Tsul’kălû’, the Slant-Eyed Giant
Introduction
This traditional Cherokee story tells of Tsul’kălû’, a mysterious and powerful being associated with the mountains. The account blends elements of folklore, family life, and spiritual belief, offering insight into how the Cherokee understood the relationship between humans and unseen forces.
At its core, the story explores themes of trust, fear, and the consequences of breaking understanding between worlds. It also reflects the importance of respect—both for the unknown and for promises made.
The Mysterious Hunter
Long ago, in the settlement of Kănuga along the Pigeon River, a widow lived with her daughter. As the girl reached marriage age, her mother advised her to choose carefully—only a skilled hunter would be suitable, someone who could provide and protect.
One night, a stranger came to visit the girl where she slept outside the main house. When she told him of her mother’s condition, he claimed to be a great hunter. Before leaving at dawn, he promised he had brought meat.
The next morning, a deer was found outside.
He returned again and again, each time leaving before daylight, and each time bringing game. The mother, though pleased, grew curious—and eventually suspicious—of the unseen visitor.
The Mother’s Demand
Despite the stranger’s generosity, the mother insisted on seeing him. When the daughter relayed this request, the visitor warned that his appearance would frighten her.
Still, the daughter pressed him.
At last, he agreed to remain after daylight—but only if the mother would not react in fear.
When morning came, the mother looked inside and saw the truth. The man was no ordinary hunter, but a giant figure with long, slanting eyes, his enormous body filling the small shelter.
Terrified, she cried out and fled.
Her reaction broke the agreement.
The Departure of Tsul’kălû’
Angered and disappointed, Tsul’kălû’ left immediately. He told the girl he would never again allow himself to be seen and returned to his home in the mountains.
Soon after, a strange event occurred. From what had been discarded into the river, the giant later recovered a small living form, which grew into a child as he carried it back.
He returned briefly, gave the child to his wife, and urged her to leave with him. He reminded her that her mother had rejected both him and their child.
The girl chose to go.
Leaving her home behind, she followed Tsul’kălû’ into the mountains.
The Brother’s Journey
When the girl’s brother learned of her disappearance, he set out to find her. Following the giant’s tracks, he noticed signs of rapid growth—first an infant, then a crawling child, then two children walking and running.
The trail eventually led to a mountain, where he heard sounds of drumming and voices within.
Unable to enter, he called out to his sister. She came down to meet him with her children. Though they spoke at length, she did not invite him inside, and he returned home without seeing her husband.
He came back several times, but always with the same result.
The Invitation
Years later, the sister returned and told her family that they could see her husband if they arrived early the next morning.
They came—but too late.
The family had already gone, leaving behind a great quantity of fresh meat, enough for the entire settlement.
Still determined, the brother returned once more to the mountain. This time, his sister allowed him to enter.
Inside, he heard the voice of Tsul’kălû’, though he could not see him.
The unseen figure gave instructions: if the people wished to see him, they must fast for seven days, remaining inside the townhouse and making no disturbance.
The Broken Fast
The people agreed and began the fast. For six days, they followed the rules.
But one man secretly broke them, slipping out each night to eat.
On the seventh day, a great roaring sound approached, echoing like thunder from the mountains. Fear spread among the people as the sound grew louder.
Then, unable to control himself, the man who had broken the fast ran outside and shouted.
At once, the sound stopped.
Moments later, it faded away completely.
Tsul’kălû’ had come—but the conditions had not been honored.
The Final Separation
The brother returned again and asked why the promise had not been fulfilled.
The answer was simple: the instructions had been broken.
Though the brother pleaded for another chance, the voice refused. The opportunity had passed, and Tsul’kălû’ would never again be seen.
Conclusion
This story reflects a deeper cultural message about respect, restraint, and the importance of keeping one’s word. The failure to follow instructions—even by a single individual—affects the entire community.
Through the figure of Tsul’kălû’, the story also expresses the idea that some forces remain beyond human reach, especially when trust is broken.
Incidents of Personal Heroism
Introduction
Historical accounts of the Cherokee often include stories of individual courage and sacrifice. While brief, these incidents reveal deeply held values—loyalty, bravery, and the willingness to act decisively in moments of danger.
These stories, drawn from wartime experiences, show that heroism was not limited by rank, gender, or circumstance.
The Warrior’s Sacrifice
During the Cherokee War of 1760, small groups of Cherokee warriors frequently moved through contested territory.
In one account recorded by John Haywood, a small party took shelter in an abandoned cabin after being tracked by enemy forces.
Before dawn, the cabin was surrounded.
The attackers set fire to the roof, forcing the warriors inside to face a choice between burning or being shot as they fled.
One warrior proposed a plan.
He would run out first, drawing all enemy fire, while the others escaped during the moment of confusion. The group agreed.
When the door opened, he ran out alone, moving quickly and unpredictably. Every gun was fired at him before he fell.
While the attackers reloaded, the remaining warriors escaped into the forest.
His name was never recorded, but his actions ensured the survival of his companions.
Women in Battle
Courage in Cherokee tradition was not limited to men. Women, too, demonstrated strength and determination when circumstances demanded it.
Following the American Revolutionary War, one Cherokee woman became known for avenging her husband’s death in battle. After killing his attacker, she was granted the rare honor of participating in the war dance alongside warriors, carrying weapons as one of them.
This recognition reflected the seriousness of her act and the respect it commanded.
The Stand of Cuhtahlatah
Another account, preserved by Wahnenauhi, tells of a woman named Cuhtahlatah.
During an attack on her town, her husband, a chief, was killed. In response, she seized his weapon and charged the enemy, calling for vengeance.
Her sudden and fearless action rallied the Cherokee fighters, who had begun to retreat. Inspired by her example, they returned to the battle with renewed strength and ultimately secured victory.
Her courage transformed the course of the fight.
The Warrior at Waya Gap
During Rutherford’s Expedition, Cherokee forces made a stand in the mountains at Waya Gap.
After the main engagement ended and the Cherokee withdrew, one figure remained behind, still resisting.
When soldiers approached and killed the individual, they discovered it was a woman.
She had painted herself as a warrior and carried a bow and arrows. Already wounded and unable to retreat, she chose to stand and fight rather than flee.
Conclusion
These accounts highlight the importance of courage and self-sacrifice within Cherokee tradition. Whether through a warrior giving his life to save others or women stepping forward in moments of crisis, these stories emphasize action over status.
They also reflect a broader principle: that bravery is defined not by identity, but by what one does when faced with danger.