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Native American Legends: Two-Face (Double-Face or Sharp-Elbows)

Name: Two-Face
Tribal affiliation: Omaha, Sioux, Cheyennes
Native Names: Hestovatohkeo'o, Héstova'kéhe, Héstóvátóhke, Héstova'éhe (Cheyenne), Anuk Ite, Anog Ite, Anukite, Anuk-Ité, Anuk Ite Win, Winyan Nupa (Sioux)
Also Known As: Double-Face, Sharp-Elbows, Two-Faces, Two-Faced People, Two Faced One, Two Face, Two Faces, Twoface, Twofaces, Twofaced, Double Face, Doubleface, Double Faces, Double-Faces, Doublefaces, Double Face Woman, Double Woman
Type: Monster
Related figures in other tribes: Sharp-Elbows (Ioway), Red-Woman (Crow), Headless Man (Wichita)

 Two-Face is a malevolent humanoid monster of the Plains Indian tribes. In some tribes Two-Faces are described as ogres, but most often the Two-Face resembles a human except for having a second face on the back side of his or her head. If people make eye contact with this second face, they will either be struck dead or paralyzed with fear until the Two-Face returns to murder them. In some traditions there is only one Two-Face (female in some tribes and male in others), while other traditions suggest a whole race of Two-Faces. The misdeeds of Two-Face range from murdering and mutilating people, to cannibalism, to kidnapping or even just frightening misbehaving children. In some Sioux legends, Double Face Woman is to blame for childhood fits and night terrors. In Omaha mythology, it is a Two-Face who kills the pregnant mother of the Twin Heroes.

Two-Face Stories

*Two-Face and the Twins:
    Omaha story about a Two-Face that kills a pregnant woman, whose twins survive and avenge her.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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When the Chenoo Howls: Native American Tales of Terror:
    Collection of Native American monster stories by an acclaimed Native storyteller.

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Additional Resources

 Sioux Indian legends
 Sioux people
 Dakota Indians
 Cheyenne tribe
 Omaha tribe
 Tribes of the Great Plains



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