This one came about as the result of a drawloween type thing a few years ago. I don’t recall the prompt, but I its not unusual for me to twist the cap off of a couple of things and pour them into the same container to see what they end up being.
In this case we started with a gorgon…and took it out of its element and assigned some Native American imagery to it (along with a rattlesnake tail to give it some extra western feel).
I definitely like the concept that comes from this brush pen sketch. You will see this character again somewhere. I like it and it fits several areas of a larger project I am working on over at Relevant Irreverence Productions.
Anyway here is what I tricked the computer into saying about the concept.
In this reimagined myth, the Gorgon transforms from her ancient Mediterranean origins into a creature deeply rooted in the spirit world of Native American legend. This version of the Gorgon, known as Nahimana, which means “mystical spirit” in certain Native American languages, is a powerful being of transformation and warning. She serves as a guide and guardian of the land, though her visage strikes fear into all who dare to misuse nature.
The Spirit of Nahimana
Nahimana is said to have the body of a woman, but her lower half merges with the sleek, scaled tail of a rattlesnake, adorned with a rattle that echoes ominously through the canyons and forests where she dwells. When she moves, the sound of her rattle calls to the spirits of the earth and the underworld, a warning to trespassers who would disrespect the land.
In place of hair, she bears a crown of live creatures: each strand is a serpent representing different North American species—copperheads, cottonmouths, and bullsnakes—writhing, coiled, and ever watchful. Each serpent embodies the wisdom and spirit of the land, their flickering tongues sensing all, while their eyes glow with the fire of the old world. Legends say she can command the creatures of her “hair” to protect her and strike fear into those who would bring harm to the wilderness.
A Warning to the Disrespectful
Nahimana’s gaze is deadly; any who make eye contact with her risk turning to stone. This petrification is not merely physical but a curse upon the soul, symbolizing the consequences of a hardened heart and a spirit disconnected from nature. Her power is especially feared by those who hunt without respect, pollute the waters, or disrupt the balance of the land. Hunters who kill recklessly or miners who strip the earth without care are prime targets for her wrath. It’s said that Nahimana is drawn to those who leave traces of their misdeeds, the earth calling her to seek justice.
The Story of Nahimana and the Trickster
In this reimagined legend, one particular story tells of Nahimana’s encounter with Coyote, a well-known trickster figure in Native American folklore. Coyote, known for his cunning and quick wits, thought he could fool Nahimana. Disguised as a humble wanderer, he approached her, trying to avoid her eyes and flatter her with stories of his “respect” for the land. However, Nahimana saw through his deception, sensing the darkness in his heart and the glint of greed in his spirit.
When Coyote attempted to sneak away, leaving the tracks of his mischief behind, Nahimana’s serpents hissed in unison, filling the air with a sharp sound that shattered Coyote’s facade. Nahimana warned him that her powers were not just in her gaze but in the earth itself, which would always call out her name. As a reminder, she struck the earth with her rattlesnake tail, causing a tremor that trapped Coyote’s paw in stone. He howled in pain but was forced to promise he would respect the land, lest he lose his spirit to Nahimana’s wrath.
Nahimana as Protector of the People
Yet Nahimana is not only feared; she is also revered. Among the people of the land, Nahimana is seen as a protector, her presence a blessing for those who respect the natural world. For young warriors or medicine people, an encounter with her is seen as a rite of passage, a test of their respect for nature and their ability to see beyond appearances. Elders tell that, under the right conditions and with the right heart, one can approach her safely. In rare cases, she is known to offer blessings—gifts of wisdom, or visions of the spirit world that guide warriors and healers in their path.
The myth of Nahimana, the reimagined Gorgon, thus serves as a reminder to tread lightly and with respect, recognizing that the land itself has protectors, ancient and wise, who will not hesitate to defend it with all the fury of the earth’s wrath.
