18 THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE WICHITA. 
The religious system of the Wichita, like that of the Pawnee, 
though to a less extent, may be characterized as a star cult. The chief of 
all the gods is Man-never-known-on-Earth, who, as is related in the first 
myth, was the creator of the universe, and to him is made the first 
offerings, both of food and of smoke. Next in importance and dig- 
nity is the Sun, who not only gives his light, but assists in the growth 
of everything and in keeping the earth fresh and sweet. 
Closely following the Sun in importance is the Morning-Star, 
whose duty it is to drive the stars along and keep them in place, espe- 
cially to usher in the daylight.- 
Next in importance is the South-Star, the protector of warriors and 
of chiefs. . 
The next in rank is the North or Pole-Star, who stands still, and 
out of regard to the people on earth, at night, he shows them which way 
is north. He is the guardian of the medicine-men, who derive their 
powers from him, and who in their ceremonies give smoke to him be- 
fore recognition is made of the other gods. 
Next in importance are the stars of the Great Bear. Their powers 
are not unlike those of the Sun and the Morning-Star. They are 
made to circle about the North-Star, and are to be prayed to, for in their 
hands is placed power to be given to those who pray to them, especially 
to those who are about to undertake a war expedition. It is said that 
those who pray to them and follow their direction will have good luck 
and have a prosperous expedition. 
Next in importance is a star in the north known as the “Ghost- 
Bear.” This star is of comparatively recent origin, for it is said that 
a certain man who traveled in the far north saw a human being stand- 
ing before him, who said to him: “This is my burial place. I live in 
the far north. There I live. Should you like some of my power, and 
should you accept whatever I offer you I will give you power. You 
shall have the power over the herbs to cure people, for I am a medicine- 
man. If an accident should happen, or if sickness should arise, I will 
give you a way to heal, and in your doctoring you should look to the 
Sun, for my powers are derived from him. Before you begin doctoring, 
offer me smoke.” ‘Thereupon the man was informed that it was the 
Ghost-Bear who was talking to him, and upon looking again he saw 
that it was a Ghost-Bear. The man looked back and the Ghost-Bear 
had become a star. 
Flint-stone-lying-down-above is the next in importance in the 
Wichita pantheon. This star, which is said to be immediately overhead, 
and which can not be seen except in a moonless night, is always to be 
