A Childs Guide To Mythology 1000000168

A TO
GUIDE
MYTHOLOGY
BY
HELEN
AUTHOR OF
A.
CLARKE
"BROWNING'S
ETC.
"LONGFELLOW'S "BROWNING'S
COUNTRY,"
ITALY,"
ENGLAND,"
Garden
City PAGE J9r3
New "
York
DOUBLEDAY,
COMPANY
COPYBIGHT,
THE BAKEE "
1908, 1910,
TAYLOE
BY
COMPANY
m".z
9)3
MY
LITTLE
FEIEND
KATHARINE
CORFIELD
NEWBOLD
PREFATORY
NOTE
is ITand include
To
pleasure
authors in this
to
express
courteous
my
thanks
to
publishers
me
for
permission given
from the their
to
book
stories
collections.
"
Houghton,
of
Mifflin
"
Co.,
publishers of
and J. B. of
gonquin Al-
Legends," by
translation
the
"
J. G.
Leland,
"
Bryant's
of
Odyssey
of
"
; to
Lippincott
Old
Old Deccan
Co., the
publishers
Violet M.
Gods
and
Heroes
of
"
Japan," by
and
"
Pasteur, and
; to
Days," by Mary
to
Erere Mr.
A.
Wessels
lishers Co., the pubthe

"
W.
W.
"
Canfield,
;
to
author
of
the
Legends
of of
the
"
Iroquois
Bulfmch's
to
Ginn
in
Co.,
publishers
Classic
Myths
"
English
of
ture," Litera-
based Charles
of
"
on
Age
Fable,"
by
Mills
Gayley;
A.
Macmillan"
Co., publishers
Done into
Theocritus, Bion,
Prose," by
"
and
Moschus,
to
lish EngCo.,
B.
as
Lang;
Scott, Foresman by
"
publishers of
Anderson.
I
ISTorse
Mythology,"
of
no
Melville
Other
"
collections,out
print, as
far
know
the
original publishers
which
Tales and from I Based
"
longer being
in
existence,
"
from
have
on
taken
stories, are:
Indian
Fairy Mathews,
also
nelius Schoolcraft," by Cor-
Indian
Myths,"
Sir
by
Ellen
E.
Emerson;
"
the
tions: following English publica-
"Polynesian
Russian
Myths,"
Ralston. 7
by
George
Grey;
Stories,"by
PrefatoryKote
I
am
ies as deeplyindebted, every one who studworks,among mythologymust be,to the following Max Miilothers in various branches of the subject: ler's Chips from a German Workshop,"Cox's Mythology " of the Aryan Races," John Fiske's Myths Golden and Mythmakers,"Frazer's Bough," Hartof land's " Myth of Perseus,"Clodd's " Childhood and Myth," Andrew Lang's " Custom Religions," Mills's " Tree of Mythology, Tyler's" Primitive Culture," also
" " "
Chamberlain's
in Folk
"
The
Child
"
and
Childhood
Thought,"De
Dr.
of the New
Gubernatis's
"
Brinton's
American
thology MyZoological Hero Myths,"

as
"
Myths
"World,"as
well
to
many
collections of folk-tales.
My
readers the
aim has
in
this book
to
been
Mythology for younggive them solid knowledge on

on
mature it is advisable to go with imas far as subject, tions minds,based upon the most recent investigaof scholars, and to select the myths used in them illustration of the plan, with a view to giving almost unconwhich will, stories to read, sciously interesting to themselves, lay a firm foundation for the should fascinating Mythology, studyof Comparative they wish to go more deeplyinto it in the future. There is much ticity, talk nowadays as to the authenof this of the records of savage myths. Much talk seems for a myth is not a fixed to me futile, entity. Each successive narrator is almost sure to vary and embellish somewhat
8
the material that
comes
Note Prefatory
to
inventive fancy. If, to his own him, according tains rea savage therefore, myth recorded by a white man the chief characteristics of the savage myth, of some fanciful turns given it by him, to in spite the degree, say, that a story of Ovid's retains those of a Greek myth, it is to all intents and purposes a regarded, be dismyth7 and the embellishments savage may Ovid's are when as are wTe considering Greek included in Mythology. I have, therefore, this volume
most
those versions of the mvths and
that seemed
readable
attitude of mind
the primitive attractive, provided and customs were fullyemphasized.
CONTENTS
PACE
I.
II.
"
What
Animals
STORIES:
is
Myth?
Primitive
the British the fished of the
on
19
"
in
Myths
...
40
the How
a
How
muskrat
made
"
world
kite
(Indians
of
to
Columbia).
world
up
helped
"
make
(Philippine Island).
earth
How The
Maui
the
(Polynesian).
"
origin
based
robin
(Odjibwa, Cornelius
"
Mathews,
of the the hare
Schoolcraft).
B. F.
The
"
origin
How dian, In-
(Aino,
became "Tree
Chamberlain). (North
American
mole
blind
of
Mill's and R. the
Mythology")."
American
The
boy
Ellen Wasican Amer-
wolves
(North
"Indian
Indian,
"
Emerson,
the
Legends").
a man
How
bashas,
snail, became Emerson).

Rabbit
" "
(North
Indian,
of
The
amazing
tures adven-
Master
(Algonquin,
The
Leland's
of
"
"Algonquin
bozho
Legends").
story
ManaHow
a
(Iroquois, Mathews-Schoolcraft).
made his
Glooskap
great
man
uncle,
and
the
turtle, into
(Mic-Mac
Punchkin
Passamaquoddy,
M. Frere's
Le"Old
land).
Deccan
"
(Hindoo,
Days").
III.
"
Animals
STORIES:
"
in
Culture
to Indra
Myths
. . .
131
Hymn
Four
of apes the
(Hindoo,
Book
"Rig
of
Veda
").
The
(Egyptian,
the
Dead). Fenris,
"Norse
"
Story
the wolf
Midgard
B.
serpent
and
(Norse, Melville
11
Anderson's,
Contents
PA.QB
Eddas). The Mythology," (Greek, Gayley, story of Apollo and Phaeton based on Bulfinch). The story of Odysseus and the oxen of the sun (Greek, paraphrasefrom
on
" "
based
the
Bryant's "Odyssey"). The story of Athene and Arachne (Greek,Gayley-Bulfinch).

"
IV.
"
Tree
STORIES:
and
Plant
Myths
....
165
world
tree."
Ygdrasil,the
the Aino
"
Norse fell
Story of
of
corn a
who
asleep at the foot
pine tree. Wuntz, the father of Indian craft). (North American Indian,Mathews-SchoolLelinau, the Lost Daughter (North
"
American Birth field's the of
Indian,
the arbutus
Mathews
"Legends of the beginning (Ancient Mexican, Brinton's

" "
Schoolcraft). W. B. Can(Iroquois, Iroquois"). Song at

"
"
Flower "Myths of the New World"). song Brinton's of the (Ancient Mexican, "Myths New World "). The story of Erischthon (Greek, Bulfinch 's "Age of Fable")." Story of Pan and Syrinx (Greek, Gayley-Bulfinch). Story of Pomona and Vertumnus (Roman, GayleyIsis (Bulfinch). of Osiris and Bulfinch). Myth extracts from Lang's Story of Adonis (Greek, "Lament for Adonis," by Bion).
" " "
V.
"
Myths
STORIES:
moon,
of
the
Sun, Moon,
of the
and
Stars
the
"
207
Story
and
stars
making
of
sun,
(Navajo, Emerson). Story of the conquering of the sun (North American to the sun Indian, Emerson). Hymn (North American to Indian, Emerson). Surya Hymn The of the sun (Hindoo, Rig Veda "). worship and the dream of Onawataquto (North American Indian, Emerson). The witch and the
" "
"
"
"
sun's sister (Russian, Ralston
's "Russian mirror
Folk-
Tales"). The
"
making
12
of the
(Japan-
Contents
PAGE
ese, Violet M.
Pasteur, "Gods
The death
"
and
Heroes
of
Old
Japan")-"
of Balder
the Good
(Norse,Anderson-Eddas). Battle of Ra and Anapef (Egyptian, Book of the Dead). Story of Phoebus Apollo (Greek,Gayley-Bulfinch). Story of Artemis and Orion (Greek, finch). Gayley-Bulthe the of child and star (Iowa Story ing Indian,Emerson). Osseo, the son of the evenstar Indian, Mathews(North American Schoolcraft). The wandering star (Chippewa, Emerson). The daughtersof the stars (North American Indian, Mathews-Schoolcraft).
"
"
"
"
"
"
VI.
"
Myths
STORIES:
of
the
Sky
a
and
Air
.
269
How
hunter in Mount
"
visited the
Katahdin thunder
thunder
who spirits
dwell
(Passaand
"
maquoddy, Leland). The

men
ning lightHow
(Passamaquoddy, Leland).
"
Wuchowsen, the great wind bird (Passamaquoddy,Leland). The wonderful of Paup-puk-keewiss (North American exploits Indian, Mathews-Schoolcraft). The story of
"
Glooskap bound
Odin's
sword
"
and
Eddas). How to (Norse,Anderson-Eddas). How Zeus came be king of gods (Greek). Hymn to the dawn (Hindoo, "Rig Veda "). The lover's vision of the happy land (North American Indian, Emerson).
" " " "
Sigmund (Norse,AndersonThor conquered the stone giant
The
"
field). The M. Pasteur).
Canmessage-bearers (Iroquois, of the gods (Japanese, Violet way
VII.
"
Mother-Myths
STORIES:
"
and
Child-Myths
. .
336
Malayan story
of the
sun
and
moon.
to the mother of the gods (Mexican Hymn Indian, Brinton's "Rig Veda Americanus").
"
Hymn
"
to
Cihuacoatl
ton). The
(Mexican Indian, Brinchildren of heaven and earth (Sir

13
Contents
PA
OS
George Grey, "Polynesian Mythology").

"
"
to {Greek, from Hymn Story of Demeter Demeter, Callimachus). The story of Deand meter Persephone {Greek, Gayley-Buland from Ovid finch, drawn Appolodorus). son). Legend of Tu-tok-a-nu-la {Indian, Emer" "
Nezhik-e-wa-wa-sun,
"
or
the lone the
ning light-
{Odjibwa, Emerson). Wasis, baby {Penobscot,Leland). Ojug Annung, or the summer-maker gend {Indian, Emerson). The leof Maui fant {Polynesian, Grey). The inHeracles {Greek, paraphrasedfrom Lang's translation of the Idyls of Theocritus). The infant Hermes ley's {Greek,paraphrased from Shel" " " "
translation
of
the
Homeric
Hymn
to
Mercury).
14
ILLUSTRATIONS
PACING
AGE
Automedon
and
the
Horses
of
Achilles
.
Regnavlt
Frontispiece
Zeus
From
Pompeii
140
Athene
Glyptothek,
Munich
162
Apollo
with
the
Lyre
.
Glyptothek,
.
Munich
232
Diana
or
Artemis
the
Huntress
.
. .
Versailles
240
Diana
or
Artemis
Correggio
248
Aurora
Guido
Reni
270
The
Flying
Mercury
Hermes
or
.
Giovanni
di
Bologna
316
Athene:
Brandisher
of
the
Spear
. .
Capitol,
Rome
320
Demeter
or
Ceres
The
Vatican
340
The
Infant
Hercules
Louvre
384
MYTHOLOGY
TO GUIDE
Guide
"
to
Mythology
"
plain Xorth, East, South, "West carryinglong spears with which they batter away in making a hole at the castle until they succeed through the wall. Then each of these knightsof learningbecomes so intent upon what he sees in has the castle through the hole that he, himself, of what the other that he is entirely made unaware knights see through the holes they have made. Then they all go off and write their learned books, what they have seen, and when to telling they come read each other's books, of course, they have terrible battles all of words fortunatelyin their attempts is right, and each one contends that he to settle who has seen all there is to be seen throughhis own particular little spear hole. But we, upon the hilltop that every one of the knights can saw thing someperceive about myths which was true, and the way to find the answer is to piecetogether all the want we
quarter
of the
" "
fractions
of truth which
each
man
saw
into
whole
whole a truth,or somethingnear truth,for, you know, the whole truth about anythingis so immense that it is almost if not quiteimpossible to find it all
out.
for me to possible tell you in this one short chapter all the secrets which all the knightsof learning as saw they looked into the castle; but I shall tell you a few of them, for it will helpyou to understand more intelligently what a myth really is. The first knight to be seen of a out galloping far-distant past is the Greek yery Theognis of
not 20
For
example, it
would
be
What
Is
Myth?
Rhegium. He lived six hundred years B.C., but to be such as even long ago as that there had come of myths in Greece,that their number immense an for much wonder. He existence was alreadya cause tered and when he batcarried a spear, called " allegory," the only truth he could see into the castle, that all myths were was According to allegories. the Greek him mythical gods,Apollo,Helios,and fire under different aspects:Hera were Hephaestos, the air;Posidon,the water; Artemis, the moon, was
and
so on.
Other
saw
learned much the
Greeks
same
followed
in his
ample, ex-
and footsteps three

that
hundred the
years
things. For later,Aristotle
said
myths
to
were
attempt of the world
before
and philosophical speculations, and sixty years later said Plutarch four hundred guise. in disthat myths were statements metaphysical That is,they all thought that myths had been invented to stand as symbols of objects in nature had expressed. of ideas which men or another look again, we shall see "Now, if we Greek out of the past whose name knightgalloping Euhemeros. He was was a historian, a philosopher, and a traveller, and he lived about three hundred He the friend of the King of B.C. was years Macedon, who sent him off on missions to various
his time
express
countries. and
were
The
spear
he
came
carried
to
was
called that
"
tory," his-
the way
he
decide
myths
on
historical accounts
of real persons when he
is told in the
was
littlestory. Once following about after sailing travels,

21
off
his
ar-
for several
days,he
Guide
to
Mythology
group Pan-
lived in the Indian of islands the most chaia. The

for
Ocean, where he found a important of which was

were
inhabitants of this island their
guished distin-
piety and honored the gods by sacrifices and offerings the most of gold magnificent and silver. Among the wonderful works of art in this island was an immensely tall column on the a temple to JupiterTriumphant. top of which was This was supposedto have been erected by Jupiter himself, when, an earthlymonarch, he marched throughthe country victorious. Inside this temple column upon which were recorded the doings was a of Jupiter and of his father and grandfather,
Kronos
This does not and
Uranos.
a myth that it evidently; torical anythingas a proof of the hisso
is story, itself,
amount to
theory. Nevertheless there have been many to adoptthis belief. Other knights of learning, both ancient and modern, have carried lances with the sounding name, natural phenomena." When they look into the castle they see myths as personifications of natural phenomena. Everythingthat we see happening in under the head of natural phenomena. nature comes The rising and setting of the sun, the moon and the stars each day, the clouds that drift across the sky, and whirlwinds, the lightning flash and the storms loud roar of the thunder,as well as the gentle rain, the tinkling of waterfalls, and the light morning breezes. When all these objects and events in nature talked about as if they had the same are pow"
22
What
ers
as
Is
Myth?
beings, they are said to be personified. Here is a very pretty example of a myth in which It is taken from one of the the dawn is personified. ancient books in the world, the most Rig Veda,"
human
"
about
which
you
will hear
more
later.
Dawn man lovely arousing goes before the in a spacious sun paths, preparing riding practicable she diffuses light at chariot, expanding everywhere, the commencement of the days."
"
The
Among the ancient knights of learning who started in this way was thoughtthat all myths were the great Thucydides; and Cicero also believed that the exalted beings in mythology who were shipped worof in reality as personifications gods were in nature which struck the imagination the objects mankind. of primitive also many There are modern ing knightsof learnwho hold the same the most view, among Max is the Englishscholar, of whom distinguished him Miiller. About and his followers Sir George Cox and John Fiske,the American historian and if you continue thinker, day know more you will one ler MiilMax studies in mythology. When your
came saw
to
write
his learned
books
upon
what
he
in the castle of
upon many
when
races.
he
ing his learnmyths, he supported facts which he had discovered interesting of different the languages was studying
In
comparing the
ancient
23
Greek
languagewith
A
the ancient
out
Guide
to
Mythology
he Sanskrit, much alike.
found
This both He the
language of India, the often very that they were

him
to
drove be
the from
conclusion
some
descended also
they must still older language.

between which of
that
noticed
remarkable and
resemblances
myths
were
of Greece
those
India, of
there
largenumbers
and other his mind old
collected in the old books
in Sanskrit made who

up
Indian
languages.
race
Then
he
that the ancient
of
people
and
spoke the
were
languagefrom
must
which have
Greek
had
a
Sanskrit
fondness
descended
great
inventing myths, and that these myths had been handed down from to generageneration tion. of the descendants of this Finally,many ancient race while others went went to live in India, the reason the languages to live in Greece,and that was and the myths of these two peoples so were much The home alike in many of original ways. this ancient myth-making race has been thoughtto be Central Asia,and the race in history is known as the Aryan race. But Max Miiller and others who intoxicated with their new so agreedwith him were discoveries that they were in danger of constantly making fanciful comparisonsbetween the words of the two languages, and building these fanciful upon more comparisons explanationsof myths, even In fact they mythical than the myths themselves. direction like the other knights, in one not only saw but they used a huge magnifyingglassthat tinted thing with unnatural rainbow colors such as every when lookingthroughan opera glass. you have seen
24
for
What
I will
Is
Myth?
speak of three others only of the many who have seen of modern some knightsof learning the truth: E. B. Tyler, Andrew Lang, and James The first of these tells especially about G. Frazer. curious beliefs possessed some by primitive very beliefs colored their imagination These men. no One what kind of myths theymight invent. matter nary of them was that a spirit, separate from their ordi"
lifelived inside of their bodies ; another that all and also thingsin nature had life like themselves,
within spirits dwelling themselves. and
stones
as
them
like the
within spirits of trees The

are
This
well
was
thoughtto
of birds and
be true
as
animals. that and
second,Andrew
stories which ancient
or
Lang,
considers
manners
myths
customs
tell about
the
of
G. James third, in of vegetathe spirits sees [Frazer, tion, the corn, the trees and so on the origin of most myths. Very long and very profoundare the arguments with which each supports his particular point of view, and many from the illustrations drawn are the myths of all lands with which each illuminates his argument, but,like the rest of the knights, each
savage
and people, the worshipof
the
sees
so
much
in his
own
truth that he is
see.
more
or
less
blind to all that others Eow
that I have
the various
most
giveyou this glimpseat of myths proposedfrom the explanations

times
to the
tried to
ancient
present,I think
an
we
shall for
be
littlebetter
ourselves that
preparedto find out will be satisfactory.

