackening rite is performed to determine if the Enemy Way ceremony will be successful in treating the patient. As a result of blackening, the patient embodies the Monster Slayer . The Enemy Way ceremony is carried out if the patient shows improvement after blackening. The Enemy Way ceremony involves song, sandpainting , dance, and
938-434: A mother and her two daughters had been in the fields and had not seen the raft. Now it was dark, and they saw that all of the women had crossed the river to the men's side. They began to swim across. But Tééhoołtsódii , Big Water Creature, grabbed the two daughters and dragged them to her home under the water. For three days and three nights, the people searched the river for the girls, but they could not find them. On
1072-434: A mother and her two daughters had been in the fields and had not seen the raft. Now it was dark, and they saw that all of the women had crossed the river to the men's side. They began to swim across. But Tééhoołtsódii , Big Water Creature, grabbed the two daughters and dragged them to her home under the water. For three days and three nights, the people searched the river for the girls, but they could not find them. On
1206-412: A notch holding every other thread. Spider Man said, "It will be called yódí bił nesłon , looping with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called niltłʼliz bił nesłon , looping with the mixed chips." Then they used a narrow stick about two and a half feet long, and wound the yarn or thread over it, and where there is no design they ran it along. That was given the same name as
1340-412: A notch holding every other thread. Spider Man said, "It will be called yódí bił nesłon , looping with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called niltłʼliz bił nesłon , looping with the mixed chips." Then they used a narrow stick about two and a half feet long, and wound the yarn or thread over it, and where there is no design they ran it along. That was given the same name as
1474-774: A number of times in the Fourth World, and the Diyin Dineʼé gave them ceremonies which are still practiced today. Of a time long ago these things are said. The first world was small, and black as soot. In the middle of the four seas there was an island floating in the mist. On the island grew a pine tree. Dark ants dwelt there. Red ants dwelled there. Dragonflies dwelled there. Yellow beetles dwelled there. Hard beetles dwelled there. Stone-carrier beetles dwelled there. Black beetles dwelled there. Coyote-dung beetles dwelled there. Bats dwelled there. White-faced beetles dwelled there. Locusts dwelled there. White locusts dwelled there. These were
SECTION 10
#17330850180611608-669: A number of times in the Fourth World, and the Diyin Dineʼé gave them ceremonies which are still practiced today. Of a time long ago these things are said. The first world was small, and black as soot. In the middle of the four seas there was an island floating in the mist. On the island grew a pine tree. Dark ants dwelt there. Red ants dwelled there. Dragonflies dwelled there. Yellow beetles dwelled there. Hard beetles dwelled there. Stone-carrier beetles dwelled there. Black beetles dwelled there. Coyote-dung beetles dwelled there. Bats dwelled there. White-faced beetles dwelled there. Locusts dwelled there. White locusts dwelled there. These were
1742-435: A place where there was fire under the earth, and called to him. He returned to the first hogan with First Man. First Man and First Woman also summoned the other three Holy People, Water Sprinkler, House God, and Talking God. Together, they told Turquoise Boy and White Shell Girl that they were creating the sun and the moon. They asked Turquoise Boy if he would become the sun, and they asked White Shell Girl if she would become
1876-435: A place where there was fire under the earth, and called to him. He returned to the first hogan with First Man. First Man and First Woman also summoned the other three Holy People, Water Sprinkler, House God, and Talking God. Together, they told Turquoise Boy and White Shell Girl that they were creating the sun and the moon. They asked Turquoise Boy if he would become the sun, and they asked White Shell Girl if she would become
2010-419: A slender stick through it to spin the cotton. First Woman said, "You must spin towards your person, not away, as you wish to have the beautiful goods come to you. If you spin away from you, the goods will depart from you." Spider Man named the spindle " yódí yił yaʼhote ," meaning "turning around with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called nto is yił yaʼhote , turning around with
2144-419: A slender stick through it to spin the cotton. First Woman said, "You must spin towards your person, not away, as you wish to have the beautiful goods come to you. If you spin away from you, the goods will depart from you." Spider Man named the spindle " yódí yił yaʼhote ," meaning "turning around with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called nto is yił yaʼhote , turning around with
2278-499: A spider web woven at the mouth of some hole; you must take it and rub it on the baby's hand and arm. Thus, when she grows up she will weave, and her fingers and arms will not tire from the weaving." One day, First Man brought home a fine deer that he had killed. First Woman said, "I thank my vagina for this deer." First Man demanded to know what she meant. "I mean that you bring me food because you wish to have sex with me," she said. "But we women could live happily without men. We are
2412-499: A spider web woven at the mouth of some hole; you must take it and rub it on the baby's hand and arm. Thus, when she grows up she will weave, and her fingers and arms will not tire from the weaving." One day, First Man brought home a fine deer that he had killed. First Woman said, "I thank my vagina for this deer." First Man demanded to know what she meant. "I mean that you bring me food because you wish to have sex with me," she said. "But we women could live happily without men. We are
2546-557: A total of five pairs of twins had been born, half of them male and half of them female. Almost at once they were full grown. The Holy People took each set of twins to their home on the East Mountain and taught them how to wear masks and pray, and then returned them to their parents. Eight winters passed, and during that time the twins found mates with the Mirage People. Many people came into being. Near Tó Ałnáosdlį́į́ , Crossing of
2680-445: A total of five pairs of twins had been born, half of them male and half of them female. Almost at once they were full grown. The Holy People took each set of twins to their home on the East Mountain and taught them how to wear masks and pray, and then returned them to their parents. Eight winters passed, and during that time the twins found mates with the Mirage People. Many people came into being. Near Tó Ałnáosdlį́į́ , Crossing of
