The Uktena and the Ulûñsû’tï

In a time long ago, when the Sun grew angry with the people of Earth, it sent a sickness to destroy them. The Little Men transformed a man into a monstrous snake called the Uktena, meaning “The Keen-Eyed,” and sent him to slay the Sun. However, the Uktena failed, and the Rattlesnake was dispatched instead. This failure filled the Uktena with jealousy and rage, causing such fear among the people that they sent him to Gälûñ’lätï, a place for dangerous beings. Yet, the Uktena left behind others nearly as large and fearsome, lurking in deep river pools and secluded mountain passes, places the Cherokee call “Where the Uktena stays.”

The Uktena is a massive serpent, as thick as a tree trunk, with horns on its head and a brilliant, blazing crest like a diamond on its forehead. Its scales shimmer like sparks of fire, adorned with colorful rings or spots. It can only be harmed by striking the seventh spot from its head, where its heart and life reside. The dazzling diamond is known as Ulûñsû’tî, “Transparent,” and whoever possesses it can become the tribe’s greatest wonder worker. However, attempting to claim it is perilous, as the Uktena’s dazzling light can mesmerize a person into moving toward the serpent instead of away. Even seeing the Uktena asleep spells death for the hunter’s family.

Among all the brave warriors who sought the Ulûñsû’tî, only Âgän-uni’tsï succeeded and brought it back to the East Cherokee. It resembles a large transparent crystal, shaped like a cartridge bullet, with a blood-red streak running through its center. The owner keeps it wrapped in deerskin, hidden in an earthen jar within a secret mountain cave. Every seven days, it must be fed with the blood of small game, rubbed over the crystal immediately after the animal is killed. Twice a year, it requires the blood of a deer or another large animal. If neglected, it transforms into a fiery shape and seeks the lifeblood of the conjurer or one of his people.

The owner can prevent this by informing the crystal that it will not be needed for a long time, allowing it to sleep and feel no hunger until consulted again, at which point it must be fed. No one, especially not a white person, should see it, and only the owner dares to approach it, fearing sudden death. Even the conjurer who keeps it is wary and changes its hiding place regularly. Upon his death, it will be buried with him; otherwise, it will search for his grave as a blazing star for seven years before returning to eternal rest. The Ulûñsû’tî guarantees success in hunting, love, and other endeavors, but its greatest power lies in prophecy. When consulted, the future is reflected in its clear crystal, revealing the fate of the ill, the warrior’s return, or the youth’s longevity.

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