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

Overview

The hero circles Rock that Frightens without finding a trail, then spots the bear's head above and climbs. The den has four entrances in a cross-like layout. The bear retreats from the northern opening toward the south. Anticipating its appearance, the hero runs around and cuts off its head at the southern entrance. The encounter relies on this particular watching and movement pattern.

He addresses the head as a former danger that will now help people. Three pieces become two yucca kinds and mescal, associated with food, cleansing foam and clothing fibre. A forepaw goes home as a trophy. Matthews's botanical identifications are annotation accompanying this narrative origin. Earlier, Wind warns that Yeitso's blood reaching the bear would restore the giant; that linkage does not make them one adversary.

Four-entranced denCan enable Yeitso restoration in earlier warningHead pieces become useful plants
01

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.

02

Records & interpretation

Origin Legend paragraphs 328 and 347-350; complete bear episode. 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 328 and 347-350; complete bear episode.

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 328 and 347-350; complete bear episode.Research access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

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

FT·2480 · RESEARCH EDITION 01Back to top ↑