2814-615: A wand of jet and other materials and the Air-Spirit people flew or walked upon it up into the next world. One by one they passed through to the other side. The bluebird had joined the Air-Spirit People and was the first to reach the Third or Yellow World. After him came the First Four and all the others. The great Female River crossed this land from north to south. The great Male River crossed
SECTION 20
#17330850180612948-401: A wand of jet and other materials and the Air-Spirit people flew or walked upon it up into the next world. One by one they passed through to the other side. The bluebird had joined the Air-Spirit People and was the first to reach the Third or Yellow World. After him came the First Four and all the others. The great Female River crossed this land from north to south. The great Male River crossed
3082-402: Is a Navajo deity who embodies all of the ideals of a Navajo woman. The girl partaking in the ceremony is molded by her mentor, the Ideal Woman, who is chosen by the family and represents the qualities of Changing Woman and an ideal Navajo woman. Ideal woman molds the initiate so that she can represent Changing Woman and all of her ideal qualities. During the Kinaaldá ceremony, the initiate's body
3216-480: Is ground to prepare for the baking of the corn cake which is baked during the fourth night of the ceremony. This cake is regarded as an offering to the sun, and four pinches of the cake are buried as an offering to the earth. Grinding the corn and mixing the corn cake symbolize the girl's endurance, motivation, and potential positive effects. While the initiate herself is not allowed to eat the cake because it represents her fertility, she serves it to those in attendance of
3350-518: Is imperative that this ceremony be done correctly because it sets the tone for the rest of her life. It is also important that the ceremony involves family and community. The purpose of the Kinaaldá ceremony is to ensure that the child transitioning into womanhood will be prepared to take on the social roles and expectations of a Navajo woman, not only in strength and endurance, but also with generous and kind tendencies. This ceremony lasts for four nights and five days and occurs as close as possible to when
3484-579: Is thought to be as soft as it was at birth, so it is able to be easily manipulated and molded. The child lies on a blanket or sheepskin while her sponsor massages her body, molding it so it can possess not only the physical qualities of Changing Woman, but the psychological qualities as well. This is important because Changing Woman is regarded as the supreme mother who possesses ideal characteristics such as kindness and being nurturing, and also ideal physical characteristics such as good posture, strength, and physical beauty. The initiate must run two to three times
3618-422: The Air-Spirit People, "You are welcome here among us." The Swallow people and Air-Spirit people then treated each other like they were all members of a single tribe, and for twenty-three days they all lived together in harmony. But on the night of the twenty-fourth day one of the Air-Spirit People approached the wife of the swallow chief and wished to sleep with her. The next morning after finding out what happened
3752-422: The Air-Spirit People, "You are welcome here among us." The Swallow people and Air-Spirit people then treated each other like they were all members of a single tribe, and for twenty-three days they all lived together in harmony. But on the night of the twenty-fourth day one of the Air-Spirit People approached the wife of the swallow chief and wished to sleep with her. The next morning after finding out what happened
3886-496: The Female Reed, with 12 holes in it. Each time she completed her cycle she would blow on the whistle, and a new month would begin. The first month was named Ghąąjįʼ , Back-to-Back, or Parting of the Seasons. Today it is called October. The second month was named Níłchʼitsʼósí , Time of Slender Winds. The third month was Níłchʼitsoh , Great Wind. It is the time to begin to tell the sacred stories. The fourth month, January,
4020-446: The Female Reed, with 12 holes in it. Each time she completed her cycle she would blow on the whistle, and a new month would begin. The first month was named Ghąąjįʼ , Back-to-Back, or Parting of the Seasons. Today it is called October. The second month was named Níłchʼitsʼósí , Time of Slender Winds. The third month was Níłchʼitsoh , Great Wind. It is the time to begin to tell the sacred stories. The fourth month, January,
4154-859: The Great-Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-in-the-Water, and the Coyote First Angry, followed by all the others, climbed up from the Dark World to the Second or Blue World. After arriving to the second world, the insect people sent scouts, which were plain locusts, to see if they could find anyone in the area. The scouts were first sent to the east and after two days, they returned and had not found anyone or anything yet. The scouts were then sent south to explore and they were once again not able to find anyone or anything. The scouts were sent on two more trips and after they had returned from their fourth trip,
Navajo song ceremonial complex - Misplaced Pages Continue
4288-613: The Great-Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-in-the-Water, and the Coyote First Angry, followed by all the others, climbed up from the Dark World to the Second or Blue World. After arriving to the second world, the insect people sent scouts, which were plain locusts, to see if they could find anyone in the area. The scouts were first sent to the east and after two days, they returned and had not found anyone or anything yet. The scouts were then sent south to explore and they were once again not able to find anyone or anything. The scouts were sent on two more trips and after they had returned from their fourth trip,
4422-552: The North was Dibé Nitsaa [tɪ̀pé nɪ̀tsʰɑ̀ː] Big Sheep Mountain. Near the Center of the Yellow World was Dził Náʼoodiłii , Soft Goods or Banded Rock Mountain. And near it, East of center, there was Chʼóolʼį́ʼí , Precious Stones, or Great Spruce Mountain. Holy People lived on the mountains. They were immortal, and could travel by following the path of the rainbow and the rays of
4556-400: The North was Dibé Nitsaa [tɪ̀pé nɪ̀tsʰɑ̀ː] Big Sheep Mountain. Near the Center of the Yellow World was Dził Náʼoodiłii , Soft Goods or Banded Rock Mountain. And near it, East of center, there was Chʼóolʼį́ʼí , Precious Stones, or Great Spruce Mountain. Holy People lived on the mountains. They were immortal, and could travel by following the path of the rainbow and the rays of
4690-622: The People" ), is a Navajo creation story that describes the prehistoric emergence of the Navajo as a part of the Navajo religious beliefs . It centers on the area known as the Dinétah , the traditional homeland of the Navajo, and forms the basis of the traditional Navajo way of life and ceremony. Throughout the stories the importance of cardinal points and the number four are emphasized in multiple aspects. The basic outline of Diné Bahaneʼ begins with