25
answer
Supposewe
take the top off the castle in which
we
Guide and
to
Mythology
of their them
imagined the myths

to be locked
the secrets
upon
origin
our
up,
and
look down
from
hilltop, using as an aid to our vision all the light breaks in the that comes in through the numerous castle made by the lances of the knights. "What will
the
wonderful
treasures
revealed
to
us
be
like ?
and placed all polished They will not be like jewels, ioned fashin regularshiningrows, for myths were never all at would fashion his stones as a jeweler finished and beautiful shapes. into perfectly once !N"o! the imaginary contents of our castle which will best stand as a symbol or pictureof all the myths of the whole world in all their wonderful forest of almost countless varietywill be an immense
" " "
kinds of trees.
sorts
Under
the trees there

if
we
are
many
we
of
see
and plants that

some
flowers ; and
look closer
shall
are plants ugly but there are in shape, some even are decaying, and a few of the trees to behold, most lovely many orated dectower profusely up above the others and are with many shining ornaments, making them
of these trees and
look
like
Christmas
trees.
You
will
see
at
once
that
by usingthis symbol to
world I want
stand for all the

to
myths
of the whole
point out and make clear to you the importantfact that myths were not the jeweler his stones, made all at once as polishes from small beginnings, but they grew up gradually like oaks from pine cones acorns, or pines from and the soil in which they grew the minds of was men primitive ages and ages ago.
"
Sometimes
the trees of
one
land
will look exceed-
26
A in their games
Guide
to
Mythology
and that is how he came to to-day, of most of the things he saw invent explanations him. about Here, for example, is a little story invented by the Hottentots to explain two things the spots on which the moon, they had observed, the upper and the way in which lip of a hare is split
"
The
to
moon
men
sent
an
insect to
men
thou
so
and
tell
ye
shall also die
them, as I die and dying live.'

but while who asked
on
saying, Go and dying live,

The insect
was
'
started with overtaken errand had he
his message,
the way
upon
by
was
the hare
bound.
him
what that he
The
insect answered
that as she to tell men by the moon dies and dying lives so also shall they die and dying live ! The hare said, As thou art an awkward ner, runlet me go.' With these words he ran off and when he reached men he said, I am sent by the in the to tell you, as I die and dying perish, moon shall ye also die and come same manner wholly to
sent
' '
been
an
end.' her
Then what
the hare he had
returned said
to
to
men.
the
moon
and
moon
told
The
reproached him angrily, saying,' Darest thou tell the people a thingwhich I have not said?' With these words his head, she took up a hatchet to split missingthat the hatchet fell upon the upper lipand made a deep gash. Maddened by such treatment,
the hare
are
flew at
the
moon
and
scratched
we
now
her
on
face the
which moon."
the dark
spots which
28
see
What
Is
Myth?
Hottentots treat primitive every alive justas we learned thingin nature as if it were what from a Tyler. They reallydid not know being great difference there is between a human animals and plantsor between animal and an or in nature even plantsand stones. All of the objects they might speak and act being endowed with life, beings. But it was only the very justlike human wisest of human beingswho could understand this jects language that the animals and plantsand other obin nature might speak. seemed very mysterious On this account all nature and he therefore was to primitive ready to man, that caught his attention. worship almost any object Then the strange feeling he had that another spirit quite detached from his ordinarylife lived inside his body, made him imagine queer things for one about this spirit; that it might leave thing, his body and go off on independentjourneysin the form of a bird or an animal, that it might be or even stowed for safe keeping in some animal or away other object, like the famous story of the Norse to his true giantwhose heart,which is equivalent is far away in an egg that is in a church that is life,
You
see
these
on
an
island
that lies in this
lake.
In
many
stories
to belonging
time,a primitive
is bound
as
man's in
luck often
some
stands for his life and outside of himself
up
in this story of
object the Algonquin
which reflects all the strange notions I have Indians, of the spoken of as well as givingan explanation
appearance
of the sheldrake
29
duck.
It is the story
A of how
one
Guide
to
Mythology
a are
of the
duck, and
"
wives became Partridge's why her feet and feathers
drake shelred.
There had
a
was
once or
hunter
who
lived in the woods.

was so
He
brother
in
a
who spirit when
small that he forth he closed
kept him
this very
box, and for carefully,
he went
fear lest an
evil
should spirit
get him.
tiful saw a returning, day this hunter, very beaucasin. a rock by a river, on making a mocsitting girl he paddled up softly And being in a canoe and to capture her; but she, seeinghim silently On coming,jumped into the water and disappeared. lived at the bottom of to her mother, who returning
"
One
the
she river,
was
'
be his wife ;
"The When
told to go back to the hunter and long for now/ said the mother, i you bethe Partridge, Mitchihess,
was
to that man.'
hunter's
she
came
name
was
to his
lodge he
absent.
So she
arrangedevery thing for his return, making a bed back with one beaver. of boughs. At night he came
This he divided ; cooked one by the other half. In the he
was
half for supper
and laid
she awoke
morning
when
gone,
and
the other
half of the beaver
had
also
other That night he returned with andisappeared. thing took placeagain. beaver,and the same
Then
meant.
she resolved to spy and
find out
what
all this
lay down and went to sleepwith one eye and cooked the half of Then he quietly rose open. the beaver,and taking a key unlocked a box, and
"
So she
30
What took out the

a
Is
Myth?
fed him.
littlered dwarf
up
and
elf,he locked him sleep. And the small

beaver. him
again,and
had
Replacing lay down to

the whole
his box he
to
creature
eaten
half
But
and
ere
he
put him
in
washed
combed
his
which hair,
seemed
him. delight
morning,when her husband had gone for the day,the wife sought for the key, and having low found it opened the box and called to the littlefelThis he refused to do for a long out. to come time,though she promisedto wash and comb him. she he peeped out, when Being at lengthpersuaded, she touched him pulled him forth. But whenever her hands became red, though of this she took no heed, thinkingshe could wash it off at will. But lo ! while combing him, there entered a hideous being, awful devil, who caughtthe small elf from an
The
next
"
her and
"
ran
away.
Then
she
her
to wash
her husband
when
And terribly frightened. hands, the red stain remained. returned that night he had no
was
trying
When game;
he
saw
the red stain he knew he knew
all that had
pened; hapseized
when
what
had
saw
happened he
him
his bow
to
to beat her ; when
she
to
seize his bow
beat her
she
ran
down
at
the river and
jumped
be she the
in to escape
death
his
as
hands, though it
fell into the
should
water
by drowning.
became
marks
a
But
she
sheldrake
red
duck.
are
And
to
to
seen
this
on
day
of the
stain
be
her feet
and
feathers."
will observe
a
You
very
31
strangecustom
alluded to
A
in
Guide
that
as
to
Mythology
way
this story, and

is described of This
is the
in
which
the
his be
hunter wife his
instead wife.
the maiden for capturing gentlytryingto persuade her to shows

are
that
myth,
savages
ways
for there
many
very far-back other stories to prove that

a
it is
learned
women
to
be
much
more men
gentle in
became
their gether alto-
toward
even
before
civilized.
How
men primitive we
came
to
have
such
beliefs
cannot
say
Some positively.
peculiar people have
thought that perhaps their dreams made them think inside of them separate from that there was a spirit while the sounds and movements their ordinary life, the in nature, such as the singingof a waterfall, the sound which stones would of leaves, or rustling would to the seem give out when knocked together, mind of earlymankind, to be signsof uneducated
life like his Another
own.
magic and used to imagine that he Primitive man sorcery. it rain by imitating could make the thunder, which he did by shaking dried seeds about in a gourd. the producing of any desired effect Magic is really which event or are by means quite outside of the As the primitivesavage did not laws of nature. know any thingabout the laws of nature, laws which
very
early belief
is that
in
have
are
taken
not
even means
ages for
men
to discover
and
all of which
he revelled in the invention yet discovered,
of
asked
plish by which he thoughthe might accomthe thingshe would like to do. Sometimes he if what he wanted to help him, and spirits
32
"What
to
Is
Myth?
ask in aid which
do
was are
lie evil, countless
would
of evil
There
myths
the
spirits. magic plays a

as
part, examples of which

the stories
you
will
see
you
read
chapters. following Since in the time most remote men depended for their food, it is animals almost entirely upon the that made that animals were the objects probable that vivid impressions most on them, and, therefore, stories of animals belong to this most primitive
given in
stage.
At this
animals
a was
time,too, it
is
that likely
everv
the
worshipof
had
arose,
for almost
tribe of savages in
rare
sacred animal
never
which, except
to
it instances,
which
allowed
kill and
from
it often
imagined itself descended. began to till the and then plants vegetables, ground, and trees were observed by them, and more especially the mythical stories have, in consequence, more about plantsand trees in them; and, as they had sacred and animals, they had also sacred trees or plants, worshipped them or imagined themselves descended
many
After
ages, mankind to raise grainand
from
them.
as
of obin their powers servatio progressed natural and they saw phenomena more The succession of night and day impressed more. itself upon them, they took note of the motions of the sun, the moon and the stars, clouds caught their
men
Then
storms attention,
filled them and
with the
awe
and
fear
as
the
flashed lightning rattled in its might.
thunder
roared
summer
and
The
33
wind
laughedin
Guide
in
to
Mythology
and
breezes
and it,
to
or as
howled
soon as
wintryblasts
of
their
all these wonders
they noticed attention was fullyaroused nature, they began to think
only endowed with powers like their but as living beings. First, they frequently own, then as human nature as personified animals, beings, and as they had worshipped sacred animals and sacred plantsand sacred trees,now they worshipped tales these gods of nature; and as they invented about the animals and the trees,so they invented tales about these gods of nature. would As one pect, exof
them, as
not
the stories about animals be and
and trees would
often
mingled with
sometimes
the
new
stories of the nature
changed so that one would them. And recognize then,again,a story told about nature a god in one part of the world would, on of the earlywanderingsof the human account race from land to another,be added one ment ornaas an to a story told in another part of the world,
like the castle. and Again, whole myths would be transported, as they reached different countries they would be reflect the that they would so changed somewhat the knowledge of that particular country. or manners A strange thing,however, about many myths is that those in
one
gods, hardly
ornaments
on
the
Christmas
trees
in the
part of the world part of the world

have been
are
are
so
much
like those in another

seem
that it would
they must people. Not only

as
if
invented
by
the
same
there much
34
Greece
which
are
very
myths in but alike,
India there
and
are
Guide
to
Mythology
is no longer man by until in many countries primitive shall but begins to be more we civilized, primitive of myths became find that certain groups lized crystalinto completereligious systems, such as existed and many in Egypt, Assyria, India,Greece,Persia, had other countries. By this time the human race ness. attained to a much greater degreeof self-consciousselves Men were beginningto understand both themand the
true nature
better,and
for the
events
thev often could

of nature for them of
to
see
causes
about
to
them.
The
very
next
step was
handed
observe
the systems carefully been down
myths
which
had
going on to begin religious them by
their forefathers.
Upon these they used
aginative their im-
had earlier used it upon man as faculty, with the result that they attached new nature itself, of myths meanings and gave fresh explanations had originally started as simple personificawhich tions In Greece,for example, Apollo, of nature. of the sun, came who was a personification originally and Poetry; the God of Music to be regardedas the Dawn, became the Athene,who was originally the Wind, Goddess of Wisdom ; Hermes, originally became the God of Eloquence and the leader of spirits.This is the way myths gradually grew to have philosophical or metaphysical meanings that and most faris,to stand as symbols of the deepest at reachingthoughtsof which the mind of man that time was are capable. Many of those thoughts that one needs to have so profound and so wonderful All a great deal of knowledgeto understand them.
"
36
What that interests you

now
Is
Myth?
that there will want
are
is to know
such
thoughtsand
more
that
some
day
were
you
to know
ahout While
them.
some
myths
were
thus raised to
which remained
religious
in the
systems, there
form of
many
and stories. In the course of many legends these stories were told over generations, again and changes crept into them and again so that many
many
additions
were
made. make
a
Sometimes
a
the effect
of these
changes was to of the complexity

it became
times somestory cruder,
sometimes
more
Stories which
have
and increased, and tiful. beauinteresting been changed or added to
story was
by
same
the
peoplein
this way
are
called variants of the
story.
to these facts
Owing
into two
mythologyhas
That which
been
divided
great sections.
a
has risen to the
is called culture-lore, and that religion which has remained always in the form of stories and legends is called folk-lore. The first reflects the wisdom and manners of the more ligent intellearning, of humanity, who vance developedin adportions
of dignity
of the
customs
others;and
the second
the beliefs and
intelligent. You are wondering by this time how all probably this vast array of myths has come down to us from the longago past. Much of it has been preserved in in India,which ancient books like the " Rig Yeda is thoughtto be about four thousand years old,the in Greece, and Iliad Odyssey of Homer
" " " " "
of the less
about
three thousand
years
old and
many
others.
37
A These
Guide
to
Mythology
many
books
of
existed in
Since
manuscript for
the invention
dreds hun-
years.
of
printing,
largenumbers
of them
into modern
lated printedand translanguages. Knowledge of ancient
have been
myths has also been obtained from monuments the inscriptions on them, from paintings upon
and from
statues.
and
vases
The
folk-lore has for the most the stories of the

common
part been preserved
and has people, down from generation been handed and to generation taken down in writing one finally by some especially interested in collecting the stories, while the myths of the most in the surmen are vivals primitive preserved of them the races still remaininguncivilized among in various parts of the globe. These have in orally been mouths and for several centuries taken
down
from
the
of the
recorded
races
observed in their customs or people, lized by students. Among these less civiare
there
besides crude monuments,
and
even
crude forms of
men
writing by means
own
of which
itive prim-
have
recorded their
myths.
what
an
You
and
we
will realize
by
this time
extensive is which
wonderful
forest this forest of
myths
imagine ourselves lookingdown upon from our and after having taken this bird's-eye view hilltop, of the whole forest, will be the better able to you enjoy going down into the forest and making little in different directions and becomingbetter journeys
acquainted with some myths as you will in
now, moreover,
you
of the most the
beautiful
of the
will
following chapters. And have no difficulty in under38
What
Is
Myth?
"
the question, What when I answer is me standing " : a myth ? by saying A myth is any imaginative pretation interor explanation and of himselfor of the objects by man outside of himself, events in nature their including their effects and the still greatermysappearance, tery It may exist in many of their causes. forms to the complifrom the simplemyth of explanation cated myths in which the objects systemsof religious of nature are regardedas gods in human form. The about myths is that chiefthing to be remembered ments theyare not true,thoughtheymay contain some eleof truth; another,that though not actually true theyseemed to be true to the people who made
them.
39
CHAPTER
II
ANIMALS
IN
PRIMITIVE
MYTHS
THE
in the
as
stories
now
to
be
told
belong
as
to
we
that
very
early
last if
time
in
human
men
life,when, regarded
with
every
learned in
ture na-
chapter,
it
were
thing
gifted
to
life
like
themselves.
The of
strange
course,
ideas
which in their
this belief
gave
rise
of
are,
reflected
in them
myths.
and
Many
which
the
stories while animals
have the
animals
of
even
plants
into into
talk,
or
transformation
men or
men
animals when
into
are
gods
animals,
is
animals
The
not
actually worshipped
of from modern all these
frequent.
is that
more kind man-
most
curious
beliefs
all the
men
is descended
because
every
one
animals,
ous curi-
some
scientific prove
very
have,
the
not
same
as
knows,
The
modern
reverence
tried
to
much
thing.
any
scientist, however,
for he
may
does
have
from
especial
he
the
antediluvian
ape
which
supposes
have with he
evolved,
awe
while
reverence
the
primitive
the
savage from
regarded
which
and
animals
thought
called
himself
"
scended. deing trac-
Groups
their
of
from
savages the
same
clans
all
descent
to
animal, considered
friend.
a
that -would
animal
not
be it
or
especially their
eat
They
instances
kill
it, except
40
in
few
Animals when it
was
In
Primitive
Myths
of
killed
for
the
purposes
sacrifice.
regarded as ancestral Many different animals were animals, and became the sign or totem, as it was of the tribe. Among totem animals may be called, mentioned the following in Australia: Opossum, Most of the Australian tribes Swan, Duck, Fish. declare that the family started by a transformation
of these animals Indians have into mankind.
a
The
North
totem
can Amerianimals:
of great variety
Wolf, Bear, Beaver, Turtle,Deer, Snipe, Heron, Hawk, Crane,Duck, Loon, Turkey, Muskrat, Pike, Catfish, Carp, and so on.
It
was
an
easy
own
step for the savage

descent
from
some
from animal
lief the beto

a
in
his
belief in
the
sacredness
and
mystery of animals,
to the worshipof them. The Indians naturally leading of Peru, for example,regardedthe dog as their most exalted deity. They set up the image of a dog in their temples. They were also in the habit of choosing live dog as a representation of a their deity. They worshipped this and offered sacrifices it was well fattened up they to it,and when solemn ate it with ceremonies. This is religious
one
of the
cases
where
the sacred animal the

most
was
eaten.
of Serpent worship is one forms of animal worship, an found sacred among
wide-spread
of which is
are species
example
certain
the Zulus
to whom
because
of
they are supposedto ancestral spirits.

form which
be the incarnations
Another that of
a
the sacred animal
took
was
supernatural being not only concerned

41
in
A the
Guide
to
Mythology
but who had a part to play in the of men origin originof the whole world. of these myths, the water ready alIn a large number existed and, also of course, the remarkable The animal who brought to pass such wonders. animal told
was
sometimes Indians world.
very
humble
as
in the
story
the
by
the
of
British
Columbia
of
creation
of the
HOW
MUSKRAT
MADE
THE
WORLD
In
a
the
beginningnothingexisted
As the little animal of the water
but
water
and
muskrat. the bottom became
kept divingdown
of
to
in search
food, his
filled with mud. This he frequently posit, by alluvial despat out and so graduallyformed which grew and grew until it finally an island, became largeenough to be the earth. mouth
The
natives
of
the
Islands Philippine
tell this
story of the creation of the world.
HOW
THE
KITE
HELPED
TO
MAKE
THE
WORLD
The
water
world and
at
first consisted these two of he
onlv
of
a
skv kite.
and
The
between
weary
there flew
kite became
flyingabout, and
the water
to at
findingno
with within
placeto rest; so the sky. Then,

bounds and
so
set
variance
water
in order
keep the
not
a
that it should with
get uppermost, the

of islands in leave them
at peace.
sky loaded
which
the water
number
the kite
might
settle and
42
Guide
to
Mythology a-fishing, on going,

brothers,
his brothers go he takes his placein the boat and insists
and himself,
"
the next
time
too.
"
Where this will
is your
hook/'
ask
the
two
do/' says little Maui, taking out his for ancestor's jawbone. This he throws overboard but on his fish-hook, tryingto pull it in again he finds it very heavy. By haulingaway ever, howat it, #nd finds it has brought up he at last lifts it, the land from the bottom of the deep. This land combination of an proved to be an extraordinary
Oh
enormous
fish and
on
an
island
with
houses
and
men
and
animals
it.
tortoise is a familiar mythological supporting friend, believed in by Asia, and holding an importantplace in the mythology of the ^North American tant inhabithe lonely Indian,where a turtle, of the waste of waters, dived to the depths
The for the earth.
world
Even
so
humble
the
an
insect
as
the
grasshopper
of
in figures the world.

to us,
Bushman's
story of the creation
called
the grasshopper as Insignificant appears he appeared a great creature, to the Bushman Cagn, with trulyomnipotent powers, for he
undertook usual
raw
the work
material caused
of
creation He
without
even
the
ders or-
of water. all
simply gave
and
made,
"
sun, moon,
many
In
means
of the which
was
things to appear and to be wind, mountains,animals. stars, primitivestories, magic is the

wonderful that
44
a
by
It
the most believed
effects are
duced. pro-
magiciancould bring
Animals about
In
Primitive
Myths
mere
symbol of magic were Sometimes, however, magic wands power. used,and sometimes ceremonies were performedfor of producingmagicalresults. On the purpose the other hand such as the changing magicalprodigies of shape from often occur without to animal man of any the intervention magician. Whatever have been the origin of this belief, may it is certain that it was believed just as sincerely in as a theoryof the universe by early mankind as the doctrine of an endless, persistent energy, always believed in to effect has been working from cause by the nineteenth century scientist. Very fanciful stories have clustered about the idea that the spirit might be detached from the body, and far away, will see as placed somewhere you
when So
you
any effect lie desired and often without any will,
by
the
use
of hi3
visible
read
the
story of
"
Punchkin."
this idea fixed in the savage mind was firmly it seems his worship of animals, that, even probable, in the earliest stages of life was a worshipof really the spirit within the animal, rather than of the animal and from this phase he passedon to itself, the worship of a great spirit that might manifest
itself in many of the North above Spirit,
to in
forms. American all the
This
was
the belief of many tribes. The
Indian lesser
Great
ferred regods,is frequently
their stories.
stories the first three,are amples exfollowing of a very largeclass of earlymyths, which for the originor attempt to account peculiarities
45
Of
the
Guide
to
Mythology
having been awakened, the Curiosity he sees and often invents savage tries to explainwhat elaborate myths in his effort pretty and even to find a truth beyond his knowledge. In the Origin of the Robin," a custom observed
of animals.
"
among
Indians
is referred
to
in the young
man's
fast.
Instead of
calaureate college commencements, with Bacand the young valedictories, sermons,

or
Indian
boy
maiden the
was
made
to
observe
tary soli-
fast afar from the suffering
believed that would
parental wigwam, and while it was pangs of hunger and loneliness, the Great Spirit a or guardianspirit
his future.
reveal to him
THE
ORIGIN"
OF
THE
EOBIN"
{From the Odjibwa)
An
who
most
old had
man come
had
to
an
only son,
named
proper
secure
is that age which the long and final fast which to make
Opeechee, thoughtto be
is
to
through life
father
was
guardian genius or
son
The spirit.
surpass and
ambitious that his

was
should wisest
all others
in whatever
deemed
his people. To accomplish chee wish, he thoughtit necessary that the young Opeeshould fast a much longer time than any of of wisdom, whose for their power those renowned
greatest among
his
fame
He
he
coveted.
son
therefore directed his

for the event. times in the
46
to
prepare
with
great ceremony
been several
Opeecheehad and bath, sweating-lodge

