The beautiful expanse of North Carolina, teeming with vibrant flora and kissed by the gentle waves of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has been home to the Cherokee people for thousands of years. Rooted in this fertile ground, their history and culture have flourished, giving rise to a rich tapestry of stories, myths, and legends that continue to resonate today. The following section of our magazine is dedicated to sharing some of these captivating Cherokee tales, each offering an intriguing glimpse into the soul of this resilient community.

Before we delve into these stories, let's explore the heritage of the Cherokee in North Carolina, a narrative carved by the rhythm of nature, the echoes of sacred rituals, and the whispers of ancient wisdom passed down through generations.

The Cherokee are part of the Iroquoian language family, and their ancestral homelands encompass a vast region including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Living in harmony with the land, they developed sophisticated agricultural practices, hunted in the abundant forests, and nurtured a vibrant society steeped in spiritual beliefs, art, and political structures.

Their history, however, was marked by struggle and resilience as they faced displacement, most notably during the infamous Trail of Tears in the 19th century. Despite this, the Cherokee endured, with their vibrant culture and traditions surviving and continuing to thrive, particularly in North Carolina's Qualla Boundary, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

The articles that follow in this section draw upon diverse aspects of Cherokee lore, ranging from mysterious creatures to ancient petroglyphs. You'll learn about the Legend of Tsul 'Kalu, a powerful slant-eyed giant, and the tale of Spearfinger, a deceptive figure who held a stone knife as an extension of her hand.

Journey further into the world of Cherokee mythology with the story of the Moon-Eyed People, nocturnal beings believed to have inhabited the region before the Cherokee. The enigmatic Judaculla Rock, a large soapstone boulder etched with prehistoric petroglyphs, and the legend of the six-legged Wampus Cat, also feature in this collection, adding layers of mystery and intrigue.

The Enigmatic Moon Eyed People

Deep within the annals of North Carolina's rich history are countless narratives that weave an intricate tapestry of tales. A particular Cherokee legend has proven enduringly fascinating — that of the enigmatic "Moon-Eyed People."

The Moon Eyed People, according to Cherokee lore, were a unique tribe of diminutive, light-skinned beings that inhabited the Appalachian region before the Cherokee. Their distinctive name is tied to their large, round eyes that were said to be sensitive to sunlight, forcing them to live mostly nocturnally. Shielded by the night and the soft glow of the moon, they went about their lives, seeking refuge from the sun's glare in caves or subterranean dwellings during the day.

These unusual beings were described as bearded men with fair skin, a description that strikingly contrasted with the region's Native American inhabitants. Some tales even suggest that the Moon Eyed People had an advanced society with established infrastructure, laws, and culture.

Among the myriad tales surrounding the Moon Eyed People, one enduring narrative details a confrontation with the Cherokee. It is said that the Cherokee forced these nocturnal inhabitants from their homes in the area of North Carolina's Hiwassee River, pushing them to move westward. Reasons for this forced displacement range from competition for resources to cultural clashes and the difficulties posed by their contrasting lifestyles.

However, not all encounters were marked by conflict. Some Cherokee tales narrate peaceful interactions and intermarriages between the Cherokee and the Moon Eyed People, painting a picture of historical coexistence that experienced both cooperation and confrontation.

A tangible link to the Moon Eyed People legend is found in the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, North Carolina. An ancient stone statue standing two feet tall and featuring large, round eyes believed to be a depiction of two Moon Eyed individuals, serves as a captivating embodiment of this part of Cherokee mythology.

The Wampus Cat

A key character in the rich folklore of western North Carolina, the mysterious Wampus Cat is deeply ingrained in the region's cultural fabric. Deriving from Cherokee mythology and popular in Appalachian narratives, the story of this intriguing creature is a blend of mystique, reverence, and an innate respect for nature.

The Wampus Cat, a large feline with mesmerizing eyes and a distinctive six-legged form, is a fascinating figure in local lore. Its four legs grant remarkable speed, while the other two lend it unmatched combat prowess. Its chilling cry, resembling a woman's scream, makes it both a revered and feared entity.

The origin of the Wampus Cat is intricately linked to Cherokee mythology, and one particularly captivating tale underscores its genesis. Within this legend, a courageous Cherokee woman, driven by curiosity, resolves to witness a sacred ritual that is traditionally reserved solely for the men of her tribe. To achieve this audacious goal, she disguises herself in cougar hide and furtively observes the ceremony. Her intrusion, however, does not go unnoticed. When her violation of this sacred boundary is discovered, she faces a severe punishment that is both poetic and fearsome. She is cursed to eternally wander the Appalachian mountains as the six-legged Wampus Cat, a creature that embodies her courage, her transgression, and her ultimate transformation. Her human attributes meld with those of the cougar, culminating in a fearsome hybrid that is part woman, part cat, forever bound to the wilderness she once called home.

In another version, the creature is the spirit of a warrior's wife, punished for her husband's battlefield cowardice by being transformed into a fearsome feline.

Both interpretations embody themes of violation and punishment, casting the Wampus Cat as a symbol of taboo and divine retribution. The Wampus Cat has permeated modern pop culture, appearing in literature and video games, and even serving as a mascot for local schools. It represents not just a thrilling myth but also provides insight into western North Carolina's zeitgeist.

Fairy Crosses

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian houses a captivating array of artifacts, notably the "fairy crosses"—intriguing crystalline formations of natural staurolite.

