Water Babies

Water Babies are spirits featured in the folklore of several Western Native American tribes, particularly among the Great Basin Indians. These entities are believed to inhabit bodies of water such as springs, ponds, and streams, often appearing as infants whose cries are considered an omen of impending disaster. In some traditions, they are described as small creatures who lure people to their deaths and are said to eat children.^[1][2]

Water Babies are recognized in the folklore of various tribes, each with its own interpretation and cultural significance. Tribes that feature Water Babies in their folklore include the Paiute, Shoshone, Washoe, Achumawi, Cahuilla, Cupeño, Luiseño, Serrano, Yokuts, Salish,^[1] and Ute.^[3]

In Washoe tradition, Water Babies are considered powerful beings that inhabit bodies of water in their homeland, particularly around Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada. These spirits were believed to be capable of causing harm or even death to humans. Cave Rock, located at the southern end of Lake Tahoe, was regarded as a sacred place by the Washoe, in part due to the presence of Water Babies in the cave. Only healers were allowed to visit this site for spiritual renewal, where they would consult with the Water Babies and bring them offerings in hopes of strengthening their powers.^[4]

Before crossing the lake or fishing, the Washoe performed rituals involving specific offerings to the Water Babies. These offerings included corn, bread, and pine nuts, which were placed in baskets sealed with pitch and submerged into the lake. The Washoe believed these offerings would protect them from drowning or ensure they caught many fish. When tribespeople did not return from the lake, it was thought that the Water Babies were responsible for their deaths by drowning.^[4][5]

Paiute legends, particularly those surrounding Pyramid Lake in Nevada, include stories of Water Babies as mysterious and dangerous spirits. These spirits are said to mimic the sounds of crying babies to lure in victims. Some versions of the legend suggest that malformed or premature infants were cast into the waters, while another version tells of a curse placed on the lake by a rejected mermaid. The sounds of crying babies are said to be heard from the lake on certain nights, a reminder of the spirits believed to dwell beneath its surface.^[6]

In another Paiute tale from the Owens Valley in California, Water Babies are depicted as spirits inhabiting Owens Lake. In one story, a Water Baby confronts a giant who terrorizes the area. The Water Baby waits for the giant near the lake, ultimately overpowering and drowning him in the lake’s depths. The remains of the giant are said to still be visible near the Alabama Hills, marking the Water Baby's triumph.^[7]

In the Delamar Valley SEZ (Solar Energy Zone) of Nevada, Water Babies are recognized as powerful spirits connected to water and volcanic areas by the Southern Paiute tribes, including the Moapa Band of Paiute Indians, the Pahrump Paiute Tribe, and the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah. These beings are believed to travel through underground waterways, which are considered to be connected to other significant bodies of water across the region. Petroglyphs and rock art in the Delamar Valley depict Water Babies, reflecting their importance in local spiritual practices and ceremonies.^[8]

In Ute folklore, particularly among those around Utah Lake and the Provo River in Utah, Water Babies, known as Pawapicts, were believed to inhabit these waters. The Utes told stories of these spirits, often describing them as small creatures with long black hair who cried like infants and could lure or force others into the water. According to one tale, Pawapicts were the result of a wrestling match between a stout man named Pahahpooch and a wildcat, which led to Pahahpooch being transformed into a Water Baby after being thrown into a lake. These beings were feared for their ability to tempt or capture people, dragging them into the water where they would become Water Indians and take on the task of luring others to the same fate.^[3]

Stories also include personal encounters, such as those recounted by Ute elders, where Water Babies were seen drying their hair by the Provo River, their cries causing rivers to rise and frightening those who witnessed them.^[3]

The legend of Water Babies reflects the broader Native American respect for natural forces, particularly the dual nature of water as both a life-giving and potentially destructive element. Water Babies serve as reminders of the power of nature and the necessity of maintaining harmony with it. Rituals, offerings, and respect are common themes across the tribes that share this belief, reflecting a deep-seated understanding of the spiritual significance of natural elements in Native American culture.^{[5][6][3][7][2]}

• Ong (Washoe folklore)