# Mátsailéma — Zuni Folktales character guide

> Mátsailéma in Zuni Folktales by Frank Hamilton Cushing.

**Role:** supporting

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

**First appearance:** 0014-how-haiy-ta-and-m-tsail-ma-stole-the-thunder-stone-and-the-lightning-shaft

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/how-haiy-ta-and-m-tsail-ma-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/the-rabbit-huntress-and-her-adventures)

The other War-god who aids in rescuing the maiden and slaying the Demon.

### [Átahsaia, the Cannibal Demon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/tahsaia-the-cannibal-demon)

The other twin; aids in slaying the demon and tricking their grandmother.

### [The Hermit Mítsina](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/the-hermit-m-tsina)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/how-the-twins-of-war-and-chance-haiy-ta-and-m-tsail-ma-fared-with-the-unborn-made-men-of-the-underworld)

The other twin, companion to Áhaiyúta, shares in the trials of the underworld.

### [The Tale](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/the-tale)

The other Twin God of War who joins in slaying the giant.

### [The Maiden the Sun Made Love To, and Her Boys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/chapters/endnotes)

Referenced as one of the Twin Gods of War, associated with natural phenomena and the Sun.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/characters/matsailema
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/zuni_folktales_se/characters