Uktena: The Horned Serpent (Cherokee)
Uktena is a massive horned serpent covered in shining scales, with a single blazing crystal in its forehead that grants supernatural vision. The first Uktena was once a man who attempted to kill the sun. He failed and was transformed into the monstrous serpent as punishment. Uktena dwells in deep rivers, lakes, and under mountains. Its gaze alone can paralyze or kill. Only the bravest medicine men and heroes dare to hunt Uktena, seeking the Ulûñsû'tî, the diamond-like crystal from its forehead, which grants great power to whoever possesses it. The most famous story involves a hunter who stalke