Atahensic
In Iroquois mythology, Atahensic (also called Ataensic or Eagentci) is an Iroquois sky goddess. Atahensic is associated with marriage, childbirth, and feminine affairs in general.[1]
According to legend, at the time of creation, a tree broke and left a hole in the ground that led to the centre of the Earth. Atahensic fell from the sky, and before falling into the hole left by the tree, she was carried down on the wings of birds. After her fall, the birds brought her down the hole onto water. A giant turtle then emerged from the underground waters and carried her to the surface. She then gave birth to Earth Mother, who in turn gave birth to Hahgwehdiyu and , twin sons. Hahgwehdaetgah, the evil twin, killed Earth Mother by bursting out of her side during birth. Hahgwehdiyu, the good twin, then planted a seed into his mother's corpse. From this seed grew maize, as a gift to mankind.
- "This [Atahensic] is the Huron name for the first mother, and not that of the (confederated) Iroquois. The Senecas generally give this character no name other than Eagentci, literally old woman or ancient bodied."[2]
References[]
- ^ Douglas M. George-kanentiio (1995).Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois. Clear Light Books ISBN 978-0-940666-99-3
- ^ Converse, Harriet Maxwell (1909). Documents of the Assembly of the State of New York, vol.36. p. 31. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
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- Iroquois mythology
- Sky and weather goddesses
- Fertility goddesses
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- Goddesses of the indigenous peoples of North America
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