Native American Legends of Arizona

By Charles M. Skinner in 1896

Arizona, a land sculpted by time and painted with the vibrant hues of the desert, is not only a geological marvel but also a repository of rich and enduring Native American lore. These stories, passed down through generations, offer a glimpse into the beliefs, values, and historical experiences of the indigenous peoples who have called this region home for centuries. The tales speak of creation, of heroes and monsters, of the delicate balance between humanity and nature, and of the profound spiritual connection to the land itself. This article, drawing from the work of Charles M. Skinner, delves into a few captivating Native American Legends of Arizona, revealing the wisdom and imagination woven into the very fabric of this remarkable landscape.

Horned Toad and Giants

Among the most intriguing Native American Legends of Arizona is the tale of the Horned Toad and the Giants, a story recounted by the Moqui people (now known as the Hopi). The legend speaks of a time long ago when the Moqui mesa, their ancestral home, stood taller than it does today, and their domain stretched far and wide, encompassing the mountains and the great river. However, their peaceful existence was threatened by the arrival of giants from the west, monstrous beings who preyed upon the Moqui, even feasting on them.

The giants, possessing superior size and vantage points from atop the mesas, instilled fear and desperation among the Moqui. Their king, in a desperate attempt to save his people, offered the most beautiful woman in the land and a thousand horses to anyone who could vanquish these monstrous foes. Sadly, the king himself fell victim to the giants’ hunger, and the disheartened Moqui citizens hesitated to elect a successor, their faith in leadership shaken.

Amidst this despair, a young brave named Lolomi emerged, driven by a singular determination to protect his people. As he walked along the mesa, his thoughts consumed by the plight of his tribe, he encountered a horned toad lying injured beneath a rock. Moved by compassion, Lolomi rolled the stone away, unknowingly setting in motion a chain of events that would change the fate of his people.

A voice, seemingly emanating from the earth but actually from the grateful toad, inquired if Lolomi desired to destroy the giants. Without hesitation, Lolomi affirmed his desire. The toad then instructed him to take its horned crest as a helmet. Lolomi obeyed, and to his astonishment, the crest swelled and enveloped his head, forming an impenetrable shield against any club or weapon.

Next, the toad directed Lolomi to take its breastplate. Though seemingly small, no larger than an Indian’s thumbnail, when placed upon his chest, it expanded, forming a protective corselet impervious to arrows. Finally, the toad commanded Lolomi to take the scales from its eyes. Upon doing so, Lolomi felt an unexpected lightness, as if he could float on the wind.

The toad then imparted a crucial strategy: "Go up and wait. When you see a giant, go toward him, looking into his eyes, and he will walk backward. Walk around him until he has his back to a precipice, then advance. He will back away until he reaches the mesa’s edge, when he will fall off and be killed."

Lolomi followed the toad’s instructions. Soon, a giant appeared in the distance, striding across the plains with enormous steps. As the giant approached, he hurled a spear, but it glanced harmlessly off Lolomi’s armor. An arrow followed, meeting the same fate. The giant, unnerved by this seemingly impervious warrior, began to believe Lolomi was a spirit. Fearful of turning his back, he kept his face toward Lolomi, who skillfully maneuvered the giant until he stood at the edge of a cliff. With a final surge, Lolomi sprang forward, and the giant, with a cry of terror, plunged to his death on the rocks below.

Lolomi continued to employ the toad’s strategy, defeating many giants who were compelled to walk backward before him. After each victory, the Moqui people piled rocks upon the giants’ bodies, and the place became known as "the Giants’ Fall." In gratitude for his bravery and wisdom, the Moqui people made Lolomi their king, bestowing upon him the most beautiful woman in the tribe as his wife. He ruled with justice and compassion, becoming the most beloved king in their history. After his death, his memory was cherished, and his name became a word of welcome, a testament to his enduring legacy. Thus, "Lolomi" remains a greeting, a symbol of hope, and a reminder of the brave warrior who saved his people from the giants. This is just one of many Native American Legends of Arizona.

