Video: Chumash elder and storyteller Julie Tumamait Stenslie told myths and legends from her Ventureno Chumash tradition at the Ojai Foundation.
Myth
Tonantzin Transforms into Our Lady of Guadalupe
Part II of the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, part of the Spanish colonial appropriation of the Aztec Earth Mother Tonantzin: The future St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin explained to the Bishop of Mexico City how the Virgin appeared to request a temple be built at Tepeyac in her honor.
Virgin of Guadalupe: The Apparitions of An Aztec Goddess
A Mexican Indian Catholic convert experiences visions of an obscure Aztec goddess, Tonantzin, challenging his faith. Thereafter the goddess becomes associated with the Virgin Mary in post-Spanish-conquest church.
Chumash Sky and Earth Deities and Cosmological Rock Art
Depicted on high mountain cave pictographs, the Chumash saw the stars as powerful, competitive sky beings that affected human life and the balance of the universe.
Bear Dancing into Autumn: Hunting the Big Dipper
In a blending of an Iroquois and Cree legend, with autumn approaching, four brothers had the same dream for four nights. They saw a vision of themselves tracking and killing the monster bear. Believing the dream to hold the truth, the brothers followed it into the sky.
Warao of Guyana: The Origin of the Pleiades
A myth from the Warao People who inhabit the rainforests of the Orinoco Delta of northeastern Venezuela and western Guyana. The term Warao means “The Boat People,” referring to their intimate connection with water. Here a hunter takes on an ogress in a story of the origin of the Pleiades.
Lakota Vision: White Buffalo Calf Woman and World Harmony
The supernatural appearance of White Buffalo Calf Woman tells of her divine revelations to the Lakota people regarding the Seven Sacred Rites to bring about spiritual rebirth and world harmony.