4824-476: The People" ), is a Navajo creation story that describes the prehistoric emergence of the Navajo as a part of the Navajo religious beliefs . It centers on the area known as the Dinétah , the traditional homeland of the Navajo, and forms the basis of the traditional Navajo way of life and ceremony. Throughout the stories the importance of cardinal points and the number four are emphasized in multiple aspects. The basic outline of Diné Bahaneʼ begins with
4958-479: The Waters, lived Spider Woman and Spider Man. They knew how to weave the fibers of cotton and hemp and other plants. First Woman asked Spider Woman and Spider Man to teach people how to weave the fibers of plants so they would not have to depend on animal skins for clothing. Cotton seeds were planted, and the cotton was gathered. Spider Man taught the people to shape a little wheel, 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and put
5092-430: The Waters, lived Spider Woman and Spider Man. They knew how to weave the fibers of cotton and hemp and other plants. First Woman asked Spider Woman and Spider Man to teach people how to weave the fibers of plants so they would not have to depend on animal skins for clothing. Cotton seeds were planted, and the cotton was gathered. Spider Man taught the people to shape a little wheel, 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and put
5226-596: The West, on Abalone Shell Mountain, lived Yoołgaii Asdzą́ą́ White Shell Girl, also a Nádleeh . With her was the big female reed, which grew at the water's edge with no tassel. In the autumn, the four Holy People called to First Man and First Woman, and visited them, but they did not speak. Four days in a row they visited. On the fourth day, Black God said, "You must cleanse yourselves and we will return in twelve days." First Man and First Woman bathed carefully and dried themselves with corn meal. They listened and waited. On
5360-549: The West, on Abalone Shell Mountain, lived Yoołgaii Asdzą́ą́ White Shell Girl, also a Nádleeh . With her was the big female reed, which grew at the water's edge with no tassel. In the autumn, the four Holy People called to First Man and First Woman, and visited them, but they did not speak. Four days in a row they visited. On the fourth day, Black God said, "You must cleanse yourselves and we will return in twelve days." First Man and First Woman bathed carefully and dried themselves with corn meal. They listened and waited. On
5494-419: The ball of thread. They used the wide flat stick for tapping down the thread. Spider Man said, "It shall be called yódí naʼygolte ;" but Spider Woman said, "It shall be called niltłʼiz naʼygolte ." Spider Man then said, "Now you know all that I have named for you. It is yours to work with and to use following your own wishes. But from now on when a baby girl is born to your tribe you shall go and find
Navajo song ceremonial complex - Misplaced Pages Continue
5628-419: The ball of thread. They used the wide flat stick for tapping down the thread. Spider Man said, "It shall be called yódí naʼygolte ;" but Spider Woman said, "It shall be called niltłʼiz naʼygolte ." Spider Man then said, "Now you know all that I have named for you. It is yours to work with and to use following your own wishes. But from now on when a baby girl is born to your tribe you shall go and find
5762-441: The bark of an Aspen tree, by Ideal Woman so her height can be increased and she can have minimal signs of aging. Her cheeks and forehead are painted in hopes for smooth and wrinkle-free skin. Surrounding members taking part in the ceremony may also be painted to bring them blessings. One of the most important tasks during the Kinaaldá ceremony is the making of the corn cake, which represents Changing Woman, fertility, and life. Corn
5896-528: The buckskin the placed a perfect round turquoise, larger than the height of a man. Below the turquoise they placed a great perfect white shell. At that moment the Coyote Áłtsé Hashké , First Angry, came and asked them what they were doing. "Nothing," they said. "So I see," he said. And he went away. First Man went looking for Haashchʼééshzhiní , The Black Yéʼii, known as the Fire God. First Man found him in
6030-428: The buckskin the placed a perfect round turquoise, larger than the height of a man. Below the turquoise they placed a great perfect white shell. At that moment the Coyote Áłtsé Hashké , First Angry, came and asked them what they were doing. "Nothing," they said. "So I see," he said. And he went away. First Man went looking for Haashchʼééshzhiní , The Black Yéʼii, known as the Fire God. First Man found him in
6164-512: The camp of the Air Spirit people was visited by the Swallow people. They found a number of people already living there: bluebirds, blue hawks, bluejays, blue herons, and all the blue furred beings. The powerful swallow people lived there also. They lived in blue houses, scattered across a broad, blue plain. The houses were cone-shaped and they were tapered towards the top. The swallow people said to
6298-409: The camp of the Air Spirit people was visited by the Swallow people. They found a number of people already living there: bluebirds, blue hawks, bluejays, blue herons, and all the blue furred beings. The powerful swallow people lived there also. They lived in blue houses, scattered across a broad, blue plain. The houses were cone-shaped and they were tapered towards the top. The swallow people said to
6432-405: The ceremony to show thanks and generosity. The Enemy Way ( Anaʼí Ndááʼ ) is a traditional ceremony for countering the harmful effects of ghosts ( chʼį́įdii ), and has been performed for returning military personnel. More generally, “the formal intention of the Enemy Way is to lay the ghost of an outsider: that of a white man or of some other non-Navaho such as a European, and Asiatic, or
6566-594: The creation of the Niłchʼi Diyin ( Navajo pronunciation: [nɪ̀ɬtʃʼɪ̀ tɪ̀jɪ̀n] , ‘Holy Wind’) as the mists of lights which arose through the darkness to animate and bring purpose to the spirits of the four Diyin Dineʼé ([tɪ̀jɪ̀n tɪ̀nèʔé], ‘Holy People’) in the different three lower worlds. According to the story, this event happened before the Earth and the physical aspect of humans had come into being, when only
6700-447: The creation of the Niłchʼi Diyin ( Navajo pronunciation: [nɪ̀ɬtʃʼɪ̀ tɪ̀jɪ̀n] , ‘Holy Wind’) as the mists of lights which arose through the darkness to animate and bring purpose to the spirits of the four Diyin Dineʼé ([tɪ̀jɪ̀n tɪ̀nèʔé], ‘Holy People’) in the different three lower worlds. According to the story, this event happened before the Earth and the physical aspect of humans had come into being, when only
6834-496: The dead would go back to the previous world. The first human born in the Fourth World is Yoołgaii Asdzą́ą́ ([jòːɬkɑ̀ì ɑ̀stsɑ̃́ː]), who matures into Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé [ɑ̀stsɑ̃́ː nɑ́tɬèːxé] and, in turn, gives birth to the Hero Twins called Naayééʼ Neizghání and Tóbájíshchíní . The twins have many adventures in which they help to rid the world of various monsters. Multiple batches of modern humans were created
SECTION 50
