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Native American Legends: First Woman ('Altsé 'Asdzáá)
Name: First Woman
Tribal affiliation: Navajo
Name in Navajo: Áłtsé 'Asdzą́ą́
Alternate spellings: Áłtsé Asdzáán, 'Altsé 'Asdzáá, Ástse Estsán, Etsa-Assun
Pronunciation: alth-tsay ahs-dzahn
Type: Goddess,
mother,
first people
First Woman and her husband, First Man, were the original progenitors of the human race according to Navajo mythology.
In most versions of the myth, First Woman and First Man both originated in the First World and made the journey to the Fourth World
together, but in some versions, First Woman originally lived in the Third World and joined up with First Man as he passed through.
In either case, First Woman is associated with the color yellow and is sometimes said to have been created from yellow clouds,
yellow corn, or yellow clay.
First Woman Stories
The Navajo Creation Story 
First Man and First Woman:
Two versions of the Navajo creation myth, featuring First Woman and her travels to the Fourth World.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
How The Stars Fell Into The Sky:
Picture book for children illustrating the Navajo myth about First Woman's creation of the stars.
Frog Brings Rain:
Cheerful children's book in English and Navajo, illustrating the Navajo legend of Frog saving the First People from a fire.
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Additional Resources
Navajo Traditional Teachings and History
Navajo mythology
Arizona tribes
Southwest Indians
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