Collage, detail, 2001, Peggy Black, ET513.F-9
Photo: Kirstin Roper, © NHMU

Hero Twins Story

Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé (Changing Woman) gave birth to the Hero Twins, Naayééʼneizghání (Monster Slayer) and Tóbájíshchíní (Born from Water). As they grew, the Twins asked about their father, but Changing Woman would not reveal his identity. When Twins discovered that their father was Jóhonaaʼéí (Sun Carrrier), they decided to journey to the east to ask for his help in ridding the world of the rampaging Naayéé’ (Alien Monsters) who were killing the Diné (Navajo). Along the way they faced four dangerous obstacles, but were helped by many beings to overcome them. When they reach Sun Carrier, he required that they pass four life-threatening tests before he would help them. With weapons and assistance from Sun Carrier, the Hero Twins succeeded in slaying the monsters. The Diné view the story of the Hero Twins as playing out in the present as we battle to overcome the monsters of envy, fear, and other destructive forces we allow into our lives.