Story Summary
Explore The Hopi Flood myth, where virtuous people escape a corrupt Third World through hollow reeds to emerge into the current Fourth World of spiritual balance.
In the Third World, Kuskurza, the people grew corrupt and forgot the instructions of their Creator, Sotuknang. They turned to warfare and used their spiritual powers for selfish ends. Seeing this, Sotuknang decided to cleanse the world with a great flood, but he chose to save the few who still lived by the laws of creation. He called upon Spider Woman, the protector, to guide the virtuous. She instructed the people to cut giant hollow reeds and seal themselves inside with a small amount of food and water. As the rains fell and the great waters rose, the wicked cities were submerged, and the Third World vanished beneath the waves. The people floated safely in their reed vessels for many days, guided by the vibrations of the universe. Finally, they reached the shores of the Fourth World, Tuwaqachi. They emerged from the reeds to find a vast, new land, where Sotuknang warned them that this world would be challenging, requiring constant prayer and hard work to maintain the delicate balance of life.
The Moral
Living in harmony with the Creator and following a path of humility ensures survival even when the world undergoes great cleansing.
“Keep the song of the Creator in your heart, even when the world forgets its harmony.”
Fun Fact
The Hopi tradition describes the transition between worlds as an 'emergence' (Sipapu), and many Hopi villages feature a small hole in the floor of their kivas to represent this sacred portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Hopi Flood?
The moral is that spiritual integrity and humility are essential for survival. It teaches that when humanity loses its connection to the divine and natural laws, the world must be cleansed to restore balance.
Who is Spider Woman in Hopi mythology?
Spider Woman, or Kokyangwuti, is a powerful deity who acts as a protector and guide for humanity. She often helps the virtuous navigate the transitions between different worlds in Hopi cosmology.
What are the four worlds of the Hopi?
The Hopi believe in a series of successive worlds, each destroyed when people became wicked. We are currently living in the Fourth World, having survived the previous worlds of fire, ice, and water.
How did the Hopi survive the flood?
The virtuous people survived by sealing themselves inside hollow reeds or bamboo, which acted as lifeboats. They floated on the floodwaters until they reached the emergence point of the next world.
What does the Fourth World represent?
The Fourth World, Tuwaqachi, represents the current world of human existence. It is characterized as a 'World Complete,' where life is difficult but offers the opportunity for spiritual growth through work and prayer.
Why was the Third World destroyed?
The Third World was destroyed because the people became obsessed with material desires and warfare. They neglected the Creator's plan and misused their creative powers for evil purposes.
