The Tale of Hívo

All hail the Second Eldest, Hívo, God of Clean Water! He's also the god of sheep, cattle, travelers, beer, wine, music, and swimming snakes, so hurray! He also discovered sex, so hurray! Today's His holy day, so take a trip, stay hydrated, be good to your animals, and be like Hívo.





At the beginning of time, the Second Eldest formed gradually, high above the chaotic ocean known as Kérasa, High Goddess of Water. The Second Eldest was Hívo, Who floated in the heavens, covering the earth in optimism and wisdom. He had no body but a cloud of sweet water and goodness.

Far below Hívo, Kérasa was a bitter swirl of acrid waters, Whose attitude on life was a danger to Herself and the universe. Hívo took it upon Himself to save Her. As such, He descended to Kérasa’s ocean and mixed Himself with Her. Hívo’s sweetness canceled Kérasa’s bitterness, and so They both became pure water.

Their mixing was the first physical contact between two beings in the entire universe, and They at once realized how enjoyable it could be. Almost by happenchance, Hívo and Kérasa discovered mating, which He decided was quite marvelous. He immediately set about mating with Kérasa again and again.

Soon thereafter, Kérasa gave birth to Kara, Goddess of Soil. Up through the ocean surface rose the earth, forming continents and islands. Kara took the form of a giant octopus with jointed legs and set up home in a burrow on the new land. Hívo, Who had grown a bit tired of mating with Kérasa, took up the form of a winged sealion and flew to Kara’s burrow. The water god showed the earth goddess how wonderful mating could be, and They repeated the act numerous times.

In due time, Kara gave birth to Sorosotuzho, God of the Atmosphere, Who flew off into the sky. Hívo and Kara continued to mate, whereupon Kara gave birth to cattle. The cows grazed the land, free to roam under Hívo’s watchful eye. After more mating, Kara gave birth to sheep, who joined the cattle on Kara’s fertile fields. Hívo and Kara proceeded to further mate, as a result of which Kara gave birth to the first human beings. Like the cattle and sheep before them, we human beings are well treated by Hívo.

Meanwhile, both Sorosotuzho and Kérasa were growing weary and a tad bit jealous of the constant mating between the other two gods. The water goddess and air god did not, however, wish to spend much time with each other. They therefore briefly joined forces to tear Kara and Hívo apart. This They did successfully, and the two pairs went Their separate ways. Sorosotuzho began mating with Kara in Her burrow while Kérasa took Hívo back to the ocean.

Hívo could not stop mating, since it was so much fun, and therefore He resumed mating with Kérasa. She soon gave birth to Sívorí, Goddess of Stars, and Néhété, God of Pestilence and Smoke. The two new gods wafted up into the sky. Meanwhile, on land, Kara gave birth to several gods fathered by Sorosotuzho, chief among Them Zhaké, God of Rivers.

Before They realized it, Hívo and Kérasa were completely surrounded by so many gods, human beings, and animals, all of who were quite noisy, that the Eldest and Second Eldest could hardly think. Kérasa, especially, wandered further and further away from sanity. Her peace and quiet had been destroyed. There were too many voices!

Hívo thus decided to follow the only honorable course of action. In order to protect the Eldest, His friend and paramount paramour, Hívo declared war on the younger gods. Since this was the first war in the universe, the concept was still quite new. In short, Hívo announced that He wanted to destroy the new gods and remove Them from existence, then He promptly set about attacking Them.

Hívo fought gallantly to protect Kérasa, but the younger gods proved too much for Him. While Hívo was able to defeat and destroy numerous gods Who for obvious reasons are no longer worshipped, He was bested by His grandson Zhaké. The river god imprisoned Hívo deep under the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Farasa. Hívo was locked in by the seemingly impenetrable rock. He was distraught at His failure, but He knew He had done His best for Kérasa.

Whilst Hívo was thus imprisoned, Kérasa did indeed go insane, exactly as He had feared. She formed the body of a hundred-headed dragon with serpent fangs, scorpion claws, and an eel’s tail and lashed out at the noisy, younger gods. Without reasoning, for She was insane, Kérasa lasted a shorter time than did Hívo. The gods killed Her, chopped Her body to bits, and took over control of the universe.

