Holy Boy Makes the Sun and Moon

legend · United States · North American

In Apache tradition, Holy Boy was unhappy with the darkness in the underworld and decided to create a sun. He tried many materials without success. Cyclone, spying on the Hactcin, told Holy Boy that White Hactcin had the sun. Holy Boy went to White Hactcin who gave him the sun, and to Black Hactcin who gave him the moon. Black Hactcin taught Holy Boy how to make a sacred sandpainting on a buckskin to hold the sun and moon. Holy Boy, Red Boy, Black Hactcin, and White Hactcin held a ceremony with songs, and White Hactcin released the sun while Black Hactcin released the moon. Light grew stronger

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