Weasel
Klamath · deity · Klamath Modoc traditional religion; continuing · deity
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)