After
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
for communion him
to
which
with down
were
to prepare
and
him purify father

a
his
upon
his good spirit,

a
ordered
lie
clean mat He
in
littlelodgeexpressly vided prohim and

at the
same
for him. time to endure

at
enjoined upon
a
his fast like
man,
that promised
of twelve days he should receive expiration of his father. food and the blessing observed the command, and lay The lad carefully with his face covered, calmly awaitingthe approach which to decide his good or evil of the spirit was fortune for all the days of his life.
the
Everv
morning his father
came
to the door
to persevere,
of the
littlelodgeand
at
must term
him encouraged
ing dwellthat
lengthon
attend
the vast
honor
and
renown
ever
the full him, should he accomplish
of trial allotted to him.
glowingwords of promiseand glorythe but he lay without the least sign boy never replied, of discontent or murmuring until the ninth day,
To
these
when
"
he addressed
his father dreams and

at
as
follows:
My father, my
my
a new
forebode
a more
evil.
May
break make
fast now,
favorable time
fast ? "
The
"
father answered:
son,
now
My
up
you
know
not
what
you
ask.
get
glorywill depart. have but three days little longer. You a and your term will be completed.You know more, it is for your own good,and I encourage you to persevere. Shall not your aged father live to see you a
all your
star among
If you Wait patiently
the chieftains and the beloved of battle ? ?
47
A The
son
Guide
to
Mythology
ly, closehimself more covering which prompted that he might shut out the light he lay till the eleventh day, when him to complain, he repeatedhis request. The father addressed Opeechee as he had the other day, and promised that he would himself prepare of his first meal, and bring it to him by the dawn the morning. The son moaned, and the father added: " father when Will you bring shame upon your in the West ? his sun is falling " I will not shame you, my father," replied chee; Opeeand he lay so still and motionless that you that he was could only know living by the gentle heaving of his breast. At the springof the day, the next morning,the at havinggainedhis end, prepared father, delighted
"
assented ; and
repast for his

On
son,
and
hastened
of
to
set
it before
him.
he
was
coming to the door to hear his son surprised

his
ear
the
little
lodge,
He
held
down
to
to himself. talking listen, and, looking
astonished he was opening, yet more with vermilion over when he beheld his son painted all his breast, and in the act of finishing his work the paint as far back on his shoulders on by laying he could reach with his hands, saying at the as to himself : same time, My father has destroyed my
througha
small
"
fortune
as
man.
He
would
not
listen to my tender
quests. re-
He
He
new
has
urgedme
beyond my
been
48
will be the loser.
I shall be forever
strength. happy in my parent.
state, for I have
obedient to my
Animals
He alone will be the
a
In
Primitive
Myths
is
manner
way
must
"
for my guardianspirit sufferer, in the to me justone. Though not propitious he has shown I desired, me pityin another he has given me another shape; and now I
n
go.
At
"
this moment
son
the old
you
man
broke
me
in
: exclaiming
My
I pray
man
leave the
" not !
of a bird quickness flew to the top of the lodgeand perchedhimself on the highest ful pole, havingbeen changed into a beautirobin
But
the young
with
red-breast.
and pity,
He
looked him
down
as
upon
his
father with
"
addressed
follows:
the change you behold. Regret not, my father, I shall be happier in my present state than I could I shall always be the friend of have been as a man. their dwellings. I shall ever and keep near men, be contented;and althoughI could not gratify wishes as a daily warrior, it will be my your for it as a harbingerof aim to make you amends songs, and peace and joy. I shall cheer you by my strive to inspire in others the joy and lightsomeness
of heart I feel in my
some
present
state.
This
will be
for the loss of gloryyou to you compensation and pains free from the cares expected. I am now life. My food is furnished by the mounof human tains and my and fields, pathway of life is in the air." bright his toes, as if delighted himself on Then, stretching of wings,Opeecheecaroled one with the gift of his sweetest songs, and flew away into a neighboring
wood.
49 i
A
THE
Guide
OEIGIN
to
Mythology
THE
OF
HAEE
(From
the
Aino)
Suddenly,there was a largehouse on the top of six peoplebeautifully rayed, arwere a mountain, wherein Whence but constantly quarreling. theycame and unknown. came was Thereupon Okikurumi
said does
"
Oh
! you
know
bad hares ! you

your
wicked
The
snow men.
hares ! Who in
not
origin?
with
children
the
sky were
snow
each other pelting
and the balls,

As
balls fell into the world

a
of
it would the
be the
pityto
snow are
waste
were
anythingthat
turned
who
falls from
sky,
those
balls
you.
into
hares, and
hares
You
dwell in this world
which
What to me, should not quarrel. belongs are making such a noise about ? seized With these words, Okikurumi
"
is that you
fire-brand,
upon Thereof origin
and
beat each
of the six with

ran
it in turn. This is the the
all the hares the hare and
away.
reason
for this
body
of the hare
is white because made

are
"
of snow,
while
its ears, which
the
are
where place
it was
charred
by the fire-brand,
black.
HOW
THE
MOLE
BECAME
BLIND
(North American
Indian)
an
Once
and
up
a
was squirrel
in order to escape,
tree
being chased by the squirrel ran

The Indian
set
Indian,
for
came was
all the way

a
snare
into the
sky.
the
at the top squirrel down, but he found the
of the tree
next 50
and
then
sun
day
that the
A
was
Guide
to
Mythology
couch
never
prostrated upon
As
death words who drew
"
his
more
to
rise.
near,
he
said the
addressed
he
his family in his

my
these
""
You/'
been
you,
have
turning to companion of
wife, life,
join me in the Isle of the Blessed. You have not long to suffer. But oh, my children ! and he turned his eyes affectionately them, you have upon gratitud inlife; and, mark me, unkindness, justcommenced
shall
" "
and left my
every
wickedness
to
come
is before you.
to
tribe and
kindred
this unfrequented I have
because place,
of the evils of which
just warned
the company
was
I have contented myself with you. of your mother and yourselves, for I
solicitous that you and
might
be
kept from
if you,
not
bad
my
ample; ex-
I shall die contented
dren, chilsake to for-
promiseto
your
cherish each
and other,
youngest brother."
with
the dying hunter closed speaking, his eyes for a few moments, and then,rousing self himwith great effort, he took the hand of his two eldest children and said : sake fornever My daughter, forsake My son, never your youngest brother.
"
Exhausted
your
"
youngest brother."
Never
! never !"
both ; and the hunter responded sank back upon and soon his pallet expired. His wife, according followed to his predictions, him after the brief expiration of eightmonths; but
in her last moments of the she reminded their father. mother's
52
the two
children
promise made their following
ter During the windeath,the two elder
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
children their
and the
were
in regard to thoughtful exceedingly

a mere
who was brother, hut when sickly;

man
child and very had
delicate
the winter
young
became break his
to
passed awayr termined and at lengthderestless, and promise to his father,

to his
seek the
He who
of village
his father's tribe.
communicated
this determination
sister,,
" wonder I cannot at your : My brother, replied of our the society not prohibited as are we desire,
fellow-men; but
and
we
were
told to cherish each other,

If
we
protectour
littlebrother. may
follow
our
own
we inclinations,
forgethim."
man
To this the young

his bow and
arrows,
moons
Several
but,taking reply, left the lodge and never turned. repassedafter his departure,
made
no
her girltenderlywatched over the solitude of her life littlebrother;but at length and she began to meditate escapbecame unendurable, ing him of her brother, and leaving the care from She gatheredinto the alone in his helplessness. of food,and then said to her lodgea largeamount do not leave the lodge ; I go brother, My brother, return." and shall soon to seek our brother, of her tribe, Then she went in search of the village she where she hoped to find her elder brother. When with the she was reached the village, so delighted others and the pleasure of seeing noveltyof society of her own forgot her little age that she entirely settled brother. She found her elder brother nicely he having married in life, very happily;and, on abandoned of marriageherself, a proposal receiving
during which
the
"
53
A all
Guide
to
[Mythology
to the solitary lodgein the thoughtof returning in the village with the young a home forest, accepting
man
who As
soon
became
as
her
husband.
the
little brother
he sister, and dug up
had
eaten
all the
food and his
collected
by
his
went roots.
was
into the woods That
picked berries hungeras longas

drew
satisfied
the weather
was
mild ; but,when wander He about often
the winter in very
on, he
to obliged
want
great distress for
of food.
passedhis nightsin the clefts glad to eat the trees,and was

the wolves ; and he became sit
so
and
hollows
of" old
left
refuse-meat
by
fearless of those while
mals ani-
that he would their prey, and
by
them
they devoured
were so customed ac-
the animals
that
themselves
to him
they seemed
with pleased
his
of their food for him. presence, and always left some Thus the little boy lived on through the winter,succored from When had
hungerby
the winter from the
the wild beasts of the woods. had
melted
to
passed away Great Lake, he

It
and
the
ice the that the
followed
wolves his
its open brother
shore.
was
elder
happenedone day in his canoe on fishing
hastened to the the cry of a child, lake, and, hearing where him he discovered at a short distance from shore, who his little brother, was singingplaintively
these lines:
Nesia,Nesia,shug wuh, gushuh ! Ne mien gun-iew! Ne mien gun-iew! My brother, my

I I
am am
brother!
a a
turning into
wolf ! wolf!
turninginto
54
Animals At
In
Primitive
Myths
he howled
like
a
the termination
of his song,
startled him, was approaching wolf; and the elder, that the littlefellow had indeed half turned at seeing into a wolf, when, running hastily forward, he little brother, to come shouted,u My brother, my ! But the boy fled from tinued me him, while he con" I am to sing : turninginto a wolf ! ISTe Filled with anmien gun-iew! ~Ne mien gun-iew! guish
'
"
"
and
"
remorse,
the
elder
brother
continued
to
"
! littlebrother, to me come My brother, my the more But the more rapidly eagerlyhe called, his brother fled from him, while he became more and more like a wolf, with a prolonged howl, until, his whole body was when he bounded transformed, of the forest. swiftly away into the depths The elder brother, in the deepest turned resorrow, now where with his sister he lamented to his village,
cry,
the dreadful end

of his life.
fate of his brother
until the
HOW
WASBASHAS,
THE
SNAIL,
BECAME
MAN
(North American
Indian)
Upon
lived
a
the banks
of the Missouri
River
there
once
in great enjoyment found snail, ; for he in want of anything plentyof food,and was never that
aster
a
snail could
desire.
The
At
waters
length, however,dis*
reached
its
him.
of the
river
flowed over-
banks; and, althoughthe little creature clungto a logwith all his strength,hopingthereby to remain safe upon the shore, the rising flood car" "
55
Guide
and the
to
Mythology they floated waters subsided,

and
a
Tied both
him
log away,
the left upon the river's
was so
helplessly many
when that the the poor
was
sun
days, until
snail
was
strange shore
that he
covered
arose,
with
slime,where, as
was
the heat
intense
fixed in the mud. Oppressedwith the irrecoverably for want of nourand famishing ishment, heat and drought, he resignedhimself to his fate in despair But and preparedto die. feelings suddenlynew vigorentered his frame. His arose, and a renewed above his head shell burst open; graduallyarose the character the ground; his lower extremities assumed extended from his sides, of feet and legs ; arms and their extremities divided into fingers ; and, thus beneath the influence of the shining sun, he became tall and noble-looking For a while he was a man. with the change;he had no energy, no distinct stupefied his brain assumed its thoughts ; but by degrees and returning recollection induced him to activity,
travel back to his native shore. and almost Naked and
ijmorant,
with hunger, he walked perishing along. He saw beasts and birds enticing to the appetite ; but,not knowing how to kill them, his hunger was left unappeased. At
last he became
upon
so
weak
that he laid himself
down
must
the He
die.
when
he heard
that he ground in despair, thinking had not been lyingthus very long, " him by name, a voice calling Was"
Wasbashas! bashas,
beheld the Great
And
He
looked
up, and
before him
the eyes of
animal. a white Spirit sitting upon the Spirit like stars ; the hair were
56
Animals of his head

to
In
Primitive
sun.
Myths Trembling from
shone
like the
head
not
Wasbashas foot,
upon
"
bowed
his head.
He
could
Again the voice spoke, in a mild tone, Wasbashas,why art thou terrified? aI tremble/7 replied Wasbashas, because I stand before from the ground. I am him who raised me faint; I have eaten nothingsince I was left a little shell the shore." The Great Spiritthen lifted up upon his hands, displaying and arrows; in them bow a Wasbashas and telling to look at him, he put an row arof the bow, and sent it into the air, to the string beautiful bird,that dropped dead upon a striking the ground. A deer then coming in sight, he placed another arrow and piercedit through to the string, and through. u There," said the Great Spirit, is your food,and these are your arms," handing him structed The beneficent Being then inthe bow and arrows. him how to remove and the skin of the deer, You are naked," said prepare it for a garment. he, and must be clothed ; for althoughit is now the skies will change, and bring rains and warm, and cold winds." he also snow Having said this, and instructed him how to impartedthe giftof fire, roast the flesh of the deer and bird. He then placed around his neck. collar of wampum a This,"said all the beasts." over he, is your title of authority in the air the Great Spirit arose Having done this, refreshed himself and vanished from sight.Wasbashas with the food, and afterward pursued his way to his native land. Having walked a long distance, and medihe seated himself on the banks of a river,
" " "
"
look
him.
"
"
"
"
57
Guide
had
to
Mythology
a
tated
arose
on
what from
when transpired,
largebeaver
"
up
the channel said the
and addressed him.
Who
beaver," that comest here to % disturb my ancient reign " I am a once a man/' he replied. I was ing creep"I am shell ; but who art thou ? king of the answered ; " I lead my nation of beavers," was ple peoWe a busy people, are up and down this stream.
art
thou ? "
"
"
"
and
"
the river is my I must divide
dominion."
it with
you," said Wasbashas ; of the Great Spirithas placed me at the head beasts and birds,fishes and fowls,and has provided with the power of maintaining me rights my ; and then he exhibited the gifts of the Great Spirit,
" ,:
the bow
"
and
arrows
and
the wampum.
Come, come," said the beaver in a modified tone, I perceive brothers ; walk with me to my we are and refresh yourself after your journey." So lodge, sayinghe conducted Wasbashas, who had accepted the invitation with great alacrity, to a beautiful where he was entertained in the chief's large village, which was built in a cone lodge, shape; and, as the floor was covered with pine mats, it had a very delightful
"
to the eyes of Wasbashas. appearance After they had seated themselves, the chief bade
his wife and
for them the choicest daughter prepare food in their possession. Meanwhile he entertained his guest by informinghim how they constructed their lodges, of cutting and described their manner down trees with their teeth, and felling them across
streams
so as
to
dam
up 58
the water; and
also in-
Guide
to
Mythology
OF
AND GIRLS
THE
AMAZING
WITH
ADVENTURES
THE
OTTER
MASTER
THE
RABBIT
WOODPECKER
ALSO
A FULL HE
ACCOUNT
FOOLED
OP
THE
FAMOUS THE WILD
CHASE,
CAT
IN
WHICH
LUSIFEE,
(Algonquin)
MASTER RABBIT
THE
I.
HOW
SOUGHT OTTER
TO
RIVAL
KEEOONY,
times, Mahtigwess,the Rabbit,who is called in the Micmac tongue Ableegumooch,lived with his grandmother, waitingfor better times ; and when trulyhe found it a hard matter in midwinter, the plain, the river and snow ice was to was on on And for his small household. even provide running the forest one day he found a lonely wigwam, through and he that dwelt therein was Keeoony, the Otter, The lodgewas and a smooth the bank of a river, on
Of
old
road of ice slanted from And

the Otter
the door down
to
the
water.
welcome, and directed his to get ready to cook; saying which,he housekeeper fish took the hooks on which he was wont to string when he had them, and went to fetch a mess for dinner. he Placinghimself on the top of the slide,
made
him coasted with and
"
in and
under of
the water, and which eels,

were
then
soon
came
out
a on
great bunch
which
cooked,
"
is
an
they dined. By my life," thought Master Rabbit, but that of getting ! Truly these fishing-folk a living easy way have fine fare, and cheap! Cannot I, who
60
Animals
am course
so
In
Primitive
as
"
Myths
mere
do as well clever, I can. Why not ?

as
this
Otter ?
he grew
to
Of
so
Thereupon
"
confident of himself with

after
"
to
invite the Otter

on
dine
him
"
adamadush
so
hethewop
home.
the third
day
and that,
on
"
went
Come
!" let
he said to his
us remove our
morning ;
lake."
as
grandmotherthe next wigwam down to the

he selected
a
So
they removed
he made
a
; and
site such
the Otter had chosen
for his road of
home, and
ice,of
all
was a
the weather
being cold
from
coast, down
well.
Then
his door to the water, and

at the time
the guest came
his calling set,and Rabbit,

a
bade grandmother,
*'
her
get ready to cook
dinner.
But
what
am
I to
? " inquired the cook, grandson
old dame. said he, and made him Truly I will see to that," stick to string eels. Then going to the a nabogun,or ice path,he tried to slide like one skilled in the art, but indeed with little luck,for he went first to the right side,then to the left,and so hitched and he went in to the water, where jumped till he came And this bad beginning had with a bob backwards. better ending, since of all swimmers and divers the no
"
Kabbit than
is the very worst, and this his brothers. The water was
was
one
was
no
better his
he struggled, and breath,

"
he lost cold, drowned. well-nigh
But what
to the
on
earth ails the fellow ? "

was
said the Otter in

ment. amaze-
who grandmother,
on looking
and is Well,he has seen somebody do something, the old lady. to do likewise," trying replied
61
"
A
"
Guide
out
to
Mythology
now/' cried the Otter, " And the poor Rabbit, and hand me your nabogun! almost frozen, with cold,and came shivering and limped into the lodge. And from the water much there he required nursing from his grandmother, while the Otter,plunginginto the stream, returned with a load of fish. But, disgusted soon for attempting what he could not at the Rabbit and went perform, he threw them down as a gift, the meal. without tasting home
Ho !
come
of that
"
II.
HOW
MAHTIGWESS,
THE
RABBIT,
AND
DINED
WITH
THE
WOODPECKER BY
TRYING
GIRLS,
TO
RIVAL
WAS
AGAIN"
HUMBLED
THEM.
not was Rabbit,thoughdisappointed, for this one virtue he had, that he never discouraged, And wanderingone day in the wilderness, gave up. he found a wigwam well filledwith young women, all and no wonder, for they wearing red head-dresses; were Woodpeckers. Xow, Master Rabbit was a wellbred Indian, who made himself as a melody to all and so he was ner, bidden to bide to dinvoices, cheerfully which he did. Then one of the red-polled pretty climbed a woltes, or wooden girls, taking dish, lightly
a
Xow
Master
tree,so that she seemed

here stopping
to run;
and while
ing, ascendand
and
there and
tappingnow
then,took
from
this
placeand
that many
of those insects
or by the Indians apchel-moal-timpkawal, because they so much resemble it. And note rice, that this rice is a daintydish for those who like it.
called
62
Animals And when

it
was
In
Primitive
Myths
Master and theyhad dined, boiled, folks La ! how easily some Rabbit againreflected, from doing the same? live! "What is to hinder me the day and dine with me ! come over Ho, you girls
"
after to-morrow And
!"
all the guests this invitation, having accepted the day set,when Master Kabbit undertook on came to playwoodpecker. So havingtaken the head of an he and fastened it to his nose to make a bill, eel-spear climbed
up
a as
well
as
he could
to
"
and
bad
was
the best
"
tree,and tried
get his
harvest of rice.
Truly
he got none;
a
pate was
and
"
bling only in this did he succeed in resem; for his Woodpecker,that he had a red poll bruised by the fishingall torn and bleeding,
point. And
Ah !"
the prettybirds all looked and about. wondered what the Kabbit was
said his
" I grandmother, which he do something justlike him."
laughed,
he is
some
suppose
trying againto
one
"
has
seen
do.
?T is
come as
Oh,
"
down
there ! " cried Miss

