The Story of the Paralyzed Kachina and the Blind Mudhead
"The Hopis have a legend they retell about two Kachina spirits Tuhavi (Paralyzed Kachina) and the Koyemsi (Blind Mudhead). Many years ago the tribe had to move from where they lived, either because of drought or warfare. With no horses, they were forced to travel on foot. Two members could not make the journey. One was crippled and the other was blind. They were left with some food and a tearful goodbye as everyone expected them to die.
Instead of dying, the two discovered they could work together. The Paralyzed Tuhavi climbed onto the back of the Blind Mudhead as he directed him where to walk. He was also able to shoot his bow and arrow to hunt while the Mudhead moved them towards their destination. Together, they survived by cooperating despite their individual weaknesses and using their unique strengths. The Hopi Kachina spirits honor these two and teach children how we can overcome problems by working together.
The end of the story was only recently told to me by an elder Hopi man. While on their journey, the Blind Mudhead and Paralyzed Tuhavi were roasting rabbit over a campfire when they were approached by a huge and scary Ogre Kachina. The two looked at each other thinking, 'what horrible luck - just when we were going to survive!' The Ogre pulled back an arrow on his bow, first pointing it at them, and then pointing it down at the fire.
The Ogre let the arrow fly into the fire and ashes went into the eyes of the Blind Mudhead. He rubbed his eyes and could suddenly see again. When the sparks flew up from the fire, they also landed on the legs of the Paralyzed Tuhavi. He jumped up to escape the burning sparks and found he could stand and walk again. Healed of their afflictions, they set off and eventually caught up to the tribe and had a joyful reunion."
- Dan Garland
Leave a comment