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

Overview

The hero initially approaches the lake from a direction that carries no scent toward the stone. On the opposite shore it detects him, surfaces and hurls itself at him. He chips it with lightning and a stone weapon. As it flees, he knocks off fragments across the country, then follows it along the San Juan. Repeated dives thwart him until he sees it gleaming beneath the water.

The stone asks to live and promises to keep mountain springs open and water running. The hero agrees on condition that it cease its harm. The narration says it has kept the promise and become the upper world's Tieholtsodi. This specific transformation should not erase separate lower-world water-monster episodes or turn every occurrence of that title into a stone. He returns without a trophy because this encounter ends through agreement rather than killing.

Detects the hero by scentTravels through air and riverSpared guardian maintains flowing water
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 350-353; complete Travelling Stone encounter. 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 350-353; complete Travelling Stone encounter.

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 350-353; complete Travelling Stone encounter.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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