Tsóhanoai

Also known as: Sun / the Sun / the bearer of the Sun · Role: the bearer of the sun; father of the two brothers and of Yéitso · First appears: Origin Legend II: Early Events in the Fifth World · Part 4

In Origin Legend II: Early Events in the Fifth World · Part 4, Tsóhanoai is identified as Nohoílpi’s father. In Part 5, the young victor gives him two great shells, and in Part 7 Tsiké Sas Nátlehi refuses his marriage suit because he cannot meet her conditions.

In Origin Legend III: The War Gods · Part 3, Nayénezgani and To`badzistsíni call themselves children of the Sun as they travel to find their father; Spider Woman gives them a charm and teaches them a formula for their journey. In Part 4, Tsóhanoai hangs the sun on a peg, discovers the brothers, and tests them with spikes, a heated sweat-house, and poisoned smoke. They survive, and he acknowledges them: “Yes, these are my children,”

In Part 5, Tsóhanoai gives the brothers iron clothing and weapons, then sends them by lightning to Tsótsil to fight Yéitso, whom he identifies as his son. In Part 10, he asks the brothers to send their mother, Estsánatlehi, west to make him a home. To`badzistsíni says she must decide for herself and promises to convey Tsóhanoai’s wishes; Tsóhanoai gives his sons hoops and hailstones for her. In Part 12, he asks Nayénezgani whether he has slain all the anáye, then takes his trophies and armor to keep safe.

In Part 13, Tsóhanoai again seeks Estsánatlehi’s company, but she refuses his embrace and agrees to go west only if he fulfills her conditions. He promises, and the Sun thereafter visits her each day after crossing the sky.