Nunnehi

Introduction

The Nunnehi were supernatural human beings whose spirits were distinct from those of gods and ghosts according to the Cherokee tribe of Native Americans and general Native American mythology. They are considered to be the equivalent of fairies in European mythology.

The legend states that the Nunnehi lived in underground caverns throughout the Appalachian Mountains. They were known to sing and dance in the mountains, and hunters would sometimes hear them while they were in the region.

Physical Traits

They are considered to be shapeless or invisible most of the times. and take the shape of human being from the Cherokee tribe when required.

Family

Due to the rise of banality, the Nunnehi sought spiritual individuals who would host their spirits. When a child was born, the native spirit would enter the child’s body before the birth. The child would then be raised as a human until he or she became aware of the presence of the native spirit.

Other Names

In the Cherokee language, Nunnehi literally means “The People Who Live Anywhere”, but it is often translated into English as “The People Who Live Forever”, or simply “The Immortals”. Another name for them was Yunwi Tsunsdi, or “Little People” in the Cherokee language.

They also have different names based on the tribes that believed in them.

Powers and Abilities

The Nunnehi take the form of friendly spirits. They are known to be especially sympathetic to the Cherokee people. Nunnehi are very strong, and historically interceded in battles on the Cherokees’ behalf. Like Yunwi Tsunsdi, Nunnehi are usually invisible but sometimes show themselves to humans in the form of regal warriors.

They are also considered to be great healers as they frequently embark on medicine gathering adventures. They also have the powers of invincibility and teleportation which assists them when they are fighting battles along with the Cherokee.

Modern Day Influence

The Nunnehi have been the inspiration for a whole realm of beings in the MMORPG universe of multiple games.