"
Woodpecker,
laughing. Give me your dish ! And having got it she scampered up the trunk,and soon broughtdown a dinner. But it was long ere Master Rabbit heard the last of it from
as
well
she could for
these gay
III.
tree-tappers.
"
EELATING BEING WHICH
HOW
THE AND
EABBIT OF PLAYED
are
BECAME THE TEEEIBLE LOUP-CEEVIEE.
WISE TEICKS
BY
OEIGINAL,
HE are men BY
MAGIC
There
who
bad
at
was
and good originals,
of this kind
63
copying, yet are Master Rabbit,
Guide
to
Mythology
who, when
tryingto do as others did, succeeded And, having found out his himself to become able in good he applied foible, or magic, so severely earnest,and studied m'teoulirij that that in time he grew to be an awful conjurer, so ever he could raise ghosts, crops, storms, or devils whenhe gave up well. very
he and
out
wanted
them.
come
For
he
had
perseverance,
of this may the
if anything,
it be
only
broughtinto
Xow it
came
rightroad.
to pass
that Master
Rabbit
got into
great trouble.
it
was
The
records of the Micmacs
from
Otter,who
because
a stealing pursued him; but was
his
say that stringof fish from the the of
declare that he
innocent make
as
Passamaquoddies this evil deed,probably

account
they
and
great
in
of
him
as
their
ancestor
the father
way
of the
Wabanaki. tell the
this ITowbeit, tade. !Now
is the
which
they
the Rabbit
is the natural
prey
who is a kind of or Cervier, Lusifee, beingmore obstinate. And this Wild-Cat once went with a gang of wolves, and they got nothing. hunting Then Wild-Cat, who had made them great promises and acted as chief, became angry, and,thinking of the deed Rabbit, promised them that this time they should in-
Loupwildcat,none
of the
get their dinner.
So he took them
to Rabbit's
wigwam;
vexed off and
but
he
was
out, and
the
Wolves, being
then rushed
reviled Wild-Cat, and starved, howling through the woods.
ISTow I think that the Rabbit
is m'teoulin.
Yes,
him
he must
be,for
when
Wild-Cat
64
started to hunt
Animals
In Primitive
with
Myths
not to
alone, he determined
all his soul
be
and made himself as magical So as he could. caught, of chips, and threw one he pickedup a handful as then jumped to it for he had a far as possible, for a long jump ; and then threw another, charm
"
and
no
so
on, for
great distance.
he
This
was
to make
and when tracks, and scent and sight
thoughthe had got out of sound he scampered away like

the wolves
the wind.
Iôw, as
and left
when said,
got
to
Master
Rabbit's house
and
found
Wild-Cat, who would catch Rabbit, if he had to hunt forever and himself to death. run So, takingthe house for a center, he kept going round and round it,all the and so more around time a little further, and still further. Then the track, he at last having found
went
ran
nothing, they smelt about swore by his tail that he
in
hot
haste
after
Mr.
Rabbit.
And
both tect pro-
snow
hard, till, night coming on, Rabbit, to had only justtime to trample down himself, and stick up a spruce twig on end a little,
on
a
the
and
sit
it.
But
when
Wild-Cat and
came
up
he
found
there he
saw
fine
was
wigwam,
an
put his head in. All that

grave and gray, and whose
old
man
of very
was
appearance,
whose
hair
was (sogmoye) appearance Wild-Cat And of him long and venerable ears. Rabbit asked in a gaspinghurry if he had seen a runningthat way. Rabbits!" "Why, of repliedthe old man. They abound in the woods course, I have seen many.
"
dignified majestic by a pair of heightened
65
Guide
dozens
to
Mythology
every
about here.
this he said
see
of them
day."
old
With better
kindly to
for
a
Wild-Cat
"
that he had
am an
tarry with him

remarked with
time.
"
solemnity " an old man, like and a respectable to me comes guest,like you, sir, a mained. reblessing."And the Cat, greatly impressed, After a good supper he lay down by the and and,having run all day,was at once asleep, fire, made but one nap of it tillmorning. But how astonished, and oh,how miserable he was, when he awoke,
to find himself
man/' he alone, living
and almost the open heath in the snow starved ! The wind blew as if it had a keen will
on
to
kill
him;
saw
it seemed
to
Then
he
that he had
magic,and in a rage swore his tail, that the Rabbit should as hut now, only the trampled snow and yet out of this little, Rabbit
great
a
through his body. been a fool and cheated by as well againby his teeth,
go
all
die. and had

a
There
spruce
was
no
twig,
so
conjuredup
delusion.
he
ran
againall day. And Master Rabbit, having a littlemore again trampled down the snow,
Then
space,
a
when time but all
nightcame, than before,

a
for
greater
now
and
strewed
was
many
branches
about,for
huge
effort
to be made.
a
And
when
Wild-Cat
got there he
crowds he held. of
saw
found
great Indian
with village,
And
ing peoplegoing to and fro. The first buildin which service was being a church, was said hastily to the first perhe,entering, son
"
he saw,
Ha
! ho ! have
you
seen
Rabbit
ning run-
by
"
here ? "
"
Hush
sh, sh !
"
the replied
66
"
man.
You
must
A
all and
a
Guide
to
Mythology
him
were
delusion.
broken
All around
rabbits' tracks
but nothing more. twigs, Yet he sprang enraged than ever, and up, more and claws more by his tail, swearing terribly teeth, that he would be revenged. So he ran all day, and on when he came to another largevillage, at night, he that he could just Have so weary was you gasp,
"
" "
seen
Rab
"
bit
run
this way
?"
With
him
much
was
cern con-
and
matter.
kindness So
they all
yea,
asked
what
the
he told them
very
all this story, and

one
they
"
him pitied this

was
much;
"
gray
old
man
and
the Chief and them.
with
two
beautiful
and
daughters,
him
to
shed tears
comforted
him,
advised
they took him to a largehall, where there was a great fire burning in the middle it hung two pots with soup and thereof. And over meat, and two Indians stood by and gave food to all the people.And he had his share with the rest, and all feasted gayly. the old Governor, Now, when theyhad done eating,
who
was rose
stay with
So
very
two
gray, very
and
from
either side of whose
head
venerable, long white feathers, the stranger,and in a long speech to welcome rose said it was, indeed,the custom of their village to entertain guests, but that theyexpected from them a Then Wild-Cat,who was vain of his voice, song. the Rabbits : uplifted it in vengeance against
Oh,
How
how
I hate them!
them! despise How I laugh at them ! May I scalpthem all! I
68
Animals Then
In Primitive
Myths
he said that he And

to
sing.
that while
this the
were
thoughtthe Governor should but declared Chief consented,

bow
all who
present should
their heads
and shut their eyes, which they did. seated, Chief Kabbit,at one Then bound, cleared the heads hawk, tomaor of his guests, and drawing his timheyen, which he jumped, gave Wild-Cat a wound as into his head and onlyfell short of killing cut deeply When he recovered, him. him by entirely stunning starved he was more againin snow, slush and filth, dreadful blow, from than ever, his head bleeding a the and he himself almost dead. Yet, with all that, Indian
new
devil
was
strongerin him
but
than ever, for every
did disgrace and he
swore
resolve to be revenged, bring more and it by his tail, teeth, claws,
eyes.
walk ;, thoughhe could hardly along, when could he,indeed, nor go very far that day. And he with pain and weariness, almost broken down about noon to two good wigwams. Looking into came and in the other old man, a gray-haired one, he saw And his daughter. ceived a young they reapparently girl, him kindly, and listened to his story,saying that he must it was declaring very sad,the old man reallyremain there,and that he would get him a well cared for at once, unless he were doctor, since, So he tottered he would
concern,
die.
Then
he
went
forth
nurse
as
if in great
leavinghis daughterto
stranger.
when the doctor
a
the weary,
wounded
Now,
gray
came,
he, too, was
an
old
man,
with
divided like scalp-lock strangely

69
A
two
Guide
to
Mythology
had
horns.
But
the Wild-Cat
so
become
little
much
having been suspicious,

abuse and will
cease
often
even
for deceived, the most
to
amuse
innocent;
of these. And, looking trulyhe was none grimly I was if any Rabbits at the Doctor,he said : asking and truly like one are here, you look very much self. your" " did you get that split ? How nose Oh, that " the old man. Once I was is very simple/' replied beads,and the stone on which hammering wampum and one I beat them broke in halves, pieceflew up, " nose/' and, as you see, split But," persisted my the Wild-Cat," why are the soles of your feet so yellow, like a Rabbit's ? even Ah, that is because I have been preparingsome and I had to tobacco, hold it down with my feet, I needed both for,truly,
" " "
my
hands
to work
with.
the
So the tobacco stained them

no suspected his wound, so
yellow."
and felt much But
Then
Wild-Cat
on
more,
the Doctor
put salve
wretchedness
that he
better.
oh, the
For
of the
found head
awaking
himself
was
in the
morning!
then Wild-Cat of
indeed
and
in the extreme
misery.
His
swollen
degree, and the horrible was gapingwide,had been stuffed with the hemlock and this was needles and pine splinters, cool salve which the Doctor had applied.And then he swore by all his body and soul that he would slay Indian. the next being he met, Rabbit or Verily this time he would be utterly revenged. Xow to the Rabbit,had almost come Mahtigwess, for that end of his mteoulin, wizard power, an or aching to an wound, which
incredible 70
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
time,yet he had stillenough left for one more grea^ he pickedup a very effort. And, coming to a lake, largechip,and, having seamed it with sorcery and it by magic,threw it into the water, where magnified it at once seemed to be a great ship,such as white
men
saw
build.
And
when
the
Wild-Cat
came
up
he
and the it,with sails spread and flagsflying, the deck, with folded on captainstood so stately a fine, dignified gray-haired, arms, and he was man, of which were like with a cocked hat,the two points But horns. the Wild-Cat had grand and stately
kworn,
" cried,
and You
now
he
was
mindful
escape
of his great oath ;

me
so
he ! I
cannot
this
time, Rabbit
Sayingthis he plungedin,and tried the captain, to swim to the ship. And seeinga WildCat in the water, being engaged in musket drill, ordered his men which they did with a to fire at it, caused by a party of nightthis was bang! Now hawks who overhead, swooped down with a sudden to Wild-Cat, so cry like a shot; at least it seemed who, deceived and appalled by this volley, deeming that he had verily made a mistake this time,turned tail and swam ashore into the dark old forest, where, if he is not dead,he is runningstill.
have you
!"
the two most brated celestories, heroes of American Indian Mythology figure. The first is known Manabozho the Algonas quin among Indians and as Hiawatha the Iroquois. among Although he appears most often in the form of a in Indian he seems man at times to be legends,
two following
In
the
71
A endowed with
Guide
divine
to
Mythology
Accordingto the of him * he is regardedas the mesaccount senger ordinary of the Great Spirit, sent down to mankind, in the character of a wise man or prophet. But he has all the attributes of humanity as well as the of performing miraculous deeds. He adapts power himself perfectly and and customs to their manners ideas. He marries, builds a lodge, hunts and fishes, has his triumphs and his failures like goes to war, Whatever could do in strength other Indians. man wisdom he could do, but when he encounters ations situor than human his miraculous more requiring strength, into play. He is provided with come powers which goes where it is bid. He could a magic canoe leap over extensive regionsof country like an ignis like a god,or wanders fatuus. He appears suddenly of country a poor and starving wastes over weary hunter. His voice is at one moment ous deep and sonorand at another clothed with a as thunder-clap, the softness of feminine supplication.He could himself into any animal transform he pleased.He often conversed with animals, fowls,reptiles, and
fishes. in and
one
attributes.
He
deemed
himself them
related to
"
them,
my
and
ways al-
speakingto pressedwas
conquer
called them when
brother,"
into
of his greatestresources
to
self himfinding their
hard
change
himself
shapes.
He could
no Manitoes,
matter
what
their
are
evil power
not
might be.
fairies in
1
Manitoes their
in Indian
stories
unlike
characteristics.
They
See Schoolcraft.
72
Animals
were
In
Primitive
Myths
times grades, imaginarykinds, powers, somebut Manabozho benign,sometimes malicious, a was strong enough in his necromantic personage beat the stoutest, to baffle the most malicious, powers and overreach the most cunning. He was not, pect however,the wholly benevolent being we might exhe was he would be with all these great gifts; ful, deceitand ambitious,vainglorious, unfortunately
of all
and wicked
at
times
not
much what
better himself could be
than
expectedof a of the West son Wind, for his father was Ningabiun,the West Wind, and you will find that mythical the wind are always of beings which personify a disposition just as the wind itself is. As tricksy often spoken of as the great white a god he was
Manito. Hare. is equally esting, interAlgonquin hero, Glooskap,1 and of a more than trulyheroic disposition Manabozho. of this divinity, The name Glooskap, he left because it is said that when means a liar, the earth for the land of spirits he promisedto return ful and he has never done so. Many and wonderbut he is never the tales told of Glooskap, are fantastic like Manabozho. or or Any one cruel, silly, the grand who goes to Nova see Scotia, to-day, may Cape Blomidon, where Glooskap lived. It jutsout between the Bay of Fundy and the Basin of Minas. The Its foundations toward the
are
But
of
red
sandstone
with
and
far
up
sky
it is crowned the waters
ments. battlegranite
of Minas
Sometimes
of the Basin
êland, "Algonquin Legends."
73
Guide
to
Mythology
of this
a
gentlywash
and
cape
the against
one
base
gigantic cape
two
sometimes
to reach
could walk
mile
a
or
from
the
day this happens the tide comes as Truly,it is a up and recedes. is a noble home, well magical land, and Blomidon the great Indian whose head rises divinity befitting could slaya giantenemy with to the stars,and who
a mere
the water.
Twice
tap of his bow.
We
shall meet
with
both
of these heroes
againlater.
THE
STOEY
OF
MANABOZHO
(Iroquois)
To
a
beginat
a
the
youngster, was
the
edge of
wide
Manabozho, while yet beginning, with his grandmother,near living It was this prairie that on prairie.
and birds of every kind ; he also
he first saw there made
animals
with thunder firstacquaintance sit
and
ning light-
by the hour watching the clouds and musing on the shades of light and as theyrolled, darkness as the day rose and fell. For a stripling, Manabozho awake. was uncommonly widesighthe beheld in the heavens Every new of remark ; every new animal or bird, was a subject and every sound that an objectof deep interest;
came
; he would
from which
at
the bosom he
was
of nature,
was
like
He
new
son les-
to expected
learn.
saw.
often trembled
what
scene
he
heard
and
To
the
of the wide
at
was an
open
his grandmother prairie

to watch.
sent
him
earlyage
74
The he
first
was
sound
he heard
that of the
owl,at
which
Guide
to
Mythology
she knew he would make
story of his parentage;

trouble of it. Manabozho throw lament
as
renewed
out, for
that he
no
and managed to cries, third or fourth time,his sorrowful a who had no a poor was unfortunate, relations.
his
parents and
She and
was
at last said to
three taken
him, " Yes, you have a father brothers living.Your mother is dead. She out the West, withfor a wife by your father,
of her
the consent the
parents. Your
brothers
are
^Torth, East, and South; and being older them great power yourself, your father has given You the winds, according to their names. are
youngest of his children.
your
than with the from illan
I have
nursed
you
infancy; for
of your
I have
no
treatment
mother, owing to died when father, you

your relations beside
you
the
were
infant. the
this side of
planetin which I was born, and from which I Your mother was by female jealousy. precipitated and you are my was only hope." only child, my said Manabozho. I am gladmy father is living," " I shall set out in the morning to visit him." have His grandmother would him; discouraged sayingit was a long distance to the placewhere his the West, lived. or father, JSTingabiun, than to seemed rather to please This information disconcert Manabozho ; for by this time he had grown that he had been comto such size and strength pelled a
"
to
leave
the
narrow
shelter
of
his He
mother's grandwas
so
tall
lodgeand if he had that,
to live out
of doors.
been
so
he disposed,
could have
76
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
in roosting
And
snapped off
"without
at any
the heads
of the birds
the
up,
he stood as topmost branches of the highest trees,
beingat
the trouble to climb.

a
if he had
trees fancy to one of the same for a walking stick, he would have had no more to do than to pluck it up with his thumb and finger, with the palm of and strip down the leaves and twigs
time taken
his hand.
"
to his venerable old grandmother, Biddinggood-by Manwho pulled a very longface over his departure, abozho set out at great headway, for he was able to side of a prairie stride from one to the other at a single step. He found his father on a high mountain-ground, His father espied far in the west. his approach at a and bounded down the mountain-side great distance, several miles to give him welcome,and, side-by-side, with each other, delighted apparently they reached in two or three of their giant paces the lodge of the West, which stood high up near the clouds. with each other They spent some days in talking for these two great persons did nothing on a small and a whole day to deliver a single scale, sentence, such was the immensityof their discourse, was quite an ordinaryaffair. One eveningManabozho asked his father what he
was
most
afraid of
"
"
on
earth.
He
"
replied
is
But
Nothing." there nothingyou

hurt you if you
dread,here
"
nothing
of it?
that would
took too much
Come,
tell me." 77
A Manabozho
said:
"
Guide
very
to
Mythology
at
was
urgent;
to
last his
father
Yes, there is
miles
"
of hundred
as
spoke. It afraid of,for if part of my body

The known
"
he
couple from here, that way," pointing over is the only thingearthly that I am it should happen to hit me on any
a a
black stone
be found
it would this
hurt
me
very
much."
West
made
important circumstance
Manabozho, that will for your father, good son, and I know tell me, my darling
one,
' "
"
to Manabozho
in the strictest confidence. tell any medicine

are a
Now,
?"
you
will not is bad

"
the black stone

you
he added. it to
You
yourself. Now that you don't like \ boy, is there not something Manabozho answered Nothing." promptly His father, of a very steadyand perseverwho was ing seventeen to him question temper, put the same the same made times, and each time Manabozho " answer Nothing." keep
"
will
But
the
you
West
are
insisted of."
"
"
There
must
be
thing some-
afraid will tell
"
Well, I
you," says Manabozho, speak,but

it seemed
"
what
it is." Tie made

too
"
an
effort to
to
be
much Out
for him. with
it," said Ningabiun, or

such
a
the the
West,
as
Manabozho fetching shook

"
blow
on
back
the mountain
"
with its echo.
in
Je-ee, je-ee it is,"said Manabozho, apparently Yeo, yeo ! I cannot name it,I great pain.
"
tremble
so."
78
Animals
In
Primitive
to
Myths
his
The
West
no
told him
one
banish him.
fears,and
have
not
to
speak up;
Manabozho
over
would
hurt
began again,and
make-believe of knew
he would
gone his
a a
the
same
anguish,had
was
whose father, match
strengthhe
off. will
more
than into
for his own,
threatened
to
pitchhim
root
river about
"
five miles
you
At
last he cried out: of the
since Father,
know, it is the
bulrush."
He whole of
who
could with
ease perfect
seemed day long, that one pronouncing Manabozho Some time after, I will get it looks."
some
spin a sentence a to be exhausted by the effort word, bulrush."

