Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney

John Ax. Swimmer had heard it also, but remembered only a part of it. For more in regard to the Uktena and the talisman derived from it, see numbers 50 and 51, with notes. Asga'ya Gi'gage'i--The "Red Man," or lightning spirit, who is frequently invoked in the sacred formulas. Struck by lightning--As has been explained elsewhere, the wood of a tree that has been struck by lightning plays an important part in Cherokee folklore. Strong and dangerous--It is a common article of Indian belief that the presence of a powerful talisman, no matter how beneficent in itself, is enervating or positively dangerous to those in its vicinity unless they be fortified by some ceremonial tonic. For this reason every great "medicine" is usually kept apart in a hut or tipi built for the purpose, very much as we are accustomed to store explosives at some distance from the dwelling or business house.