Table of Contents
Introduction
The video explores connections between Celtic and Cherokee folklore, particularly the Cherokee legend of the Nunnehi, supernatural beings believed to inhabit the Appalachian Mountains. The discussion considers the blending of Scottish and Irish immigrant beliefs with Indigenous Cherokee traditions and how these shared cultural elements may have influenced Appalachian folklore.
Cherokee Belief in the Nunnehi
The Cherokee recognize a race of immortal spirit beings called the Nunnehi, translated as “the people who live anywhere” or “the people who live forever.” These supernatural beings are distinct from ghosts or gods. The Nunnehi are said to inhabit high peaks and underground areas across the southern Appalachian Mountains. Similar to the Celtic Tuatha Dé Danann, the Nunnehi interact with humans, though they often remain invisible or appear as other Cherokee people.
The Nunnehi and Music
The Nunnehi are believed to be drawn to music and dancing, echoing tales of Celtic fairy folk. In one story, four Nunnehi women joined a Cherokee village dance in Notley, only to vanish as they walked down a trail toward the Conley River, revealing their true nature to those who followed them. This affinity for music aligns with Celtic traditions, where fairy folk are also attracted to music.
Nunnehi as Guides and Protectors
The Nunnehi are friendly toward the Cherokee and often help people who become lost, offering shelter in their underground homes until the lost individual chooses to leave or stay permanently. One story recounts a Cherokee man, Yahola, who was lost while hunting and found by the Nunnehi. He stayed with them until he missed his family, but upon returning home, he could no longer eat human food and eventually returned to live with the Nunnehi.
Warnings and Protection in Times of Crisis
The Nunnehi are known to protect and warn the Cherokee of impending danger. One account describes the Nunnehi advising a Cherokee village to prepare for an impending catastrophe. On the seventh day, they led the Cherokee into the forest, where a stone rolled away, revealing a refuge. Some families stayed behind and later faced forced removal during the 1838 Trail of Tears, while others survived with the Nunnehi’s guidance.
The Nunnehi and War
Another legend recounts the Nunnehi aiding the Cherokee in battle. When a Cherokee village was attacked, a stranger advised the village chief to retreat. After the retreat, a mound opened, releasing Nunnehi warriors who fought off the attackers. In a similar instance during the American Civil War, Union soldiers planned to burn Franklin, North Carolina. However, scouts reported seeing a large defending force, likely the Nunnehi, and the soldiers rerouted to Atlanta instead.
Conclusion
Many Cherokee descendants, both in the Appalachian region and those displaced to Oklahoma, maintain stories of the Nunnehi. The legend suggests that the Nunnehi might be connected to or share origins with the Celtic Tuatha Dé Danann. Whether these beings are the same or distinct entities remains uncertain, yet the similarities suggest an ancient connection between the two cultural traditions.
