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Native American Legends: Kci-Athussos (Atosis)
Name: Kci-Athussos
Tribal affiliation: Maliseet,
Passamaquoddy
Alternate spellings: Kitchi-at'Husis, Kici Atthusus, Kichi-Athusoss, K'cheattosis, Ktchi at'husis, Atosis
Pronunciation: kih-chee ott-hoo-suss
Type: Lake monster,
serpent
Related figures in other tribes: Gitaskog (Abenaki),
Jipijka'm (Micmac),
Misiginebig (Anishinabe),
Maneto (Fox)
Kci-Athussos is an underwater horned serpent,
common to the legends of most Algonquian tribes. It is said to lurk in lakes and eat humans.
Its Maliseet-Passamaquoddy name literally means Great Serpent; Athussos or Atosis means "serpent."
Sponsored Links
Weewilmekq and Kitchi-at'Husis:
Story of a fight between two Wabanaki water monsters.
Of the Woman who Loved a Serpent:
Horror story about a Passamaquoddy woman who became the lover of At-o-sis and killed men on his behalf.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Giants of the Dawnland:
A good collection of Wabanaki legends told by a Penobscot Indian author.
Algonquian Spirit:
Excellent anthology of stories, songs, and oral history from the Maliseet and other Algonquian tribes.
The Maine Monster Parade:
Interesting book on sea serpents and monsters throughout Maine history, including Penobscot and Passamaquoddy water monsters.
Additional Resources
Passamaquoddy stories
Passamaquoddy language
Passamaquoddy tribe
Maliseet Indians
Native of Maine
Easten Woodlands tribes
Algonquian tribe
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Back to Native American Legends and Myths
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