"
observed
"
of the black
rock,merely to
see
how
"
" I will also get a little Well," said the father, of the bulrush-root, it tastes." to learn how both double-dealing with each other, They were and in their hearts getting ready for some desperate
work. for the evening than separated Manabozho off the couple of hundred was striding miles necessary where black to bringhim to the place rock was while down the other side to be procured, of the mountain hurried E'ingabiun. At the break of day they each appeared at the Manabozho with great level on the mountain-top, of the black stone,on one side, at least, twenty loads, and on the other the West, with a whole meadow of
They
had
no
sooner
tulrush in his Manabozho
arms.
was
the first to strike

"
a great hurling
79
Guide
to
Mythology
struck
pieceof the
between
a
black
rock,which
the West
rectly di-
the eyes, who
returned
the favor with
bulrush,that rung over the shoulders of of the Manabozho, far and wide,like the whip-thong the clouds. lightning among and Manabozho either rallied, And now pouredin a discharged tempest of black rock,while Jîgabiun of bulrush. Blow upon blow,thwack upon a shower thwack they fought hand to hand until black rock and bulrush were all gone. Then selves they betook themwith to hurling cudgeling crags at each other, and defying each other from one huge oak-trees, mountain-topto another; while at times they shot boulders of granite at each other's across enormous heads, as though they had been mere jack-stones. The battle, which had commenced the mountains, on
blow of
"
had
extended
far west. Manabozho
The
West
was
forced
to
give ground.
across
rivers and
pressingon, drove him till at mountains,ridgesand lakes,

brink
"
last he got him

"
to the very
of the world.
Hold
power,
!"
cried the West.
My
son,
am
you
now
know
my
out
you
I allow that I although it is impossible of breath, to kill me. you out are, and I will also portion
as
and
fairly
as
Stop where
with much
power
your
brothers.
The
four
quarters of the
can
globeare
is beset make
but you already occupied, great deal of good to the peopleof with
go
and
do
the
earth,which
and do
serpents, beasts,and
life.
Go
monsters, who
great havoc of human

if you
you
good,.
day to-
and
put forth half the strength you
have
will
acquirea
name
that will last forever.
80
Animals When
you
In
Primitive
Myths
I will have
go
a
have
finished your
yon.
work
for placeprovided
You
will then
and
sit
with
vour
brother,Kabinocca, in the North."

gave
Manabozho
his
father
his hand
upon
this
to
agreement.
his
own
from him, he parting where he lay for some grounds,
And
returned time
sore
of
his wounds.
and soon being,however, greatly allayed, after cured by his grandmother's skill in medicines, Manabozho, as big and sturdyas ever, was ripefor adventures. He set his thoughts new immediately the Pearl Feather,a excursion against upon a war wicked old manito, living the other side of the on who had killed his grandfather. He began great lake, his preparations by making huge bows and arrows without number
At
at
These
; but he had
no an
heads for his shafts.

old man, him
some.
last !Noko
some
told him
that
who
lived
as
could distance, He
sent
furnish
to
with
such She
soon
he
needed.
her
get
returned with her wrapper full. Manabozho told her that he had not enough,and sent her again. She
came
back with
"
must
many find out
as
more.
He
the way
thoughtto of making
self, himthese
heads."
how it was done,he predirectly asking ferred to deceive his grandjustlike Manabozho mother to come at the knowledge he desired, by a said he, while I take my drum trick. ISToko," and rattle, and singmy war-songs, do you go and try to get me some largerheads, for these you have size. Go and see broughtme are all of the same
" "
Instead of
"
"
81
A
"whether
a
Guide
man
to
Mythology
to willing
the old
is not
make
some
littlelarger."
He followed her at
at the
a
distance
as
she went,
having
left his drum the top, whose the

saw
same
the
old
prepared the who daughter,

now
with a great bird tied at lodge, should keep up the drumbeat, fluttering He if he were at home. as tarrying workman busy, and learned how he heads; he also beheld the old man's and Manabozho was very beautiful;
a
discovered for the firsttime that he had

and
heart
of his own,
the
the arrow-maker's
"
sighhe lodgelike
the
heaved
a
passedthrough
gale of wind.
man.
How
it blows ! " be from
said the old
said the daughter south," ; " for it is very fragrant." Manabozho and in two strides he slipped away, forth his songs as though he at home, shouting was had never left the lodge. He had justtime to free the drum, when his the bird which had been beating in and delivered to him the big grandmother came
It must
'
"
arrow-heads.
eveningthe grandmothersaid, My son, ought to fast before you go to war, as your you brothers do, to find out whether you will be successful
or
In
the
"
not." said he had

no
objection ; and havingprivately stored away, in a shady placein the forest, two or three dozen juicybears, and twenty strings a moose, of the tenderest birds,he would retire from the of his out of view lodge so far as to be entirely fall to and enjoyhimself heartily, and grandmother,
82
He
Guide
to
Mythology
againbefore he felt the flame ; and jumping out into ing and he ran, blazthe air, it burned only the fiercer, the prairie. like a fire-ball, across stolen off to his Manabozho who had, meanwhile, cried out, in a heart-broken tone, and place, fasting of starvation, Noko ! Isdko ! if on the very point as
"
is it time for
"
me
to
come
home
?"
in she asked Yes/' she cried. And when he came % him, " Did you see anything with an air of childish Nothing,"he answered, he as candor; lookingas much like a big simpleton looked at him very closely could. The grandmother
" "
and said
no
more.
Manabozho
course
finished his term

he
of which
in the fasting; slyly despatched twenty fat bears,
of
six dozen song, and

war.
and birds, embarked
two
fine moose;
sung
his
war-
Beside
for in his canoe, fullyprepared of battle, he had stowed in a weapons
largesupply of
He travelled
oil.
rapidly night and day, for he had At went. only to will or speak, and the canoe of the fiery he arrived in sight serpents. He length paused to view them; he observed that they were distance apart, and that the flames which they some the pass. He belched forth reached across constantly with a good morning,and began talking gave them in a very friendly but they answered, them way; We know pass." ; you cannot you, Manabozho ing TurnHe was to be put off so easily. not,however, his canoe if about to go back, he suddenly as
"
cried out
with
loud and
84
terrified voice:
Animals
"
In
Primitive
you
Myths
What
is that behind
?"
The
serpents, thrown
and heads,
off their he in
a
turned their them.

"
guard, instantly moment glided past

got by,
Well,"
said
after he had he, quietly,

movement
"
how He
do you
like my
?"
arrows,
then took up
his bow
one one
and of
and with
liberate dethe
aim
shot every
for them, easily,
serpents were
turn
fixed to
spot, and
of
an
could not
even
round.
They
were
enormous
and length,
of
brightcolor. the sentinel serpents,ManaHaving thus escaped until he came to a part bozho pushed on in his canoe touched whatever of the lake called Pitch-water, as
a
it
was
sure
to stick
fast.
But
Manabozho
was
pared pre-
from his canoe and rubbing freely oil, end to end,he slipped through with ease, and he was succeeded in passing the first person who had ever with his
through the
"
Pitch-water.
nothinglike a little oil to help one said Manabozho to himself. throughpitch-water," of the in view of land,he could see the lodge Now Shining Manito, high upon a distant hill. in order, justat the Puttinghis clubs and arrows dawn of day Manabozho began his attack,yelling out his drum, and calling and beating and shouting, in triple voices:
There is
"
Surround
him
! surround
him
run
up !
run
" up ! "
making
was
It
followers. it appear that he had many and that killed my grandfather," you forest of
85
arrows.
shot off
whole
A The
Guide
to
Mythology
Pearl Feather
like the sun,

bozho hail. All bozho with
a
appearedon the height, blazing of Manaand paid back the discharges which rattled like the tempest of bolts, kept
but
up,
was day long the fight
and
Mana-
had
fired all of his the
arrows
without three, in pure
for effect;
It wampum. and left that Manabozho the
ShiningManito was was only by immense

could
save
clothed
leaps to right
his head from
sturdyblows which fell about him on every side, from the hands of the Manito. like pine-trees, He and at his very wit's end,when a was badlybruised, large woodpecker flew past and lit on a tree. It his bird he had known the prairie, a near was on grandmothers lodge. Manabozho," called out the woodpecker, your has a weak point ; shoot at the lock of hair on enemy
"
"
the
crown
of his head."
He
few
shot his first arrow
and
made
only drew
one or
blood in
drops.
The
Manito
steps,but recovered
but
himself.
He
unsteady began to parley,

two
a
Manabozho,now in reach him, was another arrow, slip

to his knees.
that he had
no
discovered
to
way
to
and he let trifle, ito which brought the ShiningManof his And now, havingthe crown humor Manabozho
out sent
head
arrow,
within which
good range,
in his third the
laid the Manito
upon
ground,
beat his
stark dead.
Manabozho
lifted up
huge
war-cry,
as
drum, took the scalpof the Manito the woodpecker to come and calling
86
his
trophy,
a
re-
and
receive
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
timelyhint he had givenhim, he rubbed the blood of the ShiningManito on the woodpecker's head, the feathers of which are red to this day. Manabozho ing Full of his victory, returned home, beathis war-drum and shouting aloud his furiously, of triumph. His the on grandmother was songs shore ready to welcome him with the war-dance, which she performed with wonderful skill for one so
ward
for the
far advanced
The
was
in years.
heart of Manabozho
swelled within him.

an
He
for
on fairly
and fire,
desire unconquerable him. He had
further
adventures
the
seized upon
stroyed de-
had
killed his serpents, powerful Pearl Feather, He and escapedall his wiles and charms. his next trophy in a great land fight, prevailed be from the water.
should He
success
tried his prowess as a fisherman, and with such that he captured fish so monstrous in size a
so
and
rich in fat that with

a
the oil Manabozho
was
able to form
small lake.
and having a disjDOsed,

to answer,
this, beinggenerously cunning purpose of his own

beasts of his
To
he invited all the birds and
and he made the order in which they acquaintance; of their fatness partookof the banquet the measure for all time to come. As fast as they arrived he told them to plunge in and help themselves. The first to make his appearance the bear, was who took a long and steadydraught; then came the deer,the opossum, and such others of the familyas
are
noted
were
for their comfortable slack in their cups,
case.
The
the
moose
and
bison
and
alpartridge,
87
A "ways
Guide
to
Mythology
on
a
lean in
looked flesh,
There
was
till the
nearlygone.
the hare and the martin

and they are, lake,
drop left the shore on appeared

not
supply was by the time

of the
in consequence,
the slenderest of
all creatures.
When
to
this ceremony his
was
over,
Manabozho
the friends,
was
assembled proper for
birds and
a
suggested mals, ani-
that the occasion

and
"
littlemerrymaking;
takingup
from
his
drum,
he cried out:
New
songs
the
South ; come,
brothers,
ful, mirthround cried
dance ! " He
directed
that
them, to make
the sport more

and drum
pass
him
out:
"
in
they should shut their eyes circle. Again he beat his

songs from
and
New
"
the
South ; come,
their
brothers,
rounds.
dance !
They
"Whenever
all fell in
and
commenced
saw Manabozho, as he stood in the circle, he fancied, a fat fowl which pass by him, he adroitly it in his girdle, its neck and slipped at the wrung and singing at the top time beating his drum same and the noise of the fluttering, of his lungs, to drown
out crying
"
in
tone
of admiration:
my
That's
a
the way,
At last there
was
brothers ; that's the way ! n small duck, of the diver family, thinking
something eye and saw wrong, opened one and what Manabozho was doing. Giving a spring, : crying " he made is killing Ha-ha-a ! Manabozho us !
"
for the water. 88
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
Manabozho, quitevexed that the creature should followed have played the spy upon his house-keeping, him, and justas the diver duck was plunging which is the reason into the water, gave him a kick, tened, that the diver's tail-feathers are few, his back flatand his legs out, so that when he straightened in walking. land he makes a on comes poor figure havingno ambition to Meantime, the other birds, and the flew off, be thrust into Manabozho's girdle,
animals
scamperedinto the woods. in himself at ease Manabozho stretching thoughtwhat along the side of the prairie,
do next. He
the shade
he should
see
concluded
that he would
travel and
new
havingonce made up his mind, in of limb and his length less than three days,such was the he had walked over the immensity of his stride, looked into every lodgeby the way, entire continent, able that he was and with such nicety of observation, what each family to inform his good old grandmother had for a dinner at a givenhour. Manabozho By way of relief to these granddoings, to vary his experiences by bestowinga was disposed
countries ; and
little time heard
upon
the sports of the woods. in and hunting,
He
had
a
reported great feats
he had
it Besides that, desire to try his power in that way. consideration that he had devoured all a was slight
the game
lodge; and so, one he was as walking along the shore of the evening, encountered a great great lake, weary and hungry,he with six young magicianin the form of an old wolf, ones, coming toward him.
within reach of the
89
Guide
sooner were
to
Mythology
him than
The told his

out
wolf
no
of caughtsight close about his
he
who whelps,
" For of Manabozho of the way ; " fellow whom that it is that mischievous said,
to keep side, I know/' he

we
see
yonder."
The
when where
young
wolves
were
in the act of
Manabozho
are
cried
out,
"
My
running off, grandchildren,

I
you
a
going? Stop and
I will go with you.
wish to have
littlechat with your
excellent father."
Saying which he advanced and greetedthe old himself as delighted at seeinghim wolf,expressing he do you journey? lookingso well. " Whither
"
asked.
lookingfor a good hunting ground to What pass the winter,"the old wolf answered. bringsyou here ? " " For I was lookingfor you,"said Manabozho. mired I always adbrother. for the chase, I have a passion family; are you willingto change me your
We
are
" "
"
into
wolf ? " wolf gave him

a
The
favorable
answer,
and
he
was
changed into a wolf. Well, that will do," said Manabozho ; then he added," Oh ! could you oblige at his tail, looking me by making my tail a little longer and more bushy ? bozho said the wolf ; and he gave ManaCertainly," that it was such a lengthand spreadof tail, so gettingbetween his legs,and it was constantly much he could do to find as as heavy that it was he was to carry it. But having asked for it, strength
forthwith
"
"
"
"
90
Guide
to
Mythology
the
moose
where Coming to a place they saw that the young

start after their prey.
had lain made

a
down,
fresh
wolves
had
Why/' said the old wolf," know by the tracks; for I can they are fat or not."
"
this
is poor. I always tell whether

moose
little further
on,
one
of the young
wolves,in
dashingat the moose, had broken a tooth on a tree. Manabozho," said the old wolf, " one of your has shot at the game. his arTake row; grandchildren
"
there it is." Manabozho No," replied dirtydog'stooth ?

" "
"
what
will I do with
The
old wolf took it up, and behold it silver

arrow.
was
tiful beau-
When
they at
was
last overtook killed

a
them, theyfound that

fat
moose.
the youngsters had

very
very
bozho Mana-
hungry; but the old wolf justthen again exerted his magical powers, and Manabozho saw nothing but the bones pickedquiteclean. He thought to himself, Just as I expected ; dirty, greedyfellows. If it had not been for this logat my ful back,I should have been in time to have got a mouthand he cursed the bushy tail which he carried, : of his heart. He, however, sat down to the bottom without sayinga word. At length the old wolf spoketo one of the young ones, saying: Give some to your grandfather." meat One of them bozho, to Manaobeyed,and coming near him the other end of his own he presented
" " "
92
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
which was trashytail, nicelyseasoned with burs, in the course of the hunt. gathered Manabozho jumped up and called out: You do you dog,now that your stomach is full, think I am going to eat you to get at my dinner? Get you gone into some other place." Sayingwhich Manabozho, in his anger, walked off by himself. Come cried the wolf. You are back,brother," eyes." losing your
" " "
Manabozho
"
turned
back.
"
and Look there ! injustice. the a heap of fresh, on behold, ruddy meat, was lying prepared. spot, already Manabozho, at the view of so much good provision, put on a smilingface. In amazement," he said ; " how fine the meat is !" the old wolf, it is always so with Yes," replied know us ; we our work, and always get the best. It is not a long tail that makes the hunter." Manabozho bit his lip. They now fixed their winter quarters. The youngsters in search of game, and they soon went out sence broughtin a largesupply. One day,duringthe abof the young hunters, the old wolf amused self himin cracking the largebones of a moose. Manabozho," said he, cover your head with the robe,and do not look at me while I am busy with these bones,for a piecemay flyin your eye." He did as he was bid ; but looking througha rent in the robe, he saw that was what the other was
You do the child
" " " " "
93
Guide
to
Mythology
a
about.
him
"
Just
at that moment
flew piece
off and hit
on
the eye.
He
cried out:
me,
must
Tyau, why do you strike The wolf answeredr You

"
you
old
dog?
been
"
have
ing look-
at
"
me." retorted
at you
no," ISTo,
to look
Manabozho, why
"
"
should
want
"
?"
Manabozho,"said the old wolf, you must have been looking not have got hurt." or you would No, no," he replied again, I was not. I will he thoughtto repay the saucy wolf this mischief,"
" "
himself. So the next

marrow,
"
day,takingup
your
bone
to
obtain the
he said to the wolf: head

a
cover Brother,
and
do
not
look
at
me,
for I very
much
fear
piecemay
flyin
your
eye."
The
wolf did
so
; and
of the moose, leg-bone hit well covered, was The wolf jumped up, cried out, and from
"
the large Manabozho, taking firstlooking to see if the wolf him a blow with all his might.
fell prostrate
the effects of the blow.
to a little and he, when he came able to sit up, was why do you strike me so ? ' Strike you ? said Manabozho, with well-feigned " have been looking at me." no surprise ; ; you must No," answered the wolf, I say I have not." and as the old wolf was But Manabozho insisted, of tricky no obliged great master argument, he was to give it up. after this the old wolf suggested to ManaShortly
Why,"
said
"
"
"
"
"
9-1
Animals
In
Primitive
out
Myths
bozho that he should go
and try his luck in hunting
by himself.
chose to put his mind it he was upon a quiteexpert,and this time he succeeded in killing
When he
fine fat moose,

and slyly, old wolf
a
which
devour
he would take aside thought alone, havingprepared to tell the his return, to account for
he
prettystory on
with him. bringanything He was to eat; but very hungry, and he sat down he never in a straightforward could go to work as he immediately fell into great doubts as to the way, proper pointat which to begin. mence. Well," said he, I do not know where to comand At the head ? 'No. People will laugh,
" " (
his failure to
say,
He
went
ate
him
backward.' side.
"
"
He
to the
No," said he, they will
"
say I ate him sideways." " He then went to the hind-quarter. will not
No,
that
do,either ; theywill say I ate him forward. I will beginhere, say what theywill." He took a delicate piecefrom the small of the it to his back,and was juston the pointof putting noise. mouth, when a tree close by made a creaking
He seemed
to
vexed
at
the sound.
He
raised the the
sel mor-
his mouth
the second
time, when
tree
again. " Why," he exclaimed, I cannot eat when I hear such a noise. Stop,stop ! he said to the tree. He such eat with put it down, exclaiming, I cannot he climbed the tree, noise ; and starting a away had offended him, and was at the limb which pulling
" " " "
creaked
95
A when
so
Guide
was
to
Mythology
the branches
his fore paw that he could not thus held
caught between
saw
a
free himself.
While
he fast,
pack of wolves
vancing adhis and

not
through the wood in the direction of them He to be the old wolf meat. suspected his cubs,but nightwas coming on and he could
make
"
them
out.
Go
"
the other way, what would

you
go the other way

come
a
! " he cried
out ;
to
" get here ?
The
wolves
for stopped said:

must
while and
talked among
he
and themselves,
"
Manabozho
would
"
somethingthere,or not tell us to go another way." beginto know him," said an old wolf, and
"
have
all
his tricks.
Let
us
go forward
and see."
moose,
they soon with it. Manabozho looked wistfully made on away them when eat till they were to see fullysatisfied, theyscamperedoff in high spirits. A heavy blast of wind opened the branches and released Manabozho, who found that the wolves had for home, He made left nothingbut the bare bones. ing where,when he related his mishap,the old wolf,takhim by the fore paw, condoled with him deeply
They
came
on,
and
the finding
on
his ill-luck. A
:
tear
even
started to his eye
as
he
added
"
with
this should teach us not to meddle My brother, of ceremony when we have good meat to points winter
a
eat." The
to a havingby this time drawn fairly morning in the earlyspringthe bright
on close,
96
Animals old wolf addressed

you
In
Primitive
:
"
Myths
Manabozho
; and
to leave obliged
My brother,I am I have sometimes although
been merry that I care at your expense, I will show I shall leave one for your comfort. of the boys behind
and to keep you be your hunter, afternoons." throughthe long summer
me
to
company
The and
as
old wolf
off with his five young galloped from view,Manabozho theydisappeared in

a
ones
was
tal mor-
disenchanted
moment, and returned

been sometimes
to his
shape. Although he
upon,
he
had
vexed
and
posed im-
had, altogether, passed a pleasant winter with the cunning old wolf, and now that he downcast and low in spirit. was was gone, Manabozho he recovered by degrees But as the days grew brighter his air of cheerful confidence, and was ready adventure that might to try his hand upon any new of mischief was still The old spirit to him. occur
alive within
The
young
him.
wolf who
had been left with him failed to One
was
good hunter,and never with meat. supplied

him
"
keep the lodgewell

addressed
day
Manabozho
as
follows:
I had a dream last night, and it My grandson, does not portend good. It is of the largelake which be careful always lies in that direction. You must whether the ice seem to go across it, strong or not. the enemies on for there are ISTever go around it,
further shore who
lie in wait for you.
The
ice is
always safe."
Now Manabozho
knew
well that the ice
was
thin-
97
Guide
to
Mythology
sun, but he could not
ning every day under the warm stay himself from playinga
wolf. In the
trick upon
the young
after a to the lake, eveningwhen he came long day'stravel in quest of game, the young wolf, in his grandfather, said, Hwooh ! the ice confiding does look thin, but jêsho says it is sound ; and he trotted upon the glassy plain.
"
"
He
had
not
got half
with
was a
way
across
when
the
ice
snapped,and
fell in and he
wolf the young seized by the waterimmediately

cry
mournful
serpents who
and
the
were
knew
that it
was
Manabozho's
son, grand-
death
for him revenge upon of their relations in the war Pearl upon for thirsting
Feather. Manabozho his heard the young

knew he
was
wolf's cry
as
he sat in
lodge;he
what
that moment,
happened; and, from of the greater part of deprived
had
his
magicalpower. than an ordinarymorHe returned, tal, more scarcely his whence to his former place of dwelling, had departed He knew whither. one no grandmother and became the married the arrow-maker's daughter, He father of several children, and very poor. was of living. His able to procure the means scarcely in a remote lodgewas pitched part of the country, and he where he could get no game. It was winter,
had
not
one
the
common
"
comforts I will go
out
of life. He
said to his
see
wife
cannot
day,
find
some
walking and
saw a
if I
lodges."
time he
98
After
walkingsome
lodgeat
dis-
A
purpose,
Guide
to
Mythology
soon
droppedone
on
after observed
"
Run/' said son, and giveit to him ; but mind that you do not give it into his hand; throw it at him, for there is no knowing him, he acts so curiously." The boy did as he was directed. said he to Manabozho,as he came Grandfather/' of your mittens ; here up to him, you have left one
" " "
which was mittens, the ground. the woodpecker to his eldest
of his
it is."
"
cumstanc of the cirto be ignorant Yes," he said, affecting "it is so; but don't throw it, you will
on
soil it The
the snow."
was
lad,however,threw it,and
when Manabozho cried out,
eat ?
"
about !
eat
to
turn, re-
Bakah you
"
Bakah
stop
"
stop; is that all you

your that
raccoon
Do !
nothing
else with
"
Tell
me
Yes,
"
come
will
pecker; all,"answered the young wood"we have nothing else." Tell your father,"continued Manabozho, " to and visit me, and let him bring a sack. I give him what he shall eat with his raccoon-
is
meat." When message his nose

