Ataentsic

/ˌætəˈɛntsɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to Ataentsic (or Aataentsic), a creator deity in Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) mythology, often depicted as a sky woman.

Etymology

From the Haudenosaunee language, specifically referring to the Sky Woman in their creation mythology. The term entered English through ethnographic and anthropological literature.

Kelly Says

In Haudenosaunee creation stories, the Sky Woman fell from the sky world and landed on a turtle's back—and from that turtle's back, the earth was created, which is why North America is sometimes called 'Turtle Island'!

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