Asgaya Gigagei : The Thunder God
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At a glance
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cherokee Mythology |
| Classification | Gods |
| Family Members | N/A |
| Region | United States of America |
| Associated With | Thunder, Healing, Medicine |
Asgaya Gigagei
Introduction
Asgaya Gigagei is a bigendered deity believed to have been a thunder god. In North American Indian mythology, it is said that he is invoked by a medicine man to cure sickness.
This god of the Cherokees is called either the red man or red woman as the god tends to change his gender according to the person he/she is interacting with. He was a powerful god who could punish people for their wrongdoings like lying, begging and stealing. He was also capable of causing extreme punishment.
Physical Traits
An intense red colour is associated with the god.
Family
It was believed that the presence of the thunder beings near the Earth’s surface could harm the people. There were three known ones from the West – greater spirit and his two sons.
Powers and Abilities
The Thunder Beings were regarded as the most powerful servants of the Creator Spirit. There were two classes of these beings, who lived close to Earth and the holiest and most powerful were those who lived in the land beyond the Mississippi River.
He/She is associated with the power of healing and is depicted in red because of the intense red colour they are known to generate during the healing process when induced by a shaman.
The control over natural elements like thunder and lightning is very much in lines with the abilities that are associated with other gods like Thor and Indra.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Asgaya Gigagei in Cherokee mythology?
Asgaya Gigagei, often referred to as the “Great Stone” or “Great Spirit,” is a significant deity in Cherokee mythology. He represents the strength and stability of the earth and is revered as a powerful protector of the Cherokee people.
How is Asgaya Gigagei honored in Cherokee culture?
The Cherokee honor Asgaya Gigagei through various rituals and ceremonies that express gratitude for the earth’s resources. Offerings, songs, and dances are performed to seek his blessings and reinforce the connection between the community and the Great Spirit.
How does Asgaya Gigagei compare to other deities in Cherokee mythology?
Asgaya Gigagei shares similarities with other nature deities across various mythologies, representing themes of protection and nurturing. However, his unique stories and attributes reflect the specific cultural values and beliefs of the Cherokee people, highlighting their connection to the earth.
Sources
Wikipedia: Asgaya Gigagei – Wikipedia
Britannica: Asgaya Gigagei | Cherokee Mythology – Britannica
“Cherokee Mythology: Stories of the Deer and the Thunder” by Jim Ollhoff – ABDO Publishing
“The Myths of the Cherokee” by James Mooney – Dover Publications
Asgaya Gigagei in Native American Myths – ResearchGate
Mythopedia: Asgaya Gigagei – Mythopedia
“Living Stories of the Cherokee” edited by Barbara R. Duncan – University of North Carolina Press
“The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees” by James Mooney – Smithsonian Institution
Cherokee Studies Review: Articles on Asgaya Gigagei – Taylor & Francis
