Deer Raiser

Also known as: Píniltani · Role: father of Píniltani-bitsí; father-in-law of Nati'nesthani · First appears: Nati'nesthani · Part 7

In Nati'nesthani · Part 7, Píniltani-bitsí told Nati'nesthani that her parents were in the other hut. Her father entered, identified Nati'nesthani as his son-in-law, and brought in his poor rags. Nati'nesthani gave the old man tobacco to smoke; when it made him swoon, he treated him, and repeated the treatment on further occasions. The old man praised the tobacco and paid him with goods. The Wind People warned Nati'nesthani that the old man's own tobacco would kill him.

In Nati'nesthani · Part 8, the old man and his daughter tried to poison Nati'nesthani with mush, but he avoided the poisoned portions. The old man sent word through his daughter that custom required Nati'nesthani to stay after the marriage, and he remained four days. In Part 10, the old man praised his son-in-law’s farm and wealth and thanked his daughter for bringing him such a son-in-law. In Part 11, Píniltani-bitsí told Nati'nesthani her father's name: “He is called Píniltani, Deer Raiser.” Píniltani showed Nati'nesthani sacrificial cigarettes, and his daughter caught a deer for her husband.

Píniltani then plotted to kill Nati'nesthani, first by luring him into a canyon where bears could attack him. After Nati'nesthani killed the bears, Píniltani disguised himself in serpent skin and ambushed him, but Nati'nesthani recognized him and passed safely. In Part 13, Píniltani asked Nati'nesthani to help fight his enemies, then abandoned him to face the bears alone and fled, believing him dead. Nati'nesthani confronted him for deserting him; after Píniltani burned the moccasins he thought belonged to Nati'nesthani, Nati'nesthani took back his own and left him barefoot. Píniltani later warned Nati'nesthani away from a dangerous place east of his lodge.

In Nati'nesthani · Part 15, Nati'nesthani told Píniltani that he knew of the attempts on his life. Píniltani promised not to seek his life again and to give up his evil ways; at his request, Nati'nesthani treated him, performing the first atsósi hatál.