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Native American Legends: Asin
Name: Asin
Alternate spellings:
Pronunciation: ah-sin
Tribal affiliation: Alsea,
Yaquina
Also Known As: Lxalwaena, Monster-Girl
Type: Monster,
giant
Related figures in other tribes: Basket Woman (Salish)
Asin is a cannibal ogress from the mythology of the Alsea tribe. Like other monstrous ogres of the Northwest Coast,
Asin preys on children and is often the subject of "bogeyman" stories told to frighten children into avoiding dangerous
behavior. Asin was particularly associated with huckleberry plants, so Alsea people (especially
children) did not touch or eat huckleberries. Hearing Asin's cries was considered an omen of death.
Sponsored Links
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Alsea Texts and Myths:
Collection of traditional Alsea stories.
Coyote Was Going There: Indian Literature of the Oregon Country:
Excellent collection of folklore from the Oregon tribes.
Additional Resources
Alsea monsters
Alsea Indians
Oregon Indian reservation
Northwest Coast First Nations
Northwest Coast Indian art
Plateau Penutian
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