Table of Contents
Navajo Transposition
a-navajo-transposition-pages_from_alcheringa_1-1_fall-1970-10.pdf
Song of the Talking God
Overview
Song of the Talking God references a chief character in Navajo mythology. The written version of this song includes hand drawn pictures that guide the singer through the order of the words. By following the pictures, the reader can easily trace the progression of the song and the journey that is being described. The Talking God, in the poem, wanders as the dawn and white corn bend toward him. Each natural element that bends toward him teaches him more about his journey and purpose. The journey is described as beautiful.
Commentary
While reading through the song, the repetition of words is reminiscent of a journey. Words like “wandering” and “lies towards me” make it seem as if the Talking God is traveling. The repetition of the phrase “I, now I wander about,” simulates a journey as well, as if there is a rhythm in the words. Additionally, learning about the Navajo history helps in analyzing the song’s meaning. Learning that the Talking God is a chief character that controls the eastern sky and was transformed from white corn helped make it easer to envision the journey. Since the Talking God is a chief character in Navajo history and mythology, it would make sense for him to be on a journey to gain knowledge and help others.
Context
According to Harold Carey: “The Talking God is the chief character in Navajo mythology. When personated deities minister to a suffering patient, this character invariably leads, carrying a four-piece folding wand, balÃl, and uttering a peculiar cry.” He has control of the dawn and the eastern sky and of rare game and corn. Talking God was the son of Changing Woman. He was transformed from white corn, which the Changing Woman placed at the top of a mountain where fogs meet.
Bibliography
Carey, Harold. “Navajo Creation Story – the Talking God.” Navajo People, 4 Nov. 2009, navajopeople.org/blog/navajo-creation-story-the-talking-god/.
https://navajopeople.org/blog/navajo-creation-story-the-talking-god/
An Ethnologic Dictionary of the Navaho Language; 1910, The Franciscan Fathers.
