Daughter Of The Sun: The Cherokee Myth of the Sky Princess
The Cherokee myth of the Daughter of the Sun is a captivating tale that showcases the beliefs and legends of the Cherokee tribe. This ancient story revolves around the Sun’s daughter, who resides in the sky above the Earth, and the Sun’s plans to eliminate humanity due to their unfavorable attitude towards him.
The narrative highlights the significance of seeking help from supernatural beings, the consequences of the Daughter’s death, and the cultural traditions that emerged as a result. Dive into this fascinating myth to explore the rich heritage and respect for nature within Cherokee culture.
The Origin and Beliefs behind the Cherokee Myth
The Cherokee people have a rich cultural heritage, filled with fascinating myths and legends that have been passed down through generations. Among these captivating stories is the Cherokee Myth of the Daughter of the Sun.
This myth holds deep significance within the Cherokee belief system, offering insights into their understanding of celestial realms, supernatural beings, and the interplay between humans and the natural world.
According to this myth, the Daughter of the Sun resides in the sky, directly above the Earth.
This celestial figure is believed to be responsible for the daily journey of the sun, visiting her daughter’s house during the sun’s westward movement. However, the Sun has grown resentful of the people on Earth, as they often crinkle their faces when gazing directly at its brilliance.
This attitude of the people caused immense jealousy within the Sun, leading it to devise a plan to eliminate every inhabitant of the Earth by unleashing scorching rays that would bring fever and death.
Faced with such a dire situation, the people turn to supernatural beings known as the Little People for assistance.
These Little People offer guidance and inform the people that their only chance of salvation lies in killing the Sun itself.
The Little People then perform a ceremony, transforming two men into snakes—one to guard near the door of the Sun’s daughter and bite her when she visits the next day.
However, as the snake is about to strike, the blinding light renders it unable to do so, and it merely spits out yellow liquid. This initial attempt proves unsuccessful.
Undeterred, the people once again seek the help of the Little People, who transform one man into the powerful Uktena serpent and another into a rattlesnake.
These transformed beings are sent to keep watch near the Sun’s daughter’s house, ready to kill the Sun when it comes to dine. The rattlesnake takes the lead and coils itself just outside the door, successfully biting the Daughter of the Sun as she opens it to find her mother.
However, the rattlesnake does not wait for the Sun and returns to the people. The enraged Uktena also returns to Galûñ’lati, refusing to aid any further.
With the death of the Daughter of the Sun, darkness befalls the world.
The people, desperate to restore balance, once again turn to the Little People, seeking their guidance. The Little People inform them that they must journey to the dark land in the west known as Tsûsginâ’i, the realm of the ghosts, to recover the Daughter of the Sun.
Seven men are chosen for this sacred task, each armed with a sorb walking stick. They are instructed to strike the Daughter of the Sun with their sticks when they encounter her in a dance with the other spirits.
The men are then to place her in a box and carry her back to her mother without ever opening it.
During their journey, the Daughter of the Sun pleads to be released, yearning for food and drink, but the men are steadfast and continue their mission without succumbing to her requests.
As they near their home, the Daughter of the Sun begs them to lift the lid slightly, claiming that she is suffocating. Relenting to her pleas, they open the box, only to witness her transform into a magnificent red bird and fly back to the realm of the spirits.
Realizing that they have returned without the Daughter, the Sun weeps, and its tears form a flood upon the Earth until the people perform a dance to appease it.
This captivating myth has had a lasting impact on Cherokee culture.
It gave rise to the tradition of the Dance of the Sun, where people honor and commemorate the story of the Daughter of the Sun. The myth also emphasizes the importance of respecting and being cautious of the forces of nature, reminding us of the enduring connection between humans and the world around us.
The Story of the Daughter of the Sun
Immerse yourself in the captivating tale of the Daughter of the Sun, a cherished myth in Cherokee culture that has been passed down through generations. This enchanting story is filled with fascinating elements, from the Daughter’s celestial existence to the Sun’s overwhelming jealousy and deadly plan.
The Daughter of the Sun in the Sky
In this wondrous myth, the Daughter of the Sun resides in the sky, just above the Earth. As the Sun moves westward each day, she visits her daughter for dinner. However, the Sun is not fond of Earth’s inhabitants as they always crinkle their faces when looking directly at her.
The Sun’s Jealousy and Plan
The people’s attitude towards the Daughter of the Sun ignites jealousy in her mother. Fuelled by resentment, the Sun devises a plan to eradicate all life on Earth by unleashing scorching rays that cause fever and death among the people.