Many years passed. Hívo returned to His pure water physicality and gradually seeped through the mountain rock. Unbeknownst to His captor, Zhaké, Hívo was escaping. Only water can penetrate rock; Hívo took advantage of this. After numerous great cycles, Hívo sprang forth from the slopes of Mount Farasa, only to find a much more crowded world than the one He had last seen. Human beings and their civilization were everywhere; gods and demigods lived finely, worshipped by the human beings. The most surprising discovery of all, however, was a mellow and sane Kérasa living atop the mountain. Overcome with joy, Hívo flew up to His ancient lover, Who greeted Him with similar affection. They mated and produced the swimming snakes.

To this new world, Hívo had to adjust. With Mount Farasa as His home, He resumed floating wide above the world, spreading optimistic goodness to all beings below. Human beings were His children, so He declared that He must care for them. When some human beings set out on a journey, Hívo made sure to accommodate them with swift travel and clean water to drink on their route. He brought forth springs from the ground, channeled clean water into streams and lakes, and coaxed rain from the sky, all for the travelers’ needs.

In some regions, however, no moisture was to be found, or what water there was quickly became contaminated by Néhété and Hívo’s granddaughter Ríhíví, Goddess of Poisonous Water. Hívo thus created a beverage that would remain unspoiled for long journeys, thanks to its alcoholic content. He named it beer, although human beings quickly took a liking to it and produced numerous varieties with varying names. In southern regions, where the barley and hops didn’t grow as well, Hívo invented wine, so all could have safe and hydrated travels.

Due to His unmatched speed, Hívo amused Himself by delivering messages for the other gods. While He still did not enjoy Their company, Hívo considered Them to be His children, and thus needing of His help. Plus, He derived pleasure from flying faster than any of the uppity younger gods.

One of the youngest gods, Who was quite arrogant and egotistical, was Píríuso, God of the Sun. While the sun god spent most of His time driving His golden chariot across the sky, He professed to be the best at everything He could think of, whether it be pottery or archery or animal husbandry. Píríuso owned a herd of cattle that He neglected, too busy as He was with boasting. Hívo, as the father of sheep and cattle, knew He had to help His children.

One night, while Píríuso was absent from the land, Hívo snuck up to the sun god’s herd and led the cattle to a nearby cave occupied solely by a tortoise, which immediately hid in its shell. Hívo fed and watered the cattle well, but the caretaking was unfortunately too late for one of the cows. She died shortly after arriving at the cave. While He waited for Píríuso to arrive, Hívo butchered the cow and began the curing process. After killing the tortoise and eating its meat, Hívo stretched the cow’s intestines across the shell’s opening and began plucking the taut lines. Hívo thus created the lyre and a new form of music.

The next morning, when Píríuso rose in the east, He noticed His herd missing and immediately set about looking for it. By the afternoon, the sun god discovered cattle tracks leading to the cave, where He found Hívo standing firmly in front of the herd, plucking a jaunty melody on the lyre.

Píríuso exploded in rage. He screamed at Hívo to get out of His way and give Him the cattle back. Píríuso stormed back and forth, waving His arms, stomping His feet, yelling the whole while. Hívo, for His part, calmly chided the sun god for neglecting the animals in His care. As Píríuso shook His fist at the water god, Hívo explained that all cattle were His children, much as all the gods, sheep, human beings, and swimming snakes were His children. As such, it was Hívo’s responsibility to make sure that all His children treated each other with respect as they deserved.

The sun god complained that He was very busy and He looked after His cattle the best He could, but He couldn’t be a full-time herder because His primary responsibility was to the sun. Hívo shook His head and waggled a wingtip in Píríuso’s direction. The water god suggested that if Píríuso were stretched too thin, He should hand off some of His duties so everything would be attended properly.

Flustered, Píríuso stammered nonsense, then meekly nodded. At that, Hívo stepped aside and let the cattle and their master reunite, because it was, of course, the honorable course of action. He meanwhile gave Píríuso one last reminder to do what was best for the cattle.

While Píríuso promised the cattle He would always tend to their needs, Hívo resumed playing His new musical instrument. When the sun god heard the dulcet sounds, He was amazed and asked to give the lyre a try. Amicably, Hívo handed the tortoise-shell instrument to Píríuso and showed Him how the different strings produced different notes. The sun god marveled at its sound. With help from Hívo, Píríuso was eventually able to produce a melody. Seeing how much Píríuso enjoyed the lyre, the water god offered it to Him. Píríuso gladly accepted, then wandered back to His chariot, strumming the strings the whole way.

