Descent Legends: Siberia
First Woman and the Devil
Background Info
This one is really hard for me to relate; but... it is what it is. It comes from the Altai Tartar people of Siberia. I don't know if it's of native origin, or if it was a native myth that was negatively influenced by other religions coming into the area, such as Christianity and Islam. Regardless, it doesn't speak at all well of women!
Ulgen created the world and the people and animals who live in it. The first human Ulgen made was First Woman. But though Ulgen could create the forms of plants and animals and people, He could give only animals and plants life. He could not fill the body of First Woman with spirit; He could not animate her mind or voice or body.
Disappointed, Ulgen went away, leaving the body of First Woman.
The Devil came along then, playing his seven-tone flute, seven-tone lyre upon his back. He saw the body of First Woman and knew she was the creation of Ulgen. But her body was still. There was no life in her limbs or voice or mind.
And so the Devil had a wicked idea. He knelt upon First Woman and blew his seven-tone flute into Her nose. First Woman began to breath and speak. He played his seven-tone lyre in her ear and her mind came alive.
The Devil went away then, happy.
And so Ulgen's creation came to life, animated by the music of the Devil. And thanks to the Devil, the world has ever after been cursed with the seven bad tempers and seven bad moods of woman.