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Native American Legends: The Pains
Name: Pains
Tribal affiliation: Achumawi,
Atsugewi,
Wintu,
Shasta
Native names: Akeki, Axe'ki, Axeki, Tamakoni, Damaagome, Damagomi
Also known as: Pain Spirits, Poison Spirits
Type: American Indian little people,
witchcraft spirits,
talismans,
spirit guides
Pains are tiny magical spirits in the traditions of many California Indian and Northwest Coast tribes.
Pains usually take the form of miniature, fairy-like people, although in some tribes they appear as tiny animals
or magically powerful inanimate objects. Pains may be summoned by medicine people or witches, or
they may remain within a Native American family through generations. In some tribes, Pains are primarily
positive spirits, seen as guardians and granters of magical powers (though they can also cause
harm to people.) In other tribes Pains are viewed more negatively, associated with disease, curses, and witchcraft
(though they can still be a source of healing power to properly trained medicine people.)
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Annikadel: The History of the Universe:
Collection of Achumawi mythology and oral history.
Surviving Through the Days: Translations of Native California Stories and Songs:
Anthology of myths and traditional literature from the California Indian tribes.
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Additional Resources
Achomawi mythology
Achumawi tribe
Shasta tribe
Atsugewi language
California American tribe
California culture group
Hokan linguistics
Learn more about the Pit River tribe
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