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Native American Legends: Jogah
(Jokao, Gahongas, Drum Dancers, Stone Throwers)
Name: Jogah
Tribal affiliation: Mohawk,
Cayuga,
Tuscarora,
Seneca
Pronunciation: joe-gah
Also known as: Jogaoh, Jo-ga-oh, Jo-ge-oh, Jokao, Jungies, Jogeon, Djogeon, Dzögä:ö', Jongä'on, Dzogeon, Jagahoh, Jeh-geh-oh,
Ja-gen-oh, Jigahenh, Che-kah-ha-wha, Giket-on;
Gahonga, Gahongas, Gahunga; Ohdow, Ohdows, Ohdowa, Ohdowas, Ohdanwa, Ohdanwas;
Yakonenyoya'ks, Yagodinenyoyak, Yah-ko-nen-us-yoks, Shakotinenyoya'ks;
Tehotikal:luhe'; Nye:no's'a:';
Enkwehsayen, En-kwe-shu-i-yen, Ogwe's-ha-i;
Gandayah, Gandayak, Gendayah;
Stone-Throwers, Stone-Rollers, Drum-Dancers
Type: Dwarves,
nature spirits
Related figures in other tribes: Nunne'hi (Cherokee),
Mannegishi (Cree),
Puckwudgies (Algonquin)
The Jogah, or Jungies, are a race of small humanoid nature spirits from Iroquois folklore,
sometimes referred to in English as "dwarves" or "pygmies."
They are usually invisible but sometimes reveal themselves to humans,
particularly to children, elders, and medicine people.
In most tribes, the Jogah are described as being knee-high, although
Tuscarora little people are said to be four feet tall.
Often they are associated with the thunder god
Hinun,
who is said to be their grandfather. The Jogah may play tricks, and might even
be dangerous to people who disrespect them or their natural home, but they
are generally friendly towards the Iroquois, and will sometimes do favors for people
who leave tobacco or other offerings for them.
There are several different types of Jogah or little people that appear in Iroquois
folklore. Gahongas (Stone Throwers or Stone Rollers) are earth spirits who live on rocky
riverbanks and caves. They are enormously strong and are responsible for moving rocks
around the countryside. Gandayah or Drum Dancers are nature spirits, who often help
respectful Iroquois farmers with their crops. They got the name "Drum Dancers" because
they are always invisible, so only the sound of their drums signalled their presence
to the Iroquois. Ohdows are gnomes that live underground and keep snakes and subterranean
monsters under control.
Jogah Stories
The Gifts of the Little People:
Iroquois stories about the Jo-Ge-Oh.
Sponsored Links
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Skywoman: Legends of the Iroquois:
Wonderful illustrated collection of Iroquois Indian legends, by two Native authors.
The Deetkatoo:
Traditional tales about Jogah and other little people from 14 different Native American tribes.
Legends, Traditions and Laws of the Iroquois or Six Nations:
Iroquois mythology and oral history told by a 19th-century Tuscarora chief.
Additional Resources
Iroquois Indian legends
Iroquois Confederation
Mohawk tribe
Seneca tribe
New York State Native
Woodlands tribes
Iroquois language
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