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This is our collection of links to Wyandot stories and folktales that can be read online. We have indexed our Native American tales section by tribe to make them easier to locate; however, variants on the same legend are often told by American Indians from different tribes, especially if those tribes are kinfolk or neighbors to each other. In particular, though these legends come from the Wyandots, the traditional stories of related tribes like the Iroquois and Susquehannock tribes are very similar.
Ataensic (Sky Woman):
The mother goddess of Wyandot/Huron mythology, said to have fallen through a hole in the sky.
The Hurons associate Ataensic with the moon and with death.
Twin Gods:
Sky Woman's twin grandsons or sons (depending on the version of the story being told.)
Ioskeha, the older twin,
was the benefactor of the Hurons, slew monsters and created many things to help humankind; his brother
Tawescaron was their antagonist,
created monsters and caused destruction. Ioskeha represents light and creation, and is associated with the sun,
while Tawescaron represents darkness and death, and is associated with the night and with winter.
Orenda:
This is the Wyandot name for the Creator (God), an abstract and omnipresent creative force.
Sometimes the English phrase "Great Spirit" is used by contemporary Wyandot people.
Thunders:
Powerful storm spirits who live in the sky and cause thunder and lightning. In Huron legends, they resemble a cross between men and
giant turkeys. Their leader is named
Hinnon, and frequently referred to as "Grandfather"
in Huron texts.
Flying Heads:
Monsters in the form of giant disembodied heads, usually created during a particularly violent murder or massacre.
They are very aggressive and attack and eat humans.
Oniont:
A dragon-like horned serpent of the Great Lakes, feared for its habit of capsizing canoes and eating people.
Stone Coat (Strendu):
Mythological giants of the Huron and Iroquois tribes, with skin as hard as stone.
Huron Creation Myth:
Big Turtle:
World Parent Myths:
Wyandotte Indian Myths:
Why The Leaves Have Many Colors In Autumn:
Why Flowers Are Fragrant:
Onditichiae:
Wyandot Folk Lore:
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