The Pima Legend of the Great Flood
Around the world, there are many myths and legends in many diverse countries that tell of the creation of humanity and how the creator god became disappointed and angry with his creation through their immoral behavior. To put the earth right and to punish the immoral majority he sends a Great Flood to drown them while saving a few of the worthy to repopulate the earth. The following is an example of such a legend from the Native American Pima people of Arizona, USA. It tells of the creation of humanity by their god Cherwit Make and how he sent a Great Flood against them when their behavior came to displease him.
The Creation of the World
In the sacred traditions of the Pima people, the creator of all humans and animals was Cherwit Make, the earth-maker, who was the butterfly. Cherwit Make had fluttered out of the clouds in the sky to the place of the Blue Cliffs where the Verde River and the Salt Rivers meet. From his own sweat, he made humans. The people thrived and multiplied but grew argumentative and selfish towards one another. Cherwit Make was disappointed and disgusted at his creation and decided he would bring about a great flood of the earth to drown them. Despite his dissatisfaction with them, he thought he would give them a chance to change their ways.
Suha the Prophet
One night, using the voice of the north wind he told them to live in honesty and peace.
Only Suha the prophet heard the voice of the north wind and interpreted the message for his people. They would not believe him and told him he was a fool to listen to the wind.
Read more ...
Around the world, there are many myths and legends in many diverse countries that tell of the creation of humanity and how the creator god became disappointed and angry with his creation through their immoral behavior. To put the earth right and to punish the immoral majority he sends a Great Flood to drown them while saving a few of the worthy to repopulate the earth. The following is an example of such a legend from the Native American Pima people of Arizona, USA. It tells of the creation of humanity by their god Cherwit Make and how he sent a Great Flood against them when their behavior came to displease him.
The Creation of the World
In the sacred traditions of the Pima people, the creator of all humans and animals was Cherwit Make, the earth-maker, who was the butterfly. Cherwit Make had fluttered out of the clouds in the sky to the place of the Blue Cliffs where the Verde River and the Salt Rivers meet. From his own sweat, he made humans. The people thrived and multiplied but grew argumentative and selfish towards one another. Cherwit Make was disappointed and disgusted at his creation and decided he would bring about a great flood of the earth to drown them. Despite his dissatisfaction with them, he thought he would give them a chance to change their ways.
Suha the Prophet
One night, using the voice of the north wind he told them to live in honesty and peace.
Only Suha the prophet heard the voice of the north wind and interpreted the message for his people. They would not believe him and told him he was a fool to listen to the wind.
Read more ...
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