Yunwi Tsunsdi’
The Little People
Cherokee Mythology
The Yunwi Tsunsdi’, literally translating to “Little People,” are a race of spirits standing about two feet tall. These are similar to gnomes or dwarves in European mythologies. While they are generally invisible, they can choose to reveal themselves to the Cherokee when the time is fitting.
Yunwi Tsunsdi’ often comes to the aid of the Cherokee people in times of need. They reside deep within the forests and have villages that are invisible to humans. However, the Little People are known to play tricks, pranks, and even punish those who disrespect their traditions.
Within the Yunwi Tsunsdi’, there are three primary clans.
- Rock clan (hostile)
- Laurel clan (friendly but mischievous)
- Dogwood clan (stern and prefers solitude)
The Little People often interact with the Cherokee as protectors, healers, and tricksters. Despite this, their presence is generally welcome for Cherokee hunters and travelers as they venture through the forests of Appalachia.
Mentions of Little People are common throughout the Native American Tribes of the Southeast and even in other mythologies around the world. However, the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ share distinct clan similarities to the Cherokee people in their folklore.
Subset of the Nûñnë’hï
The Yunwi Tsunsdi’ are just one group of spirits that belong to the Nûñnë’hï, or The People Who Live Forever. The Nûñnë’hï have the appearance of Cherokee, although their hair generally extends to the ground. These spirits are shape changers and often aid the Cherokee in times of need.
In contrast, Yunwi Tsunsdi’ are generally plump, round, short, and sometimes have green skin or hair. They are distinctly different from other Nûñnë’hï as they do not mirror the image of the Cherokee people.
Cherokee Interactions with Yunwi Tsunsdi’
Although invisible, the Little People interact with the Cherokee people on occasion. Nevertheless, the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ warn those they interact with to remain silent. Disobeying these orders can result in bad omens, harm, or even death.
Protector of Hunters and Travelers
Perhaps the most common interactions are providing safety or guidance for lost hunters, travelers or children. Those that get lost in the forests of Appalachia might gain help from the Little People.
This can occur by offering shelter during snowstorms or bad weather. They may also help a lost individual find their way out of the forest. Furthermore, they may guide a hunter to prey. Generally, those from the Dogwood clan would be more inclined to provide help.
Playful Tricksters
The Yunwi Tsunsdi’ also have a mischievous side. They are sometimes known to play pranks and tricks on Cherokee. This can occur by leading travelers or hunters the wrong way in a forest. Additionally, playful Yunwi Tsunsdi’ might hide everyday objects from the Cherokee, such as tools, clothing, or trinkets.
Fishermen are also a common target for the mischievous nature of the Little People. They might tug on a line, giving the false sense of being bitten by a fish. Those that get too close to their dwellings, or are perceived as unworthy might have rocks thrown at them.
Travelers may hear the beating of drums in the mountains and forests. Upon following the sounds, these can change locations deceiving the person and sending them on a fruitless search for the origin of the revelries. The Laurel clan of Yunwi Tsunsdi’ are often the tricksters Cherokee encounter.
Bestowing Wrath for Disrespect
While generally not malicious towards humans, the Yunwi Tsunsdi’ will incur their wrath upon those that break taboo or show disrespect. Most commonly, the Rock clan are the Little People that invoke this vengeance upon those they deem as threats.
The Yunwi Tsunsdi’ love their anonymity, revealing themselves only to those that need help who they deem worthy. For those who take this gift lightly, and break the vow of silence, misfortune or even death may occur.
In one story, a Yunwi Tsunsdi’ saves a hunter from a snowstorm. They cared for him and kept him safe from the elements. Before letting him return to his village, they asked for the hunter to keep a vow of silence. Unfortunately, his eagerness overcame him. Shortly after returning to his village, he told others what he experienced. Two days later, the hunter died.
The Rock clan of Yunwi Tsunsdi’ may also bestow illness or misfortune upon those who disrespect their traditions. Stories of these are used to teach young Cherokee the importance of honoring and respecting nature.