The Serpent of the Sea (Kolowisi)
A Zuni legend about Kolowisi, the great horned water serpent that lives in the sacred lake. A maiden from Zuni went to the lake and was seen by Kolowisi, who took her as his bride beneath the waters. She lived with the serpent in his underwater home, where there was no light but she was treated well and given abundance. The people mourned her loss and held ceremonies to bring her back. Eventually, Kolowisi allowed her to return to the surface, but she was transformed and carried spiritual power from her time in the serpent's realm. She brought knowledge of healing ceremonies and water-songs ba