tahquitz
tahquitz Lexical Profile
• noun
American A prominent granite rock formation and peak located in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild, California, historically renowned as a pivotal site for the development of technical rock climbing in North America.
"During the mid-twentieth century, climbers established some of the country's most iconic and pioneering routes on the steep faces of Tahquitz."
American A powerful, often malevolent spirit or legendary shaman in the mythology of the Cahuilla and other Native American peoples of Southern California, traditionally believed to reside in the San Jacinto Mountains and manifest as a meteor or lightning.
"In local folklore, the deep rumbling sounds echoing through the canyon were attributed to the restless spirit of Tahquitz."
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Cahuilla word 'Tákwiš', referring to a legendary shaman or supernatural being in the mythology of the Native American tribes of Southern California, who was believed to reside in the San Jacinto Mountains.