After heaving a sigh, Hívo led the sun god’s cattle out to their graze lands. Seeing that the herd was in good condition for the moment, Hívo returned to His home on Mount Farasa, knowing that He would have to return often for the cattle’s care. High atop the peak, Hívo and Kérasa mated several times, then the water god spread out over the land, blanketing the world in goodness and joy.

Far below, we human beings soak up Hívo’s goodness, drink His water and beer, and are blessed by His attention. Hívo is our father; we must honor Him as such. He takes care of us and does what is honorable in each and every situation, whether it’s for Kérasa, for cattle, or for ungrateful gods. We must also take the honorable course of action at all times, even if it is to the benefit of someone with whom we disagree. To be honorable and wise is to share traits with Hívo, and this should be the goal of everyone, for to be exactly like Hívo would be the greatest joy in life.

Washington State Route 194

The highest-numbered state highway in Washington that does not connect to any lower-numbered state highways is State Route 194, which only connects to US 195.

Just so you know.

Bill of Rights [Revised]

Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

Any further edits?

Happy Independence Day (Observed)!

And have a wonderful Independence Day tomorrow, too!

In the Wilds of Kittitas County

Go to Google Maps and take a wander down I-82. A bit spooky. . .

A Bit Full

I just ate two pounds of homemade pork dumplings.

Yum!

This Month's Photo of Chunlin

My calendar at work now has this fun-times photo facing out at me. We were on a motorboat ferrying us across Echo Lakes to the start of our backpacking trip a year ago down in Tahoe.

Happy Anniversary, Chunlin!

Two wonderful years of marriage!



I love you, Chunlin!
You are my queen
Do you know what I mean?
I love you, Chunlin!

For George's Privacy

Google Streetview's facial recognition software blurred out George Washington's silhouette on the SR 599 road sign!

. . . And just so you know, this is where the short freeway suddenly changes numbers crossing International Boulevard in Tukwila. (We drove home this way last night because there was an accident on I-5 just north of the I-5/599 junction that didn't clear out till 11:30, according to WSDOT's traffic archive.)

The Coup Was Not a Coup

The Honduran president was arrested on court order for breaking the law. I am glad that the rule of law prevailed and one of our southern neighbors did not delve into tyranny.

Too Many Mosquitos!!

We took a hike yesterday to Merritt Lake, out past Stevens Pass.

While going up the steep hill, Chunlin asked, "Why do we do this to ourselves?"


While running away from the horde of mosquitos at the lake, I asked, "Why do we do this to ourselves?"


I had expected a pleasant, relaxing lunch and swim at the lake, but it wasn't to be. We only spent about enough time at the lake for me to take three photographs and get out a sandwich to eat while hiking back down the trail. We did pause at a viewpoint about halfway down, however. The mosquitos found us there, too, but there weren't as many.


A word of warning: Don't venture above 4,000' or you won't want to sit, stop walking, or even slow down in the slightest in fear of the massive swarms of hungry biters!

The Tale of Píríuso

Today is the Holy Day of Píríuso, the Eye of the Sun, the Radiant One, the most beautiful and glorious god of Them all.

Praise be to Him!





Look up during the day and you shall see glorious Píríuso high above, guiding the sun across the sky in His golden-winged chariot. Do not stare at the sun, or you will be blinded by Píríuso’s magnificent beauty. If you listen carefully, however, you can hear the handsome sun god singing and playing His harp in a most melodious and perfect way. The most splendid Píríuso is the greatest musician of all time, as well as the supreme master of poetry, healing, archery, painting, plowing, and an endless variety of other skills. Everybody loves Píríuso, for He is perfect in every way.

When Píríuso first ascended into the sky, carrying the sun in His golden chariot, it was a wonderful day for everyone in the universe. He brought light to all the world, letting everyone bask in His magnificence. Along with Him in the chariot rode His pet beetle, a junebug, who flew around the sun god, keeping Him company.

While riding across the sky, marvelous Píríuso watched the birds flit to and fro, and decided to hone His archery skills. He took aim at a passing swan and loosed an arrow. The first shot pierced the bird, whereupon the swan was so grateful to be Píríuso’s target that it flew to His chariot before dying. Thus the Radiant One retrieved the bird as well as His arrow. Píríuso then cooked the swan by holding it close to the sun for a few moments. As the day progressed, marvelous Píríuso continued His archery practice in this manner.

In the evening, glorious Píríuso guided the sun down over the western horizon, straight into the mouth of ancient and beautiful Rana, Goddess of Clouds, Who lay in waiting. Píríuso’s junebug flittered with terror, but Píríuso did not hesitate or retreat. As darkness overcame the world behind Him, brilliant Píríuso charged ahead into Rana’s innards. Rana was one of the old gods, Who did not appreciate the superb brightness that Píríuso brought to the world, and thus She wanted to stop Him.

Lit by the sun on Píríuso’s chariot, Rana’s insides were a series of moist, reddish tunnels. Píríuso guided His horses down the largest path, which after an hour abruptly ended at a giant gate. He tugged on the reins just as a five-headed demon materialized from a hole in the tunnel floor. The demon roared at the golden god and charged. With divine deftness, Píríuso leveled His bow and shot the demon with an arrow through its chest. Píríuso’s junebug fluttered his wings with excitement. The Radiant One then rode past the dead demon and opened the gate, exposing more tunnel.

After an hour of riding, Píríuso arrived at another gate, guarded by a fiercer monster, which had claws the length of Píríuso’s legs. The Golden One filled it full of arrows, but the monster did not die, for the arrows did not penetrate deep enough into its thick hide. Enraged, the monster leapt onto Píríuso’s chariot, whereupon the sun god drew His sword and, with His full might, stabbed the beast in its belly. The monster howled in pain, but Píríuso ended that by quickly eviscerated the beast, kicking it to the tunnel floor.

The second gate opened and revealed more tunnels. As the beetle flew cautiously ahead, Píríuso wiped His blade clean and proceeded deeper into Rana’s body. In total, Píríuso defeated fourteen monsters, each successively stronger, and opened fourteen gates, one for each hour of the night. The final gate opened into Rana’s birth canal, so Píríuso led the sun out the passage and into the open, riding His chariot at top speed. Thus a new day began, with glorious Píríuso rising higher and higher into the sky above the eastern horizon.

The next evening, after the other gods had heard of His adventure, many wanted to join Him on his nighttime ride through the gates. Zhoro, God of Heat, was the first to accompany the sun god, fighting mightily at His side. To this day, Zhoro still joins magnificent Píríuso the most often, but others such as Huro, God of Thunder, and Rékaré, God of Rock, also test Their mettle often against the demons of Rana’s innards. Píríuso’s junebug always joins Them, cheering Their accomplishments with a fluttering of his iridescent wings.

During the day, as He rode His golden-winged chariot across the sky, Píríuso would play His harp for the enjoyment of His fellow gods, His pet junebug, and everyone far below. With just a few plucks of the strings, the Eye of the Sun could bring tears to your eyes, or lift your spirits to the heavens, or enliven you to action. Everyone agreed that Píríuso was the best musician in all the universe.

While soaring high above the world, Píríuso spotted a young woman far below who took His breath away. Leaving the chariot and the sun in the care of Zhoro and the junebug, Píríuso descended to the earth and introduced Himself. The beautiful woman was at once enamored by the Radiant One, for He was handsome, virile, and strong; many women desired Him, yet He had been waiting the day He met His true love. For magnificent Píríuso, that day had come. Her name was Kohívísí and she was the daughter of the King of Volosího. Kohívísí fell into His arms and their romance began.

Quite often, He would take Kohívísí in His chariot during the day, dropping her off in Volosího before descending into Rana’s mouth at sunset. They always had a difficult time separating, but they knew it was safer that way, for He had demons to fight. The King of Volosího did not like his daughter being away from home so often, but agreed that a god such as Píríuso would be a most wonderful son-in-law. The golden god and the young maiden became engaged to be wed and so their splendid romance continued.

