Asgaya Gigagei
Lore:
Asgaya Gigagei, the Red Man, is a spirit amongst the Cherokee people who controls thunder and lightning but is also a powerful healer often called upon by Medicine Men. They are known to take the gender of the person they reveal themselves to, as a way of comforting them. Much like lightning they serve a dual role as a fierce destructive force, but with that destruction new life begins. They are often associated with the Thunderers in Cherokee culture who are a race of thunder beings. Amongst them though, Asgaya Gigagei is a separate and powerful spirit deeply tied to Cherokee culture. They are a warrior, protector, and healer. They are Asgaya Gigagei.
Key Iconography:
Rattle of Saliguga (Turtle): The turtle is an important animal in the Cherokee culture as it symbolizes wisdom and creation. Stories tell that the world was once a small island but Grandmother Turtle sacrificed her life diving into the deep water to bring back mud that would become the great continents we now live on. The rattle is an important tool used by medicine men to channel their spiritual energy to heal others. It is common for rattles to be made using natural items like the shell of a turtle.
Atlatl of Anagalisgv (Lightning): While the bow may be a more commonly recognized hunting tool amongst the Cherokee, the spear was common used for many years and the Atlatl was a tool used to throw a spear with great distance and accuracy. For Asgaya Gigagei, I envisioned his spear filled with energy, bringing lightning wherever it may strike. A tool and weapon befitting a spirit of lightning and thunder.
Gorget of dilisdohdi (Water Spider): Stories tell that fire first came to the Cherokee from the Thunderers when they struck a sycamore tree with lightning. The animals attempted one by one to retrieve the fire and failed. However, it was the wise Water Spider that weaved a basket from his web and carried a burning ember back to the Cherokee. This copper gorget in the shape of a sycamore leaf bearing the image of the Water Spider, honors that association between the thunderers and the Water Spider.
Atasi of Uktena (War Club): One of the greatest enemy of the Thunderers is the Uktena. A great horned serpent with a glowing crystal embedded in its head. A story tells of how two hunters once rescued Asgaya Gigagei from the Uktena and in thanks they were given a coal made from the scales of the great snake and wrapped in animal skin. As long as the hunters kept this on them, they would always be successful in their hunt. This club bears the shape of the deadly Uktena as reminder of ongoing struggle between the two.