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Teharonhiawako

♂ Boy

Teharonhiawako Pronunciation

Teharonhiawako is pronounced teh-hah-ron-hee-ah-WAH-koh

Meaning: he holds the sky; sky-holder

In 30 seconds: A Mohawk name meaning 'he holds the sky,' belonging to the benevolent twin creator in Haudenosaunee cosmology who shaped the world for humanity.

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Origin Iroquois, Native American

Meaninghe holds the sky; sky-holder

History & Origin

Teharonhiawako is the Good Twin in Haudenosaunee (Mohawk) creation cosmology. When Sky Woman fell through a hole in the sky-world and died, her daughter gave birth to twins. Teharonhiawako emerged normally; his twin Tawiskaron forced his way out violently. Teharonhiawako then shaped the world from his mother's body — her head became the moon, her corpse the earth — planted the first corn, created people, and gave humanity tobacco and ceremony. His creative work was constantly opposed by Tawiskaron, and their final battle sealed the cosmic order. A Kuiper Belt binary object discovered in 2001 was named in his honor.

Did you know? A trans-Neptunian binary Kuiper Belt object discovered in 2001 was named 88611 Teharonhiawako, with its moon named Sawiskera after his evil twin.

Wikipedia — Teharonhiawako — Article on the Haudenosaunee Good Twin creator figure and the Kuiper Belt object named after himEBSCO Research Starters — Iroquois Creation Story — Academic summary of the twin creator narrative in Haudenosaunee belief

If you like Teharonhiawako…

Aionwatha— Iroquois name from the same Haudenosaunee sacred tradition with world-shaping significance

Karonhiakte— Mohawk name meaning 'near the sky,' sharing the sky-world cosmology of Teharonhiawako

Onatah— Haudenosaunee spirit of earth and corn, a counterpart to the sky-born creative forces

Deganawidah— Revered Iroquois confederacy founder whose name carries the same depth of Haudenosaunee tradition

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Teharonhiawako?

Teharonhiawako is pronounced teh-hah-ron-hee-ah-WAH-koh. Press play above to hear Teharonhiawako said aloud.

How do you say Teharonhiawako?

Teharonhiawako is said teh-hah-ron-hee-ah-WAH-koh. Press play above to hear Teharonhiawako said aloud.

What does Teharonhiawako mean?

'He holds the sky' or 'Holder of the Heavens' in Mohawk — the name of the Good Twin creator figure in Haudenosaunee cosmology.

What is Teharonhiawako's role in Haudenosaunee belief?

He created the earth, planted the first corn, and gave people ceremony and tobacco — the benefactor twin whose work Tawiskaron (the evil twin) endlessly opposed.

Is Teharonhiawako used as a personal name?

Rarely as a birth name; as a sacred cosmological name it carries ceremonial weight beyond everyday naming conventions.