The Cherokee Legend of Oklahoma’s “Little People”

One of the best traits of Oklahoma is our vast diversity of culture. Most notably, the Sooner State's Native American culture.

If you've never been to a powwow, you aren't living your best life. Not only is it richly entertaining and full of good food, it's just about the only place you'll hear some really intense legends.

You're probably at least a little familiar with the legends of Deer Woman, Bigfoot, and possibly the Stinkini... but here's a new one I'd be surprised if you've heard.

Who Are the Cherokee Little People?

While many tribes have this legend, it's most prevalent among the Cherokee people. It's the legend of the Yunwi Tsunsdi - AKA English - the “little people.” And depending on who’s telling the story, they’re either really friendly helpers or beyond sinister in nature.

While every story varies, they're generally the same. Yunqi Tsunsdi are small in stature with hair nearly dragging the ground. They make a home in the woods, but you can hear them at night.

Legends describe drums in the distance and sometimes a hint of singing and whispers in the trees. It's bad luck to go looking for them.

Blessings and Curses of the Yunwi Tsunsdi

Like most folklore, the stories are split down the middle between blessings and curses.

Those who leave little offerings and mind their manners in the woods, the little people might help you. They’ve been known to plow a field overnight, lead a lost hunter back home, or step in when you’ve run out of options.

On the other hand, disrespect them and they're not so kind. Some legends say they’ll make you sick. Others say they’ll cause accidents or twist your life around until you're so filled with regret, you change your ways. Even just talking too much about them is supposed to stir up trouble.

The Three Kinds of Little People

Different Cherokee traditions even divide the little people into groups. There are the Dogwood People, who are good-natured and kind. Then the Laurel People, tricksters who like to stir up mischief but usually stop short of real harm. And finally the Rock People. They're dark, brooding, and mean if you make the mistake of wandering into their territory.

You can sort of see the point now, right? The supernatural beliefs aren't the reason these stories have staying power in culture... It’s the way they pass on values.

Respect for the land. Respect for boundaries. Respect for everything. In that sense, the little people remind us that some places are sacred, and you treat them as such.

Even now, the legend hasn’t gone away. In Cherokee communities across Oklahoma, it still gets passed down quietly. Maybe it’s imagination, maybe it’s not. Either way, the little people have been here longer than the rest of us, and in Oklahoma, that counts for something.