#17330850180616968-443: The dead would go back to the previous world. The first human born in the Fourth World is Yoołgaii Asdzą́ą́ ([jòːɬkɑ̀ì ɑ̀stsɑ̃́ː]), who matures into Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé [ɑ̀stsɑ̃́ː nɑ́tɬèːxé] and, in turn, gives birth to the Hero Twins called Naayééʼ Neizghání and Tóbájíshchíní . The twins have many adventures in which they help to rid the world of various monsters. Multiple batches of modern humans were created
7102-452: The dwelling from East to West. First Man said, "May my home be sacred and beautiful, and may the days be beautiful and plenty." This was the first hogan-raising ceremony. Inside, First Man lay with his head to the East, and First Woman lay with her head to the West. Their thoughts mingled, and those thoughts were sacred. They began to plan for the time that was to come, and how people would live on
7236-405: The dwelling from East to West. First Man said, "May my home be sacred and beautiful, and may the days be beautiful and plenty." This was the first hogan-raising ceremony. Inside, First Man lay with his head to the East, and First Woman lay with her head to the West. Their thoughts mingled, and those thoughts were sacred. They began to plan for the time that was to come, and how people would live on
7370-413: The earth. Great Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-in-the-Water came in to help them plan. Together, they planned that there should be a sun, a moon, and day and night. They decided to keep the other Coyote, First Angry, away from their planning, because it was he who had brought unhappiness. First Man, First Woman, and Great-Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-in-the-Water covered the floor of the hogan with a perfect buckskin. On
7504-413: The earth. Great Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-in-the-Water came in to help them plan. Together, they planned that there should be a sun, a moon, and day and night. They decided to keep the other Coyote, First Angry, away from their planning, because it was he who had brought unhappiness. First Man, First Woman, and Great-Coyote-Who-Was-Formed-in-the-Water covered the floor of the hogan with a perfect buckskin. On
7638-506: The east. The Second World Niʼ Hodootłʼizh ([nɪ̀ʔ xòtòːtɬʼɪ̀ʒ]) was inhabited by various blue-gray furred mammals and various birds, including blue swallows . The beings from the First World offended Swallow Chief, Táshchózhii ([txɑ́ʃtʃʰóʒìː]), and they were asked to depart. To do so, the First Man created a wand of jet and other materials to allow the people to walk upon it up into
7772-400: The east. The Second World Niʼ Hodootłʼizh ([nɪ̀ʔ xòtòːtɬʼɪ̀ʒ]) was inhabited by various blue-gray furred mammals and various birds, including blue swallows . The beings from the First World offended Swallow Chief, Táshchózhii ([txɑ́ʃtʃʰóʒìː]), and they were asked to depart. To do so, the First Man created a wand of jet and other materials to allow the people to walk upon it up into
7906-465: The feathers were seen to move. In this way, they transformed First Man and First Woman from spirit people into human beings, with great powers. "Now," the Holy People said, "live here as husband and wife." At the end of four days First Woman gave birth to twins. They were neither male nor female, but Nádleeh . Four days later a second set of twins was born, one male and one female. After twenty days
8040-411: The feathers were seen to move. In this way, they transformed First Man and First Woman from spirit people into human beings, with great powers. "Now," the Holy People said, "live here as husband and wife." At the end of four days First Woman gave birth to twins. They were neither male nor female, but Nádleeh . Four days later a second set of twins was born, one male and one female. After twenty days
8174-402: The girl's hair is washed with a yucca plant and ceremonial Navajo basket. The initiate's jewelry is also washed during this process. Both the hair washing and jewelry washing constitute purification procedures. Her mother is given the rinse water to pour out near their home so that the initiate will always be connected to where she came from. The initiate is painted with white clay, or ashes from
SECTION 60
#17330850180618308-456: The house, and behind them crept the Coyote named First Angry. In the north room of the house, they found Big Water Creature asleep in a chair. Her own two children were there, and also the two missing daughters. First Man and First Woman took the hands of the girls and led them back through the passage and on to the bank. Behind them, Coyote carried the two children of Big Water Creature, wrapped in his big skin coat with white fur lining. There
8442-456: The house, and behind them crept the Coyote named First Angry. In the north room of the house, they found Big Water Creature asleep in a chair. Her own two children were there, and also the two missing daughters. First Man and First Woman took the hands of the girls and led them back through the passage and on to the bank. Behind them, Coyote carried the two children of Big Water Creature, wrapped in his big skin coat with white fur lining. There
8576-494: The land from east to west. The rivers flowed through one another in the middle, and the name of this place is Tó Ałnáosdlį́į́ , Crossing of the Waters. In the Yellow World were six mountains. In the East was Sisnaajiní [sɪ̀snɑ̀ːtʃɪ̀nɪ́] Dawn, or White Shell Mountain. In the South was Tsoodził [tsʰòːtsɪ́ɬ] Blue Bead, or Turquoise Mountain. To the West was Dookʼoʼoosłííd [tòːkʼòʔóːsɬít] Abalone Shell Mountain. In
8710-446: The land from east to west. The rivers flowed through one another in the middle, and the name of this place is Tó Ałnáosdlį́į́ , Crossing of the Waters. In the Yellow World were six mountains. In the East was Sisnaajiní [sɪ̀snɑ̀ːtʃɪ̀nɪ́] Dawn, or White Shell Mountain. In the South was Tsoodził [tsʰòːtsɪ́ɬ] Blue Bead, or Turquoise Mountain. To the West was Dookʼoʼoosłííd [tòːkʼòʔóːsɬít] Abalone Shell Mountain. In
8844-412: The liver of a deer. Owl called out to him to stop. "This is wrong," Owl said. "No good can come of this separation. You must bring the men and the women together again." As it turns out Owl was right. From the women who had sought to satisfy themselves with foreign objects, monsters were born out of this. The monsters would go on to terrorize the people wherever they roamed. Kʼíídeesdizí spoke to
8978-412: The liver of a deer. Owl called out to him to stop. "This is wrong," Owl said. "No good can come of this separation. You must bring the men and the women together again." As it turns out Owl was right. From the women who had sought to satisfy themselves with foreign objects, monsters were born out of this. The monsters would go on to terrorize the people wherever they roamed. Kʼíídeesdizí spoke to
9112-401: The men had invented. The women bared themselves along the bank of the river and called out to the men, saying "See what you are missing?" There were occasionally men and women who so longed after the other that some jumped into the river that separated them in a vain attempt to reunite with their loved ones. Unfortunately the currents of the river were too strong and the swimmers were washed down
