Outlines of Zuñi Creation Myths: Thirteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1891-1892, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1896, pages 321-448Cushing, Frank Hamilton
History
Outlines of Zuñi Creation Myths: Thirteenth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1891-1892, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1896, pages 321-448
Cushing, Frank Hamilton
Zuni mythology
Now there was a priest of the people named Kâ´wimosa (of the Kâ´kâ
master-maker or source), thus named because he it was who was to
establish, all unwittingly, the most potent and good sacred dance
(myth-drama or Kâ´kâ) as happened after this wise:
He had four sons (some say more) and a daughter. And his eldest son was
named K‘yäk´lu, which signifies, it is said, "Whensoever;" for he was
wiser of words and the understanding thereof than all others, having
listened to the councils of men with all beings, since ever the inner
beginning! So, when it was asked who of the precious ones (children of
priest-fathers and priest-mothers) should journey northward, seeking to
learn the distance thitherward to the great embracing waters, that the
Middle might be the better surmised; nor said the Twain aught, as we
say naught, to little children weary of a way that must, weary or nay,
be accomplished! When this was asked, Kâ´wimosa, the priest, bethought
himself of his wise eldest son and said, "Here is he!" Thus K‘yäk´lu
was summoned, and made ready with sacrifice presentations from all
the priests to all the surpassing-ones for the great journey; and he
departed.
Long the people waited. But at last it was said, "Lost is our K‘yäk´lu!
For wise of words was he, but not wise of ways!"
And the fathers, mourning, again called a council. Again, when it was
inquired, Kâ´wimosa the priest, bethought him, and cried, "Here!"
and again were made ready duly and sent forth messengers, this time
southward, the next younger brothers of K‘yäk´lu (Ánahohoátchi); for,
said the father, they will guide one another if ye send twain. And of
these, also, much is told in other talks of our ancient speech; but
then, they too, lingered by the way.
Once more a council was called, and again, when it was inquired,
Kâ´wimosa cried, "Here!" and this time the youngest son, who was named
Síweluhsiwa, because he was a long-haired youth of great beauty;
and the daughter, who was named Síwiluhsitsa, because she was a
long-tressed maiden of beautiful person; they also were summoned and
made ready duly and sent eastward.
THE CHANGE-MAKING SIN OF THE BROTHER AND SISTER.
Far they journeyed, and as the day quickened they saw before them a
distant high mountain.
Let us hasten, O, sister, my sister!
Thou art weary with travel, my sister;
We will rest in the shade of yon mountain.
I will build you a bower of cedar,
And seek in the cliffs for game-creatures;
And you shall rest happily, sister.
Thus spake he, for he loved his sister and her beauty. (Nay, but she
was soft and beautiful!)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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