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

Overview

Wind directs the hero to the high Depe’ntsa summits after his mother again declines to answer. Above the trees, where snow remains through summer, he finds a thin old woman sitting exposed on the snow. She has neither shelter nor fire, food nor clothing. She trembles, her teeth chatter and her eyes water. Snow-buntings play in the drifting snow around her; the narrative identifies them as her messengers announcing approaching storms.

The hero raises his weapon to end the suffering and death associated with cold. She replies that he may kill her, but permanent heat would dry the country, close the springs and destroy the people he intends to protect. He considers her words, lowers his hand and leaves her alive. Her power is thus preserved for the water and seasonal conditions on which people depend, rather than defeated in a contest of strength.

High snowy mountain dwellingSnow-buntings announce stormsSpared to prevent permanent heat
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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 362–363. Matthews’s published narration retains the distinction between the principal version and individually credited alternatives.

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 362–363. Complete selected encounter and conclusion.

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 362–363Research 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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