9246-401: The men had invented. The women bared themselves along the bank of the river and called out to the men, saying "See what you are missing?" There were occasionally men and women who so longed after the other that some jumped into the river that separated them in a vain attempt to reunite with their loved ones. Unfortunately the currents of the river were too strong and the swimmers were washed down
9380-477: The middle of a bubbling lake, surrounded by high cliffs. At first the people could not find a way to get across the water to the shore. They called on Water Sprinkler to help them. He had brought four great stones with him from the Third World. He threw one to the east. When it hit the cliff wall, it broke a hole through it, and water began to flow out of the lake. He threw a stone to the south. He threw one to
9514-423: The middle of a bubbling lake, surrounded by high cliffs. At first the people could not find a way to get across the water to the shore. They called on Water Sprinkler to help them. He had brought four great stones with him from the Third World. He threw one to the east. When it hit the cliff wall, it broke a hole through it, and water began to flow out of the lake. He threw a stone to the south. He threw one to
9648-432: The mixed chips." After the loom was finished the cross poles were erected and other poles placed on the ground to hold the loom frame solidly, and the loom was stretched into place. Spider Man said, "It shall be called yótí ilth na daiʼdi , raising with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called niltłʼiz na daiʼdi , raising with the mixed chips." There was a notched stick running across, with
9782-432: The mixed chips." After the loom was finished the cross poles were erected and other poles placed on the ground to hold the loom frame solidly, and the loom was stretched into place. Spider Man said, "It shall be called yótí ilth na daiʼdi , raising with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called niltłʼiz na daiʼdi , raising with the mixed chips." There was a notched stick running across, with
9916-477: The mixed chips." After they had spun the thread they rolled it into good-sized balls, and brought straight poles and tied them to make a rectangular frame. Spider Man wound the thread on two of the poles from east to west, over and under the poles. Then Spider Man said that the ball of thread should be called " yódí yił nasmas aghaaʼ ," meaning "rolling with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called ntsilí yił nasmas aghaaʼ , rolling with
10050-477: The mixed chips." After they had spun the thread they rolled it into good-sized balls, and brought straight poles and tied them to make a rectangular frame. Spider Man wound the thread on two of the poles from east to west, over and under the poles. Then Spider Man said that the ball of thread should be called " yódí yił nasmas aghaaʼ ," meaning "rolling with the beautiful goods." Spider Woman said, "No, it shall be called ntsilí yił nasmas aghaaʼ , rolling with
10184-414: The moon. Again, the Coyote named First Angry came by and asked them what they were doing. "Nothing," they said. "So I see," he said, and he went away. First Man, First Woman, Great Coyote, and the Holy People planned that there would be 12 months. With each month, the moon would pass from dark to light, and the sun would move to a different path in the sky. White Shell Girl was given a whistle made from
10318-414: The moon. Again, the Coyote named First Angry came by and asked them what they were doing. "Nothing," they said. "So I see," he said, and he went away. First Man, First Woman, Great Coyote, and the Holy People planned that there would be 12 months. With each month, the moon would pass from dark to light, and the sun would move to a different path in the sky. White Shell Girl was given a whistle made from
10452-407: The morning of the fourth day, Talking God and Water Sprinkler appeared with a large bowl of white shell and a large bowl of blue shell. The people gathered around them. They placed the bowls at the water's edge, and started to spin them. The spinning bowls created an opening in the water which led downward to a large house with four rooms. First Man and First Woman traveled down the passage and into
10586-407: The morning of the fourth day, Talking God and Water Sprinkler appeared with a large bowl of white shell and a large bowl of blue shell. The people gathered around them. They placed the bowls at the water's edge, and started to spin them. The spinning bowls created an opening in the water which led downward to a large house with four rooms. First Man and First Woman traveled down the passage and into
10720-474: The next world through an opening in the south. In the Third or Yellow World Niʼ Hałtsooí ([nɪ̀ʔ xɑ̀ɬtsʰòːɪ́]), there were two rivers that formed a cross, the Sacred Mountains, and more animal people, but there was still no sun. This time it was not discord among the people that drove them away but a great flood caused by Tééhoołtsódii ([txéːxòːɬtsʰótì]) when Coyote stole her two children. When
10854-415: The next world through an opening in the south. In the Third or Yellow World Niʼ Hałtsooí ([nɪ̀ʔ xɑ̀ɬtsʰòːɪ́]), there were two rivers that formed a cross, the Sacred Mountains, and more animal people, but there was still no sun. This time it was not discord among the people that drove them away but a great flood caused by Tééhoołtsódii ([txéːxòːɬtsʰótì]) when Coyote stole her two children. When
10988-590: The ocean to the north dwelled Iiʼniʼ Jiłgaii , Winter Thunder. Above each sea appeared a cloud. There was a black cloud, a white cloud, a blue cloud, and a yellow cloud. The Black Cloud contained the Female spirit of Life. The White Cloud contained the Male spirit of Dawn. The Blue Cloud and the Yellow Cloud came together in the West, and a wind from the clouds blew. From the breath of wind, First Woman, Áłtsé Asdzą́ą́ ,
11122-439: The ocean to the north dwelled Iiʼniʼ Jiłgaii , Winter Thunder. Above each sea appeared a cloud. There was a black cloud, a white cloud, a blue cloud, and a yellow cloud. The Black Cloud contained the Female spirit of Life. The White Cloud contained the Male spirit of Dawn. The Blue Cloud and the Yellow Cloud came together in the West, and a wind from the clouds blew. From the breath of wind, First Woman, Áłtsé Asdzą́ą́ ,
11256-416: The ones who gather the food and till the fields. We have no need of men." First Man grew angry and called all the men together. "The women think they can live without us," he told them. "Let us see if that is true." The men and the two hermaphrodite twins crossed the river to the north bank carrying the grinding stones and bowls and baskets that the hermaphrodite twins had made, and the axes and hoes that
11390-416: The ones who gather the food and till the fields. We have no need of men." First Man grew angry and called all the men together. "The women think they can live without us," he told them. "Let us see if that is true." The men and the two hermaphrodite twins crossed the river to the north bank carrying the grinding stones and bowls and baskets that the hermaphrodite twins had made, and the axes and hoes that