"
the young this returned and reported one the old woodpecker turned up to his father,
at
the invitation.
"
wonder," he said,
fellow ! "
what He
he thinks he has got, poor

was
the proffer of bound, however,to answer and he went hospitality, accordingly, takingalonga to pay a visit to Manabozho. cedar-sack,
Manabozho
received
the
100
old
red-headed
wood-
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
He had stood at the* peckerwith great ceremony. he came his arrival, and as soon in door awaiting as Manabozho commenced, while he was yet far sight off, bowing and openingwide his arms, in token of the woodpecker returned in welcome ; all of which and hopping to right due form, by duckinghis bill, his wings to the ground,extending and left, upon them back to his their full length and fluttering breast.
lodge, the weather, various remarks made Manabozho upon the of the country, and especially on the appearance of game. scarcity " But we," he added, " we always have enough. Come in, and you shall not go away hungry, my
When
the
at woodpecker
last reached
the
noble
bird ! " had
always prided himself on being able to giveas good as he had received ; and to be up he had shifted his lodgeso as with the woodpecker, to enclose a large dry tamarack-tree. " pecker I give you," said he to the woodWhat can
Manabozho
"
but
as
we
eat
so
shall you
eat."
hopped forward,and, jumping on it just as to climb he attempted the tamarack-tree, do in his own he had seen the woodpecker lodge.He then on the other, turned his head first on one side, meanwhile to go of the bird, in the manner striving Ever and anon he down. up, and as often slipping
With this he
would
a
strike the tree with his nose,

he
so
as
if it had
been
and draw back,but bill, he dashed

his
nose
and
out no raccoons pulled ; the trunk often against
101
Guide
to
Mythology
that at last the blood

down
senseless upon
began to flow,and he tumbled the ground.
and woodpecker started up with his drum them violently rattle to restore him, and by beating him to. he succeeded in bringing
The As
soon as
he
came
to his senses,
Manabozho
his
gan be-
to
lay the
blame
of his failure upon
wife,
she
made I also
saying to his guest: it is this woman-relation of yours ISTemesho, is the cause of my not succeeding. She has
"
"
me
worthless
fellow.
Before
took
her
could The
tree
"
get raccoons."
but flying on woodpecker said nothing,
out
the
he drew
several fine
raccoons.
"
Here," said he, " this is the way we do ! and his bill high in the air, left him in disdain, carrying and stepping the door-sill as if it were not worthy over to be touched by his toes. in the Manabozho After this visit, was sitting heard the He lodge one day with his head down. round it, and thought that by attenwind whistling
tivelv listeninghe could hear the voice of
some
one
speakingto him. It seemed to say to him : " Great chief, why are you sorrowful ? Am not I % your guardianspirit your friend and Manabozho immediately took up his rattle, ting, without risingfrom the ground where he was sitbegan to singthe chant which has at every close the refrain of, Wha lay le aw." When he had dwelt for a long time on this peculiar which he had been used to sing in all his chant,
"
"
"
102
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
mined detera cave
times of
to
he trouble, fast. the For
laid his rattle aside and
this purpose
he went
to
which
faced
near fire,
which
nor
setting sun, and built a very small he laydown, first telling his wife that
the children must
come
neither she
he had
near
him
till
finished his fast.

of
seven
back to the days he came like a spirit and himself, lodge, paleand thin, looking His wife had in the meanif he had seen as time spirits. and got a few of the plants the snow dug through called truffles. These she boiled and set before him, and this was all the food they had or seemed likely
At
the end
to
obtain. When
he had
finished his
light repast,Manabozho
to
see
took
up
his station in the door
what
would
happen. As he stood thus, holdingin his hand his largebow, with a quiverwell filled with arrows, a deer glided but past alongthe far edge of the prairie
it
was
could
shaft that Manabozho and no away, shoot would be able to touch it.
miles
and looking air, up he beheld a great flight of birds, but they were so far in a up in the sky that he would have lost his arrows
a Presently
cry
came
down
the
vain
attempt among
of luck
to
was
the clouds.
some came
Still he stood
turn
near
watchful,and confident that

about
to occur,
when
there
the
them, on
was
so
lodge two hunters,who bore between it a bear,and polesupon their shoulders,

fat
a
fine and
hunters
bear
that it
was
as
much
as
the two
carry
could do with
all their
ta strength
it.
103
Guide
to the
to
Mythology
of the hunters
As
asked
"
theycame
is
one lodge-door,
if Manahozho
lived thereabout. Manahozho.
He
here,"answered
often heard of
I have I
was
you/'said
you.
the firsthunter,
you
and
your
curious to
see
But
have any
lost
magicalpower.
answered
Do
you
know
whether
of
it is left ? " Manahozho dark

"
that he
was
himself
in the
subject. Suppose you make

on
the
said trial,"
the hunter.
"
What There
shall I do ? " is my
"
asked Manahozho.
the
to hunter,pointing
"
said friend,"
his
this hear which companion, who with me owns home. are Suppose you see if you can we carrying change him into a piece of rock." " said Manahozho ; and he had scarcely Very well," spoken before the other hunter became a rock. Xow change him back again,"said the first
"
hunter.
"
That
power
I can't
do," Manahozho
at
answered
"
there
my
ends." looked the rock with

a
The face.
"
hunter
bewildered
What
shall I do ? " he asked.
"
This
bear I
can
never
carry
friend there till we
alone,and it was and myselfthat we

home. ?"
agreed between
should
not
my
divide it
reached
Can't you
changemy
friend
back,Manahozho
"
would
"
With
hozho, Manaobligeyou," answered but it is utterly out of my power." this, lookingagain at the rock with a sad
like to
104
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
sorrowful a face,and then casting which lay by the door of the lodge, glanceat the bear, the hunter took his leave, at heart bitterly bewailing
and
bewildered
the loss of his friend and
his bear. when sight
He
was
out scarcely to
of
Manabozho
Of
sent
the children
cut
serve
get red willow
sticks.
these he would
off
as
many
piecesof equal length as
to invite his
to
feast. the
friends among the beasts and birds getting red stick was sent to each one, not for-
woodpeckerand his family. When astonished to see they arrived they were of meat such an abundance preparedfor them at understood their Manabozho such a time of scarcity. and was proud of a chance to make such a glance, display. " Akewazi," he said to the oldest of the party, and the snow lasts a long the weather is very cold, kill nothingnow but small squirrels, time ; we can and they are all black ; and I have sent for you to of them." help me eat some the first to try a mouthful The woodpeckerwas of the bear's meat, but he had no sooner begun to taste it than it changed into a dry powder, and set him coughing. It appearedas bitter as ashes.
"
The
moose
was
affected in the
same
way,
and
it
broughton such a dry cough as to shake every bone in his body. of One by one, each in turn joinedthe company and his family, to whom coughers, except Manabozho the bear's meat proved very savory. But the visitors had too high a sense of what was
105
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to
Mythology
to say anything. good manners The meat looked very fine, and beingkeenly set and strongly look, temptedby its promising they thought of it. The more they would try more they ate the and the louder became faster they coughed, the uproar, until Manabozho, exerting the magical gift which he found he retained, changed them all into and to this day the squirrel suffers from squirrels; the same tempting brought on by atdry cough which was to meat.
due
to decorum
sup
off of
Manabozho's
ashen
bear's
when bozho Manatransformation, lacked for his family, he would provisions hunt the squirrel, failed a supply of which never him, so that he was always sure to have a number of his friends present in this shape at the banquet. The rock into which he changed the hunter,and became of the bear, and thus laid the so possessed foundations of his good fortune, after remained ever and it was called the Game-Bag by his lodge-door, of Manabozho, the Mischief-Maker.
ever
And
after this
HOW
GLOOSKAP TURTLE WIFE. INTO OF
MADE A
HIS GREAT
UNCLE
MIKCHICH
AND HOW GOT HIM
THE
A
MAN, EGGS,
BY AND
TURTLES'
A
GLOOSKAP TOBACCO.
VANQUISHED
SORCERER
SMOKING
(Micmac
and
Passamaquoddy)
or
"Now
when
Glooskap left Uktukamkw,

in
a
foundland, New-
it was
canoe,
means
and the
he
came
to
Piktook of air,
(M.
for
which Pictou),
bubblingup
106
Guide
a
to
Mythology
were
garments fit for

smoke
my
feast;better
"
it for
me
to
pipe at home." " uncle,"replied Glooskap,

and fit you
or
Truly, if
I
no
can care
that be
turn
as
all,
I trow
tailor
to
turn; and
have
to your
outside
for to him who knows how, your face, 't is as easy to make a man over as a suit of clothes." " Yes ; but,nephew," said Mikchich," how say you the inside of a mortal ? " " By the to making over as !"
to
great Beaver
harder
in this world.
answered
the
I
were
Master,
not
so
"
that is
thing some-
do, else
But
long at
work
before and
I leave this town

as
I shall
do that also for you; do but
for this present sport, when he had done
put
on
my
belt."
so
And young
saw
Mikchich that,
no
man or
became
ever
and
handsome And
that then
woman
the like.
own
Glooskap dressed him promisedhim that to

he should be
and
an on
a
in his
best
the end
of his
and clothes, days,whenever

men
man,
was
he would
be the comeliest of
because
he
and tough,he should, as patient the hardest to kill of all creatures

as earth,
animal,become
the face of the
So Mikchich
it came
to pass.
went
to the feast.
Now
the chief of the youngest her he cast
Piktook had three beautiful

was
and daughters, And

on
the loveliest in the land.
" I have seen whom his eyes, and returning one said, in Piktook desired 'Now all the young men I want."
this
and girl,
would
kill any
one
who
would
win
her.
takinga bunch of wawday Glooskap, bap (P.,wampum), went to the chief and proposed Yes." said for Mikchich,and the mother at once and covered made up a bed of fresh twigs So the girl
So the next
"
108
Animals it with
a
In
Primitive
Myths
went to meat
great white
and bear-skin,
had
Mikfor
chich,and they returned and married. So they were supper.

Now Turtle
dried
seemed
he
to
be
others hunted
young
must
lounged at
that if So he put she followed
wife said to him

soon
lazy, and when One home. day his this went on thus they
very
on
starve.
his snow-shoes
him
to
ere
and
he
went
forth,and
do.
fell And
see
what he
would and
he had and
not
gone
far
tripped
her
down,
the
told girl, returning,
mother
"
that he will do
was
worthless.
But Be
the mother
said,
He One
somethingyet.
Mikday it came to pass that at there will be a great game chich, To-morrow and you must play.But because you have made ball, enemies of all the young men here,they yourself and will seek to slay you, by crowding altogether when they do this it will trampling upon you. And and to escape them be by your father-in-law's lodge, it. This I give you the power to jump high over do twice, but the third time will be terrible you may
"
patient." Glooskapsaid to
for you,
and yet it must
be." he
for the young foretold; and to escape them indeed tried to take his life, men that he seemed the lodge, Mikchich jumped over so like a bird flying. But the third time he did this he and hung was caught on the top of the tent-poles, from below. in the smoke which rose there dangling seated in the tent,said, Then who was Glooskap, All this
happened as
make Uncle, I will now and chief of the Tortoises,

109
"
you you
the sogmo, shall bear up
or a
great great
Guide
to
Mythology
Mikchich
so
nation."
Then
a
he smoked hard
long that
his
skin became
may
and shell,
to
the marks
of the smoke
be
seen
thereon
this
day.
"
And
removinghis
destroyed them, so that but one short one he cried aloud, Milooks! (M.) My left. And was But the nephew replied, nephew, you will kill me ! I am Not so. givingyou great life. From roll through a flame and never this time you may and live on land or in the water. And feel it, though head be cut off,it will live for nine days, your and your heart, taken even, shall beat as long when from your body." So Mikchich rejoiced greatly. And this came had need of it for he soon betimes, all. For the next day all the men went on a hunt,
" "
entrails he
and
the Master
warned
him
that
slayhim. Now the young men Turtle lingered behind; but all at once their heads,unseen, far over magic flight
in the forest he slew the snow-shoe
up
a or moose.
they would seek to and went on before,

he made and
a
deep
this to
came
Then
when
he drew
track
road,and
the moose,
his foes
there he sat upon

for them. Now
some
smoking,and
told them ahead
out
ing waitthat
Glooskap had
one come
they
would
see
of them
to pass they were day, and when this came more angered in their hearts than ever. and his nephew, who So they plotted to kill Turtle, told him how it would be. " First about to leave, was of all, they will build a mighty fire and throw you for by in it. But do thou,O uncle, go cheerfully, thou wilt in no wise suffer. Then they will my power but thou must beg and pray that speakof drowning,
all that
110
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
seek to
this may not be ; and then theywill the more them to the bitter do so, and thou shalt fight
end, and
yet it shall be."

it came to pass ; and Mikchich, so said, being of good cheer,bade farewell to his nephew. And they seized him and threw him into a great fire, but he turned over and went to sleepin it,being the fire had burnt out he awoke, very lazy ; and when called for more and cold a wood, because it was night. Then they seized him yet again,and spoke of in he, as if he were drowning. But, hearingthis, mortal dread, beggedthem not to do this thing.And burn him, as he said theymight cut him to pieces, or they would, but not to throw him into the water. Therefore they resolved to do so, and dragged him and foughtlustily, Then he screamed on. horribly And
as
he
and
tore up trees
and roots and rocks like

into
a
madman
but
theytook
him
him
canoe
and
the middle
of the lake
(or to the
paddledout into ing and, throwsea),
in,watched him sink as he vanished far down So they thought him below. turned dead, and rerejoicing. there was hot sun]STow the next day at noon shine, a and somethingwas seen baskingon a great rock, about a mile out in the lake. So two young
men
took
canoe
and
went
forth to
see
what
this
to the edge of the might be. And when they came chich rock,which was about a foot high,there lay Miksunning himself;but seeingthem coming to and rolled over take him, he only said, Good-by,"
"
111
Guide
to
Mythology
he is living to this
plump
In
one once.
into the water, where

whereof all
day.
any
at
memory
when turtles,
over
they
see
coming,tiptiltthemselves
into the water
In
you
the will
following
see
Hindoo
storv
of
"
Punchkin
"
the
a
of expression
person may
runs
the
notion primitive
up
that the life of external

to
be bound
in
some
make
object. Invention this object as

Norse in his
riot in the attempts

as
inaccessible
"
possible.
who had
There
no
is the
story of the
Giant
Heart
he princess in
a
tells the lovely Body," who finally keeps in bondage that " Far, far away
an
lake
lies
island; on
is
a
that
island
stands
church
a
; in that church
well ; in that well swims

an
duck;
there
in that duck lies my
there is
egg]
and
in that
" The hero, darling. and so of course, goes and finds the giant's heart, kills him, and rescues the princess. There is also the story of the littleHindoo called Sodawa princess, Bai, whose soul was in the beautiful goldennecklace
egg
heart,you
she when
was
born another
with
around
her
neck, and
her
who
died
who princess
hated
took finally
it off.
PUNCHKIN
(A Once
seven
Hindoo
Story)
was a
but than
They were daughters. the youngest, named more Balna, was the rest. The Rajah's wife died when
112
upon beautiful
time
there
Rajah who had all goodgirls ;

clever
they
Animals
were
In
Primitive these
Myths
seven
care
so quitelittle children, were
poor
cesses prin-
left with
no
mother
to take
of them.
took it by turns to cook Rajah's daughters their father's dinner every day, whilst he was absent with his ministers on the affairs of the deliberating The nation.
a widow died, leaving and one daughter;and every day, when the seven were princesses preparingtheir father's dinner,the and daughter would and beg Purdan's widow come
About
this time the Purdan
for
little fire from

to her
the hearth. that
Then
woman
Balna away;
used send house. her
to say
" Send sisters,
her What
to
away.
Let she
we
her
want
get the fire

with ours?
at
her If
some we
own
does
allow
come
here
the
other
must
why
day." But " Be quiet,Balna; sisters would answer, with this poor always be quarrelling you
some
shall suffer for it
woman?
Let her take widow
fire if she likes."

to
Then and
the Purdan's take

a
used
go
to
the
hearth
it;and, whilst no one was mud she would into quickly throw some looking, the midst of the dishes which were being prepared for the Rajah's dinner. Now the Rajah was very fond of his daughters. Ever since their mother's death they had cooked his dinner with their own hands, in order to avoid the danger of his being poisonedby his enemies. So, mixed when he found the mud up with his dinner, he thought it must arise from their carelessness, as it appearedimprobablethat any one should have put but beingvery kind,he did mud there on purpose;
113
few
sticks from
A
not
Guide
them
to
Mythology
this spoiling it, although successive days. of the curry was repeated many At last, one day, he determined to hide and watch his daughters cooking and see how it all happened; like to reprove
so
for
he went
into the next hole in the wall.
room,
and
watched
them
througha
There the dish
was
ing washdaughters carefully rice and preparingthe curry, and as each completedthey put it by the fire ready to
he
saw seven
his
he
come
cooked.
to the
ISText he
noticed the Purdan's

a
widow
the
door,and beg for

her dinner with.
few
sticks from
turned
to
fire to cook
and angrily,
your
own ours
Balna
you
her,
in and
;
said," Why
and
not
don't
come
keep
every any
fuel
house ?
here
woman
day
take
don't givethis Sisters, it for herself."
more
let her Then

poor
us no
buy
the eldest sister
woman
harm." here make

so us
come
and
" answered, Balna,let the and the fire; take the wood she does " If you let her But Balna replied, harm, often, maybe she will do us some some day." sorry for it,
The
Rajah
then
saw
the Purdan's
was
widow
go to the
placewhere
as
all his dinner
and, nicelyprepared,
a
she took
the
wood, she
very
threw
little mud
into
each At
woman
of the dishes. this he

was
angry,
and
sent
to have
the the
seized and
broughtbefore
to
him.
But
when
widow
gain an audience with him ; and she spoke so cleverly, and pleased him her cunningwords, that instead of punso well with
she wanted
114
came, trick because
she told him
that she had
played this
Guide
any
to
Mythology
eat
ihey don't want yet they never

than
you
dinner,and won't
any,
and
look ill; they look better grow thin nor do. I cannot tell how it is ; " and she the
seven
bade
one
her watch
gave
and princesses
see
if any
anything to eat. So next went to their day, when the princesses the beautiful pommother's grave, and were eating the Purdan's daughterfollowed them and saw eloes, them gathering the fruit. said to her sisters, Then Balna Do you see that girlwatching us ? Let us drive her away or hide the pomeloes,else she will go and tell her mother all about it, and that will be very bad for us." But the other sisters said, Oh, no, do not be unkind, Balna. The girlwould be so cruel as never
" "
them
to tell her mother.
Let
us
rather invite her to
come
and
have
some
of
them, they gave