Around the same time, in a forest far away from Volosího, a Séhala demigod named Narasíhoso discovered a flute which Vítí, Goddess of Ice, had discarded. Narasíhoso learned to play the flute and became quite proficient. All the Séhala demigods and demigoddesses loved to listen to Narasíhoso play by Their bonfire, and They complimented Him extensively. Since Narasíhoso was, by nature, vain, He soon considered Himself to be the best musician in the universe.

Glorious Píríuso knew Himself to be the best, so He didn’t pay much heed to Narasíhoso’s boastings. Narasíhoso the Séhala, on the other hand, felt the need to prove Himself. The demigod challenged magnificent Píríuso to a musical duel. They would each play one song on the instrument of Their choice, to be judged by an array of goddesses. The loser would be at the complete mercy of the winner.

Unable to deny a challenge, even though He knew He would win, Píríuso accepted the contest as described by Narasíhoso. The Radiant One handed over the chariot’s reins to Zhoro and descended to the earth for the competition. In a large, grassy valley, countless gods and demigods encircled the stage built for this purpose. Seated to one side of the stage were Kara, Goddess of Soil -- an ancient mother Who resembled a jointed octopus; Rívorí, Goddess of Wildfire -- a quick-tempered warrior with red skin; Hívuítoví, Goddess of Rain -- a winged beauty with great foresight; and Tarénara, Goddess of Hunting -- the sister of Píríuso and Lady of the Moon. Tarénara tended to despise men and all they did, so having to choose between two would be especially difficult for Her. Beautiful mortal Kohívísí sat quietly at the edge of the stage, quite impressed and overwhelmed by the crowd of divinity.

Narasíhoso was the first to play. He lifted His flute and the assemblage quieted. Softly, a melody crept through the valley. As the notes soared higher, dancing an intricate line, the hearts of everyone in the crowd soared with them. Narasíhoso swayed back and forth as He played, His eyes closed. All the gods and demigods were enthralled. When His song ended, everyone was still in reverie, letting the final hint of a glimmer of a note fade out on the wind. At last, they erupted in applause and cheering, for they had never heard such beautiful flustistry. The goddess judges, however, remained subdued, reserving Themselves until They had heard both songs.

Píríuso stepped to the center of the stage with His golden harp and the crowd grew silent once more. He gave a slight bow to the judges, then began to play. Immediately, the audience became enraptured in His music. To put it shortly, Píríuso’s song was much better than Narasíhoso’s. Píríuso was, after all, a god and the best musician in the universe. Narasíhoso never stood a chance. When Píríuso finished, holding the harp aloft in one hand to let the final notes reverberate across the land, He gave a deep bow and the audience applauded and cheered for an hour straight. Kohívísí ran to His side and He gave her a marvelous kiss which only caused the audience to cheer more wildly.

At length, after the assembled gods and demigods quieted down, the goddess judges gave Their pronouncements. Kara, the mother goddess, stood high on Her eight legs and declared Her vote for the sun god. Next, Rívorí whipped out Her sword, stabbed it at the sky, and exclaimed Píríuso’s name. The rain goddess, Hívuítoví, deferred to Tarénara, letting Her speak ahead of Her. The Lady of the Moon thanked Hívuítoví and took a step forward. She sneered at each of the men in turn, unable to see past Their sex to Their skill. After a moment of collective breath-holding, She cast Her vote for the Séhala flutist. Narasíhoso grinned. Tarénara turned up Her nose in disgust.

The winged rain goddess took center stage and without much ado, She proclaimed the winner to be the Radiant One, the Eye of the Sun, glorious Píríuso. All the gods and demigods, goddesses and demigoddesses in the valley -- excepting Tarénara and the Séhalas -- burst into applause that lasted another hour. During the cheering, Narasíhoso walked meekly to Píríuso, since He was now, by His own rules, at the sun god’s mercy. To punish the demigod for His insolence and vanity, Píríuso declared that Narasíhoso should be flayed alive. The red Rívorí was more than eager to help and started the task promptly, right on stage.

Narasíhoso stood upright through the flaying, not flinching in the slightest as His skin was removed. His tears, however, flowed freely. Mixed with His streaming blood, the tears formed a river that surged down the valley toward the sea. To this day, that river remains, running red for the length of its course. Narasíhoso’s fellow Séhalas named the river in His honor and visit its headwaters once a year to pay homage at the site where His body was returned to the earth.

