Unetlanvhi
The Great Spirit
Cherokee Mythology
Unetlanvhi, the Great Spirit, is the only true deity in Cherokee belief. Unlike many other religions, the Supreme Creator does not take the form of humans but is omnipresent in all life and flows through the world.
Unetlanvhi is responsible for maintaining harmony in the universe between humans, nature, and the other spirits that inhabit the world. Duyuktv, or “the right way,” is a means for humans to maintain this balance as well. If someone strays from Duyuktv, it creates disharmony and causes suffering or curses for others.
Worship
The Cherokee typically don’t worship Unetlanvhi directly. However, they pay tribute to the Creator during rituals, ceremonies, and other activities.
Prayers of gratitude are said to Unetlanvhi during important activities, often at sunrise, before bathing, and during ceremonies. The Cherokee consider water sacred, so prayers of gratitude are given before conducting morning water rituals.
During ceremonies, storytelling, dancing, fasting, and prayers are all ways to honor Unetlanvhi. Some of the significant ceremonies that honor the Creator include:
- Green Corn Ceremony (Selu Festival): The first corn harvest
- Ripe Corn Ceremony: The final corn harvest
- First New Moon of Spring: A seven-day planting festival
- Great New Moon Ceremony: The beginning of a new year
Other ways to honor Unetlanvhi throughout daily life and include:
- Respecting Nature: Respect for nature is critical in Cherokee culture. Animals, plants, land, and water must all receive equal respect to maintain harmony.
- Following Duyuktv: Following the right way ensures that one’s actions do not negatively impact others.
- Helping Others: Harmony with people is also essential to maintaining balance in the world. Acts of kindness and gratitude help build this unity.
Creation of the World
Unetlanvhi created the world in which his children could live. In the beginning, there was just sky and water. The animals lived in a vault in the sky. However, they had no place to live since there was no land.
Dayuni’si, the Water Beetle, began the search for land within the water. As it dove down, it began to burrow into the ocean floor, stirring up dirt and creating land. But the land was flat and featureless.
Next, Tsanun’yi, the Great Buzzard, flew down close to the earth. As its wings beat on the earth, it created valleys and mountains. This is how the Appalachian Mountains, where the Cherokee live, were created.
But the world was dark and cold. Unetlanvhi provided the sun to light up the earth. Initially, the sun was too close to the earth, creating discomfort for the creatures, until the Great Spirit moved it to the ideal distance away from the creatures.
Next, Unetlanvhi created the moon and stars to achieve balance in the heavens. This is how the cycles of day and night originated.
Plants and animals were now free to inhabit the lands. However, Unetlanvhi said they must stay up for seven days and seven nights.
Those who did would receive special powers. Owls, panthers, and other nocturnal animals were awarded the gift of seeing in the dark. Pine, spruce, cedar, and other evergreens were awarded the gift of eternal life.
Unetlanvhi then created the first Cherokee to inhabit the earth. These people were Kanati, the Lucky Hunter, and his wife Selu, Corn Mother. They would have two children, known as the Thunder Boys.
Initially, the world had balance, but as the Thunder Boys, Good Boy, and Wild Boy explore the land, they create disruptions. This is why it is essential to follow Duyuktv.