Unelanuhi : The Sun Goddess

Unelanuhi

Introduction

Unelanuhi, meaning “the all-maker” or “the apportioner” in Cherokee, is the revered sun goddess who brings light, warmth, and sustenance to the world. Unlike sun deities associated with destruction, Unelanuhi embodies nurturing and life-giving power. Known also as Unetlanvhi, she is the supreme creator and life-giver in Cherokee mythology, credited with fashioning the world and maintaining cosmic harmony. As the deity of time, Unelanuhi was responsible for dividing time into units, with her gaze across the sky reflecting the changing seasons and the passage of nights. She is also recognized as a healer who aids those in need.

According to legend, the Earth had no sun until the spider woman wove a great web and propelled Unelanuhi from the universe into the sky. Unelanuhi’s story includes a mysterious lover who tends to her without erasing her identity, later revealed to be her brother who visits her monthly as the moon. The sun, represented by Unelanuhi, was the primary object of desire for the Cherokee, who bowed to her and offered gifts as she rose in the sky. This central figure in Cherokee belief plays a crucial role in their natural and spiritual lives, reflecting the profound importance of the sun in their daily existence.

Family

Descriptions of Unelanuhi, the sun goddess, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic depictions of Unnelanuhi the devourer. She is often portrayed as a radiant figure, her golden skin emanating the warmth of the sun, complemented by long, sunlit wheat-colored hair cascading down her back. Various stories embellish her eyes, some likening them to the brilliance of midday sunshine, while others describe them as deep amber pools reflecting wisdom and compassion. Adorned with feathers symbolizing her connection to the sky and its messengers, Unelanuhi’s divine presence transcends physical form. In Cherokee mythology, her essence is felt in the harmony of nature and the rhythm of life rather than detailed physical attributes.

In a poignant myth, Unelanuhi’s grief over her daughter’s death plunges the world into darkness until humans journey to Tsusginai, the land of the dead, to retrieve her. Following specific instructions, they rescue the daughter and return her to her mother, but in opening the box, she transforms into a red bird, believed by some to be a cardinal. This act leads to a flood covering the Earth, reflecting the depths of the mother’s sorrow. Despite attempts to console Unelanuhi through dance and song, it is only when a drummer alters the tune that she lifts her head in delight, momentarily forgetting her grief. In Cherokee tradition, the sun’s personification differs from other cultures, emphasizing its abstract significance and life-giving properties over human-like characteristics.

Other names

Her name, meaning “apportioner,” signifies her role in creating time as she moves across the sky. Linked to the spider woman’s intervention from the underworld, Unelanuhi’s name reflects the pivotal moment of her emergence into the celestial realm. Known by various titles such as “The Apportioner” and “Grandmother Sun,” she embodies different aspects of her nature and role. “The Apportioner” emphasizes the sun’s function in dividing time and space, crucial for the Cherokee’s daily routines, while “Grandmother Sun” evokes reverence and nurturing, acknowledging the sun’s indispensable role in sustaining life.

Powers and Abilities

In Cherokee legend, Unelanuhi resided on another side of the world when animals gathered to seek the sun’s light. Despite attempts by an opossum and a vulture, it was the spider woman who successfully reached Unelanuhi and brought her light to the world, albeit with unintended consequences. The intense heat of the new light led to death, casting a shadow over its initial reception.

Unelanuhi, embodying the sun, possesses crucial powers central to Cherokee mythology. Providing light and warmth essential for life, the sun’s influence extends beyond physical realms to spiritual significance. It is revered for its ability to influence events, with rituals conducted to honor its movements, including significant events like solar eclipses. As a guardian and protector, the sun ensures the balance of nature and offers guidance, while its association with healing underscores its role in well-being. In Cherokee society, Unelanuhi is also seen as a guardian of truth and justice, with offerings expressing gratitude for her blessings and adherence to communal values.

Modern Day Influence

Unelanuhi’s enduring influence among the Cherokee people persists today, reflected in traditional artwork and oral storytelling passed down through generations. Her narrative serves as a reminder to children of the significance of light, warmth, and equilibrium in their lives, perpetuating her timeless relevance.

Modern Cherokee ceremonies incorporate rituals honoring Unelanuhi, such as sun dances and offerings of tobacco, as gestures of gratitude for her ongoing blessings. She symbolizes hope, resilience, and the timeless power of the natural world, continuing to inspire and guide the Cherokee community in their spiritual beliefs and practices. Unelanuhi’s stories offer profound insights into the Cherokee worldview, fostering a deep reverence for nature and the interconnectedness of all life. Her parallels with other solar deities, such as Amaterasu, and her significance as a female solar figure resonate across cultures, underscoring her universal appeal and enduring legacy.