Note 5 — SENECA FICTION, LEGENDS, AND MYTHS (continued 9)

These guardians of the pathway to the Lodge of the Seven Sisters also appear in other recitals; for example, in those describing the alleged journey of the human soul to the Land of Souls. These obstacles are, first, the Pine or other variety of tree having leaves or thorn-like points charged with deadly venom; second, the two Rattlesnakes or other monsters; third, the two Sʻhagodiyoweqgowa or Benign Wind Gods (erroneously introduced in this category of malign creatures); fourth, the two Blue Herons; and fifth, the inflated entire skin of a human being, usually placed on a platform, to watch for strangers. These wonder animals, creatures of fear and ignorance, bar the way to some goal—to success—and test the spirit of him who seeks to attain some desired end.