AMOTKEN

[Native American] The creator deity of the Salish, North American Indians, he dwells in heaven, solitary and alone. He is an old man, wise and kind, with an infinite compassion for his creation. Coyote. is his messenger. One of the legends relating to Amotken tells of his creating five young women from five hairs taken from his head. When the god asked the women what they wanted to be, he received five different replies. The first wished to be the mother of wickedness, the second that of goodness. The third wanted to be the mother of the Earth, the fourth of fire, and the fifth of water. Amotken granted their wishes, declaring that at first, wickedness should rule the world, but in time goodness would win out.