The Navajo creation story unfolds across four underworlds, each a dark, cramped place that the Holy People and the first humans must leave behind to reach this world, the fifth. The journey is not a single event but a series of emergences, each marked by conflict, cleansing, and the acquisition of new knowledge and ceremonies.
The First World: Black World
The first world, called Black World (or Nihodilhil), was a dark, small place floating in a black ocean. The first beings were the Holy People, including the insect-like Air People (such as Black Bugs, White Bugs, and Yellow Bugs) and the four directional guardians: White Body (east), Blue Body (south), Yellow Body (west), and Black Body (north). These beings lived in harmony for a time, but eventually quarrels arose—often over the possession of a turquoise or a white bead—and the peace was broken. The leaders decided they could no longer live together, so they fled upward to the second world.
The Second World: Blue World
The second world, Blue World (Nihodootlʼizh), was a blue expanse with blue mountains and blue birds. The insect people settled there, but again discord followed. The Swallow People, who already lived there, resented the newcomers. A dispute over a water jar escalated into a full conflict. The Holy People, realizing they could not stay, sought a way out. They found a reed growing upward and, with the help of the Wind, climbed into the third world.
The Third World: Yellow World
The third world, Yellow World (Nihaltso), was a land of yellow plains and two rivers that crossed, forming a cross. Here the insect people transformed into more human-like beings. They built a hogan and lived by planting corn, beans, and squash. But they also faced a great flood, sent by the water monster Tééhoołtsódii, after the trickster Coyote stole two of the monster’s children. The people fled to a great mountain, but the water kept rising. They planted a giant reed (the same reed used before) and climbed inside, carrying with them a pouch of sacred soil, a staff, and other ceremonial items. As they climbed, the water followed, so they sang songs and placed the soil and staff to stop it. They emerged into the fourth world, but not before Coyote, in his mischief, caused the reed to be damaged, leaving the world behind them flooded.
The Fourth World: White World (or Glittering World)
The fourth world, often called White World or Glittering World (Nihalgai or Nihookááʼ), is the world we live in today. It was not yet fully formed; it was a dark, small place with no sun or moon. The Holy People created the sun, moon, stars, and the four sacred mountains—Blanca Peak (east), Mount Taylor (south), San Francisco Peaks (west), and Hesperus Mountain (north)—to mark the boundaries of Dinétah, the traditional Navajo homeland. They also placed the first man and first woman here, along with the plants and animals. But the first humans were not perfect; they committed adultery and other wrongs, which caused the Holy People to leave. The people then had to learn to live without the Holy People, relying on the ceremonies and knowledge they had brought with them. This is why the Navajo today perform the Blessingway and other rites—to restore harmony (hózhó) and maintain balance.
Key Figures and Symbols
- First Man (Áłtsé Hastiin) and First Woman (Áłtsé Asdzą́ą́) were created in the fourth world from ears of white and yellow corn, respectively, and were given life by the Wind.
- Coyote (Mąʼii) is a trickster and a Holy Person. He causes chaos, steals the water monster’s children, and scatters the stars, but he also brings important teachings and is part of the creation.
- The Holy People (Diyin Dinéʼé) are the supernatural beings who created and shaped the worlds. They include Changing Woman, the Sun, Moon, and the four directional guardians.
- The four sacred mountains are more than landmarks; they are the pillars of the Navajo world and are associated with specific colors, directions, and Holy People.
- The reed (or the hollow stalk) serves as the passage between worlds. It is a symbol of growth and connection between the underworlds and the present.
How the Story Is Told and Used
The creation story is not a single fixed narrative but a collection of stories that vary by region, family, and ceremony. It is traditionally told during the winter months (from the first frost to the last) when the snakes and other creatures are dormant. The story is used in healing ceremonies, such as the Blessingway, to restore balance and harmony. It is also a foundation for Navajo identity, explaining the origins of the people, their land, and their relationship with the Holy People. The story is not written down in a single authoritative text; it is passed orally, and each telling may emphasize different aspects depending on the purpose.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that the fourth world is the final world. In fact, the Navajo believe we are in the fifth world, the Glittering World, which is the fourth world they emerged into. The confusion arises because some versions call the fourth world the “Glittering World” and then describe a fifth world that is the current one. Another misconception is that the creation story is a literal account of prehistoric events. For many Navajo, the story is a sacred truth that explains the spiritual and moral order of the universe, not a scientific explanation. It is also important to note that the story is not a single, monolithic narrative; it is a living tradition with many variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many worlds are there in the Navajo creation story?
There are four underworlds and the present world, making five worlds in total. The first four are the Black, Blue, Yellow, and White (or Glittering) worlds. The present world is the fifth, but it is often called the Glittering World, which can be confusing. Some versions describe the fourth world as the Glittering World and the fifth as the present one, but the common count is five.
What does the Navajo word for the fourth world mean?
The fourth world is often called Nihalgai, meaning “White World,” or Nihookááʼ, meaning “Glittering World.” The term “Glittering” refers to the light and beauty of the world, which was created by the Holy People. The name reflects the world’s brightness compared to the dark underworlds.
Why did the people leave the first three worlds?
The people left each world because of conflict and disharmony. In the first world, quarrels over possessions led to a split. In the second, a dispute with the Swallow People over water caused a war. In the third, a great flood sent by the water monster forced them to flee. Each departure was a result of broken harmony, which the Navajo seek to restore through ceremonies.
Is the Navajo creation story the same as other Native American creation stories?
No, it is unique to the Navajo, though it shares some elements with other Southwestern tribes, such as the Pueblo peoples, who also have emergence stories. The specifics—the four worlds, the sacred mountains, the role of Coyote—are distinctly Navajo. Each tribe has its own creation narrative that reflects its own culture and environment.
What is the role of Changing Woman in the creation story?
Changing Woman is a central Holy Person in the Navajo pantheon, but she appears more prominently in later stories, such as the creation of the Navajo people and the Hero Twins. In the emergence story, she is not a primary figure, but she is associated with the earth, the seasons, and the renewal of life. She is considered the mother of the Navajo people, as she created the four original clans from her skin.
Can the creation story be read as a metaphor?
Many Navajo and scholars interpret the story as a metaphor for the journey of life, the importance of harmony, and the consequences of wrongdoing. The underworlds represent stages of spiritual development, and the emergence is a rebirth into a world of light and responsibility. However, for traditional Navajo, the story is also a literal account of their origins, and it is not meant to be reduced to a simple metaphor.
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