Hopi Mythology
Hopi Mythology is filled with so much uncertainty and distortions in the oral tradition told by various villages and towns of the Hopi people. Each division of the Hopi has a different narration of a particular story. This has made researchers wonder if there existed a true myth believed by all Hopi or the oral literature told are mere stories to quench the curiosities of researchers while keeping the sacred myths to themselves.Despite the differences in oral records, researchers have matched similarities of stories and reached common ground regarding what forms the most of the Hopi Mythology.
The creation story of the Hopi is centred on an endless space called Tokpella, who took form after the sun spirit (Tawa) walked over it. Another account stated that Tawa first created his nephew and sent him to create all of the nine make-up of the universe. This places Tawa as the centre of the creation myth of the Hopi. It is believed that women sought blessings from the sun spirit every time they gave birth to a child.
Other spirits that were relevant to the creation myth of the Hopis include Sotuknang (Tawa’s nephew who created the nine parts of the universe), Spider-woman (representative of the creator to the people), Masauwu (the god of earth and death) and Spider Grandmother (leader of the first creatures).
Hopi Mythology sees the importance of corn as a ceremonial, sustenance, religious and spiritual item. It is believed that the people’s skin will only form after they take in the spiritual food, maize (corn), for the gods to act upon and give them flesh to cover their bones.
Hopi Mythology is still passed on today, mainly through oral literature and the prevalent differences in the account. However, researchers are trying daily to reconcile these accounts to understand the entirety of the myths.
