Tonenili

Tonenili is the rain god of the Navajo Indians of Arizona and New Mexico.

Etymology

Tonenili literally means ‘water sprinkler’.

Description

In the tribal dances Tonenili is represented by a masked man who enacts the part of a clown and carries a water pot.

Behavior

Tonenili was very mischievous and liked nothing better than a good downpour at the wrong moment. Fortunately his tricks never harm anyone. It was Tonenili that saved the first Navajo from the water monster Ticholtsodi.

References

• Oxford Dictionary of World Mythology