Among the most formidable and dreaded figures woven into the rich tapestry of Plains Indian lore are the Teihiihan, formidable child-sized dwarves known for their incredible strength, aggressive nature, and chilling bloodthirstiness. These elusive beings, often depicted as savage cannibal dwarves, were said to launch attacks in large, overwhelming numbers, striking fear into the hearts of indigenous communities across the vast American plains.
The legends of the Teihiihan serve as a testament to the diverse and complex spiritual worlds of Native American tribes, highlighting creatures that embody both primal fear and unique cultural interpretations. Their stories, passed down through generations, reveal a shared understanding of a terrifying, diminutive foe.
The Names and Origins of the Teihiihan
The name “Teihiihan” itself originates from the Arapaho language, signifying “strong,” a direct reference to their legendary physical prowess despite their small stature. The Arapaho also referred to them as Hecesiiteihii, which translates to “little people.” However, these enigmatic figures were known by a multitude of names across various Plains Indian tribes, each moniker reflecting unique regional interpretations and characteristics.
- Gada’zhe: Among the Omaha and Ponca, they were known as the “Wild People,” hunters wielding bows and poisoned arrows, capable of inflicting mysterious wounds beneath the skin without breaking it.
- Mi’-a-gthu-shka: This was the name given to them by the Osage tribe.
- Nimerigar: The Shoshone knew these fearsome dwarves by this name.
- Nirumbee: The Crow tribe referred to them as Nirumbee.
- Nunnupi: For the Comanche, they were the Nunnupi.
- Vo’estanehesano: The Cheyenne tribe recounted tales of the Vo’estanehesano.
These diverse names underscore the widespread presence and deep cultural impact of the cannibal dwarves in the collective consciousness of the Plains Indians, from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.
Physical Characteristics and Ferocious Nature
Descriptions of the Teihiihan varied considerably from tribe to tribe, yet common themes painted a consistently terrifying picture. Generally, these miniature warriors were said to stand between two and four feet tall, possessing dark skin, squat necks, and menacingly sharp teeth. Their speed was legendary; they could run with astonishing swiftness, far outpacing any human counterpart, making escape a futile endeavor.
Beyond their physical attributes, their aggression was a defining trait. Legends suggest that their fierce battle-readiness stemmed from a belief that they had to be killed in combat to achieve passage to the afterlife, making them relentless and fearless adversaries. They were almost universally described as hostile to human beings and were particularly infamous for their gluttony, often killing more people than they could possibly consume, indicative of their savage and wasteful nature.
Tribal Variations in Appearance
- Siouan Tribes (including Osage, Omaha, Kanza): Some legends from these tribes described the Teihiihan as having wings, adding an ethereal and even more terrifying dimension to their appearance. The Omaha further elaborated, stating that these beings possessed only one eye, lending them a cyclopean, monstrous visage.
- Crow Tribe: The Crow’s version of the Teihiihan often depicted them with pot bellies and no necks, contributing to a squat, powerful, and distinctly non-human form.
These variations highlight the fluid and evolving nature of folklore, adapting to local cultural nuances while retaining the core elements of a small, powerful, and dangerous entity.
Mystical Powers and the Dangers They Posed
The Teihiihan were not merely strong and swift; they were also attributed with formidable magical powers, further amplifying the fear they inspired. These abilities made them even more perilous to encounter.
- Witchcraft and Harm: Many legends spoke of their capacity to use witchcraft to inflict harm upon people, suggesting a mastery of dark arts.
- Subcutaneous Wounds: The Gada’zhe, as known by the Omaha and Ponka, were believed to possess the uncanny ability to create wounds beneath the skin without ever breaking the surface, a chilling form of internal injury that defied conventional understanding.
- Child Kidnapping: Perhaps one of the most terrifying aspects of their legend was their penchant for kidnapping children, a nightmare scenario for any parent.
- Invisibility: Some accounts even granted them the power to turn themselves invisible, allowing them to stalk and ambush their victims unseen, making defense nearly impossible.
These supernatural attributes elevated the Teihiihan from mere physical threats to beings of profound spiritual danger, impacting the daily lives and fears of the Plains Indian communities.
The Legendary Demise of the Cannibal Dwarves
Despite their formidable strength, aggression, and magical abilities, most versions of the legend concur on the ultimate fate of the cannibal dwarves. It is said that the race of the Teihiihan was finally destroyed in an ancient and epic war. This decisive conflict saw the Arapaho, along with their allied tribes, uniting to face and overcome these terrifying little people, effectively eradicating them from the Plains. This narrative provides a sense of closure and triumph over a profound evil, reinforcing themes of communal strength and resilience in the face of daunting adversity.
Conclusion: Echoes of an Ancient Terror
The legends of the Teihiihan, the formidable cannibal dwarves of Plains Indian lore, represent a powerful and enduring aspect of Native American mythology. Their stories, rich with elements of fear, strength, magic, and ultimate defeat, served not only as cautionary tales but also as reflections of communal values and the eternal struggle between good and evil. From their origins as the “strong” little people to their varied terrifying descriptions across tribes, the Teihiihan remain a compelling reminder of the diverse and deeply rooted folklore that shaped the indigenous cultures of the Great Plains. Though their physical presence is confined to myth, the echoes of their ancient terror continue to resonate, preserving a unique piece of Native American heritage.