Seeking Help from the Little People
Faced with this dire situation, the desperate humans turn to the mystical Little People for assistance. These spiritual beings inform them that the only way to save themselves is by eliminating the Sun.
They perform a ceremonial ritual, transforming two men into snakes to guard the Daughter of the Sun’s house.
The Failed Attempt with the First Snake
One of the transformed snakes is stationed near the door to bite the Daughter when she returns the following day. However, as the snake is about to strike, the blinding light bewilders it, causing it to only spit out a yellow liquid.
The Transformation into Uktena and Rattlesnake
Undeterred by the failed attempt, the people once again seek aid from the Little People. This time, a man is transformed into the formidable Uktena while another becomes a rattlesnake.
They are sent to guard the house and eliminate the Sun during her dinner visit.
Killing the Sun: The Final Attempt
The rattlesnake takes the lead, coiling itself just outside the house. When the Daughter of the Sun opens the door to find her mother, she is bitten by the rattlesnake. However, the snake doesn’t wait for the Sun and returns to the people, leaving Uktena enraged.
He too retreats, heading for Galûñ’lati, where he remains.
This enthralling narrative continues with the consequences of the Daughter’s death, the journey to restore her, and the significance that the Cherokee myth holds in their culture.
Discover the profound impact of the Daughter of the Sun myth and the cultural lessons it imparts.
Consequences of the Daughter’s Death
The demise of the Daughter of the Sun had profound consequences that reverberated throughout the world. This section explores the aftermath of her death and the steps taken by the Cherokee people to seek recovery, as well as the ultimate transformation that occurred.
The Darkening of the World
With the Daughter of the Sun gone, darkness cast its shadow upon the Earth. The absence of her radiant presence caused a deep gloom to descend upon the world, plunging it into a state of sorrow and despair.
The once vibrant and illuminated landscapes turned dim, creating an eerie ambiance that permeated all aspects of life.
Seeking Recovery with the Little People’s Help
In their desperation, the Cherokee people turned to the Hombrecitos for guidance and assistance. These mystical beings, often unseen by the human eye, possessed the knowledge and power to navigate through the realm of spirits.
With their help, the people embarked on a quest to recover the Daughter of the Sun and restore light and vitality to their world.
The Journey to the Ghost Country
To retrieve the Daughter of the Sun from Tsûsginâ’i, the land of the spirits, seven chosen men were entrusted with a sacred mission. Armed with sorbo sticks, they embarked on a treacherous journey into the Ghost Country.
They steadfastly followed the ethereal dance of the spirits, patiently awaiting an opportunity to strike and rescue the Daughter of the Sun from her plight.
The Transformation into a Red Bird
While nearing their return, the Daughter of the Sun pleaded for a ray of fresh air, feeling trapped within the confines of her confinement.
Unable to resist her request, the men cautiously lifted the lid of the box, only to witness the miraculous transformation of the Daughter into a magnificent red bird. With wings unfurled, she ascended into the sky, returning to her ethereal realm as a symbol of resilience and rebirth.
The Aftermath and Significance of the Cherokee Myth
The Dance of the Sun Tradition
The Daughter of the Sun Cherokee myth has had a lasting impact on the Cherokee culture, giving rise to the sacred tradition known as the Dance of the Sun. This ceremonial dance is performed to honor the memory of the Daughter and to reconnect with the spiritual realm.
Participants engage in synchronized movements and chants, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life and the sun’s power. Through this dance, the Cherokee people express their gratitude for the preservation of their existence and their deep connection to the celestial forces that govern the world.
Respecting the Power of Nature in Cherokee Culture
The Cherokee myth of the Daughter of the Sun serves as a reminder of the essential bond between humanity and nature. It underscores the Cherokee people’s reverence for and cautious approach towards the natural world.
The myth emphasizes the potential dangers of disrespecting the sun and the consequences that can arise from meddling with celestial powers. As a result, the Cherokee people pass down a legacy of appreciating and respecting the power of nature, instilling a sense of harmony with the environment and promoting sustainable practices within their community.
In conclusion, the aftermath of the Daughter of the Sun Cherokee myth is marked by the Dance of the Sun tradition and the deep-rooted respect for the power of nature within Cherokee culture.
These elements highlight the enduring influence of this profound myth and its ongoing significance for the Cherokee people in preserving their traditions and connection with the natural world.
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