Hopi Stories of Witchcraft, Shamanism, and Magic

The traditional Hopi world, as reflected in Hopi oral literature, is infused with magic-a seamless tapestry of everyday life and the supernatural. That magic and wonder are vividly depicted in this marvelous collection of authentic folktales.

For the Hopis, the spoken or sung word can have a magical effect on others. Witchcraft-the wielding of magic for selfish purposes by a powaqa, or sorcerer-has long been a powerful, malevolent force. Sorcerers are said to have the ability to change in...