Djogeon
Mythological Narrative
The Little People of Seneca tradition, who live in caves and gulches, generally do not harm people, and, in return for small gifts, warn them of danger or help them to good fortune.
Scholarly Commentary & Evolution
## Little people of the gulches
Parker describes the Djogĕ'on as little people who live in caves, a people by themselves who live in houses as humans do and frequent deep gulches and the banks of streams. They can be tricky but in general do not injure people. They are poor hunters, and considerate people throw them small gifts over cliffs, including fingernail parings, which they use as hunting medicine, and tobacco when they are heard drumming. Out of gratitude they warn people of danger or help them to good fortune.
## Stories and continuity
Parker's tale 52, 'A Tale of the Djogeon or Pygmies', is one of several in his collection featuring them, and Little People appear in the traditions of many Northeastern nations. They are not presented as dangerous monsters so much as neighbours who expect respect, and stories about them continue to be told. This site does not describe any ceremonial observance connected with them.
Academic Discussion & Critique
Exchange peer-reviewed hypotheses, comparative Indo-European etymologies, and archaeological field interpretations regarding Djogeon.
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