Native American Art References

Cherokee myths include creation stories like how the world was made, with a water beetle bringing up mud to form the land and a buzzard shaping the mountains. Other myths involve animal tales, such as the rabbit and the possum, the origin of the deer's horns, and why the possum's tail is bare. Many stories also feature powerful, supernatural beings like the horned serpent Uktena, the giant Tsul'kalu, and the Thunderers who control the weather.  

Creation and origin stories

• How the World Was Made: Before the Earth, animals lived in the sky. A water beetle volunteered to dive into the water and brought up mud, which expanded to become the land. A buzzard then flew over the land, creating mountains and valleys with the flapping of its wings. The sun was placed to provide warmth, and the earth was tied to the sky with four cords. 

• The First Fire: After the sun was created, the world was still cold. The Great Thunders sent a lightning strike to a hollow tree, creating the first fire. Various animals tried to bring the coal back to the people, but were burned. Finally, the water spider brought the coal back on a thread, and her back was marked white as a result. 

• Origin of Plants and Animals: The first plants and animals were instructed to stay awake for seven nights. Only a few succeeded, which is why the owl, panther, and some trees (like pine, spruce, and holly) have their special abilities or are always green. 

• Origin of Disease: Sickness was introduced to curb the rapid overpopulation of humans, and it was then that plants began sharing their healing properties with humanity. 

Animal and nature stories

• The Rabbit: Cherokee myths are full of tales about the trickster rabbit, such as when he raced the terrapin or tricked the bear. 

• Why the Possum's Tail is Bare: The possum's tail is bare because it was not as honorable as the rabbit when they were on a quest to find a wife. 

• How the Deer Got His Horns: The deer got his horns in a contest against the rabbit. The deer won because he was more honorable and fair, while the rabbit cheated. 

• The Great Yellow Jacket: This story explains the origin of fish and frogs in a humorous way. 

Supernatural beings and legendary figures

• Uktena: This is a giant, horned serpent with a crystal on its forehead. It is a powerful, malevolent monster and a symbol of death in some stories. 

• Tsul'kalu: A powerful giant, also called the "Hunter of the Mountains" or the "Giant Hunter," who roams the Smoky Mountains and protects the natural world. 

• Atagahi: An enchanted lake in the Smoky Mountains that serves as an oasis for animals to heal themselves from wounds. 

• Aganunitsi: A Shawnee medicine man who is captured by the Cherokee and promises to bring them the Uktena and the Ulunsuti crystal in exchange for his freedom. 

• The Thunderers: These are powerful, sky-dwelling beings who control the weather and bring rain. They can be both helpful and harmful, depending on their mood.