Naato'si
Blackfoot · deity · star stories · deity
Naato'si, the Sun, is the supreme deity of the Blackfoot — 'the Holy One,' chief and ruler of the world and foremost of the Sky Beings, to whom the annual Medicine Lodge (Sun Dance) is offered. His wife is the Moon, Ko'komiki'somm, and the stars are their children, chief among them Morning Star (Ipi'sowaahs). Grinnell reports the Sun was often identified with Na'pi (Old Man) the creator; modern Blackfoot tradition distinguishes Naato'si, who was himself created by the abstract Apistotoke, as the principal — though not the original creator — god.
Domains
- sun
- supreme sky deity
- light and warmth
- sky and celestial order
Powers
- Rules as chief of the Sky Beings and giver of light and warmth
- Grants visions, war-medicine and the Sun Dance to those who sacrifice to him
Epithets
- Naato'si
Relations
- spouse: Ko'komiki'somm
- father of: Ipi'sowaahs
- equated with: Napi