Navajo Hero Twins
Navajo tale "Changing Woman and the Hero Twins after the Emergence of the People" is a perfect example of archetype (model) in ancient, and not so ancient, mythology. Containing within the story of its pages the repetitive use of a numerical value, a father god and sons of the father god, and heroes who must overcome dramatic obstacles while obtaining help from outside sources, "Changing Woman and the Hero Twins" places itself among a rich history of similar myths and folklore from around the globe, both secular and religious.
One of the major similarities between this tale and others in worldwide lore is its repetitive use of a numerical value, in this case the number four. From the very first paragraph, where after the monsters have …show more content…
The second time their father tries to kill them is in a sweat-house, where they will easily be consumed except that the Winds dig a hole for them to hide in and advise them on the actions they should take in order to survive the seemingly impossible ordeal. The Winds prove invaluable aids again later, as they give the twins caterpillar spit with which to preserve their life while smoking the Sun-god's pipe, and blow a rainbow bridge for them to walk upon to cross the stream towards the wands of war when pursuing their final obstacle ("Changing" 42-43).
The last serious obstacle the Hero Twins face is the battle with the monster Yeitso. Fortunately for them, by this time their father seems to be in more of a fatherly mood (at least towards them, as Yeitso is also his son) and gives them armor and weapons with which to fight and kill the monster, which they use accordingly with much success ("Changing" …show more content…
During his sixth labor, the driving away of the plague-like Stymphalian birds, he is assisted by the goddess Athena, who shoos the birds out of their hiding places while Hercules shoots them down with arrows (Hamilton 232), a scene somewhat reminiscent of the Hero Twins firing off their arrows at Yeitso ("Changing" 45). Hercules is helped immensely, at least at first, in obtaining the girdle of the queen of the Amazons (his ninth labor), as she offers it to him freely. Unfortunately, Hera's temper gets the best of her again, and she makes the Amazons think Hercules is kidnapping their queen, leading not to his demise, but to that of the generous Amazon queen (and, likely, many of her subjects) as he fights to get away with his prize (Hamilton
One of the major similarities between this tale and others in worldwide lore is its repetitive use of a numerical value, in this case the number four. From the very first paragraph, where after the monsters have …show more content…
The second time their father tries to kill them is in a sweat-house, where they will easily be consumed except that the Winds dig a hole for them to hide in and advise them on the actions they should take in order to survive the seemingly impossible ordeal. The Winds prove invaluable aids again later, as they give the twins caterpillar spit with which to preserve their life while smoking the Sun-god's pipe, and blow a rainbow bridge for them to walk upon to cross the stream towards the wands of war when pursuing their final obstacle ("Changing" 42-43).
The last serious obstacle the Hero Twins face is the battle with the monster Yeitso. Fortunately for them, by this time their father seems to be in more of a fatherly mood (at least towards them, as Yeitso is also his son) and gives them armor and weapons with which to fight and kill the monster, which they use accordingly with much success ("Changing" …show more content…
During his sixth labor, the driving away of the plague-like Stymphalian birds, he is assisted by the goddess Athena, who shoos the birds out of their hiding places while Hercules shoots them down with arrows (Hamilton 232), a scene somewhat reminiscent of the Hero Twins firing off their arrows at Yeitso ("Changing" 45). Hercules is helped immensely, at least at first, in obtaining the girdle of the queen of the Amazons (his ninth labor), as she offers it to him freely. Unfortunately, Hera's temper gets the best of her again, and she makes the Amazons think Hercules is kidnapping their queen, leading not to his demise, but to that of the generous Amazon queen (and, likely, many of her subjects) as he fights to get away with his prize (Hamilton