Tahu, a leading character in Ortiz’s Pueblo Revolt 1680/2180 saga, reflects pueblo women’s strength, power, and resilience. A young Tahu is challenged to an archery contest against a Castilian fighter. Unaware of Tahu’s extraordinary archery skills, she defeats him. Enraged by the defeat, the Castilian troops retaliate and viciously blind Tahu and all the young girls in the pueblo, using heated swords to pierce their eyes.

Unwilling to accept this unjust punishment, Tahu hones her skills with a bow and arrow and recruits an army of blind archers. They relentlessly battle the invaders and drive them out. Tahu, a humble pueblo girl, becomes a superhero. She tells her fellow warriors, “You are no longer blind when you can see through your fear!”

Tahu’s story is inspired by pueblo women, my mother and grandmother, sharing stories of the past to help guide the future. They encouraged us to face adversity with a positive outlook. This belief has endured despite nearly 300 years of intimidation imposed on the pueblo people–yet we have persevered. It is the women who help pass down our culture and history and teach us how to overcome our fears, both real and imagined. My mother would often say, “If it weren’t for the women, many of our traditions and ceremonies would be forgotten.”

-Virgil Ortiz