The day after the contest, Tarénara and Rana discussed Píríuso in most conspiratorial tones. Neither appreciated His talents and both had a desire to hurt Him dearly. Before sunset, They decided on a course of action that would indeed cause Píríuso harm and change His fate inexorably. Beyond Rana’s desire for a lack of sunshine, She also thought Herself quite attractive and thus was unable to understand why Píríuso would desire a mortal woman ahead of Her. Instead of making the sun god fall in love with Her, however, that night while Píríuso was fighting monsters inside Her, Rana cast a spell upon Him so that He could only love the sister of His betrothed Kohívísí, whose name was Rokuhurí.

The Radiant One sadly didn’t even notice the enchantment. When He arose newborn in the morning, He knew He loved Rokuhurí and had always loved Rokuhurí. It confused Him that He was engaged to marry her sister, Kohívísí, and He knew that He shouldn’t hurt Kohívísí’s feelings by abruptly abandoning her in favor of Rokuhurí, plus it would also draw the ire of their father. Despite all this, glorious Píríuso was overwhelmingly attracted to Rokuhurí. That day, He visited Rokuhurí in secret and thus began their love affair. Rokuhurí needed no enchantment to love the sun god, for He was most beautiful and accomplished.

Soon thereafter, Kohívísí happened across Rokuhurí sneaking out of her room late at night and decided to follow her. Much to Kohívísí’s astonishment, Rokuhurí scurried across the gardens into the arms of Píríuso, Whom Kohívísí loved dearly and had still assumed was hers and hers alone. Rage overcame Kohívísí, rage directed at her sister. While the enchanted sun god and Rokuhurí stole away into the night, Kohívísí stormed into her father’s bedchamber and told the king that Rokuhurí had stolen Píríuso from her.

The King of Volosího could not stand to see his daughter’s divine betrothal ruined by the adulterous Rokuhurí. When Rokuhurí returned to her bedchamber early the next morning, she was greeted by seven guards, who promptly seized her. As the sun rose in the eastern sky, the King of Volosího presided over the live burial of his daughter. All who watched knew her sin and knew the punishment was just. Deep under the rocks and soil, Rokuhurí died.

Kohívísí was saddened by the death of her sister and her own involvement in it, but that sadness was overwhelmed by the joy of having Píríuso all to herself once more. She called out to Píríuso in His chariot high above, waving her arms to get His attention, but He remained aloft. Thanks to Rana’s enchantment, Píríuso still loved Rokuhurí dearly and could not forgive Kohívísí for having her killed. Steadfastly He rode His golden-winged chariot across the sky to the western horizon.

The next day, Kohívísí still stood in the same spot, gazing longingly toward the sun and her one true love. Píríuso passed slowly overhead, not wavering in the slightest. Kohívísí watched Him the whole day, and the next day, and the next. Despite the requests of her father, Kohívísí would not drink any water nor eat any food. She had nothing on her mind but magnificent Píríuso. In time, the king accepted his daughter’s fate and no longer bothered her. Without nourishment, her body shriveled, and yet she continued to stand tall. Before long, Kohívísí’s clothes fell away from the exposure to sun and wind and rain, and yet she remained staring wistfully at Píríuso. Naked to the hot rays of the sun, her skin turned yellow and brown, except her hands, which turned green and multiplied. Searching for water, her toes extended into the soil, forming deep roots. One day, it was apparent to all that Kohívísí was a sunflower, forever watching the Radiant One flying across the sky, forever wishing to be with Him.

In His chariot, to this day, the Eye of the Sun still longs for Rokuhurí. Many women have chased Him, but He will never love another. Powerful Píríuso continues to fight Rana’s monsters with vigor and passion; He plays marvelous music to which His pet junebug dances in the sky; He practices His healing, painting, and archery with amazing skill; and yet it shall never be that glorious Píríuso will truly love again.

The Tale of Hérazhahívo

Glory be to the Dawn-Bringer, for He is so great, granting us with beautiful sunrises! Glory be to the Sower, for He is so virile, spreading His seed over all He sees! Glory be to Hérazhahívo, God of Humidity and the Dawn! Today is His holy day and we must all honor Him!

Since it's His holy day, He's probably feeling a bit friskier than normal; young women should not go out alone. . .





