Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Cherokee Ghost

Connections

Context

Mention of a "Cherokee ghost" likely references one of the Nunnehi (sometimes spelled "Nûñnë’hï"). The name "Nunnehi" means "people who live forever," or literally translated, "people who live anywhere." They are a spirit race of immortal people that look and act just like other Cherokee people. There are many stories among the Cherokee about how the Nunnehi would sometimes show up to warn or to protect, or sometimes just to enjoy some nice music and dancing. 

The Nunnehi are a friendly people, especially to the Cherokee. The story is told that in 1838, just days before the Cherokee removal from their lands (part of the Trail of Tears), several of the Nunnehi came to warn them of an impending catastrophe. Some of the Cherokee followed the Nunnehi into the mountains, while others chose to stay. Those who left were never seen again, dwelling forever with the friendly Nunnehi. 

We can't know for sure if Cassidy herself is Cherokee (it's possible, with her brown hair and brown eyes, maybe half Cherokee?), but regardless, it seems one member of the Nunnehi met and befriended Cassidy sometime before 1853. The Nunnehi only appear when they want to be seen, so who knows what got this particular "ghost" interested in befriending Cassidy?

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