Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Dark Winds Season 3 Episode 2.The highly anticipated third season of the gripping AMC+ thriller Dark Winds is now available for streaming. Showrunner Graham Roland introduces a compelling new threat that will test the limits of Navajo Nation Police officers Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon). Dark Winds draws inspiration from Tony Hillerman’s renowned “Leaphorn & Chee” novels, featuring the legendary executive producers Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin, both of whom make unexpected cameo appearances this season. The series kicks off with a chilling encounter in the dark desert, where a terrified Leaphorn faces a mysterious creature, hinting at a formidable antagonist for Season 3. Viewers soon learn that the officers may confront the ancient and mystical Navajo entity known as Ye’iitsoh. After two episodes, it’s evident that Roland will gradually unveil the nature and powers of this enigmatic creature throughout Leaphorn and Chee’s investigation.
Unravel the Mystery of Ye’iitsoh in ‘Dark Winds’
In the Navajo language, Ye’iitsoh translates to “Big monster” or “Big God,” signifying the immense fear and respect surrounding this entity. Leaphorn and Chee learn that this formidable creature is linked to the mysterious disappearance of two young Navajo boys. Within Navajo culture, the Ye’iitsoh is akin to the Sasquatch or the boogeyman, similar to the La Llorona from Hispanic folklore. This legendary figure is considered one of the most powerful and feared beings in the Navajo Nation. According to ancient tales passed down through generations, Ye’iitsoh was once part of the Anaye, a group of malevolent god-like monsters in Navajo mythology. Its insatiable hunger for human flesh made it a terrifying presence, roaming the plains and threatening the very existence of the Diné.
The legend states that Ye’iitsoh posed an existential threat to the Diné people, threatening to consume all their resources or their very lives. It is said that the creature could devour entire groups of people in a single bite, showcasing its terrifying power. According to the myths, Ye’iitsoh met its demise at the hands of two courageous twins, the sons of Tsohanoai, the sun carrier god. Some versions of the legend refer to these twins as Jóhonaaʼéí, endowing them with the gifts of lightning and sunbeam arrows from their father. They utilized these extraordinary abilities to inflict mortal wounds on Ye’iitsoh, ultimately leading to its death. The first episode of this season is framed by references to this legendary monster, indicating that it will play a significant role in the unfolding narrative.
Explore the Revelations in the Second Episode of ‘Dark Winds’
In the premiere of Dark Winds‘s third season, both Leaphorn and Chee show skepticism regarding the possibility of Ye’iitsoh’s involvement in the recent abductions. However, as the second episode unfolds and Leaphorn delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to experience a shift in perspective. He becomes increasingly convinced that they are confronting something beyond ordinary explanation. Throughout the episode, Leaphorn is haunted by perplexing visions that seem to depict Ye’iitsoh. By the dramatic conclusion of Episode 2, Leaphorn firmly believes that this is not merely a case involving a human perpetrator. His chilling statement at the end, “It’s him,” captures the sense of dread and certainty, just as the credits roll.
It will be fascinating to witness how Roland weaves this mythical entity into the overarching storyline of Season 3. The introduction of Ye’iitsoh adds a new layer to this critically acclaimed show, providing a moody and terrifying element that Leaphorn, Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten), now serving as a Texas Border Patrol officer, must confront. While Season 2 explored themes of skinwalkers and witchcraft, the tangible presence of Ye’iitsoh introduces a more visceral and menacing aspect to the narrative. This storyline may also serve as a psychological tool highlighting Leaphorn’s ongoing guilt over his earlier actions, particularly leaving B.J. Vines (John Diehl) to die in the desert at the end of Season 2, underscoring his emotional turmoil.
New episodes of Dark Winds are available for streaming every Sunday on AMC+ in the U.S.
