Átahsaia, The Cannibal Demon – A Zuni Legend
In the time of the ancients, in the village known as Héshokta or the “Town of the Cliffs,” lived two beautiful sisters, daughters of a master-chief. One bright summer morning, the elder sister suggested to the younger that they go to the pool to wash their clothes, so they could wear them anew for the upcoming dance. Although the younger sister expressed fear of unthinkable things lurking in the shadows, the elder sister dismissed her concerns, and they set off with their bundles of garments and soap-weed to the pool at the foot of the great mesa.
High above the village, in a cave among the red-gray rocks, lived Átahsaia, a fearsome demon. His body was as massive as the largest elk’s, his skin covered in speckled scales, and his mouth filled with yellowed, crooked fangs. Despite his terrifying appearance and his penchant for devouring humans, Átahsaia was known to be polite, albeit a liar. That morning, he spotted the sisters heading to the pool and decided they would make a delightful meal. As the demon began his descent, his war cry echoed, alerting the sisters to his approach. Although initially frightened, they continued with their task until Átahsaia confronted them, weaving a deceitful tale to lure them to his cave.
Meanwhile, on the Twin Mountain, Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma, the twin sons of the Sun-father and Mother Waters, were preparing to hunt. Hearing Átahsaia’s cry, they decided to intervene, knowing the demon’s intentions. The brothers, wise and powerful protectors gifted with the medicine of war, waited patiently to act. As Átahsaia led the sisters to his cave, the heroes watched, ready to strike. Once the demon attempted to harm the elder sister, Mátsailéma threw an invisible shield between them, and Áhaiyúta swiftly shot an arrow, striking Átahsaia. The brothers descended upon the demon, saving the maidens and defeating the monster.
After their victory, the brothers spoke to the maidens, telling them to return home and share their tale with their father, ensuring the priesthood would honor the twins. The girls thanked their saviors and hurried back to Héshokta. Meanwhile, the brothers disposed of Átahsaia’s body, casting his head into the sky, where it became a red star, and his entrails stretched across the heavens as the Milky Way. The brothers then played a trick on their grandmother, who had been worried for their safety, by pretending Átahsaia was alive. Once the prank was revealed, the grandmother vowed never to help them again, but the brothers laughed it off, knowing their duty to protect the land of the Corn-People remained steadfast.
Thus, Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma became guardians of the Middle of the World, their spirits forever watching over their people from the mountains. This retelling honors the enduring legacy of the Zuñi story. The tradition, belonging to the Zuñi people, continues to be a living cultural tradition.
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