These structures, though steeped in legend, are a fascinating blend of aluminum, iron, and silicate. Yet, it's the stirring Cherokee tales surrounding them that truly accentuate their charm. Each narrative involves tears crystallizing into crosses, with differing sources and reasons behind the tears.

One story roots in the European settlers' arrival and their efforts to assimilate Christianity into the Cherokee culture, leading to significant conversions. With the 1821 creation of the Cherokee syllabary by Sequoyah, the Bible was translated, and its crucifixion story deeply moved the Cherokee, prompting, as legend tells, their tears to form fairy crosses.

The second account intertwines with the Cherokee's belief in the "Little People"—tiny, protective spirits that interacted with Cherokee children. Following the tragic Trail of Tears displacement, it's believed these entities remained, their sorrowful tears forming the fairy crosses.

While these stories may not align with scientific interpretations, they add an enchanting dimension to the fairy crosses. These tales underscore the emotional depth and enduring beliefs of the Cherokee, enhancing the mystique of this North Carolina region.

Spearfinger

In a time long erased from historical records, a fearsome entity roamed the Cherokee territories. She was known as Spearfinger, a name derived not from imaginative lore, but from the harsh reality of her existence. As per Cherokee legends, Spearfinger was a sorceress endowed with an eerie gift: she could shapeshift.

Her skin, akin to a stone's rugged facade, was as resilient as the mountains she roamed. Her most chilling feature, however, was a fearsome instrument that replaced a finger on her right hand - a long, razor-sharp spear of glistening obsidian.

Famed for her cunning and deceit, Spearfinger was a grand illusionist. She would transform herself into an elderly woman, an avatar endearing and reassuring to Cherokee children. In her guise, they perceived a warm village matriarch, a figure of trust, wholly unaware of the lurking peril.

Sporting a disconcertingly gentle manner, she'd approach these unsuspecting children, offering to comb their hair, lulling them into a profound, peaceful slumber. But this tranquility was short-lived. Swift and skillful, she'd pierce their skin with her obsidian spear-finger, aiming for their napes or their innocent hearts. From the inflicted injury, she'd adeptly extract their livers, feasting on the purloined organ.

Following numerous tragedies, the tribal leaders convened to bring Spearfinger's reign of terror to a halt. In the autumn season, when the Cherokee burnt the undergrowth for chestnut harvest, they laid a trap. A large pit was artfully camouflaged with straw, with the hope that the harvest fires would entice Spearfinger into it. True to their expectations, she fell into the trap, morphing into her true stony form in her fury. The warriors' weapons proved futile against her rigid exterior, shattering upon impact. Spearfinger retaliated with vicious force, leading many brave warriors to a grisly fate.

Just as all seemed lost, a tiny bird, a tufted titmouse, descended, singing a melody, urging the men to target her heart. Despite their efforts, they could only elicit laughter from Spearfinger.

The warriors, in frustration, reproached the bird, accusing it of deceit and severed its tongue.

The struggle against Spearfinger continued. Then, a Chickadee materialized, darting under Spearfinger's raised arm and soaring upwards. This movement caused her arm to elevate, unveiling her heart, concealed within her hand's palm. Directed by the Chickadee's song, the warriors pierced her heart with their arrows (since the Chickadee's assistance, the bird has been known as the "truth teller" and seen as a positive omen when perching near a home indicating the safe return of an absent man).

Spearfinger succumbed, her body crashing to the ground with such vigor that her stone form crumbled, becoming an integral part of the mountain. The stone bridge she erected also shattered, its remnants still evident at Whiteside Mountain's base.

Even today, as you navigate the mountain's rugged contours, you may notice flies buzzing around rocks cloaked in lichen. They stand as a stark reminder of the ancient terror that once was Spearfinger.

Little People

The enigmatic 'Little People' or Yunwi Tsunsdi, hold a unique place of intrigue among the Cherokee. These beings, straddling the divide between the tangible and ethereal, are believed to personify a multitude of traits – from mischievous pranksters to helpful companions. Their vibrant personalities are as diverse as the tales they inhabit. However, the perception of the Little People isn't uniform and varies across tribes, individuals, and generations.

Renowned ethnographer James Mooney, in his work "Myths of the Cherokee," describes the Little People as barely reaching a man's knee in height, their diminutive stature starkly contrasting with their beautifully formed bodies and long hair, flowing almost to the ground. His depiction, drawn from the wealth of Cherokee tradition, offers a peek into the fascinating universe these beings inhabit.

Some controversial and unverifiable evidence purports to validate their physical existence. An interesting incident revolves around a Choctaw medicine man named Uncle Billy Washington. What was supposed to be a simple portrait of Uncle Billy beside a small table revealed an unexpected guest when the photo was developed. A bizarre creature, unseen when the picture was taken, had appeared on the table. The Choctaw community perceived this as tangible evidence of the Kawnakuasha, a being similar to the Cherokee's Little People, believed to be in service to Uncle Billy. A study of the history of photography in America may lead one to believe the image is a fake. Regardless, it's a fascinating story, and one that is fun to tell.

The vibrant tapestry of Cherokee legends and myths paints a rich picture of the cultural heritage of western North Carolina. Through tales of Spearfinger, the Moon Eyed People, and the Wampus Cat, readers are invited to explore a world of intrigue, mystique, and profound connection to the land.