11524-418: The opening in the reed. Her curly hair floated on the water, and lightning flashed from her black horn and her yellow horn. First Man asked Big Water Creature why she had come. She said nothing. But the Coyote named First Angry came forward wearing his skin coat. He said "Perhaps it is because of this," and drew the two babies from under his coat. Turquoise Boy took a basket and filled it with turquoise. On top of
11658-418: The opening in the reed. Her curly hair floated on the water, and lightning flashed from her black horn and her yellow horn. First Man asked Big Water Creature why she had come. She said nothing. But the Coyote named First Angry came forward wearing his skin coat. He said "Perhaps it is because of this," and drew the two babies from under his coat. Turquoise Boy took a basket and filled it with turquoise. On top of
11792-514: The other men. Finally they all spoke to First Man. First Man called across the river to First Woman, and asked, "Do you still think you can live alone?" "I no longer believe I can," she responded. "I am sorry I let the things you said make me angry," First Man said. And then the men sent a raft to the women's side of the river to bring the women across. The men and women bathed and dried their bodies with corn meal, and remained apart until nightfall. Then they would resume their lives together. But
11926-514: The other men. Finally they all spoke to First Man. First Man called across the river to First Woman, and asked, "Do you still think you can live alone?" "I no longer believe I can," she responded. "I am sorry I let the things you said make me angry," First Man said. And then the men sent a raft to the women's side of the river to bring the women across. The men and women bathed and dried their bodies with corn meal, and remained apart until nightfall. Then they would resume their lives together. But
12060-533: The people arrived in the Fourth or White World Niʼ Hodisxǫs ([nɪ̀ʔ xòtɪ̀sxõ̀s]), there were anaye ( naayééʼ ) living there. The Sacred Mountains were re-formed from soil taken from the original mountains in the Second World. First Man and the Holy People created the sun, moon, seasons, and stars. It was here that true death came into existence when Coyote tossed a stone into a lake, declaring that if it sank then
12194-429: The people arrived in the Fourth or White World Niʼ Hodisxǫs ([nɪ̀ʔ xòtɪ̀sxõ̀s]), there were anaye ( naayééʼ ) living there. The Sacred Mountains were re-formed from soil taken from the original mountains in the Second World. First Man and the Holy People created the sun, moon, seasons, and stars. It was here that true death came into existence when Coyote tossed a stone into a lake, declaring that if it sank then
12328-523: The powerful mythical figure Monster Slayer . The ceremony lasts for several days and includes the enacting of a battle. Associated with the Enemy Way is a Girl's Dance, to which young men are invited by marriageable young women. This derives from an aspect of the Monster Slayer myth, in which two captive girls are liberated. Din%C3%A9 Bahane%CA%BC Diné Bahaneʼ ( Navajo pronunciation: [tɪ̀né pɑ̀xɑ̀nèʔ] , Navajo : "Story of
12462-408: The powerful spirit woman responsible for fertility entering the world. The Kinaaldá ceremony includes the girl demonstrating endurance by ritualised running, each dawn over a period of several days, as well as a hair-combing ritual and the baking of a large corn cake. The Navajo people see a young girl's first menstruation as a time of joy and happiness. It is also the start of becoming a woman. It
12596-577: The previous night, the Swallow Chief, Táshchozhii , said to the newcomers, "We welcomed you here among us. We treated you as kin. Yet this is how you return our kindness. Now you must leave this world." After the Chief told the Air-Spirit people that they must leave, he said “Anyhow, this is a bad land. There is not enough food for all of us. People are dying here every day from hunger. Even if we allowed you to stay, you could not live here very long." While in
12730-473: The previous night, the Swallow Chief, Táshchozhii , said to the newcomers, "We welcomed you here among us. We treated you as kin. Yet this is how you return our kindness. Now you must leave this world." After the Chief told the Air-Spirit people that they must leave, he said “Anyhow, this is a bad land. There is not enough food for all of us. People are dying here every day from hunger. Even if we allowed you to stay, you could not live here very long." While in
12864-434: The reed, and it began to grow and grow until it reached the canopy of the sky. Woodpecker hollowed out a passage inside the reed, and the people and Turquoise Boy and the four Holy People all began to climb up until they came out in the Fourth World. After the people had all emerged into the Fourth, or White World, they saw the water continuing to rise in the Third World beneath them. Big Water Creature pushed her head through
12998-434: The reed, and it began to grow and grow until it reached the canopy of the sky. Woodpecker hollowed out a passage inside the reed, and the people and Turquoise Boy and the four Holy People all began to climb up until they came out in the Fourth World. After the people had all emerged into the Fourth, or White World, they saw the water continuing to rise in the Third World beneath them. Big Water Creature pushed her head through
13132-469: The river, never to be seen again. For four years the women and the men lived apart. During this time the food that the women harvested became less, because they had no tools, while the men grew more and more food. But each group longed for the other. The women sought to satisfy themselves with bones and feathers and long stones. The men tried to relieve their longing with the fresh meat of animals. One man, Kʼíídeesdizí , tried to satisfy himself using
13266-469: The river, never to be seen again. For four years the women and the men lived apart. During this time the food that the women harvested became less, because they had no tools, while the men grew more and more food. But each group longed for the other. The women sought to satisfy themselves with bones and feathers and long stones. The men tried to relieve their longing with the fresh meat of animals. One man, Kʼíídeesdizí , tried to satisfy himself using
13400-430: The second world, the Air-Spirit people still had not changed their way of life and they were not yet living in balance and harmony. The Air-Spirit people wandered upward looking for a way into the next world. Niłchʼi , The Wind , called to them from the South. They followed him and found a slit in the sky that was upward slanted. The sky had a hard shell like the world they had previously been to. First Man created
