How the four winds were named

In the teachings of the Iroquois, the world was first shaped under the watchful presence of Gaoh, the powerful Master of the Winds, who resided in his lodge in the Western Sky. His might was such that if he roamed freely, he would have torn the world apart. To prevent this, he remained in the Western Sky and released a loud call, summoning the creatures of the Earth to seek their help. Once the echoes of his call faded, Gaoh opened the north door of his lodge, and thick snow began to fall as a fierce wind howled. From the sky, Yaogah, the robust Bear, lumbered forth, battling the storm and growling fiercely. Gaoh spoke to him, “O Bear, your strength can freeze waters with your breath, and in your arms, you hold the power to unleash tempests across the Earth. You shall dwell in the North, guarding my Winter Winds. You are the North Wind. Enter your domain.” With that, the Bear bowed his head, and Gaoh secured him with a leash, placing him in the Northern Sky.

Next, Gaoh sounded a shrill blast and opened the west door of his lodge. The sky darkened as strange voices shrieked, and Dajoji, the fierce Panther, leaped to the west door. Gaoh addressed him, “O Panther, your ferocity can tear down forests and carry whirlwinds on your back. You can toss sea waves high and challenge tempests. You shall be the West Wind. Enter your domain.” The Panther bowed his head, and Gaoh bound him with a leash, placing him in the Western Sky.

Gaoh then released a sighing call and opened the east door of his lodge. The sky shivered, and the Earth lay in mist. With a sound of crashing horns, Oyandone, the mighty Moose, appeared at the east door. Gaoh said, “O Moose, your breath brings mist and rain to the Earth. Your horns can clear paths for my storms, and your swift hooves race with the winds. You shall be the East Wind. Enter your domain.” The Moose bowed his head, and Gaoh bound him with a leash, placing him in the Eastern Sky.

Finally, Gaoh opened the south door and summoned the creatures with gentle tones. A soft breeze entered, bringing the scent of flowers, babbling brooks, and bird songs. Neoga, the brown-eyed Fawn, approached timidly. Gaoh spoke, “O gentle Fawn, you walk with the Summer Sun and know its beautiful paths. You are kind and bring peace with the Summer breezes. You shall be the South Wind. Enter your domain.” The Fawn bowed her head, and Gaoh bound her with a leash, placing her in the Southern Sky.

Today, when the North Wind blows fiercely, the Iroquois Grandmother says, “The Bear is prowling in the Sky.” If the West Wind howls, she notes, “The Panther is whining.” When the East Wind brings mist and rain, she observes, “The Moose is spreading his breath.” But when the South Wind gently caresses, she smiles and says, “The Fawn is going home to her mother, the Doe.”

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