Native American societies
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Native American societies
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This is our collection of links to Chehalis folktales and traditional stories that can be read online. We have indexed our American Indian legends section by tribe to make them easier to locate; however, variants on the same legend are often told by American Indians from different tribes, especially if those tribes are kinfolk or neighbors to each other. In particular, though these legends come from the Chehalis, the traditional stories of related tribes like the Quinault and Cowlitz tribes are very similar.
Qoneqone:
A Transformer figure, common to the mythology of many Northwest Coast tribes, who brought balance to the
world by using his powers to change people, animals, and the landscape into the forms they have today.
Bluejay (or Blue Jay):
The trickster hero of the Chehalis and many other Salishan tribes.
Bluejay is generally a benevolent being who is helpful to humankind, but he is also extremely foolish and careless,
and Chehalis stories about him are often humorous or even slapstick in nature.
Whun (also spelled Xwun, Honne, and other ways):
This is another Chehalis trickster character. Although he plays an important role in the Chehalis
creation myth, his pranks are more socially inappropriate than Bluejay's,
and stories about him tend to feature a lot of adult humor.
Seatco:
Large, hairy wild men of the forest. Sometimes they are called the Night People
or referred to by the name Sasquatch, which was borrowed from the neighboring
Halkomelem tribe. Although Siatco are spirit beings with dangerous powers, if they are treated respectfully they
do not harm people and may even bring them gifts.
Chehalis Flood Myth:How The Sun Was Stolen:Little People of Oregon and Washington:Salish Myths and Legends:
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