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Taino mythology

Taino mythology encompasses the beliefs and stories of the Taino people, indigenous to the Caribbean. Central to their culture are gods known as “Zemis,” representing natural elements and ancestral spirits. The Taino believed in a dualistic universe, with good and evil forces at play. Important deities include Yucahu, the god of cassava and nourishment, and Atabey, the mother goddess associated with water and fertility. Their mythology also features the creation of the world, the significance of dreams, and the afterlife, where ancestral spirits guide the living. Overall, Taino mythology reflects their deep connection to nature and community.