The Zuni Legend of the New-making provides a profound insight into the cosmological beliefs of the Zuni people, detailing the creation of the world and humanity from primordial darkness. This ancient narrative, passed down through generations, begins with a singular, all-encompassing entity, the All-father Father, who existed alone in an eternity of blackness before the dawn of creation.
Before anything else had being, the All-father Father was the sole existence. For countless ages, absolute black darkness was the only reality, a void stretching without end. This profound emptiness set the stage for the magnificent act of creation that would unfold.
The Genesis: All-father Father and the Creation of Light
At the very outset of the New-making, the All-father Father initiated creation through thought. By thinking outward into the vast, dark expanse, he brought forth mists, which were then uplifted from the void. Through his boundless knowledge and inherent power, he transformed himself into the Sun, thereby becoming the great Father of all. With the birth of the Sun, the previously dark spaces were illuminated with light, dispelling the eternal gloom. The nascent cloud mists continued to thicken, eventually condensing and transforming into the primordial waters that would cradle the nascent world.
Birth of Earth-mother and Sky-father
From his own essence, the Sun-father created the Seed-stuff of worlds, resting upon the newly formed waters. These fundamental elements then gave rise to two supreme beings: the Four-fold-containing Earth-mother and the All-covering Sky-father. These surpassing entities possessed the extraordinary power to change their forms, shifting and flowing as easily as smoke in the wind. They were destined to become the father and mother of all soul-beings, the progenitors of life in the evolving cosmos.
The World’s Formation: Terraces, Clouds, and Stars
As man and woman, the Earth-mother and Sky-father conversed, shaping the world. The Earth-mother presented a great terraced bowl filled with water, declaring, “Behold! This shall be the home of my tiny children.” She ordained that on the rim of every world-country where their children would wander, terraced mountains would stand, distinguishing one land from another. She then spat upon the water, striking and stirring it with her fingers. Foam gathered around the terraced rim, rising higher and higher. With her warm breath, she blew across the terraces, causing white flecks of foam to break away and float over the water. However, the Sky-father’s cold breath shattered the delicate foam, causing it to fall downward as a fine mist and spray.
Earth-mother further explained, “Even so shall white clouds float up from the great waters at the borders of the world, and clustering about the mountain terraces of the horizon, shall be broken and hardened by thy cold. Then will they shed downward, in rain-spray, the water of life, even into the hollow places of my lap. For in my lap shall nestle our children, man-kind and creature-kind, for warmth in thy coldness.” This divine interaction established the cycle of rain and the nurturing role of the Earth-mother, explaining why trees on high mountains often crouch low towards her for warmth and protection, contrasting her warmth with Sky-father’s cold.
In turn, Sky-father asserted his role, “Even so. Yet I, too, will be helpful to our children.” He spread his hand out, palm downward, and into all its wrinkles, he set the likeness of shining yellow corn grains. In the dark of the early world dawn, these gleamed like sparks of fire. Pointing to seven grains between his thumb and four fingers, he proclaimed, “Our children shall be guided by these when the Sun-father is not near, and thy terraces are as darkness itself. Then shall our children be guided by lights.” Thus, Sky-father created the stars, celestial guides in the night. He also declared, “And even as these grains gleam up from the water, so shall seed grain like them spring up from the earth when touched by water, to nourish our children.” In this way, they created the vital seed corn, ensuring sustenance. Together, in many other ways, they conceived the soul-beings destined to populate their world.
The Unfinished First Children and the Beloved Twain
However, the first children of Earth-mother and Sky-father were incomplete, dwelling within a cave deep within the earth. This primordial cave was a place of oppressive darkness, as sooty black and foul as a chimney at night. The beings within grew wise and more man-like, yet their murmurings and lamentations became loud as many yearned to escape their dark confines. The earth itself was not yet in its current form, waiting for further transformation.
In response to their plight, the Sun-father sent forth two sons, born of the Foam-cap: the Beloved Twain. These Twin Brothers of Light, an Elder and a Younger, the Right and the Left, embodied the balance of question and answer, decision and action. To them, the Sun-father imparted his profound wisdom, bestowing upon them a great cloud bow and, for arrows, the thunderbolts of the four cardinal directions. Their defense was a fog-making shield, spun and woven from floating clouds and spray, which not only supported its bearer like wind supports clouds but also concealed them. He granted them the authority and guardianship over all men and creatures. With their mighty cloud-bow, the Beloved Twain lifted the Sky-father into the celestial vault, creating space and allowing the earth to become warm and suitable for life. They then journeyed westward along the sun-seeking trail, using magic knives to open the depths of a mountain, uncovering the cave where the unfinished men and creatures resided. They dwelled among them, observing and learning, seeking to guide them towards liberation.
Ascension Through the Cave Worlds
Within the depths of the first cave, plant life like grasses and vines began to emerge. The Beloved Twain breathed upon these stems, causing them to grow tall towards the light, strengthening them and twisting them upwards until they formed a grand ladder. This ladder served as the path by which men and creatures could ascend to a second, higher cave. Men and the various beings crowded up this ladder, diligently following the Two Little but Mighty Ones. Yet, the journey was perilous, and many fell back into the darkness, lost forever. These unfortunate souls are said to have peopled the underworld, from which they would later escape amidst terrible earth-shakings.
The second cave world, though larger and higher, was still shrouded in darkness, akin to the night of a stormy season. Here, men and other beings again increased in number, and their complaints grew loud, longing for true light. Once more, the Beloved Twain intervened, enhancing the growth of the ladder and leading humanity upward. This ascent was not a single mass movement but occurred in six distinct bands, each destined to become the ancestors of the six kinds of men: the yellow, the tawny gray, the red, the white, the black, and the mingled. As before, many were unable to complete the arduous journey, remaining lost or left behind in the lower realms.
The third great cave represented a significant improvement, being larger and lighter, much like a valley bathed in starlight. Again, the population grew, and the Two guides led them forth into a fourth cave. Here, the light was like the first glimmer of dawn, allowing men to begin perceiving and learning, each according to their unique nature. Consequently, the Twain’s first teaching was for them to seek and understand the Sun-father. As this last cave became filled and mankind’s understanding deepened, the Two finally led them into the great upper world—the World of Knowing and Seeing—a realm of full awareness and vibrant life.
Conclusion: The Enduring Wisdom of Zuni Creation
The Zuni Legend of the New-making is far more than a simple origin story; it is a powerful spiritual and cosmological roadmap. It illustrates the Zuni people’s deep reverence for the Sun-father, Earth-mother, and Sky-father, and the pivotal role of the Beloved Twain in guiding humanity from primordial darkness and incompleteness to enlightenment and the World of Knowing and Seeing. This narrative underscores themes of perseverance, divine guidance, and the journey towards self-realization, continuing to shape the cultural identity and spiritual understanding of the Zuni people. It highlights the profound interconnectedness of all creation and the sacred journey that led to human emergence into a world brimming with light and knowledge.
