The World on Turtle's Back

Iroquois Creation Myth

The World on Turtle's Back

Iroquois Creation Myth
25 pages50-minute read
Fiction
Short Story
YA
Published in 1816

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Character List

Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.

Major Characters

The Woman is a sky-dweller who experiences an immaculate conception with twin boys. As her pregnancy progresses, she falls from the upper world of light into the dark, watery lower world. She is the catalyst for the earth's formation, as her sudden arrival prompts the local aquatic creatures to construct a landmass to support her weight.

Key Relationships

Mother of Enigorio

Mother of Enigonhahetgea

Caught by Turtle

Welcomed by Monsters

Enigorio, known as the "good mind," is one of the twin brothers born in the dark lower world. He possesses a gentle, loving spirit and feels uncomfortable in the primordial darkness. Driven by a desire for order and balance, he actively works to construct a bright environment filled with waterways, animals, and the first humans.

Key Relationships

Son of The Woman

Twin brother of Enigonhahetgea

Creator of Ea-Gwe-Howe

Enigonhahetgea, known as the "bad mind," is a destructive force born into the lower world alongside his twin. He prefers the natural state of primordial darkness and harbors spiteful, unruly impulses. Instead of fostering life, he focuses his creative efforts on crafting dangerous terrains and poisonous animals that threaten the world's harmony.

Key Relationships

Son of The Woman

Twin brother of Enigorio

Co-creator of Ea-Gwe-Howe

Supporting Characters

The monsters are aquatic creatures inhabiting the lower world of primordial darkness. They are highly organized, holding a meeting to discuss how to safely catch The Woman as she falls from the sky. They prefer the darkness they are accustomed to and actively avoid the light once it is created.

Key Relationships

Protectors of The Woman

Collaborator of Turtle

The Turtle is a large aquatic animal in the lower world who volunteers for a vital task. He allows soil to be placed upon his shell so that he can catch the falling woman. Over time, his back expands to form the giant landmass that becomes North America.

Key Relationships

Carrier of The Woman

Peer of Monsters

Ea-Gwe-Howe are the first humans, initially formed from the earth. They are given sustenance through hunting game and nourished by regular rain. They represent a blend of influences from the two twin brothers, possessing deep knowledge of both good and evil.

Key Relationships

Creation of Enigorio

Creation of Enigonhahetgea