No
sooner
her the fruit ; " and calling her one of the pomeloes.
to
had
she eaten
it,however,than
and
seven
the her
Purdan's
daughter went
"
home the
you
said
to
mother,
not eat
I do not
wonder
the nasty dinner

mother's
grave
prepare
a
will princesses for them, for beautiful and

eat
by their
there grows there and it every

was
elo pomthe
tree, and
they
go
day
pomeloes.
ever
I ate one, tasted." cruel
the nicest I have
The
Ranee
was
much
vexed
at
hearing
and
and this,
all next
day
she
stayedin her
a
room,
Bajah that she had The Rajah at hearingthis was said to his wife, What can
"
told the
very
bad
headache.
and deeply grieved,

I do for you ? "
She
116
Animals
In is
Primitive
Myths
will make there
answered,"
my
There well.
headache
a
only one By your
thing that
dead
wife's tomb
grows
pomelo tree; you must bring that here, and boil it, root and branch,and put a little of the it has been boiled on my in which water forehead, headache." So the Rajah and that will cure my sent his servants,and had the beautiful pomelo tree and did as the Ranee desired ; pulled up by the roots,
fine
and
when
was
some
of the water
on
in which she
it had
been
boiled
put
gone
her
forehead
said her
ache head-
quitewell. Next went as princesses day, when the seven usual to the grave of their mother, the pomelo tree Then had disappeared. they all began to cry very bitterly. Now there was by the Ranee's tomb a small tank, and as they were cryingthey saw that the tank was which quickly filledwith a rich, cream-like substance, At seeingthis hardened into a thick white cake. and they ate some all the princesses were very glad, of the cake, and liked it; and next day the same thinghappened,and so it wTent on for many days.
was
and she felt
went Every morning the princesses
to
their mother's
ishing, nour-
grave,
and
found
the little tank

Then
"
filled with
cream-like cake. said to her
the cruel
step-mother
daughter, I cannot tell how it is ; I have had the pomelo tree which used to grow by the and yet the princesses Ranee's grave destroyed, grow look more nor sad,though they never no thinner, tell how I cannot the dinner I give them. eat
it is ! "
117
A And
Guide
to
"
Mythology
daughtersaid, I will watch." Next were day, while the princesses eatingthe cream by but their stepcake, who should come mother's and said, daughter. Balna saw her first, " there comes that girlagain. Let us See, sisters, sit round the edge of the tank, and not allow her of our cake she to see it; for if we give her some will go and tell her mother, and that will be very
unfortunate for us."
essarily sisters, however,thoughtBalna unnecvice and instead of following her adsuspicious, of the they gave the Purdan's daughter some and told her mother home all cake, and she went
her
The
other
about it.
Ranee, on hearinghow well the princesses was fared, exceedingly angry, and sent her servants and fill the tomb the dead Ranee's to pull down And not content with this, littletank with the ruins. she next day pretended to be very, very ill in fact, when the Rajah was at the point of death; and it was and asked her whether much in his grieved, her any remedy, she said to him, to procure power but I know Only one thing can save my life, you " I will not do it." He replied, Yes, whatever it is, " will do it." She then said, To save life, you my of your first wife,and kill the seven must daughters
"
The
"
put
some
of their blood
my
on
my
forehead
and
on
the
hands,and their death will be my life." but At these words the Rajah was very sorrowful; out because he feared to break his word, he went with a heavy heart to find his daughters. palms of
118
Animals He found them
In
Primitive
Myths
the ruins of their
crying by
mother's
grave.
he could not kill them, the Rajah Then, feeling out spoke kindly to them, and told them to come with him; and there he made into the jungle a fire and gave it to them. and cooked some But in rice, the afternoon, it beingvery hot,the seven princesses all fell asleep, and when fast he saw they were the Rajah, their father, and left stole away asleep them (for he feared his wife),saying to himself, " It is better my daughters should die here poor than be killed by their step-mother." He then shot a deer,and returning home, put
some
of the blood and she
on
the forehead
and
hands
of the
thought then that he had really killed the princesses and said she felt quitewell. Meantime the seven awoke, and when princesses they found themselves all alone in the thick jungle much and began to call out they were frightened, loud as theycould, in hopes of making their father as hear ; but he was by that time far away, and would have been able to hear them, even had their not Ranee,
voices been
It
so as
loud
as
thunder.
happened that this very day the seven young of a neighboring sons Rajah chanced to be hunting in the same returning jungle,and as they were after the day's sport was home over, the youngest princesaid to his brothers : " Stop,I think I hear Do you not hear out. some one cryingand calling
voices ? and Let
us
go
in the what
119
direction
of the sound,
try and
find out
it is."
A So the
seven
Guide
to
Mythology
rode throughthe wood until princes the seven to the place where princesses they came At the sight sat cryingand wringingtheir hands. of them the young ished, astonprinceswere very much still more and their story; on so learning of these and they settled that each should take one
poor
forlorn
ladies
home
with
him
and
marry
her. So
the
first and
eldest
and the
prince took
married her.
the
eldest
home princess And And And And And And the the the the the the
with him took
second; third took the third; fourth took the fourth; fifth took the fifth; sixth took the sixth; and handsomest took of all, seventh,
second
the
beautiful Balna.
land there was they got to their own the kingdom at the marriage throughout great rejoicing such of the seven princesto seven young beautiful princesses. And when About and
a
year
after this Balna and

aunts
were seven so
had fond
little son, of the
his uncles
was
as
boy
that it
mothers. had and
rest.
if he
had
fathers and
or princes
seven
princesses of the seventh prince the son so any children, their heir by all the Balna was acknowledged
had thus lived very happily for some time, band) fine day the seventh prince (Balna'shusgo
out
ISTone of the
other
They
when
one
said he would
and hunting,
away
he
120
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
he
never
went;
came
and
hack.
they waited long for him, hut they would him; and they went
Then what
his six brothers said

become did
not
go and
away,
see
had
of
hut
they also
And
return.
the
seven
princesses grieved very much,

their kind
husbands
must
for
they felt
killed. One
sure
have
been
day, not long after this had happened,as and whilst her Balna was rockingher baby's cradle, sisters were below,there came working in the room in a long black dress, who to the palacedoor a man said that he was to beg. The a Fakir, and came You said to him, cannot servants go into the palthe Rajah's sons have all gone away ; Ave think see terrupte they must be dead,and their widows cannot be inby your begging." But he said, I am a holy man; you must let me in." Then the stupid but they let him walk throughthe palace, servants did not know that this man no was Fakir, but a wicked magician named Punchkin. wandered Fakir Punchkin through the palace, till at last he and saw beautiful things there, many Balna reached where sat singing beside the room The magician thought her her little boy's cradle. beautiful than all the other beautiful thingshe more
"
"
"
had with
seen,
insomuch and
to
that he
marry
asked
But
her she
to
go
home
"
him
him.
husband,I fear,is dead, but my I will stay here and quite young;
up
a
said, My little boy is still

to grow
teach him up
clever man,
and
when
121
he is grown
he shall
Guide
to
Mythology
of tidings
ever
go out into the world, and try and learn forbid that I should his father. Heaven him
was
or
leave
marry
you." At
and
these words
the
a
magician
will not
very
angry,
turned
her into
"
little black
dog,and
come
led her away, of your with me So the poor

power
saying,
own
Since you
you."
any
of
I will make will, out was dragged away, withprincess an effecting escape, or of letting of her. As Punch-
free
her sisters know

kin
what had become
passedthrough the palacegate the servants said did you get that pretty little dog % 9 to him, " Where And of the princesses it he answered, " One gave which they let him At hearing to me as a present." go without further questioning. heard the Soon after this the six elder princesses little baby, their nephew, begin to cry, and when much to surjDrised they went upstairs they were find him and Balna nowhere all alone, to be seen. the servants,and when Then they they questioned and the little black dog they heard of the Fakir tion what had happened,and sent in every direcguessed seekingthem, but neither the Fakir nor the dog was to be found. What could six poor women do ? They had to give up all hopes of ever seeing
their kind husbands
and their sister and
her husband
again, and they devoted themselves thenceforward of their little nephew. and taking to teaching care
Thus time
went
on,
till Balna's
one
son
was
teen four-
years
old.
Then
day
no a
his aunts
sooner
told him
the
of history he
was
the
family;and
122
did he hear
to
it than
seized with
great desire
go in
A Some time
ago
came a
Guide
to
Mythology
afterward turned
the
Raj all'sson came here,and shortly and they were his six brothers, all
and
trees ; and
into
stones
these
are
not
only unfortunate ones, whom beautiful princess, a prisonerthere for twelve

him and will not
marry
for up
in that tower
lives
the
years,
magician has kept

because she
hates
him."
must
Then
my
the little princethought," These

my
be I
parents and
at last."
uncles.
I have
found
to
what
seek
So
he told his storv
the Malee's
wife,and begged her to help him to remain in that the place a while, and inquirefurther concerning unhappy peopleshe mentioned; and she promisedto befriend him, and advised his disguising himself, lest the magician should see him, and turn him To this the prince agreed. likewise into stone.
So the Malee's wife dressed him
up in
a
saree, and
her daughter. that he wTas pretended the magicianwas One day,not long after this, as he saw the little girl(as he walkingin his garden, thought)playingabout,and he asked her who she the Malee's daughter, She told him she was was. and the magician said, " You a are pretty little ers and to-morrow girl, you shall take a present of flowlives in the from me to the beautiful lady who
tower." The
young
was prince some
much
at hearing delighted
and this, wife, he him

of
a
after
consultation with
it would be
more
the Malee's
safe for
settled that
to
retain his
favorable
and trust to the chance disguise, for establishing some opportunity

124
Animals
In
Primitive
Myths
it
were
communication
she.
with
his
mother, if
indeed
happened that at Balna's marriage her husband had given her a small gold ring on which and she put it on her little her name was engraved, when he was afterward when son's finger a baby, and for him, his aunts had had it enlarged he was older,
Now it
so
that he
was
stillable to
to
wear
it. The well-known
Malee's wife
treasure to
advised
one
him
fasten
the
he presented to his mother, and bouquets it. This was not to be done trust to her recognizing such a strict watch without as was difficulty, kept lishing the poor princess over (for fear of her ever estabthat though with her friends) communication the supposed Malee's daughter to take was permitted of his her flowers every day, the magician or one slaves was time. At at the same always in the room favored him and last one day, however, opportunity the boy tied the ringto a when no one was looking and threw it at Balna's feet. The ringfell nosegay with a clangon the floor, and Balna, looking to see what made the strange sound, found the littlering tied to the flowers. On recognizing it,she at once believed the story her son told her of his longsearch, and begged him to advise her as to what she had him time entreating better do; at the same no on her. to rescue account to endangerhis life by trying She told him that for twelve long years the magician because she rehad kept her shut up in the tower fused to marry guarded him, and she was so closely that she saw no hope of release. of the
125
A Now Balna's
"
Guide
son
to
Mythology
clever boy; so he bright, mother ; the first thingto the magician's tends, expower
be able to liberate my he has imprisoned in the You
was
said,
Do
not
fear,dear
how
we
do is to discover in order
far
that
may
father and
form
whom uncles, and

trees.
of rocks
have
spoken to
him
for twelve long years ; do you rather now angrily speak kindly. Tell him you have givenup all hopes of again seeing the husband have so long you him. to marry mourned, and say you are willing Then endeavor
to
find out
what
his power
or
consists
in, and
death."
Balna
whether
he is immortal
can
be
put
to
determined
to
take
her
son's advice ; and
the next
and spoketo him as day sent for Punchkin had been suggested. The magician,greatly low delighted, beggedher to althe wTedding to take place as soon as possible. But
she told him

allow make her his
a
that before she married little

more
him
he she
must
time
in
which
and that,after being acquaintance, enemies so long, their friendship could but strengthen by degrees. And do tell me," she said," are you touch you ? And quiteimmortal ? Can death never
might
"
are
you
too
"
great
an
enchanter
ever
to
feel human
? suffering Why do you ask ? said he. " if I am Because,"she replied,

" "
"
to be your
wife
I would
fain know
all about
you,
you,
in
calamitythreatens
to avert
to overcome,
order,if any or, if possible,
it."
126
Animals
"
In
Primitive that I
Myths
am
It is
" he said, true,"
not
as
others.
Par, far away, hundreds of thousands of miles from there lies a desolate country covered with thick this, jungle. In the midst of the jungle grows a circle of palm trees, and in the center of the circle stand six chattees full of water, piled above another; one
below
a
the sixth chattee is little green
a on
small
cage
which
tains con-
parrot ;
the life of the parrot
and if the parrot is killed I must dependsmy life, die. It is,however," he added, that impossible the parrot should sustain any injury, both on account of the inaccessibility of the country and because, round by my appointment,many thousand evil genii surthe palm trees,and kill all who approach the place." Balna told her son what Punchkin had said, but, at the same time,implored him to give up all idea of getting the parrot. " The prince, however, replied, Mother, unless I
"
can
get hold of that parrot

cannot
you
and
not
my
father
and
uncles
be
liberated: Do
return. shortly in good
humor
on
I will afraid, gician you, meantime, keep the mastill putting off your riage mar"
be
with
finds out
him
cause
various of
pretexts ; and
will return."
before he
So saying
the
delayI
he went
away. weary
tillat last travel, he came and beingvery tired, to a thick jungle, sat down under a tree and fell asleep. He was ened awakby a soft rustling sound, and, lookingabout him, saw a large making its way serpent which was
many
Many,
miles did he
127
A
to
an
Guide
to
Mythology
which
he
nest eagle's
built in the tree under
two lay, and in the nest were eagles. The young drew prince, seeingthe danger of the young birds,
his sword
a
and
killed the serpent ; at the heard been

out
same
ment mo-
hunting for food for their young They quicklysaw ones, returned. the dead serpent and the young prince standing it ; and the old mother eaglesaid to him, " Dear over all our have been devoured boy, for many years young saved by that cruel serpent: you have now the lives of our children ; whenever you are in need, send to us and we will help you ; and as therefore, for these little eagles, take them, and let them be
two
old
rushing sound was who had eagles,
in the
and air,
the
your
servants.7' this the
princewas very glad,and the two crossed their wings,on which he mounted; eaglets and the over they carried him far, far away thick junglesuntil he came to the place where of the circle of palm trees in the midst grew
which
was were
At
stood the
the
six chattees
of the
full
of
water.
It
trees
were
middle
the
geniifast
day. All around the there asleep;nevertheless,

of them that it would
such been
countless thousands
have
for any one to walk quite impossible through their ranks to the place. Down swooped the strongstant inwinged eaglets down jumped the prince ; in an
"
he
had
overthrown
the
six chattees
full of
water, and
rolled up into the air, all the
seized the little green parrot, which he in his cloak; while,as he mounted again
geniibelow awoke,and,finding
128
Animals their treasure

howl.
gone,
In
set
Primitive
up
a
Myths
and
wild
melancholy
they came in the great tree ; then the prince said to their home back your little ones to the old eagles, Take ; they have done me good service ; if ever again I stand in need of help I shall not fail to come to you." He then continued his journey on foot till he arrived where he sat at the magician'spalace, once more with the parrot. down at the door and began playing The to him him, and came quickly magician saw did you get that parrot? and said, My boy, where Give it to me, I pray you." But the prince answered, Oh, no, I cannot give away my parrot; it is a great pet of mine ; I have had it many years." Then the magician said, If it is an old favorite, I can understand not caring to give it away; you but come, what will you sell it for ? plied Sir,"rethe prince, I will not sell my parrot." the magician got frightenedand Then said, and what price anything Anything, you will, ; name it shall be yours." Then," the prince answered, " liberate the Kajah's seven I will that you sons
Away,
away
flew
till the little eagles
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
whom
as
you
turned
into rocks and trees."
"
It is done
you
my
" said the magician, only give me desire," by a stroke of his wand, parrot (and with that,
"
Balna's natural
husband
and
"Now
"
his
brothers
resumed
their
shapes).
Punchkin.
the
to
prince ;
"
life all whom
you
peated regive me my parrot," joined ISTot so fast, master," remy first beg that you restore must have thus imprisoned."
129
Guide
to
Mythology
The and
me
waved his wand again magicianimmediately ; whilst he cried in an imploring voice, Give parrot ! the whole garden became suddenly my
"
"
alive: where
roeks
and
stones
and
trees
had
been
and Sirdars, and stood Rajahs and Punts "before, and jewelled on prancinghorses, mighty men pages and
"
troops of armed
Give
me
attendants.
"
my
parrot!
cried Punchikin.
Then
boy took hold of the parrot and tore off one of its wings;and as he did so the magician's rightarm
the
fell off.
Punchkin
"
then
my
stretched
"
out
Give
me
parrot !
The the
second wing, and parrot's tumbled

"
crying princepulledoff the left arm magician's
his left arm,
off.
me
he, and fell on his knees. off the parrot's The princepulled rightleg the prince the magician's right leg fell off; pulledoff fell the magician's the parrot's left leg down left. Nothing remained of him save the limbless body and the head ; but still he rolled his eyes, and cried, Give me Take your parrot,then," parrot ! my the bird's cried the boy, and with that he wrung neck and threw it at the magician ; and as he did so, Punchkin's head twisted round, and with a fearful
Give
my
parrot !
"
cried
"
"
"
"
"
groan
he
died !
Then her
they let
Balna
out
of the tower; and
she,
son, and the seven and lived very -country,

as own
to
the rest
of the
went to their own princes happilyever afterward. And world, every one went to his
house.
130
A them them the
Guide
to
Mythology
in calves, to have prolific is the dream, the ideal of well looked after, His worst ancient Hindoo. therefore, enemy, fruitful in milk that would robs be him of his cows,
rescues
and
is he friend robber. The
while
cows
his from
best the
he who
the
dewy
moon,
the
dawn,
the watery
fact,the entire vault of heaven which benignant and quickening rain as cows the beneficent as milk, are all personified
Abundance.
in cloud, gives the give their Cow of
The God
great and awful
ruler of all these

to
cows
are
is the nessed har-
Indra, who rides in a car bay steeds. magnificent

a
which
Sometimes
roar
he
is
called
a
Bull
and
sometimes
he is said to
like
Bull. From the

or
hymns
of the
three
were
four
thousand of
written in honor
Rig Veda," probably of which old, many years the be gathered Indra, may
cattle.
"
characteristics of Indra
In her
and these remarkable
called this cow of the sky was cloudy aspects, said to be the mother of the spotted one, and was the storm winds or Maruts, while Indra,who hides is the Bull of Bulls, himself in thunder-clouds vincible inson
of
cow
that bellows bellows and
like the Maruts. shows his
This
as
terrible creature
strength
to
sharpenshis horns, who is overthrow all peoples. His horns

he and With he is sometimes all these
a
able of himself
are
the
lightning,
of them.
said to have
thousand
there is
prancing about in the sky, for brilliant onslaughts fine opportunity

animals
132
Animals
who the enemy upon his thunder-bolts and
are
In
Culture
Myths
cows.
steals the the Maruts while side,

monster
Indra
with
with
their winds
the leaders
on a
one
in the hostile camp
by different such as Valas, Vritras,Cushnas, meaning names, black one, thief, the enemy, serpent,wolf, or wild
will be found horrid
called
boar.
to throw seems being generally of Indra the cows the gauntlet down by stealing in a dark and dismal cavern them and imprisoning Then in the clouds. an excitingbattle follows; the thunder-bolt bellows, the Maruts Indra bellows,
This
awful
bellow, and
forts
ascend the
the rock,
now
bv
their
own
ef-
making
sonorous
stone,the rock mountain
fall ; now,
iots charedge of their rolling iant the mountain; then the valviolently splitting the hero, Indra, beloved by the gods,moves he stone; he hears the cows, by aid of the Maruts with the iron
cows
finds the
an arm
hidden
in the
cavern.
Furnished
with
of stone
cows;
he opens
he We
the grotto of
Valas,who
pursues the
keeps the
there is
a
kills or vanquishes,
may
see
thieves in battle.
this battle every
time
often leaps the lightning thunder-storm, before the and the thunder roars between the clouds, pour the heavy downthere comes rain falls, but when it would of rain,the ancient Hindoo compare which have been milk of the cows to the refreshing rescued by Indra. in Hindoo Horses also important animals are myths. The Asvins,who gallopacross the sky from called the sons morning till night,are sometimes and sometimes of the Sun and the Dawn they are
133
Guide
to
Mythology They
are
called the steeds of Indra.