13534-430: The second world, the Air-Spirit people still had not changed their way of life and they were not yet living in balance and harmony. The Air-Spirit people wandered upward looking for a way into the next world. Niłchʼi , The Wind , called to them from the South. They followed him and found a slit in the sky that was upward slanted. The sky had a hard shell like the world they had previously been to. First Man created
13668-458: The spiritual aspect of humans existed. The Holy People then began journeying through the different lower worlds, learning important lessons in each one before moving on to the next. The fourth and final world is the world in which the Navajo live now. The Diné Bahane’ has detailed descriptions of characteristics and events of the four mythical worlds. The First or Dark World, Niʼ Hodiłhił ( Navajo pronunciation: [nɪ̀ʔ xòtɪ̀ɬxɪ̀ɬ] )
13802-458: The spiritual aspect of humans existed. The Holy People then began journeying through the different lower worlds, learning important lessons in each one before moving on to the next. The fourth and final world is the world in which the Navajo live now. The Diné Bahane’ has detailed descriptions of characteristics and events of the four mythical worlds. The First or Dark World, Niʼ Hodiłhił ( Navajo pronunciation: [nɪ̀ʔ xòtɪ̀ɬxɪ̀ɬ] )
13936-400: The sun. One was Haashchʼééłtiʼí , Talking God. His body was white. One was Tó Neinilí , Water Sprinkler. He was blue. One was Haashchʼééʼooghaan , House God. His body was yellow. One was Haashchʼééshzhiní , Black God , the god of fire. Beyond them to the east lived Turquoise Boy, who was a Nádleehi , neither male nor female, who guarded the great male reed. And far to
14070-400: The sun. One was Haashchʼééłtiʼí , Talking God. His body was white. One was Tó Neinilí , Water Sprinkler. He was blue. One was Haashchʼééʼooghaan , House God. His body was yellow. One was Haashchʼééshzhiní , Black God , the god of fire. Beyond them to the east lived Turquoise Boy, who was a Nádleehi , neither male nor female, who guarded the great male reed. And far to
14204-502: The turquoise he placed the blue pollen from blue flowers and yellow pollen from the corn, and pollen from water flags, and on top of these he placed the crystal, which is river pollen. This basket he gave to Coyote, who put it between the horns of the Big Water Creature, and on the basket he placed the two children. The Big Water Creature disappeared down into the reed, and the water with her. They saw that they were on an island in
14338-441: The turquoise he placed the blue pollen from blue flowers and yellow pollen from the corn, and pollen from water flags, and on top of these he placed the crystal, which is river pollen. This basket he gave to Coyote, who put it between the horns of the Big Water Creature, and on the basket he placed the two children. The Big Water Creature disappeared down into the reed, and the water with her. They saw that they were on an island in
14472-411: The twelfth day the four Holy People returned. Water Sprinkler and Black God carried a sacred buckskin. Talking God carried two perfect ears of corn, with their points completely covered with kernels. One ear of corn was white, the male corn belonging to First Man. The other ear was yellow, the female corn belonging to First Woman. The gods placed one buckskin on the ground facing west, and on it they placed
14606-411: The twelfth day the four Holy People returned. Water Sprinkler and Black God carried a sacred buckskin. Talking God carried two perfect ears of corn, with their points completely covered with kernels. One ear of corn was white, the male corn belonging to First Man. The other ear was yellow, the female corn belonging to First Woman. The gods placed one buckskin on the ground facing west, and on it they placed
14740-509: The twelve groups of the Níłchʼi Dineʼé , the Air-Spirit People, who lived in the First World. Around the floating island were four seas. Each sea was ruled by a being. In the sea to the East dwelled Tééhoołtsódii , Big Water Creature, The One Who Grabs Things in the Water. In the sea to the south lived Táłtłʼááh álééh , Blue Heron . In the sea to the west dwelled Chʼał , Frog . In
14874-409: The twelve groups of the Níłchʼi Dineʼé , the Air-Spirit People, who lived in the First World. Around the floating island were four seas. Each sea was ruled by a being. In the sea to the East dwelled Tééhoołtsódii , Big Water Creature, The One Who Grabs Things in the Water. In the sea to the south lived Táłtłʼááh álééh , Blue Heron . In the sea to the west dwelled Chʼał , Frog . In
15008-403: The two ears of corn with their tips pointing east. Under the white ear they put the feather of a white eagle. Under the yellow ear of corn they put the feather of a yellow eagle. They told the people to stand at a distance so that the wind could enter. The White Wind, Níłchʼi Łigai blew between the buckskins, and while the wind blew, each of the Holy People walked four times around them, and
15142-403: The two ears of corn with their tips pointing east. Under the white ear they put the feather of a white eagle. Under the yellow ear of corn they put the feather of a yellow eagle. They told the people to stand at a distance so that the wind could enter. The White Wind, Níłchʼi Łigai blew between the buckskins, and while the wind blew, each of the Holy People walked four times around them, and
15276-402: The west. And to the north he threw one. Each stone created a hole in the cliff, and the water of the lake became lower. A lane now connected the island to the shore to the east, but it was deep with mud. The people called on Níłchʼi Dilkǫǫh , Smooth Wind, to help them. He blew steadily for a long time, and finally the people were able to leave the island. First Man and First Woman built
15410-402: The west. And to the north he threw one. Each stone created a hole in the cliff, and the water of the lake became lower. A lane now connected the island to the shore to the east, but it was deep with mud. The people called on Níłchʼi Dilkǫǫh , Smooth Wind, to help them. He blew steadily for a long time, and finally the people were able to leave the island. First Man and First Woman built
15544-456: The whole ear. Crystal, symbol of the mind and clear seeing, was with him. First Woman made a fire with her turquoise. First Man made a fire with his crystal. Its light was the mind's first awakening. They saw each other's light in the distance. When the Blue Cloud and the Yellow Cloud rose high in the sky, First Woman saw the light of First Man's fire, and she went out to find it. Three times she
15678-403: The whole ear. Crystal, symbol of the mind and clear seeing, was with him. First Woman made a fire with her turquoise. First Man made a fire with his crystal. Its light was the mind's first awakening. They saw each other's light in the distance. When the Blue Cloud and the Yellow Cloud rose high in the sky, First Woman saw the light of First Man's fire, and she went out to find it. Three times she
15812-411: The world. The Air-Spirit People became jealous of one another and began to fight. The rulers of the four seas, Blue Heron, Frog, White Thunder, and Big Water Creature could stand it no more, and told the beings of the island that they must all leave this world. Some climbed and some flew until they came to an opening in the sky. They crawled through it and into the Second World. First Woman, First Man,
