![]() The chief was bold and determined to reach the realm of Shin-au-av and find his wife, so he carefully crossed over the bridge to the other side.Īs he stepped off the bridge, he was welcomed by a beautiful maiden who introduced herself as the daughter of Shin-au-av. He realized he either had to go back or brave the bridge crossing. From the ledge where he stood, a narrow rock bridge arched over a dark, bottomless void and was the only way he could find to reach the other side and the beautiful land beyond. On the far side of the chasm was a beautiful land of soft sunshine and lush green meadows. After many weary, fear-filled days, he finally came to the end of the tunnel and stepped into the most glorious light.Īs his eyes grew used to the light, he found himself on a high ledge looking down the throat of an abyss. Nevertheless, he was determined to reach the realm of Shin-au-av to reunite with his dear wife and overcome all the perils he faced. These dark places were inhabited by strange vicious beasts, evil spirits, and demons, and he had to fight off their attacks. It was a perilous long, lonely, and harrowing journey through the depths and bowels of the earth. The Journey to the Ghost LandĪfter spiritually preparing himself, he followed the trail of his ancestors through miles of underground tunnels and passages for days. Finally, after much thought, he decided he would travel in his earthly body to the Ghost Land (2) to find her. The more he dwelt upon the memory of his dead wife, the more determined he became to join her. This tells how a Paiute chief grieved so much by the death of his wife could not face living without her. One legend from the Native American Paiute people of the region tells of the Ghost Land – the realm of the dead – ruled over by Shin-au-av (1), and accessed through caves and tunnels under the desert valley. Shin-Au-Av-Tu-Weap – Thomas Moran, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Shin-au-avĭeath Valley in Eastern California is a strange, forbidden, and mysterious place of myths and legends of the First People.
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