What were the six sacred animals to the Navajo?

Answer 1

There are many animals that are important to the Navajo. Many are featured in the creation story, the Diné Bahaneʼ. It is in print and available to read in a good translation by Paul Zolbrod.

In each of the three previous worlds before feature important animals. In the first world, various insects, bee people, back ant people and wasp people and Heron and Frog and Coyote are prominent.

When they leave and emerge in the second world Swallow people and all kinds of blue birds are important.

In this world lived Wolves, Wildcat, Kit Foxes, Mountain Lion. And the birds Blue Bird, Blue Hawk, Blue Jay. Also, Insects, Cicada, and Crickets.

In the 3rd, yellow world, Squirrel, Chipmunk, Mice, Turkey, Foxes, Deer,Spiders, Lizards, Water Monster and coyote.

From there woodpecker and in some versions badger and coyote lead the way to the fourth world. In others a locust leads the way.

Each of the four sacred mountains has a animal protector.

Starting in the east (where things starting in Navajo thought) the white mountain, Sisnajini, has a bear protector (Shash). Rock Crystal Boy and Girl and Birds. It represents Thought.

To the south is, Tsoodzil, the blue mountain. It's protector is cougar, Náshdóítsoh. Blue birds and blue swallows, It represents planning activities.

The west yellow mountain is Doko'o'osliid. It's protector is Ma'íí Tsoh, wolf. It is covered with all kinds of yellow birds

The north, black mountian is Dibé Nitsaa. It's protector is porcupine, Dahsáni. Black birds and corn beetle birds are it's bird symbol.

Near the two center sacred mountains lived Squirrel, Chipmunk, Turkey, Deer, Snake and Lizard