Killing Of The Monsters – An Apache Myth
The oral traditions of indigenous cultures are rich tapestries woven with tales of creation, morality, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Among these narratives, the myths of the Apache people stand out for their vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and profound insights into the Apache worldview. One such captivating story, passed down through generations, is the Killing Of The Monsters. This myth, collected and transcribed by ethnologist Pliny Earle Goddard in the early 20th century, offers a glimpse into the beliefs and values of the Jicarilla Apache, one of the prominent Apache groups inhabiting the southwestern United States. It is a story of heroism, divine intervention, and the restoration of balance to a world plagued by monstrous beings.
The narrative begins with the arrival of Naiyenesgani, a Jicarilla Creator God, at a place terrorized by a monstrous Elk. This Elk was not merely an animal; it was a malevolent entity, a bringer of death and destruction, preying upon the people. The initial encounter highlights the sheer power and danger of the Elk. Naiyenesgani, despite his divine status, finds himself unable to approach the beast. The Elk’s presence exudes an aura of such potent evil that it repels even a deity. The Killing Of The Monsters is about a deity’s struggles with monsters.
Recognizing the magnitude of the task before him, Naiyenesgani enlists the help of a partner, an unnamed figure who agrees to assist in weakening the monstrous Elk. This partner demonstrates ingenuity, gnawing off the hair on the Elk’s breast, a seemingly small act that proves crucial. This act of weakening the monster is a demonstration of teamwork, and is the start of the Killing Of The Monsters.
With the Elk now vulnerable, Naiyenesgani approaches, performing a ritualistic sequence of motions four times, a number often associated with sacredness and completion in Native American traditions. He then shoots the Elk, but the battle is far from over. The Elk, though wounded, retaliates with immense strength, breaking through the tunnels where Naiyenesgani seeks refuge. The pursuit is relentless, a desperate struggle for survival. The Elk’s power is such that it even breaks through "mother," a symbolic representation of the earth and the source of life, underscoring the monster’s destructive capabilities.
Finally, in the bottom tunnel, the Elk collapses and dies. The partner reappears, claiming the breast as his due. Naiyenesgani, however, skins the Elk, taking the hide, chopping off one of the horns, and filling two blood vessels with blood. He then spreads the hide in the sun to dry. These actions are not merely practical; they are imbued with symbolic significance. The taking of the hide and horn represents the claiming of victory and the harnessing of the monster’s power. The drying of the hide in the sun suggests a purification process, transforming the source of evil into something that can be used for good.
Naiyenesgani’s journey continues as he seeks to confront another threat: a monstrous Eagle. He wraps himself in the Elk hide and ventures into an open place, inviting the Eagle’s attack. The Eagle swoops down, attempting to pierce the hide with its talons, but the hide proves impenetrable. After repeated failed attempts, the Eagle finally succeeds in driving its talons into the hide and carries Naiyenesgani away to its nest, where its young eagerly await a meal.
This episode showcases the resourcefulness and cunning of Naiyenesgani. By using the Elk hide as armor, he protects himself from the Eagle’s initial attacks. His willingness to be carried to the Eagle’s nest is a calculated risk, setting the stage for the final confrontation. The Killing Of The Monsters requires cunning and resourcefulness.
Upon arriving at the nest, Naiyenesgani utters the sound "Sst," startling the young eagles. They become wary, informing their father that the prey makes a strange noise. The old Eagle dismisses their concerns, attributing the sound to air escaping from the wound. However, blood begins to flow, revealing the true nature of their captive.
Naiyenesgani then reveals himself, holding the Elk horn in his hand. He questions the young eagles about their father’s resting place and waits for the Eagle’s return. When the father arrives, bringing a dead girl as prey, Naiyenesgani strikes him down, sending him plummeting into the canyon. He repeats this act with the mother Eagle, eliminating both threats.
With the monstrous Eagles vanquished, Naiyenesgani addresses the young eagles, decreeing that they will remain the size they are and that their feathers will be prized by humans. However, he also warns that those who take their feathers will experience muscle cramps and that the eagles themselves will no longer be able to speak. This act of transformation and restriction highlights the complex relationship between humans and the natural world in Apache mythology. The eagles are spared but are forever changed, their power diminished and their role in the world redefined. The Killing Of The Monsters results in a new order.
In the next episode, Naiyenesgani seeks the assistance of his grandmother, Bat, to descend from the cliff. He calls out to her, but she initially does not hear him. After repeated calls, she finally approaches, carrying her basket. Naiyenesgani asks her to take him down, but she insists on him climbing into her basket. He questions the strength of the carrying rope, but she assures him that it is strong enough to carry heavy loads.
As they descend, Bat cautions Naiyenesgani not to open his eyes, warning him of the sheer drop. Once they reach the bottom, Naiyenesgani reveals that he has killed something and asks his grandmother to come with him. He fills her basket with feathers, instructing her to carry it along the top of the hills. However, she disobeys, carrying it along the hillside, where the birds steal the feathers. This happens repeatedly, with Naiyenesgani repeatedly instructing her to avoid the hillside.
Finally, frustrated by her disobedience, Naiyenesgani rebukes Bat, declaring that her feathers will be poor, that she will live in the clefts of rocks, and that her garments will be poor. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience and the consequences of disregarding divine instructions. Bat’s failure to follow Naiyenesgani’s instructions results in her diminished status and a life of hardship.
The Killing Of The Monsters continues with Naiyenesgani encountering a community plagued by a different kind of monster, one that has trapped their people in a marsh. The people challenge him to use his supernatural power to rescue their kin. Naiyenesgani accepts the challenge and performs a ritual, standing at each of the cardinal directions. The water disappears, revealing an entrance to the monster’s lair.
Naiyenesgani confronts the monster, demanding the release of the captive people. The monster initially denies their existence, but Naiyenesgani insists. The monster reluctantly brings them forth, one by one. Naiyenesgani demands that all the people be released, and eventually, the monster complies.
With the people freed, Naiyenesgani addresses the monster, forbidding it from ever capturing people again. He declares that it will remain in the marsh, a silent and powerless entity. He then instructs the rescued people to choose their relatives and return home.
Finally, Naiyenesgani asks for four pretty girls to accompany him on his journey. He travels westward, leaving one girl at each of three locations: Kagodjae, Tsosbai, and Becdelkai. With the final girl, he continues westward, where they remain forever. The Killing Of The Monsters concludes with Naiyenesgani taking girls to the west.
The Killing Of The Monsters is a complex and multifaceted myth that offers a rich tapestry of insights into the Apache worldview. It is a story of heroism, divine intervention, and the restoration of balance to a world plagued by monstrous beings. The myth also explores themes of obedience, resourcefulness, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Through its vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, the Killing Of The Monsters continues to resonate with audiences today, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Apache people.