The Spider Tower

Another captivating Native American Legends of Arizona unfolds in Dead Man’s Canyon, a deep gorge branching off the once-populated valley of the Rio de Chelly. Here, a stark spire of weathered sandstone rises eight hundred feet above its base, a testament to the power of time and the elements. This is the Spider Tower, and its name is steeped in legend.

Centuries ago, a cave dweller, while hunting in the region, was ambushed by hostile warriors and forced to flee into the canyon. Desperately seeking a hiding place, he looked from side to side, but found no refuge. Just as his strength began to wane, he approached the towering obelisk and saw a silken cord hanging from a notch near its summit.

Without hesitation, the hunter tied the end of the cord around his waist, securing it so that his pursuers could not reach it. He began to climb, using the roughness of the stone for purchase, ascending hand over hand until he reached the summit. There, he found sanctuary, drinking dew and feeding on eagles’ eggs until his enemies, unable to reach him with their arrows, eventually gave up the chase.

Once the coast was clear, the hunter safely descended the cord and returned to his home. The miraculous assistance had come from a friendly spider who, perched atop the spire, had witnessed his plight. The spider, with extraordinary skill, wove a web of exceptional thickness, securing one end to a jag of rock and allowing the other end to fall within the hunter’s reach. The spider, like all of its kind, favored the gentle cave dwellers over the ruthless hunters. Thus, the spire became known as the Spider Tower, a symbol of unexpected aid and the interconnectedness of all beings. This story adds to the tapestry of Native American Legends of Arizona.

The Weird Sentinel at Squaw Peak

The haunting tale of the Weird Sentinel at Squaw Peak adds a layer of somber mystery to the Native American Legends of Arizona. Located beneath the highest butte of the Squaw Peak range, now known as Piestewa Peak, lies a cave with a tragic history.

In 1868, a party of Tonto Apaches sought refuge in this cave. However, they were discovered by white men on the warpath. Without hesitation, the white men opened fire, shooting into the dark recesses of the cavern, the flashes of their rifles illuminating the interior and revealing their victims.

The massacre was swift and brutal. The cries and groans of the dying were soon silenced, and the hunters departed, leaving behind a scene of unspeakable horror. The calm that had reigned over the mountains for millennia was shattered.

That night, under the light of the moon, a corpse arose from the carnage. It walked to a rock just inside the cave entrance and took its everlasting seat, becoming a silent, spectral guardian.

Years later, a man unaware of the cave’s history entered its depths. He was confronted by a "thing," as he described it, that glared at him with such terrifying intensity that he fled in terror. Subsequently, two prospectors attempted to explore the cave, but their way was blocked by the same "thing." They glimpsed a torn face, bulging eyes turned sideways, yellow fangs, long hair, spreading claws, and livid, moldy flesh. Overwhelmed by fear, they turned and fled.

A Western newspaper recounted their adventure, reporting that one of the men declared no amount of money in Maricopa County could persuade him to return. The other, it was said, never stopped running, never returning to his usual haunts after the encounter.

The legend of the Weird Sentinel speaks to the lingering trauma of violence and the enduring presence of the past. It serves as a reminder of the injustices suffered by the Native American people and the enduring power of their spirits. The Native American Legends of Arizona are filled with such stories.

The article concludes by noting that the region is haunted by more than just this single legend. The souls of the Mojave roam upon Ghost Mountain, and the "bad men’s hunting grounds" of the Yuma and Navajo lie in the volcanic country of Sonora. Thus, encountering signs and wonders, even in broad daylight, is not considered unusual in this land steeped in history and legend. The Native American Legends of Arizona are a testament to the enduring spirit of the land and its people.

Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander, updated March 2025. About the Author: Charles M. Skinner (1852-1907) authored the complete nine-volume set of Myths and Legends of Our Own Land in 1896. This tale is excerpted from these excellent works but is not verbatim, as some editing has occurred.

Also See:

• Legends, Ghosts, Myths, & Mysteries
• Myths & Legends of the Apache
• Native Americans – First Owners of America
• Native American Mythology & Legends