Zuni Folktales · Character

Áhaiyúta

The elder of the twin war gods, eager to charge the demon Átahsaia, whose forward temper must be steadied by his younger brother's patience.

supporting

Also known as little Áhaiyúta, himself, your

First appearance: How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft

As a supporting figure in Zuni Folktales, Áhaiyúta is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

The elder twin god who disguises himself as a poor youth, frees the animals, and helps complete the buckskin task.

In the storyThe Maiden of the Yellow RocksOpen this moment free

Áhaiyúta is the elder of the Beloved Two, born of the Sun-father and the Waters of the World and raised on Twin Mountain with his grandmother. He is quick to act and quick to quarrel, and when the cry of Átahsaia sounds he wants nothing but to run at the demon at once. His brother's insistence on waiting and planning tests him, but together the twins guard the Land of Zuni, and his courage is the blade his brother's cunning directs.

See Áhaiyúta in The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks Book page

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Character Web

27 connections

A slice of how Áhaiyúta sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Twin War Gods and Companions
Protagonist

+22 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the children’s joyful play turns to horror as the elder siste…

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In the story

Áhaiyúta appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks
The elder twin god who disguises himself as a poor youth, frees the animals, and helps complete the buckskin task.
How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft
Elder War-god who helps steal the thunder-stone and lightning-shaft, plays with them recklessly, and inadvertently causes his grandmother's death.
The Rabbit Huntress and Her Adventures
One of the two War-gods who rescues the maiden, restores her belongings, and counsels her.
The Revenge of the Two Brothers on the Háwikuhkwe, or the Two Little Ones and Their Turkeys
One of the two brothers who seeks revenge after the Háwikuhkwe kill their turkeys; leads the victory ceremony.
Átahsaia, the Cannibal Demon
One of the twin children of the Sun-father; helps kill Átahsaia and later becomes a star.
The Hermit Mítsina
One of the younger War-gods who loses to Mítsina and is nearly roasted.
How the Twins of War and Chance, Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma, Fared with the Unborn-Made Men of the Underworld
One of the twin heroes, associated with war and chance, ventures into the underworld.
The Tale
The elder of the Twain; descends into the Underworld, devises the plan to use plume-grass against the attackers, and helps teach the villagers to eat solid food.
The Tale of Häki Suto
One of the Twin Gods of War who helps defeat Häki Suto.
The Maiden the Sun Made Love To, and Her Boys
One of the twin gods (the Twain) who, with his younger brother Mátsailéma, leads the dance that results in the maiden's death.
Endnotes
Mentioned as the other Twin God of War, with attributes similar to Mátsailéma.

Chapter companion notes

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See Áhaiyúta in How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft

See Áhaiyúta in The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks