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Overview

She initially dismisses the hero's calls but agrees to help for the slain winged beings' feathers. He must close his eyes while she ascends. He doubts the basket's very thin strings, so she demonstrates their strength with rocks. During descent his repeated attempts to watch interrupt her controlled movement and cause dangerous drops. Both eventually reach the ground unhurt.

They pluck the two bodies and she loads the feathers into her basket. The hero warns her away from particular dried lake beds, but she enters sunflowers. The feathers change into many kinds of small birds and fly away despite her efforts to catch them. Jake's Version B adds that she names them as they escape; the principal text does not. The account therefore distinguishes successful rescue, broken conditions and an additional naming variant.

Strong basket despite fine carrying stringsDescent requires being unseenFeathers become small birds
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Origins & earliest records

Matthews published Navaho Legends in 1897. His introduction identifies Hatali Nez as the principal Origin Legend witness, Torlino as Version A and Jake the silversmith as Version B; supplementary matter is distinguished in notes. He used readable rather than strictly literal English and reports winter storytelling restrictions. This published narrative is not a complete ceremonial transcription or every Diné version.

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Records & interpretation

Origin Legend paragraphs 339-340; note 141. Complete selected episode, variant notes where cited, and the introduction on versions and translation read. No ritual formulas or practical ceremonial directions reproduced.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

  1. 01

    Navaho Legends: Origin Legend

    Washington Matthews, collector and translator; principal narrative from Hatali Nez · 1897

    Origin Legend paragraphs 339-340; note 141.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

  1. Primary textMatthews 1897: Origin Legend paragraphs 339-340; note 141.Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

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