The Birth of Changing Woman

legend · United States · North American

In the Navajo tradition, Changing Woman (Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé) was the first human born in the Fourth World. She was originally born as Yoołgaii Asdzą́ą́ (White Shell Girl) and matured into Changing Woman, a central deity who represents the cycles of life, the seasons, and the earth itself. She later gives birth to the Hero Twins, Monster Slayer (Naayééʼ Neizghání) and Child of the Water (Tóbájíshchíní), who defeat the monsters plaguing the Navajo people. Changing Woman eventually departs to live in the west, where she resides in a floating house made of turquoise and abalone, creating the season

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