When Sívorí, Goddess of Stars, gave birth to Hérazhahívo, She took one look at His lion-headed, yellow-skinned alligator body and tossed Him out of Her home in disgust. Sívorí’s husband Néhété, God of Smoke, chastised Her, for She had the body of a human being and the head of a black heron, while Néhété Himself had the head of a fly and the body of a rat, so Who was She to complain? Unpersuaded, Sívorí stormed off and danced by Herself in a distant corner of the universe.

Needing a good home for His newborn son, Néhété took Hérazhahívo to a group of demigods and demigoddesses known as the Séhalas, Who lived deep in the forest. Many of the Séhalas had hind legs and horns like goats, so They knew much about nature and the ways of the universe. The Séhalas gladly accepted the responsibility of raising Hérazhahívo and assured Néhété that They would teach Him well.

The Séhalas did indeed care well for Hérazhahívo and teach Him all the knowledge They had to give. When He became old enough, They welcomed Hérazhahívo to Their nightly festivities, which often transformed into orgies deep into the dark hours. Despite all the sexual energy around Him, Hérazhahívo discovered that He could not get aroused. Numerous Séhala demigoddesses were sorely disappointed. Hérazhahívo also was disappointed, and so He sat at the edge of the forest clearing, glumly watching the fun.

Oftentimes, other gods would be invited to join the merriment. In this way, Hérazhahívo met Píríuso, God of the Sun. Late into the night, the golden sun god staggered away from the orgy and collapsed near Hérazhahívo. Despite Píríuso being sexually drained, as well as drunk, the two gods had a lengthy conversation about items sundry, including Píríuso’s duties as the sun god. Eventually, Hérazhahívo realized that the sun should have risen already, and yet the sky was black. He told this to Píríuso, Who immediately jerked awake, frantically searching around and about the orgiastic Séhalas for all His clothing and belongs.

Thinking quickly, Hérazhahívo raced a Séhala chariot ahead of Píríuso to the sun god’s stables far beyond the Eastern Ocean. Once there, Hérazhahívo threw open the gates to the sky, making way for Píríuso’s golden chariot. While Píríuso hastily assembled His team of horses for the daily journey, Hérazhahívo grabbed a fistful of fire from a nearby hearth and, grabbing a passing seagull, rose up from the ocean to shed light on the world’s new day. Shortly after Hérazhahívo’s dawn, Píríuso pulled the sun above the horizon, starting the day with brilliant rays of pure sunlight.

Píríuso thanked His new friend as He rode by. From that day forward, Hérazhahívo would open the gates for the sun god and announce His imminent arrival by carrying the first rosy reaches of light into the morning sky. To aid His lofty flight, Hérazhahívo grew a giant pair of wings with pure white feathers. Each dawn, Hérazhahívo floats above us, granting the day’s first light to all.

In the evenings, Hérazhahívo would return to the Séhalas, for They were His true family, but He remained morose during Their festivities, since He was still inadequately virile. One day, though, Hérazhahívo spied a young mortal woman walking through the woods. He instantly fell in love. He approached Her and asked her name, to which she introduced herself as Tíhutozhí. He told her His name with a most chivalrous greeting, to which Tíhutozhí flashed a beautiful smile. Instantly, Hérazhahívo’s manhood enlarged to magnificent proportions, nearly hitting the young woman in the face. Tíhutozhí shrieked and ran away.

Quite distraught and apologetic, Hérazhahívo called out to Tíhutozhí and started to chase after her. Unfortunately, with His enormous phallus, Hérazhahívo could hardly move. Tíhutozhí disappeared from His sight, hidden by the trees. Several Séhalas heard Hérazhahívo’s cries and came running to aid Him, but when They saw His gigantic manhood, even the sexually experienced demigoddesses fled in fright, too. The Séhala demigods chased after Their female counterparts, hungry with lust.

All alone in the forest, with only His immobilizing phallus for company, Hérazhahívo roared in distress. He had found His one true love, but had scared her away. Worse still, sunrise was approaching and He wouldn’t be able to get to Píríuso’s stables in time to start the dawn. Hérazhahívo strained and strained, flapping His wings, trying to get off the ground, but His feet remained stubbornly stuck to the forest floor. His phallus was too heavy.

