In their religions there was the belief in deified natural forces and in magic that we find usually at their stage of culture. The priests or shamans were regarded with fear, and often controlled the counsels of the tribe. One of their prevalent myths was that of the great thunder-bird often identified with the raven. On the Churchill river it was called _Idi_, and the myth related that from its brooding on the primeval waters the land was brought forth. The myth is found too widespread to be other than genuine. The Sarcees seem to have had some form of solar worship, as they called the sun Our Father and the earth Our Mother. The Navajos, who have no reminiscence of their ancestral home in the north, locate the scene of their creation in the San Juan mountains, and its date about seven centuries ago. Their story is that the first human pair were formed of the meal of maize brought by the gods from the cliff houses in the cañons.[86] The Athabascan dialects are usually harsh and difficult of enunciation. In reducing them to writing, sixty-three characters have to be called on to render the correct sounds.[87] There is an oral literature of songs and chants, many of which have been preserved by the missionaries. The Hupas of California had extended their language and forced its adoption among the half-dozen neighboring tribes whom they had reduced to the condition of tributaries.[88] ATHABASCAN LINGUISTIC STOCK. _Apaches_, in Arizona, Chihuahua, Durango, etc. _Ariquipas_, in southern Arizona. _Atnahs_, on Copper river, Alaska. _Beaver Indians_, see _Sarcees_. _Chepewyans_, north of the Chipeways. _Chiricahuas_, in southern Arizona. _Coyoteros_, in southern Arizona. _Hupas_, in California, on Trinity river. _Janos_, in Chihuahua, near Rio Grande. _Jicarillas_, in northern New Mexico. _Kenais_, on and near Kenai peninsula, Alaska. _Kuchins_, on Yukon and Copper rivers, Alaska. _Lipans_, near mouth of Rio Grande (properly, _Ipa-ndé_). _Loucheux_, on lower Mackenzie river; most northern tribe. _Mescaleros_, in New Mexico, W. of Rio Grande. _Montagnais_, north of Chipeways. _Nahaunies_, on Stickine and Talton rivers, Alaska. _Navajos_, northern New Mexico and Arizona. _Sarcees_, on upper Saskatchewan and at Alberta. _Sicaunies_, on upper Peach river. _Slaves_, on upper Mackenzie river. _Tacullies_, head waters of the Fraser river, Brit. Col. _Tinné_, synonym of Athabascan. _Tututenas_, on Rogue river, Oregon. _Umpquas_, Pacific coast near Salem, Oregon. 4. THE ALGONKINS.