15946-411: The world. The Air-Spirit People became jealous of one another and began to fight. The rulers of the four seas, Blue Heron, Frog, White Thunder, and Big Water Creature could stand it no more, and told the beings of the island that they must all leave this world. Some climbed and some flew until they came to an opening in the sky. They crawled through it and into the Second World. First Woman, First Man,
16080-483: Was Tʼą́ą́chil , Little Leaves. May, Tʼą́ą́tsoh , was the eighth month. Finally they planned Yaʼiishjááshchilí , When-Few-Seeds-Ripen, Jáátsoh , Great Seed Ripening, Biniʼantʼą́ą́tsʼózí , Little Ripening, and finally September, Biniʼantʼą́ą́tsoh , Harvest Time, when foods are stored for the winter. Navajo mythology#The Monster Slayer Twins Diné Bahaneʼ ( Navajo pronunciation: [tɪ̀né pɑ̀xɑ̀nèʔ] , Navajo : "Story of
16214-404: Was Yas Niłtʼees , Crusted Snow. This is the month of many ceremonies, and the time for sacred stories. February, the fifth month, is Atsá Biyáázh , Baby Eagle. After this month, sacred stories must not be told to the young people. The sixth month, Wóózhchʼį́į́d , is the month of Sudden Spring Storms. Ceremonies are held to bless the fields before seeds are planted. The seventh month
16348-404: Was Yas Niłtʼees , Crusted Snow. This is the month of many ceremonies, and the time for sacred stories. February, the fifth month, is Atsá Biyáázh , Baby Eagle. After this month, sacred stories must not be told to the young people. The sixth month, Wóózhchʼį́į́d , is the month of Sudden Spring Storms. Ceremonies are held to bless the fields before seeds are planted. The seventh month
16482-463: Was coming from the east, and a tide of water from the north and from the south. The people ran to the top of the mountain Sisnaajiní . First Man ran to each of the other Sacred Mountains, took dirt from each, and summoned the Holy People, and returned to Sisnaajiní . Turquoise Boy came bearing the great Male Reed, and First Man planted it in the top of the mountain. All the people began to blow on
16616-414: Was coming from the east, and a tide of water from the north and from the south. The people ran to the top of the mountain Sisnaajiní . First Man ran to each of the other Sacred Mountains, took dirt from each, and summoned the Holy People, and returned to Sisnaajiní . Turquoise Boy came bearing the great Male Reed, and First Man planted it in the top of the mountain. All the people began to blow on
16750-413: Was formed in the water. He told First Man and First Woman that he had been hatched from an egg, and knew all that was under the water and all that was in the skies. First Man believed him. Then a second coyote, Áłtsé Hashké , First Angry, appeared. He said to the three, "You believe that you were the first persons. You are mistaken. I was living when you were formed." First Angry brought witchcraft into
16884-413: Was formed in the water. He told First Man and First Woman that he had been hatched from an egg, and knew all that was under the water and all that was in the skies. First Man believed him. Then a second coyote, Áłtsé Hashké , First Angry, appeared. He said to the three, "You believe that you were the first persons. You are mistaken. I was living when you were formed." First Angry brought witchcraft into
17018-468: Was formed, and with her the yellow corn, perfect in shape, with kernels covering the whole ear. White shell, and turquoise, and yucca were there with her. The Black Cloud and the White Cloud came together in the East, and the wind from the clouds blew. From the breath of wind, First Man, Áłtsé Hastiin , was formed and with him the white corn, Kóhonotʼíinii , perfect in shape, with kernels covering
17152-414: Was formed, and with her the yellow corn, perfect in shape, with kernels covering the whole ear. White shell, and turquoise, and yucca were there with her. The Black Cloud and the White Cloud came together in the East, and the wind from the clouds blew. From the breath of wind, First Man, Áłtsé Hastiin , was formed and with him the white corn, Kóhonotʼíinii , perfect in shape, with kernels covering
17286-417: Was great celebrating because the lost girls were returned. The next morning, animals began running past the village from the east. Deer ran by, and turkeys, and antelopes, and squirrels. For three days, animals ran past, fleeing from something. On the morning of the fourth day, the people sent locusts flying to the east to find out what was happening. The locusts returned and told that a great wall of water
17420-417: Was great celebrating because the lost girls were returned. The next morning, animals began running past the village from the east. Deer ran by, and turkeys, and antelopes, and squirrels. For three days, animals ran past, fleeing from something. On the morning of the fourth day, the people sent locusts flying to the east to find out what was happening. The locusts returned and told that a great wall of water
17554-549: Was small and centered on an island floating in the middle of four seas. The inhabitants of the first world were the four Diyin Dineʼé , the two Coyotes , the four rulers of the four seas, mist beings, and various insect and bat people, the latter being the Air-Spirit People. The supernatural beings First Woman and First Man came into existence here and met for the first time after seeing each other's fire. The various beings on The First World started fighting with one another and thus had to depart by flying out through an opening in
17688-549: Was small and centered on an island floating in the middle of four seas. The inhabitants of the first world were the four Diyin Dineʼé , the two Coyotes , the four rulers of the four seas, mist beings, and various insect and bat people, the latter being the Air-Spirit People. The supernatural beings First Woman and First Man came into existence here and met for the first time after seeing each other's fire. The various beings on The First World started fighting with one another and thus had to depart by flying out through an opening in
17822-469: Was unsuccessful. The fourth time she found the home of First Man. "I wondered what this thing could be," she said. "I saw you walking and wondered why you did not come," First Man said. "Why do you not come with your fire, and we will live together." First Woman agreed to this. So instead of the man going to the woman, as is the custom now, the woman went to live with the man. Another person, Mąʼiitoʼí Áłchíní [mɑ̃̀ʔìːtxòʔɪ́ ɑ́ɬtʃʰɪ́nɪ́], Great Coyote ,
17956-469: Was unsuccessful. The fourth time she found the home of First Man. "I wondered what this thing could be," she said. "I saw you walking and wondered why you did not come," First Man said. "Why do you not come with your fire, and we will live together." First Woman agreed to this. So instead of the man going to the woman, as is the custom now, the woman went to live with the man. Another person, Mąʼiitoʼí Áłchíní [mɑ̃̀ʔìːtxòʔɪ́ ɑ́ɬtʃʰɪ́nɪ́], Great Coyote ,
#60939