Legend of the Tlanuhwa and the Uhktena
This story, shared by the Cherokee, tells of a time when all living beings were great in size and strength. Among these creatures were the Tlanuhwa and the Uhktena, two magnificent entities placed on the land by Unethlana, the Apportioner. The Tlanuhwa were enormous birds, their markings reminiscent of today’s red-tailed hawk, and their symbols were worn by ancient Ani Kituhwah warriors in battle. It is said that they were the ancestors of present-day hawks. The Uhktena, on the other hand, were vast creatures residing in the rivers and lakes of the Ouascioto valleys and mountains. They could traverse between this world and the underworld through secret underwater caves and springs. With snake-like bodies adorned with colorful circles, wings like a buzzard, and antlers like a deer, they carried a powerful crystal on their foreheads known as the Ulunsuti stone. This stone, a prized possession, held the power to reveal the future and the past and was safeguarded by certain priests who knew its use.
Near a place known as Hogahega Uweyu i, alongside the Tennessee River, lay one of the ancient cave homes of the Tlanuhwa. This was close to a town of the Ani Yunwiya people, who lived in peace with the Tlanuhwa until the birds suddenly began abducting their children. The distraught townspeople urged their men to retrieve the lost children. The men devised a plan, crafting ropes from vines to descend into the Tlanuhwa caves while the birds were away. Inside, they found the captured children and numerous Tlanuhwa eggs. As they made their escape, the Tlanuhwa returned, screeching with more children in their talons. Quick-thinking, the men threw the eggs into the river below, where the Uhktena emerged to devour them. This act enraged the Tlanuhwa, who released the children and attacked the Uhktena, leading to a fierce battle.
The Tlanuhwa ultimately defeated the Uhktena, tearing it into four pieces and scattering them across the land, along with the Ulunsuti stone. Many still seek this powerful stone in the mountains near the river. After the battle, the Tlanuhwa, angered by the humans’ actions, flew away beyond the sky and have not been seen since. However, the walls of caves in the ancient Ani Yunwiya homeland still bear depictions of this legendary encounter. It is said that the rocks by the river remain stained with the blood of the Tlanuhwa and the Uhktena from their epic struggle.
This retelling of the legend is shared with respect for the living traditions of the Cherokee people.
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