Nohoílpi

Role: gambler · 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, Nohoílpi, a gambler and son of Tsóhanoai, wagered his wives against the son of Hastséhogan and lost them at the game of thirteen chips. He gave up the nánzoz game after the hoop fell on his opponent’s pole, then continued to wager in other contests.

In Part 5, Nohoílpi lost his wealth, houses, slaves, and finally his own person to the young victor. The son of Hastséhogan declared, “You have bet yourself and have lost; you are now my slave and must do my bidding,” and shot him into the sky with a magic bow. Békotsidi provided Nohoílpi with animals and cloth, made the Mexicans for him to rule, and sent him back to earth in old Mexico.

After a while, Nohoílpi’s people moved north and built towns along the Rio Grande. He went with them as far as a place north of Santa Fé, then returned to old Mexico, where he still lives as the Nakaí Digíni, or God of the Mexicans.