…and also words in Cherokee. I was asked to make this list of Native American myth names (just the ones I’m familiar with (or my husband whose from Alaska and knows a lot about those myths)), and I’ll do some color and animal names in Cherokee. I’ll include some info about the deities since I know most of you won’t know them. Let me know what you think.
A
Allanque {awl lawn’ kay} – ([name]Leni[/name] Lenape) is [name]Star[/name]. The reference is to both any star and/or the [name]North[/name] [name]Star[/name]. [name]Star[/name] sees the world at night and offers her meek light to those in darkness.
Alowatsakima {ah-lo-wat-sa-kima} – ([name]Leni[/name] Lenape) means Mighty Chief or Great Chief, an allegorical reference to supreme deity, the Great [name]Spirit[/name]. Also a respectful reference to for legendary personages with cultural and historical significance to the tribe. Most often depicted wearing a double-tail eagle bonnet, (symbolic of the eagle and flight), deerskin leggings, (symbolic of the swiftness of the deer), and an eagle feather coupstick.
Aunggaak {awn’gak} – (this is a sacred object, not person) A whale or animal bone, feather, or other object fastened to a child’s clothing as a protective charm. This is a general practice among most Eskimo tribes.
H
Hawenniyo {ha-wen-neeyo} – A fertility spirit, the giver of all things. ([name]Seneca[/name])
I
i’noGo tied {ihn’uh goh tyd’} – The term i’noGo tied, translated as “house of the sprits”, is the name of a protective charm made of seal fur encased blubber used by the Inuit Eskimos
Inua {ihn’oo ah} – Iinua is an Inuit Eskimo concept of the spirit which resides in people, animals and geographic features, such as lakes mountains et cetera. Inuas are metamorphic and can change shapes and are often represented as animorphic and anthropomorphic interchangeably. Sometimes a transformer character in mythology.
K
Kishelemukong {keesh ay lay mukong} – ([name]Leni[/name] Lenope) Kishelemukong is the Creator. Although a creator, he was not considered to be directly involved in with daily life and activities.
M
Manetuwak {mah nay’too wahk} – Within [name]Leni[/name] Lenape spirit tradition essentially all objects were generally believed to possess a “life spirit” or regarded to “be alive”, that is animated by a life spirit. These spirits (collectively) are known as manetuwak. The manetuwak were created by Kishelemukong, the Creator. Guidance was sought through the manetuwak by both Lenape men and women by various ritualized prayers, visions, and dreams.
Manitou {man’uh-too} – Manitou, The Great [name]Spirit[/name], is an Algonquin term, often erroneously applied as spirit monster. Manitou combines the meanings of [name]Spirit[/name], mystery, magic, and generally is applied to the manifestation of some form of power that is not readily understood or coming from elsewhere.
Meteinuwak {may tay’inu-wahk} – ([name]Leni[/name] Lenape) Meteinuwak were the doctors and medicine people of the Delaware. Their name is derived from their abilities to associate and communicate with manetuwak, the various animating spirits of all earthly objects. Predominantly known as healers, they also were sough out for spiritual and emotional guidance, directions for spirit ritual and dance. They were not gender specific having initiated both men and women, beginning often at an early age signified by an affinity for various animals and objects.
O
Ohtas {oe’tahs} – ([name]Leni[/name] Lenape) Ohtas, or [name]Doll[/name] Being, is the basis for the [name]Doll[/name] Dance. During the earliest ritual dance, a lone child without dancing partner fashioned a doll from discarded cornhusks. This doll then revealed to possess marvelous powers of healing and well being. Because of this manifestation, a yearly tradition of carving wooden dolls evolved along with the dance to celebrate the honor of the Ohtas. The dolls too were believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the people. This tradition was practiced well into the 20th century.
Q
Quaoar {kwah’-o-ar} – The god of creation of the Tongva people
T
Taime {ty-may’} – Taime is a Kiowa spirit symbolized by the [name]Sun[/name] represented by the [name]Sun[/name] Dance.
W
Wakan – Wakan or Wakan Tanka is the name the [name]Lakota[/name] Indians (Eastern [name]Sioux[/name]) use to indicate their gods in general. Each creature and each object has its own wakan, a spirit without limitation. Wakan tanka kin, the wakan of the sun, is the most important.
Wendigo {win-dee-go} – The Wendigo is a monster who comes from the coldest place. He is composed of mud and ice. A cannibal, he will devour anything in his path, including another Wendigo. His mouth is lined with jagged teeth and he is magic, able to change form at will. [name]One[/name] warrior defeated a Wendigo by changing himself into a giant dog. In the northern part of [name]Canada[/name] missing persons have been considered victims of the Wendigo and have been reported so in newspapers. There is also a psychological condition peculiar to the Algonquin people called “Wendigo Psycholsis” in which the victim begins to crave human flesh. This condition has been used in courts of law as part of the defense of a person
Y
Yuwipi {yoo-wih’pee} – The [name]Lakota[/name] full moon ceremony conducted by a [name]Lakota[/name] holy man for healing, helping relatives and friends, or another special intention. In this ancient ritual which was once widespread, the shaman is bound and, in the darkness, calls the spirits to come and free him to communicate with his audience.
Here’s some Cherokee words (one’s I think would make good names):
Unega – white
Dalonige – Yellow
Yansa – bison
Saloli – squirrel
Awohali – [name]Eagle[/name]
Inada – snake
Atsadi – fish
I’ve been looking for info on Choctaw names. I have Choctaw heritage on my dad’s side, so I thought a name to honor that would be nice in the middle spot. I haven’t found any I like yet, but I found a site that said traditionally Choctaw children were given animal names, so I thought I might incorporate that instead. I really like the sound of Taime frome your list. It might have pronunciation problems, but I think it’s the most usable. Cool list!