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Navajo Gods and Goddesses

navajocodetalkersadmin on May 12, 2014 - 12:00 pm in Folklore

Navajo has a very rich culture, history, beliefs and tradition making them an exceptional group in the world. Navajo people also have a set of mythological characters that form their beliefs and traditions. They have lots of gods and goddesses that have distinct roles and powers as what people perceive about them. To get started, take note of the given list below and get familiar with the Navajo gods and goddesses.

Estsanatlehi

It means “Woman who changes.” At times, this is called as the Earth goddess, however, more as a seasonal deity of Navajo. Her appearance changes from being youthful to mature to old woman just like how the seasons change. Estsanatlehi is living on great water located in the west portion of her husband’s square house.

The Navajo myth states that Yebaad (First Woman) and Yebaka (First Man) observed a black cloud that descended on to the mountain. They saw a baby girl who is Estsanatlehi. She had been the daughter of Yadilyil (sky god) and Naestsan (Earth Goddess). They took her home and in only 18 days, she grew up into adulthood.

Tonenili (Water Srinkler)

Tonenili is the Navajo Indians’ god of rain. He takes control of the sky water as opposed to seas, rivers and lakes. He carries the water into some Navajo pantheon major deities.

Hastsehogan

He is the god of farming and of household in the Navajo myth. He is considered as the benevolent deity who is responsible for curing diseases and aiding mankind. Hastsehogan got a malevolent aspect in which he also casts evil spells.

Yolkaiestsan (White Shell Woman)

Based on the Navajo myth, she has been created the same time like her Estsanatlehi. In other myths, Yolaiestan has been created by some gods during the time when they brought to life the artistic women depiction formed through white shells.

Tsohanoai (The Sun Bearer)

Tsonahoai is the god of sun of Navajo. In other myths, he has been depicted as the man who carries sun in the sky right on his back. Some myths state that he has been depicted as the warrior on a horseback who carries the sun which serves as the gleaming shield.

Nohoilpi

He is the god of gambling in Navajo myth. He was the renegade Tsohanoai’s son. Nohoilpi descended to Earth to teach his own gambling games into different tribes. He abused his own power through besting the people in all games and collected his winnings through enslaving them to establish a city for his glory.

Tklehanoai (Night Carrier)

He is the father of Tsonahai (the sun god) and he carries the moon right on the back while his son bores the sun all throughout daytime in the sky.

Hastseoltoi

Hastseoltoi is the goddess of hunting of the Navajo people. She has been Nayanazgeni’s wife, the war god. She is carrying 2 arrows on both hands and is wearing bow case and a quiver.

They are only some of the Navajo gods and goddesses who make great significance to their beliefs and myths. As you familiarize yourself with the Navajo myth, you will found out more names of gods and goddesses.

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