Abruptly, Hérazhahívo separated into two bodies: one with a lion’s head, yellow alligator body, and enormous manhood; and one with white wings and a more elegant form, draped in a saffron robe. Being a god, He was quickly able to handle being two places at once. While His phallus-laden body waddled back toward the Séhala camp, His winged form flew on the pre-dawn breeze across the Eastern Ocean. He opened Píríuso’s gate with His new, rosy-tipped fingers and carried the dawn high into the sky, announcing to all the world the approaching sun god.

After the sun rose, Hérazhahívo flew across the land in search of Tíhutozhí. He was aching to find His one true love, but she was nowhere to be seen. Becoming increasingly crazed by His new sexual energy, Hérazhahívo resorted to snatching up other young women in the forest and fields and bringing them to His land-bound body. The same thing happened every time, however: as soon as a woman got within sight of His gargantuan phallus, she’d scream uncontrollably and run as fast as she could away from Him. Only through physical force with both His bodies could Hérazhahívo keep a woman near Him long enough to satisfy His vast desire. Sadly, once He let go, no amount of persuasion would get a woman to stay.

With a lion’s roar of agony, Hérazhahívo began to cry. He cried until His lion eyes ran out of tears, and then He cried from His winged body’s eyes. As He climbed into the sky the next morning, Hérazhahívo’s tears spread across the land, covering the world in its morning dew. To this day, He continues to cry, and so the dew falls.

One morning as He flew above the world, Hérazhahívo spotted Tíhutozhí. He blinked the tears from His eyes, not believing what He saw, but it was her. He flew down and, before He introduced Himself again, she said His name, recognizing Him. She said she regretted running away and that she loved Him dearly. There was one problem, however: Tíhutozhí was mortal and thus would die long before Hérazhahívo. Hérazhahívo did not have the power to make her immortal, and so He asked Sozho, High God of Air and King of the Gods, for help. Sozho granted their wish, for He recognized true love, and gave Tíhutozhí the gift of everlasting life. Hérazhahívo and Tíhutozhí thanked Sozho profusely and never left each other’s side -- Tíhutozhí even became used to the sight of Hérazhahívo’s huge manhood.

Several years later, They noticed a problem: while Tíhutozhí wasn’t dying, She was still aging. Her skin sagged and wrinkled; Her frame stooped; Her hair turned white and thin. Hérazhahívo flew to Sozho and demanded answers. Sozho reminded Him that He had asked for eternal life, not eternal youth. Frustrated, Hérazhahívo transformed Tíhutozhí into a cicada so She would never have to be old and frail. In Her insect form, Tíhutozhí sticks to Hérazhahívo’s immobile body, forever together, forever in love.

Nevertheless, the loss of Tíhutozhí’s youth and beauty caused Hérazhahívo to cry even harder than before. His tears brought moisture to the air, keeping all the land He visited fresh and fertile. When the cicada Tíhutozhí fluttered Her legs on His phallus, Hérazhahívo spread His seed upon the land, making the crops fruitful. With Him, the harvest was bountiful. In the land He avoided, there was no harvest to speak of.

Hérazhahívo frequented the kingdom of Rénaka, and their crops were plentiful. His sister Rakazhazhíní, Goddess of Clean Air, did not appreciate the attention that Hérazhahívo was generating there, however. In retaliation, She soaked up His tears and seed with Her swan feathers and, having no comparable phallic fluids, tried to replace them with merely lachrymal offerings of Her own making. Sadly, She was unable to provide adequately, but sopped up Hérazhahívo’s gifts nevertheless. The kingdom of Rénaka suffered drought and famine like never before.

Hérazhahívo roared His disapproval and left Rénaka for the nearby island of Nésíkozho, which became fertile under His care. The king of Rénaka led His people to Nésíkozho, where they prospered. The few who remained behind in Rénaka under Rakazhazhíní’s care starved and perished. All the Nésíkozhoans praised and honored Hérazhahívo for His beneficence.

We should all praise and honor Hérazhahívo. He gives us the moisture and fertility that we need to survive. He brings us the beautiful light of dawn, announcing the coming day. Every harvest we reap, we must honor the Sower with gifts from the bounty. Every morning we rise, we must praise the Dawn-Bringer for another glorious day of life. But beware where you stray, for a wandering woman may attract His boundless desire and never again see her home and family!