Ta-Vwots Conquers the Sun
Within the rich tapestry of Native American oral traditions, vibrant narratives passed down through generations offer glimpses into the worldview, beliefs, and values of diverse tribes. Among these captivating tales is the legend of Ta-Vwots, a hare god, whose audacious journey to confront and ultimately conquer the Sun speaks volumes about the resourcefulness, cunning, and unwavering spirit often attributed to animal deities. This story, originating from the tribes of Arizona, is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to convey profound messages through engaging and imaginative narratives.
The narrative unfolds in the valley of Maopa, where Ta-Vwots, the hare god, is peacefully slumbering. This idyllic scene is abruptly shattered when the Sun, in a display of mischievousness, scorches Ta-Vwots’ back. The hare god, roused from his sleep by the searing pain, is filled with righteous anger. He identifies the Sun as the perpetrator of this unwelcome prank and vows to retaliate. This sets in motion a remarkable quest, a daring expedition to challenge and subdue the very celestial body that governs the day. The tale of Ta-Vwots Conquers the Sun is not just a simple adventure; it is a symbolic representation of the struggle against adversity and the triumph of wit over brute force.
The journey to confront the Sun is not a straightforward one for Ta-Vwots. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and adversaries, each presenting a unique challenge that tests his cunning and resolve. In one instance, he stops to pilfer and roast corn from a field, incurring the wrath of the people who cultivated it. When they attempt to punish him for his theft, Ta-Vwots cleverly evades capture by creating a hole in the ground and disappearing from sight. His pursuers, determined to apprehend him, shoot arrows into the hole, but Ta-Vwots deflects them all with his powerful breath. This display of resourcefulness demonstrates the hare god’s ability to use his inherent powers to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
Undeterred, the people begin to dig into the ground, hoping to unearth Ta-Vwots and bring him to justice. However, the hare god is one step ahead of them. With a few puffs of his breath and kicks of his legs, he discovers a fissure leading into the rock behind him, providing him with an escape route. From a hidden niche, he watches as his enemies continue to dig, unaware that their quarry has already slipped away. Seizing the opportunity, Ta-Vwots hurls a magic ball, causing the earth to cave in on his pursuers, burying them in the very grave they had intended for him. This act of vengeance underscores the theme of retribution that runs throughout the narrative, highlighting the consequences of underestimating the hare god’s abilities.
Continuing on his quest to confront the Sun, Ta-Vwots encounters two men heating rocks and crafting arrowheads. Offering his assistance, he claims that hot rocks pose no threat to him, piquing the men’s curiosity. They challenge him to prove his claim, and Ta-Vwots agrees to be placed upon the red-hot stones. Using his magic breath, he creates a current of air between himself and the rocks, preventing him from being burned. Impressed and perhaps a little envious, the men are then subjected to the same torture, but without the benefit of Ta-Vwots’ magical protection, they perish in the flames. This episode further illustrates the hare god’s cunning and his willingness to use deception to achieve his goals.
In another encounter, Ta-Vwots meets two women gathering berries. He asks them to blow leaves and thorns into his eyes, knowing that his magic breath will shield him from harm. The women comply, believing that they are inflicting pain upon him. However, Ta-Vwots remains unharmed, and he retaliates by puffing thorns into their faces, blinding them. This act of cruelty demonstrates the darker side of the hare god’s character, revealing a willingness to inflict harm on those who cross his path. As Ta-Vwots Conquers the Sun, he leaves a trail of misfortune and demise.
The hare god’s journey is marked by a series of similar encounters, each showcasing his ability to outwit and overpower his adversaries. He tricks women on Hurricane Cliff into falling to their deaths, deceives women making water jugs, and even overpowers a fearsome bear. Each victory reinforces his confidence and strengthens his resolve to confront the Sun. These encounters highlight the importance of cunning and resourcefulness in overcoming obstacles, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Finally, Ta-Vwots reaches the edge of the world, where he prepares for his ultimate confrontation with the Sun. As the Sun appears on the horizon, the hare god hurls his magic ball, shattering the celestial body into a thousand pieces. The fragments rain down upon the earth, igniting a massive conflagration. Ta-Vwots seeks refuge under a tree, but the heat becomes unbearable. He attempts to flee, but the fire consumes his toes, feet, legs, and eventually his entire body, leaving only his head intact. The head rolls across the land until it strikes a rock, causing the eyes to burst and release a torrent of tears that extinguish the flames.
The tears put out the flames. With the Sun conquered, the other gods convene and reprimand him for his mischievous behavior. As punishment, the Sun is condemned to travel across the sky every day along the same path. The narrative concludes with a sense of resolution and justice, highlighting the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of maintaining balance in the world.
The legend of Ta-Vwots Conquers the Sun offers valuable insights into the cultural values and beliefs of the Native American tribes of Arizona. The hare god’s journey is a testament to the power of cunning, resourcefulness, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. The narrative also explores themes of retribution, justice, and the consequences of unchecked power. Through its engaging storyline and memorable characters, the legend of Ta-Vwots continues to captivate and inspire audiences today.
The story of Ta-Vwots Conquers the Sun is more than just an entertaining tale; it is a reflection of the human condition and the universal struggle against the forces of nature. The hare god’s journey is a metaphor for the challenges we face in our own lives, and his ultimate triumph offers a message of hope and resilience. By embracing our own inner cunning and resourcefulness, we too can overcome the obstacles that stand in our way and achieve our goals. The enduring popularity of this legend is a testament to its timeless themes and its ability to resonate with audiences across cultures and generations. This version of Ta-Vwots Conquers the Sun retold is still faithful to the original version.