Legendary Native American Figures: Asin

Name: Asin
Alternate spellings:
Pronunciation: ah-sin
Tribal affiliation: Alsea
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.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends

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 language
Oregon Indian reservations
Northwest Coast First Nations
Penutian language family
Northwest Coast Indian art

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