Weasel
Klamath · deity · Klamath Modoc traditional religion; continuing · Recorded classification
Weasel, called Tcûskai in the Modoc texts, is the younger brother and inseparable companion of Old Marten (Skel), one of the great transformer-heroes of the Klamath and Modoc. Rash and headstrong where his elder brother is prudent, Weasel plays a recurring supporting role in the myth-age cycle: he accompanies Marten in the confrontation with the cannibal Thunders and other adversaries, is frequently killed through his own impetuousness, and is restored to life again by his brother. He is a distinct, named individual within the pantheon rather than a generic animal-person, defined by his fraternal bond with Old Marten.
Domains
- death and revival
- kinship brotherhood
Powers
- to be restored to life after being killed
- to act with reckless courage in confronting monsters
Relations
- subordinate to: Sqel (Old Marten)Weasel is the younger brother and constant companion of Old Marten (Skel), following his lead in their exploits against the Thunders and other beings.Albert S. Gatschet, The Klamath Indians of Southwestern Oregon, Contributions to North American Ethnology, Vol. II, Government Printing Office, 1890. (secondary); Jeremiah Curtin, Myths of the Modocs: Indian Legends of the Northwest, Little, Brown, and Company, 1912. (secondary)
Sources
- Weasel (Tcûskai) is the impetuous younger brother and companion of the transformer-hero Old Marten (Skel) in Klamath and Modoc myth, repeatedly slain and revived in the course of their adventures.: Albert S. Gatschet, The Klamath Indians of Southwestern Oregon, Contributions to North American Ethnology, Vol. II, Government Printing Office, 1890. (secondary); Jeremiah Curtin, Myths of the Modocs: Indian Legends of the Northwest, Little, Brown, and Company, 1912. (secondary)