This myth describes a feast given by Tate for the spirits on arrival of Wohpe. It is a feast that leads to various conditions within the world. This tale gives another, briefer account of the creation of the earth. For example, in this account the earth is created for Okaga and Wohpe (the newly-weds) to live on. Wohpe said, "I want a tipi for Okaga and myself. A place for him and his brothers" (Walker 1983: 161).1 And so they lived in their own tipi at the centre of the earth.
During the feast, Wohpe dances and her hair shines and flashes as it spins. This is the aurora borealis that can be seen in the north.
In this tale, the continuing strife between the brothers (the Four Winds) is caused by Iktomi. The brothers agree to dwell in different places but they also agree that they will visit each other.
Yata dwells in the regions of the pines. Yanpa dwells in the mountains where the sun retires to rest. Iya (Eya) dwells where the great waters are, where the sun begins his daily journey to view the whole world. Okaga, and Wohpe have their tipi in the center of the world, where the sun is highest, and little Yamni (Yumni) lives with them. Each year they come and bring life and warmth, but as soon as they turn their backs, Yata comes bringing cold and death. Then the birds fly to Okaga, and beg him to come to their help. When they come to his tipi they find him and Wohpe so contented and happy, that they return rejoicing, and mate and raise their young (Walker 1983: 161-162).
It is during this feast that the Four Winds also choose their colours. North Wind, white; East Wind, blue; West Wind, yellow; South Wind, red.
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