Selu : The Corn Mother

Selu

Introduction

Selu, known as the Corn Mother in Cherokee mythology, holds a revered place as a symbol of sustenance, creation, and the cyclical nature of life. She embodies the Cherokee people’s profound bond with the land and its resources. Recognized as the First Woman and goddess of corn, Selu represents fertility and the essential connection between humanity and the earth. Her story is central to Cherokee creation myths and reflects broader Native American themes of life, death, and rebirth, highlighting the sacred relationship between people and their environment. As a key figure in agriculture, Selu’s legacy underscores the importance of harvest and nourishment in Cherokee culture. Her influence extends into modern times, continuing to shape Cherokee traditions and practices.

Physical Traits

In Cherokee mythology, Selu’s depiction emphasizes her role as the embodiment of corn and the earth’s fertility rather than specific physical traits. She is symbolically associated with nurturing and the life-giving aspects of nature. As the Corn Mother, Selu represents both physical and spiritual nourishment, reflecting her integral role in ensuring abundance and prosperity through corn cultivation.

Her physical appearance is often symbolic, highlighting her connection to the earth and fertility. For instance, her long, flowing hair is sometimes likened to corn stalks, while her form may merge with the earth, reinforcing her status as a vital source of life. In some interpretations, Selu is adorned with corn silk, further illustrating her association with the corn plant and her role in sustaining her people.

Family

Selu is married to Kanati, the Lucky Hunter, and they have twin sons known as the Thunder Boys. Their family represents the balance of life and nature in Cherokee mythology. The narrative takes a tragic turn when the sons, fearing Selu’s power and believing her to be a witch, kill her. This act underscores the deep connections within the family unit and its impact on community beliefs.

Despite her death, Selu’s influence endures through her sons, symbolizing the natural cycle of life emerging from death. Her story is intertwined with the roles of her family, particularly her husband Kanati, who embodies the roles of provider and protector, and her twin sons, whose actions are crucial to the mythological themes of sacrifice and renewal.

Other names

Selu is recognized by multiple names among the Cherokee and other Native American tribes, reflecting her broad veneration. Known as the Corn Mother or Corn Woman, these titles highlight her pivotal role in agriculture and as a source of sustenance. Her Cherokee name, “Selu,” meaning “corn,” emphasizes her association with nourishment and nurturing within the culture. Additionally, she is referred to as the “First Woman,” indicating her role as a primordial figure and creator of the Cherokee people.

Selu’s influence extends beyond Cherokee traditions. In Aztec mythology, she is known as Chicomecoatl, the goddess of corn and fertility. Similarly, Hopi traditions recognize her as Qocha Mana, a figure integral to their agricultural practices. These various names underscore her significance across diverse Native American cultures.

Powers and Abilities

Selu’s divine powers are closely tied to her role as the goddess of corn. Her most renowned ability is the creation of corn, essential for sustaining life. Legends recount how she used her own body to produce corn, which was crucial for her people’s survival. Even after her death, Selu continued to provide for her children by using her blood to ensure a plentiful supply of corn, highlighting the deep connection between life, death, and renewal.

Her powers are more than just a physical manifestation; they embody the spiritual bond between humanity and the earth. Selu’s act of planting her heart to grow maize symbolizes her control over life and death, reflecting the Cherokee belief in the sacredness of nature and agriculture. Additionally, Selu’s nurturing qualities extend to healing and caring for the Cherokee community, reinforcing her role as a protector and provider.

Modern Day Influence

Selu’s impact persists in contemporary Cherokee culture, particularly through agricultural practices and traditional ceremonies like the Green Corn Ceremony. This event celebrates the corn harvest and expresses gratitude for the land’s bounty, reflecting Selu’s enduring presence and the community’s spiritual bond with nature. The ceremony involves rituals of purification, thanksgiving, and communal festivities, reinforcing the values Selu embodied.

In modern times, her influence is evident in sustainable agricultural practices and environmental respect, mirroring her teachings on fertility and renewal. Selu’s legacy is also integrated into Cherokee education, guiding younger generations in preserving cultural traditions and values. Beyond the Cherokee community, her story has inspired environmental advocates and those promoting sustainable living, symbolizing creation, sustenance, and the cyclical nature of life. Through art, literature, and cultural practices, Selu’s legacy continues to resonate, reflecting her role as a timeless symbol of nature’s power and resilience.