Zuni Folktales · Character

Mátsailéma

The younger of the twin war gods, hot-headed and quick, who stole the thunder-stone and lightning shaft to arm himself against demons.

supporting

Also known as Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone, himself, your

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

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

The younger twin god who accompanies his brother, insists on keeping the wife and children, and ultimately shoots the maiden.

In the storyThe Maiden of the Yellow RocksOpen this moment free

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Mátsailéma is one of the Beloved Two, sons of the Sun-father and the Waters of the World, raised on Twin Mountain with their old grandmother. Where his elder brother Áhaiyúta rushes forward, Mátsailéma counsels patience and cunning, and it is he who reads the demon's flattering ways before the ambush. His theft of the thunder-stone marks him as the bolder, more transgressive twin, and his judgment shapes how the brothers confront the threats to the children of earth.

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

Character Web

30 connections

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

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Twin War Gods and Companions
Clever Elders and Animals

+25 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

Mátsailéma appears across 10 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks
The younger twin god who accompanies his brother, insists on keeping the wife and children, and ultimately shoots the maiden.
How Áhaiyúta and Mátsailéma Stole the Thunder-Stone and the Lightning-Shaft
Younger War-god who eagerly participates in the theft and play, hiding the lightning-shaft under his jacket.
The Rabbit Huntress and Her Adventures
The other War-god who aids in rescuing the maiden and slaying the Demon.
Átahsaia, the Cannibal Demon
The other twin; aids in slaying the demon and tricking their grandmother.
The Hermit Mítsina
The other younger War-god 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
The other twin, companion to Áhaiyúta, shares in the trials of the underworld.
The Tale
The younger of the Twain; accompanies his brother, uses his war-club on the villagers, and participates in catching jays and destroying the cooking-pot.
The Tale of Häki Suto
The other Twin God of War who joins in slaying the giant.
The Maiden the Sun Made Love To, and Her Boys
The younger twin god who accompanies Áhaiyúta in compelling the maiden to come forth.
Endnotes
Referenced as one of the Twin Gods of War, associated with natural phenomena and the Sun.

Chapter companion notes

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

See Mátsailéma in The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks