The Onondaga Creation Story is a cornerstone of the oral history and cultural identity of the Onondaga Nation (Onöñda’gega’), also known as the "People of the Hills." They are one of the original five nations that formed the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, often referred to as the Iroquois Confederacy. This powerful alliance of indigenous nations played a significant role in the history of North America, and the Onondaga Nation held a central position within it, both geographically and politically. Their creation story, passed down through generations, provides a profound understanding of their worldview, their relationship with the natural world, and their place within the cosmos.
This narrative, deeply symbolic and rich in imagery, explains the origin of the earth, the emergence of life, and the interconnectedness of all beings. It is not merely a historical account, but a living testament to the Onondaga people’s enduring spiritual beliefs and their commitment to respecting the delicate balance of nature.
Before the existence of land as we know it, the universe consisted solely of water. This vast, boundless ocean stretched in every direction, offering no place for rest or habitation. The creatures of the world, the birds and animals, existed only as swimmers, endlessly navigating the watery expanse with no solid ground beneath them.
Above this watery realm existed Skyland, a celestial domain high above the reach of the waves. In Skyland stood a magnificent Great Tree, a towering symbol of life and abundance. This extraordinary tree was unlike any other, laden with seeds that held the potential for all future growth and creation. Its beauty was unparalleled, a testament to the divine power that resided in Skyland.
The Great Tree possessed only four massive white roots, each extending in one of the cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. These roots symbolized the fundamental principles that governed the universe, anchoring the tree and providing it with unwavering stability. From the branches of this majestic tree sprouted vibrant flowers of every color imaginable, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. In addition to the blossoms, the tree bore an abundance of fruits, each one unique and delicious, providing sustenance and nourishment for the inhabitants of Skyland.
In this celestial realm lived a young woman, pregnant with child, and her husband, the Chief of Skyland. He was a respected and powerful leader, responsible for the well-being of his people. One night, the Chief’s wife experienced a vivid and disturbing dream. In her dream, she saw the Great Tree uprooted, its roots torn from the ground, leaving a gaping hole in the sky.
Deeply troubled by the dream, the woman shared it with her husband. The Chief, recognizing the power and significance of dreams in their culture, took her vision seriously. He believed that dreams were messages from the spirit world, guiding them towards important decisions and revealing hidden truths. Convinced that the dream foretold a necessary event, he decided that the Great Tree must be uprooted.
The Chief summoned his helpers and instructed them to carry out his wishes. They attempted to uproot the tree, but their efforts proved futile. The tree was too strong, its roots too deeply embedded in the Skyland. After their unsuccessful attempts, the Chief, determined to fulfill the dream, decided to try himself. With immense effort and unwavering resolve, he pulled and strained at the tree’s roots. Finally, with a mighty tear, the Great Tree was uprooted, leaving a large, gaping hole in Skyland.
Curiosity overcame the pregnant wife. Drawn to the opening, she peered down into the void. All she could see was the glimmering expanse of water far below. Mesmerized by the sight, she leaned further, stretching her body to get a better view, holding onto one of the branches of the uprooted tree for support.
In her eagerness, she lost her balance. Her grip slipped, and she plummeted through the hole in Skyland, falling towards the watery world below. Her descent marked a pivotal moment in the Onondaga Creation Story, the transition from the celestial realm to the creation of the earth.
The animals and birds inhabiting the water below witnessed the woman’s fall. Recognizing her vulnerability and knowing that she was not equipped to survive in the water, they knew they had to act quickly. The animals realized that she lacked webbed feet and would be unable to swim. Furthermore, there was no land for her to land on, only the endless expanse of water.
The animals conferred and decided that they must find earth beneath the water to create a safe haven for the woman. They understood that earth existed somewhere in the depths, and they resolved to bring it to the surface.
One by one, different animals volunteered to dive into the depths and retrieve the earth. The Duck, known for its diving abilities, was the first to try. It plunged into the water, paddling furiously towards the bottom, but the pressure was too great, and it had to return to the surface empty-handed.
Next, the Beaver, a strong and resourceful swimmer, attempted the task. It dove deep into the water, using its powerful tail to propel itself downwards, but the depths were too vast, and it too had to give up. The Loon, with its sleek body and exceptional diving skills, made the third attempt. It dove deeper than the others, but even its remarkable abilities were not enough to reach the earth.
Finally, the tiny Muskrat, the smallest and seemingly least capable of the animals, volunteered. Undeterred by the failures of the others, the Muskrat bravely dove into the water. It swam with all its might, pushing itself further and further down, deeper than any of the other animals had dared to go. The pressure mounted, and the Muskrat felt as though its lungs were about to burst, but it persevered, driven by its determination to save the woman.
At last, after what seemed like an eternity, the Muskrat reached the bottom. With its tiny paws, it scraped together a small amount of earth and clutched it tightly. Exhausted and struggling to breathe, the Muskrat began its long ascent back to the surface.
Two Swans, graceful and majestic, had flown up to meet the falling woman. They gently cradled her between their large, soft wings, providing her with a temporary resting place while the other animals searched for a place to put the earth. The Swans’ act of kindness and compassion highlights the importance of cooperation and support within the Onondaga Creation Story.
A Great Turtle, ancient and wise, emerged from the depths of the water. Seeing the dilemma of the animals and the woman, it offered its back as a foundation for the earth. The Muskrat, upon reaching the surface, gratefully placed the small amount of earth on the Turtle’s back.
Miraculously, the earth began to grow. It expanded slowly at first, then more rapidly, spreading across the Turtle’s back and forming a solid surface. The two Swans gently lowered the woman onto the newly formed earth.
As the woman’s feet touched the ground, she opened her hand and released the seeds from the Great Tree, which she had carefully carried with her. The seeds scattered across the earth, taking root and sprouting into trees, grass, and all manner of plants. Life on Earth had begun, a testament to the woman’s role as a bringer of life and the interconnectedness of all beings.
The Onondaga Creation Story provides a powerful narrative of the origins of the world, the importance of dreams, the value of cooperation, and the respect for the natural world. It emphasizes the role of women as life-givers and the interconnectedness of all living things. It continues to resonate with the Onondaga people, shaping their cultural identity and guiding their relationship with the earth and its inhabitants.