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
replied by setting his head in the direction opposite to the true one.
The giant observed the sign, and went on the road the dog indicated.
After proceeding for some distance he found that the young men could
not have gone that way, so he returned to the hut, to find the dog
still there. Again he questioned the animal, who merely repeated his
previous movement. The monster once more set out, but, unable to
discover the fugitives, he again returned. Three times he repeated
these fruitless journeys. At last he succeeded in getting on to the
right path, and shortly came within sight of the brothers.
The Thunderer
Immediately they saw their pursuer they endeavoured to outrun him, but
without avail. The giant gained ground, and soon overtook the eldest,
whom he slew. He then made for the others, and slew three more. The
youngest only was left. The lad hurried on until he came to a river,
on the bank of which was a man fishing, whose name was the Thunderer.
This person he implored to convey him to the opposite side. After much
hesitation the Thunderer agreed, and, rowing him over the stream, he
commanded the fugitive to go to his hut, and returned to his nets. By
this time the monster had gained the river, and on seeing the fisherman
he asked to be ferried over also. The Thunderer at first refused, but
was eventually persuaded by the offer of a piece of twine. Afraid that
the boat might capsize, the Thunderer stretched himself across the
river, and commanded the giant to walk over his body. {335} The
monster, unaware of treachery, readily responded, but no sooner had he
reached the Thunderer's legs than the latter set them apart, thus
precipitating him into the water. His hat also fell in after him. The
Thunderer now gained his feet, and watched the giant drifting
helplessly down the stream. He did not wish to save the monster, for
he believed him to be an evil spirit. "Okulam [Noise of Surge] will be
your name," he said. "Only when the storm is raging will you be heard.
When the weather is very bad your hat will also be heard." As he
concluded this prophecy the giant disappeared from sight. The
Thunderer then gathered his nets together and went to his hut. The
youth whom he had saved married his daughter, and continued to remain
with him. One day the youth desired to watch his father-in-law fishing
for whales. His wife warned him against doing so. He paid no heed to
her warning, however, but went to the sea, where he saw the Thunderer
struggling with a whale. His father-in-law flew into a great rage, and
a furious storm arose. The Thunderer looked toward the land, and
immediately the storm increased in fury, with thunder and lightning, so
he threw down his dip-net and departed for home, followed by his
son-in-law.
Storm-Raising
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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