The Myths of the North American IndiansSpence, Lewis
History
The Myths of the North American Indians
Spence, Lewis
Indian mythology -- North America; Indians of North America -- Folklore
It was arranged to hold a general meeting, so that the wearer of the
white feather might show his prowess and magical powers. First of all
they took the giant's pipe (which had belonged to Chácopee), and the
warriors smoked it one after the other. When it came to Chácopee's
turn he signified that the giant should precede him. The giant smoked,
but to the disappointment of the assembly nothing unusual happened.
Then Chácopee took the pipe, and as the smoke ascended it became a
flock of pigeons. At the same moment he recovered his speech, and
recounted his strange adventures to the astounded listeners. Their
indignation against the giant was unbounded, and the chief ordered that
he should be given the form of a dog and stoned to death by the people.
Chácopee gave a further proof of his right to wear the white feather.
Calling for a buffalo-hide, he cut it into little pieces and strewed it
on the prairie. Next day he summoned the braves of the tribe to a
buffalo-hunt, and at no great distance they found a magnificent herd.
The pieces of hide had become buffaloes. The {301} people greeted this
exhibition of magic art with loud acclamations, and Chácopee's
reputation was firmly established with the tribe.
Chácopee begged the chief's permission to take his wife on a visit to
his grandfather, which was readily granted, and the old man's gratitude
and delight more than repaid them for the perils of their journey.
How the Rabbit Caught the Sun
Once upon a time the Rabbit dwelt in a lodge with no one but his
grandmother to keep him company. Every morning he went hunting very
early, but no matter how early he was he always noticed that some one
with a very long foot had been before him and had left a trail. The
Rabbit resolved to discover the identity of the hunter who forestalled
him, so one fine morning he rose even earlier than usual, in the hope
of encountering the stranger. But all to no purpose, for the
mysterious one had gone, leaving behind him, as was his wont, the trail
of the long foot.
This irritated the Rabbit profoundly, and he returned to the lodge to
consult with his grandmother.
"Grandmother," he grumbled, "although I rise early every morning and
set my traps in the hope of snaring game, some one is always before me
and frightens the game away. I shall make a snare and catch him."
"Why should you do so?" replied his grandmother. "In what way has he
harmed you?"
"It is sufficient that I hate him," replied the querulous Rabbit, and
departed. He secreted himself among the bushes and waited for
nightfall. He had provided himself with a stout bowstring, which he
arranged as a trap in the place where the footprints were usually to be
found. Then he went home, but returned very early to examine his snare.
{302}
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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