Sinulhky: The Two-Headed Serpent
Long ago, in the times when the world was full of mysteries, people first encountered the fearsome creature known as Sinulhky. This giant serpent had immense power and was known by different names in various Coast Salish dialects: Siin’lqi (pronounced “suh-in-ul-kee”) in Cowichan, sʔi:ɬqəy̓ (pronounced “s-EE-l-kay”) in Musqueam, Sinetlqi (pronounced “sin-et-lee”) in Lummi, and ayhus in Sliammon.
Sinulhky was a massive serpent with two heads that moved independently, each head scanning the surroundings with piercing eyes. Its scales glistened in the sunlight, and it possessed the ability to twist and break those who encountered it. This serpent could also shape-shift into different forms, such as a duck or a log, and it had the power to raise water levels. Here are some of the tales about Sinulhky, beginning with the first person to encounter the serpent.
Stutsun’s Encounter with the Serpent
The first to meet the two-headed serpent was Stutsun, an ancestor of the Cowichan (pronounced “KOW-ih-chan”) people. Stutsun went on a special journey called a vision quest. He fasted, bathed in cold waters, and stayed alone to prepare himself. One day, while bathing in a lake deep in the forest, he saw the Siin’lqi (pronounced “suh-in-ul-kee”), a giant two-headed serpent.
The serpent was huge, with two heads that moved independently. Its scales sparkled in the sunlight, and it looked very scary. But Stutsun did not run away. He stood still, his heart steady and his mind clear. He remembered the teachings of his people, to always face challenges without fear.
The Siin’lqi came closer, but instead of attacking, it sensed Stutsun’s courage. The serpent acknowledged his bravery and slowly retreated into the lake. Stutsun returned to his people with a new sense of wisdom and strength. He shared his story, teaching his people about bravery and purity.
Xwechtáal’s Quest in Squamish Tale
In the Squamish (pronounced “SKWA-mish”) community, the two-headed serpent was known as Sinulhky (pronounced “sin-uhl-kee”). This serpent scared the people of the village with its loud cries. A young warrior named Xwechtáal (pronounced “xwech-TA-al”) was chosen to kill the serpent. He chased Sinulhky for four years, following it up a mountain that now has a black streak called the Black Dyke. Finally, Xwechtáal killed the serpent in a lake, ending its terror.
The Musqueam Tale
The Musqueam (pronounced “MUS-kwee-um”) people tell a story of a two-headed serpent called sʔi:ɬqəy̓ (pronounced “s-EE-l-kay”). This serpent started in a small lake called xʷməm̓qʷe:m (pronounced “x-w-m-m-q-we-m”) and carved a path to the river, creating a creek. Everything in its path died, but from its droppings grew the flowering plant məθkʷəy̓ (pronounced “meth-kwee”), which gave the Musqueam people their name.
The Lummi Tale
In the Lummi (pronounced “LUM-mee”) community, the two-headed serpent is called Sinetlqi (pronounced “sin-et-lee”). This serpent can change its form into a duck, a log, or a two-headed lizard. Young men on vision quests would seek this serpent to gain its power. They had to follow strict rules, like staying pure and not turning away from the serpent, or they would suffer twisting and breaking.
The Sliammon Tale
The Sliammon (pronounced “SLY-am-mon”) people tell of a warrior who went on a quest to find an ayhus (another name for the serpent). He gained magical powers from the serpent, including the ability to reattach his head if it was cut off. He demonstrated his powers in a dance, showing that he was invincible.
‘Teachings’
From these stories, we learn important lessons that are shared by all the communities:
Be Brave: Just like Stutsun, we should face our challenges without fear. The two-headed serpent respects courage and those who stand their ground.
Stay Pure: It is important to keep a pure heart and follow spiritual practices. Those who are not pure often meet terrible fates when encountering the serpent.
Respect the Land: These tales connect the serpent to the land. We must respect our environment and the creatures within it.
Learn and Grow: Facing challenges can help us grow stronger and wiser.
The serpent’s encounters often lead to greater wisdom and strength for those who survive.
Sinulhky can be found in our waters, deep in the forests, along rivers. Historically, it has been sighted in the west of Vancouver, north along Howe Sound, and in the Fraser Valley in the lakes and forests near Hope. Those who encounter Sinulhky without preparation often meet terrible ends, and are found later twisted and broken. Avoid this creature at all costs, and do not go looking for him unless you have been prepared. If you do succeed in finding Sinulhky, it may grant you amazing powers, like healing and invulnerability.
Learn More…
Some great portrayals of Sinulhky can be seen in these different works by Coast Salish artists - click on the titles to view their work:
Source Materials
Coming Soon