The legend of the birth of the moon and the sun

La-légende-de-la-naissance-de-la-lune-et-du-soleil Artisanat Autochtone


Long ago, before the world was as we know it, the earth was shrouded in perpetual twilight. There was no light to guide people, no warmth to heat the earth. Animals and humans lived in an endless twilight, where darkness reigned day and night.

The Great Spirit watched the earth from the spirit world, concerned for the humans and creatures who inhabited this cold and dark place. He knew the earth needed light, but he had to find a way to bring it without disturbing the world's balance.

One day, the Great Spirit summoned Wisakedjak , a cunning and spiritual being, to help him solve this problem. Wisakedjak, often considered a trickster but also a protector of humankind, considered a solution. He knew he had to create two sources of light for the earth, one to illuminate the day and the other to watch over the world during the night.

He then set out in search of these lights across the heavens. After days of travel, he discovered two bright young spirits playing in the far reaches of the sky. These spirits were luminous, filled with an energy and strength unknown on Earth. Wisakedjak asked them if they would help humans and animals live in a better world. The two spirits, curious and eager to discover Earth, enthusiastically agreed.

Wisakedjak presented them to the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit entrusted one of the spirits with the mission of becoming the Sun. Each day, the sun would rise in the sky to illuminate the world and warm the earth, allowing plants to grow and creatures to thrive. The second spirit became the Moon , a softer and more soothing light, destined to watch over the earth during the night, bringing calm and tranquility to the beings who lived there.

And so the sun and the moon were born. The sun, with its bright and warm light, illuminates the world each day, while the moon, gentle and mysterious, watches over the night, bringing serenity to the creatures of the earth. Together, they created a perfect cycle of harmony between light and darkness.

Since then, the Cree have regarded the sun and the moon as benevolent spirits that protect the earth and maintain its balance. Daylight sustains life, and nightlight ensures the rest of all creatures.

  • Main source : The legend of the creation of the sun and moon comes from the oral tradition of the Cree. These indigenous people have a rich cosmology, where figures like Wisakedjak play a vital role in the creation of the world and the balance between light and darkness.
  • Cultural reference : Variants of this legend can be found in Cree Legends and Narratives from the West Coast of James Bay by Richard J. Preston, which collects Cree stories about creation and cosmology.

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    Foire aux questions

    What is the origin of the Moon and the Sun in indigenous tradition?
    According to legend, the Moon and the Sun were born from a sacred bond between two celestial spirits. Their union symbolizes the balance between light and darkness, femininity and masculinity, recalling the essential harmony between all the forces of nature.
    What is the spiritual significance of this indigenous legend?
    This legend teaches that the Moon and the Sun guide the cycles of life and the passage of time. It reminds Indigenous peoples of the importance of duality and complementarity in creation, where each energy finds its place in the universal order.
    What does the Moon represent for indigenous peoples?
    The Moon is a symbol of wisdom, healing, and femininity. It influences the tides, the seasons, and the rhythms of the Earth. In Indigenous culture, it represents the connection between ancestors, nature, and everyday spirituality.