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Haida mythology

The Haida are a North American First Nation or Native American people from the British Columbia area.

Within Haida mythology Raven is the central character. He has been described by many sources as a “trickster”. For the Haida people he can be a magician, a transformer and a cultural hero. He is the one responsible for stealing the sun and making the stars and the moon from them for humans. He also released humans from their prison within a clamshell onto the beach and gave them fire and taught them how to live a good life. Raven has also been described as the greediest, most lecherous and mischievous creature known to the Haida, but he is so without really realizing he is all of these things. But at the same time Raven within myth always seems to be helping humans through his encounter with super natural beings. Raven acquired such things as fresh water, salmon and the house for humans.

Ta'xet and Tia are death gods among the Haida. Ta'xet rules violent death, while Tia rules peaceful death.

Dzalarhons , a woman associated with frogs and volcanoes, and her husband, Kaiti (bear god), arrived at the homeland of the Haida from the Pacific Ocean along with six canoes full of people.

Gyhldeptis is a kindly forest goddess. Lagua is an invisible spirit who helped the Haida discover the uses of iron. Shamans could speak with Lagua's voice by clenching their teeth. Sin ("day") is the sky god and chief deity.


Last updated: 02-10-2005 13:05:32
Last updated: 02-25-2005 14:54:14