Indian languages
American Indian cultures
What's new on our site today!
Native American Legends: Selu
Name: Selu
Tribal affiliation: Cherokee
Pronunciation: say-loo
Also known as: Corn Mother, Corn Woman
Type: Goddess,
corn,
first people
Related figures in other tribes: First Mother (Wabanaki),
Atina (Arikara),
Mondawmin (Anishinabe),
Unknown Woman (Choctaw)
In Cherokee mythology, Selu was the First Woman and goddess of the corn.
(Her name literally means "maize" or "corn" in the Cherokee language.)
Selu was killed by her twin sons, who feared her power; but with her dying
instructions she taught them to plant and farm corn, so that her spirit
was resurrected with each harvest.
Kanati and Selu:
Cherokee legend about the corn goddess Selu and the origin of hunting and agriculture.
Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links
Selu and Kana'ti: Cherokee Corn Mother and Lucky Hunter:
Children's book depicting the Cherokee Indian myth about the origin of corn.
Selu: Seeking The Corn-Mother's Wisdom:
Book of Cherokee Indian stories and spirituality by a Native author revolving around Selu the Corn Mother.
Myths of the Cherokee:
Classic collection of Cherokee Indian legends and folktales.
Sponsored Links
Additional Resources
Cherokee mythology
Cherokee language
Cherokee Indians
Names in Cherokee
North Carolina tribes
Southeast Woodland tribes
Iroquoian tribes
Back to American Indian goddesses
Back to American Indian legends and stories
Learn more about the Cherokee nation.
Native American genealogy
The Delaware tribe
Dream catcher photos
Indian flute
Indian jewellery
Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?
Native Languages of the Americas website © 1998-2020 
Contacts and FAQ page