the
described in
having Rig Veda " as full of life, eyes like the sun, drawing the chariot with the golden yoke, the two most rapid ones, who carry Indra as every day they carry the sun. They are illumine the sky with two rays of the sun, which as the color of a peacock,bridled sixtytimes, manes resolute destroyers beneficent, winged,indefatigable,
hymns
of the
"
of enemies.
The
Hindoo
deities all have

Yahans
an
or
animals
on
which
called they ride, sometimes

a
rides
Vehicles;thus, Indra Siva,a bull, elephant, Durga,
and so on. These all share in the honors of tiger, worship accorded to their riders. These vehicles of the gods were of the probably once impersonations animals into which theychanged or gods themselves, themselves as they do in the primitive myths with which we familiar. are already The
cow
does not
seem
to
have been
Vahan
for
any of the in her own
gods. She was too much of a goddess shown by the fact that she was right, mony. regularly worshipped every year with great cereEgypt, however, was
the land We
where
animals
a
ceived replete com-
the greatestreverence.
find there
"
of mythological animals. museum archaeological birds and insects Cats and dogs,mice and crocodiles, all were tians worshipped. So sacred did the Egypconsider animals in general that it was a capital if any of them killed. Should Ibis an were Hawk the unfortube even killed, accidentally
134
crime
or a
Animals
nate
In
Culture
Myths
was
person
who
happenedto
without
do it
put
to
death
if
a
by
cat
the multitude
form
of law.
Even
died,everybody in the house cut off his eyebrows. the direst extremes of Nothing, not even famine, could tempt an Egyptian to eat a sacred animal. They would rather devour each other than
this.
the ox kind received the animals, Bulls were honors. sacrificed, highest occasionally but cows sacred to Isis, the Moon never. They were There Goddess. individuals of the were special looked upon with the however, who were species, veneration. utmost They were called Apis and Mnevis. Apis was but had a white star on a black bull, his forehead, of an eagleon his back, a the figure his his rightside,with a knot under crescent on the Scarabeus sacred beetle. or tongue, resembling twenty-five Apis is described as living years, when he jumped into a well or into the river Nile. Upon of a new the discovery brated Apis the Egyptians celea joyfulfestival. port Accordingto an ancient account, as soon as a rehad been spreadabroad that the Egyptiangod had been certain sacred scribes, brought to light, who well versed in the mystic marks, which were the divine they had learned by tradition, approached calf. They fed it duringfour months with milk,in house that fronted the rising After this the a sun. sacred scribes carried him in a vessel preparedfor the purpose he had a convenient to Memphis, where and delightful abode, with pleasure grounds and
135
But
of all the
Guide
to
Mythologyexercise. drank
ample space for salubrious were providedfor liiin. He

fountain Dances of clean water. and honor the
Companions
a
from
well
or
festivities and
of this animal
man
held
in
assemblies were joyful at the risingof the

flock the divine beast
Xile,and
sprang
was
from
whose
happiestof mortals and was looked with admiration by all the people. According upon dedicated to Isis or the Moon. to some, Apis was Next to Apis the highesthonors were paid to the This bull called Mnevis. sacred bull of Heliopolis, dedicated to Osiris. He was black and was was kept in a stable in the Temple of the Sun and was shipped worin nature, a as god. The warring principle identified with various hideous Typhon, was animals,such as the crocodile and hippopotamus. The sacred of beetles was the Scarabeus, the most symbol either of the sun or immortality. Even the as animals, higher gods were frequently represented in part animals, while to those gods imaged or in human animals were form, like Osiris and Isis, sacred. There was which was also an importantbird, itself mythical, called the Phoenix. This wonderful
the
bird
own was
said to
rise from
time
to
time
out
of its
ashes. Animals
occupy
a
somewhat
different
mythology. They are also from animals earlier stage of life when an likely, in but when with them were meet we worshipped, the iTorse myths they have become symbols of the in regard to the mind various ideas of mankind and
136
ôrse
in position survivals, very
Animals and spirit,

in Hindoo
no
In
Culture
Myths
as
longer appear
of nature
simply
like Indra
tions personificaand the

cows
of the events
mythology. The Norse gods appear galloping into view on their wonderful steeds across. the rainbow bridge, Bifrost, from Heaven Their names to Earth. are nifican very sigOdin rides Sleipner; Heimdal, Goldtop. The other horses are Glad (Bright), Gyller(Gilder), Gler (the Shining One), Skeidbrimer (Fleetfoot), Siner (Sinews), Gisl (theSunbeam), Silfrintop (Silver top), Falhofner (Palehoof), Letfet (Lightfoot). unlike Indra, who often Thor, the thunderer, drove two bay steeds, had no horse upon which to ride over the rainbow bridge. He would it destroy with his thunder-bolts, he had to wade through so three rivers every day in order to reach the council of the gods. Odin's is the most horse,Sleipner, wonderful a genuine cosmic animal, with eight legsthat symbolizethe eightwinds of heaven. The maiden Sol drove two gentleand beautiful
"
steeds which She
were
harnessed
to
the
car as
of the well
as
sun,
drove
in
for she great haste,
her
who watches over the moon, are brother, pursuedby two of wolves, by which is probablymeant eclipses and moon. the sun Day and Night also drive round the sky after each other. Night first with his steed Hine-fax. Every morning, as he ends his course,
Eine-fax
bit. Then
bedews
the earth
follows all the
on
with
the foam
from
his
Day
mane
with
her steed, Shining-fax,
from
whose
sky and
named
god Frey
rides
boar
glisten.The and Golden-bristle,
earth
137
A his
two
Guide
to
Mythology by
sister, Freyja,the goddessof love,is drawn

cats.
The
Midgard serpent
or
the
worm
which
the earth with its tail in its mouth,

most
supported is another
mythicalanimal,whose story will interesting in this chapter. be found there is a Norse able remarkFinally, cow, still more
than the Hindoo
cow.
She
was
made from
of frozen her and

to
vapor, and four rivers of milk ran fed the giant Yiner, or the earth.
It is easy
these recognize
of melted
to
snow.
rivers of milk
This poor cow she licked for
out
as
mountain
streams stones
had
only rime
of
live on, which After she had licked them
because
some
the
salt.
time,two magical,
and of
godlike beingssprang
the
of the stones
came bethis
parents of
was
Odin.
The
name
strange cow
In
more
Audhumbla. there Heaven, Valhalla, The

food of the
are
the Norse
two
strange animals.
Gods of
a
of she-
Valhalla, Mead, is supplied by the

goat who
tree.
milk
feeds upon the leaves of tree feeds Upon this same

so
an a
extraordinary
stag, and from
his is
to
drops of dew that water twelve of which flow to thirty-six rivers, supplied the abodes of the gods,twelve to the abodes of
many and twelve
to
antlers fall
men,
Nifleheim.
the wolf,is another importantanimal who Fenris, evil. typifies to Greek Turning now mythology,we find that the whole,play a subordinate part. Animals on animals, sacrificed to the gods of Greece,but they are
138
Guide
to
Mythology
Their and
manes
Conglobingon the dust.

Circled their arched Trailed And
on
that late
in state
necks
waved
the dust beneath

to earth
was
prone
yoke, were spread; hung their languidhead."

was
the
But
Xanthus of his
even
more
marvellous
into
the
time
when
broke
speech and
It is
warned
his master
quitein the manner in a savage myth, but in the days of of an animal Iliad Homer's thought had advanced so far the Greeks that the speechof this horse was among natural event as it would not regarded a perfectly as who be in a savage myth. It was Juno, the goddess,
" "
doom. approaching
willed
that
Xanthus
should
break
eternal
silence
and
portentous speak. Achilles addresses his horses,

answers:
and Xanthus
a
i
Xanthus
and
Balius! of
(Unless ye boast that

Be
Podarges'strain; heavenly race in vain)

master
more
be swift,
mindful
of the load ye bear

your your
care
And
learn to make
Through falling squadrons bear my slaughtering sword} leave your lord.' Nor, as ye left Patroclus, The generous Xanthus, as the words he said; Seemed sensible of woe, and droop'd his head: Trembling he stood before the goldenwain,
And
bow'd
to dust the honors
of his mane;
he broke When, strange to tell! (so Juno will'd) and portentous spoke Eternal silence, : Achilles ! yes ! this day at least we bear Thy rage in safety through the filesof war: it will, the fatal time must But come come, the fault, but God decrees thy doom. Not ours Not through our crime,or slowness in the course; but by heavenly force : Tell thy Patroclus,
1
140
Zeus.
From
Pompeii.
Animals
The
In
Culture
who
Myths
the day gilds
arms
god brightfar-shooting
we our saw
'd (Confess No: could
him)
tore his
away.
swiftness o'er the winds the
Or beat the All Due Then

were
pinionsof
:
in vain
a
the fates and
prevail, western gale, thy death demand,

hand.'
to
mortal
immortal
ceas'd
forever, by
Th'
'
the Furies
tied,
This fateful voice. With unabated

rage
chief replied intrepid

M
So let it be ! lost
on
Portents and
are prodigies
me.'
Pegasus,the winged steed of the Nine Muses, have what we might be called the prize horse of old Greek writer Hesiod all mythology. The says of Ocean. And the springs born near he was he, left Earth, the indeed,winging his flight away, and came mother of flocks, to the immortals ; in Jove's* to counsellor Jove thunder house he dwells, bearing if he began This looks very much and lightning. as of a natural phenomenon, life as a personification But like the Hindoo Asvins and the Norse Sleipner. than any destined to a more he was career glorious of them. The goddessof wisdom, Athene, caught him and tamed him, and he became the symbol of into the region in its highest the imagination flights climax and inspiration, of poetic a fitting aspiration to an idea, goingback to the very fountains of the which bubbled up in that early stage imagination of life wThen animals well as men were as thought with spirit. to be endowed the most from In the two hymns following, one ancient of Hindoo books,the Rig Veda," and one from a stillmore ancient Egyptianbook called " The
In
"
141
A Book
Guide
to
Mythology
quitea contrast, though they both represent myths in the highlydeveloped form of hymns or songs to the gods. The religious of Indra, while the Hindoo song singsthe praises Egyptian song is a prayer. Ra, who is mentioned, the God of the Sun in Egypt. was other sun-gods steeds as many Instead of driving did, he was said to ride in a boat. But according four sacred apes in the to this hymn, there were offered prayers the ancient Egyptians boat,to whom Mnevis. as they did to the sacred bulls Apis and
of the Dead/' there is
HYMNS
TO
INDRA
(From
I will declare the
the
"Rig Veda'*)
of
manly
deeds
Indra, the firstthat he

the waters, and
He
the thunder-wielder. achieved, slew the dragon,then disclosed
cleft the
channels of the mountain

He
torrents.
slew the
dragon lyingon
Twashtar in
the
mountain;
his
heavenly
glided
bolt of thunder Like
fashioned.
waters
lowing kine
downward
as a
the rapid flow descending
to the ocean.
fold in threehe chose the Soma, and quaffed bull, sacrifice the juices. Magna van grasped the thunder for his weapon, and smote to death this firstborn of the dragons. When, Indra,thou hadst slain the dragon'sfirst born, and of the enchanters, the charms overcome Then, givinglife to sun and dawn and heaven,thou foundest thee. not one foe to stand against into Indra with his own great and deadly thunder smote
Impetuous
Vritra pieces
" """""
worst
of Vritras.
142
Animals
In
Culture
Myths
limit subdued
:
They
who
pervadedearth's extremest
the wealth-bestower his
not with
their charms
Indra,the bull,made
milked The
waters
cows
the thunder,and ally the darkness.
with
its light
from
out
according to their nature; navigablestreams waxed mighty. smote concentrated, Then, Indra,with his spirit
flowed with his
he
mid
the
him
forever
strongestweapon.
Indra
broke
through
Ilibisa's strong
: pieces
and castles,
Sushna
with his horn
he cut to
slewest thy Thou, Maghavan, for all his might and swiftness, with thy thunder. foeman fighting
Fierce
on
his enemies
fellIndra's weapon: in
with his
sharphorn
quered, con-
he rent their towns
pieces.
dealt blows
purpose.
on
He
with
his thunderbolt
Vritra,and
executingall his
THE
FOUR
"
APES
(From
"
the
Book
of the Dead ")
Hail, ye four apes, who sit in the bows of the "boat of Ra, who convey rightand truth to ISTeb-erwho sit in judgment on my misery and on my tchu, the gods to rest contented by make who strength, of the flame of your mouths, who offer holy means meals to the to the gods and sepulchral offerings and who feed and truth, Khus who live upon right without deceit who are rightand truth of heart, upon
and fraud
do
ye
and
away
to whom
wickedness
my evil
is
an
ination, abom-
ye
and
unto
deeds, and put deserved stripes sin which upon earth, my away that belongeth evil whatsoever destroy ye any
with
me,
and
let there be you.
no
obstacle whatsoever ye I may
on
my
part toward
O, grant
143
make
my
A
way may
Guide
to
Mythology-
through the underworld. 0, grant that there he given to me cakes and ale and meats, sweeteven as they are given to the living
The four apes make
answer,
Khus."
" Come then, saying, for we have done away with thy wickedness, and we have put away thy sin,alongwith the sin deserving which thou didst commit of stripes and earth, upon have destroyed all the evil which we belongedto thee upon earth. There shall he given unto thee
cakes forth
as
and and
ale and thou
sweetmeats, and
in
at
thou
shalt
come
and
even thy desire, do those Khus who favored of the god, are thou shalt be proclaimedeach day in the
shalt enter
horizon."
STOEY
OF
THE FENEIS
MIDGAED THE WOLF
SEEPEI^T
A^D
(From the Norse
Eddas)
huge beast was one of the children of Loker mischievous self a giant,who forced himtroublesome, the society of the gods. His delight was upon into all sorts of difficulties, and then to get them by his cunning,wit and skill to extricate them. that as the Midgard serpent grew The gods knew larger he would bring untold troubles upon gods pose and men. So Odin thoughtthe best way to diswould be to throw him of him into the deep
This
ocean
which
surrounds
the earth.
to such
an
He
did
so, but
the serpent has grown
enormous
that size,
144
A
"
Guide
to
Mythology
out," said Utgard-Loke, " but justas I imaginedit would. The cat is large, Thor is littlein comparisonwith our men." The next morning, at break of day, Thor and his companions dressed themselves and prepared for their departure. Utgard-Lokeordered a table to be lack of victuals set for them, on which there was no drink. After the repast, Utgard-Lokeled them or and on parting asked Thor to the gate of the city, how he thought his journey had turned out, and
whether himself.
he had
met
This
trial has
turned
with
any
men
stronger than
Thor
told him
that he could not
deny
"
but
that he had what call

"
broughtgreat shame on me grieves most," he added,"

a
himself.
And
is that thou wilt
person of littleworth." " it behooves Nay," said Utgard-Loke,

me
now truth,
me
to
tell
thee the
so
thou
art
out
of the
which city,
long as I live and have my way thou shalt never had I known hand beforeenter again. And, by my troth, that thou hadst so much in thee, and strength wouldst have broughtme to a great mishap, so near
I would
not
have
suffered thee to enter
this time.
alongdeceived thee by my illusions." He then complimented Thor each upon feat he had performed, and as for the cat, he said, hast indeed performeda wonderful Thou feat by when lifting up the cat, and to tell thee the truth,
"
Know
then that I have all
we
were
saw
that
us
one
of his paws
was
off the floor
we
for what thou tookest terror-stricken, for a cat was in reality the Midgard serpent that enstretched by so compasseth the earth,and he was
146
all of
Animals
In
Culture
Myths
to
thee that he
between The and
was
barelylong enough
and
was
enclose it
his head wolf the Fenris
tail."
also
one
of Loke's
gods a great deal of trouble He broke the strongest succeeded in chaininghim. made of cobwebs. fetters as if they were Finally the gods sent a messenger to the mountain spirits, who made for them the chain called Gleipnir.It the noise made fashioned of various things: was by
gave
children, until they
the footfall of
of
cat, the
of
roots
of stones,the breath the
the fishes,
When
nerves
bears,and
was
as
of spittle
and soft
as
birds.
a
finished it
smooth
gods asked the wolf with this apparently to suffer himself to be bound that their design, ribbon he suspected slight fearing it was made He therefore only by enchantment.
silken
string.But
when
the
consented
of the
as
to be
bound
with
it
in
was
on
condition that
one
gods put his hand pledgethat the band

had
his
to
mouth (Fenris's) be removed again.

to
Tyr alone
when fetters and bit off
sufficient courage
found that he
do
not
this.
break
But his
the wolf
could
that the
Tyr'shand.
gods would not release him, he has ever since Tyr,consequently,
remained
one-handed.
THE
STORY
OF
APOLLO
AND
PHAETON
(Greek: After Ovid)
Phaeton
was
the
son
of
nymph Clymene. One Zeus and Io, scoffed at
Apollo and day Epaphus,
the the
earthly
son
of
the idea of Phaeton's
being
147
A the
son
Guide
to
Mythology
of the insult god. Phaeton complained She sent him to Phoebus to his mother, Clymene. Apollo to ask for himself whether he had not been his parentage. Gladly concerning truly informed of the sunrise, Phaeton travelled toward the regions of the Sun. and gained at last the palace He proached aphis father's presence, but stopped at a than he could bear. for the light was more distance, throne Phoebus sat on a arrayedin purple, Apollo, with diamonds. Beside him stood the that glittered sons. Day, the Month, the Year, the Hours and the Seathe Sun beSurrounded held by these attendants, the youth dazzled with the noveltyand splendor of the scene, and inquired the purpose of his errand. " of the boundless The youth replied, Oh, light father giveme some world,Phoebus, proof, my I beseech thee, by which I may be known as thine ! '
of
a
"
He
ceased. around
His his
father,laving aside the beams
that
embraced head,bade him approach, him, and swore by the river Styx that whatever proof he might ask should be granted. Phaeton for one day to immediatelyasked to be permitted The father repented drive the chariot of the Sun. and tried to dissuade the boy by telling of his promise, him the perils of the undertaking. !N~one but myself,"he said, may drive the flamingcar of hurls arm day. ^sToteven Zeus,whose terrible right
shone
"
"
the thunder-bolts. and

can
The
first part of the way when fresh in the
is steep,
such
as
the horses
morning
hardlyclimb heavens, whence
; the middle I
part is high up in the

can
myself
148
without scarcely,
Animals
In and
Culture behold The
Myths
the earth
alarm, look
descends
down
and
the
sea
stretched beneath
me.
last part of
road
careful driving. most rapidlyand requires bles Tethys, who is waitingto receive me, often tremlest I should fall headlong. Add for me to this is all the time turninground and that the heaven the stars with it. Couldst thou keep thy carrying course, while the sphererevolved beneath thee ? The sters. monroad, also,is through the midst of frightful Thou must pass by the horns of the Bull,in the Lion's jaws,and front of the Archer, and near in one tion direcwhere the Scorpion stretches its arms
and the Crab in another. Nor wilt thou find
it easy
with their breasts full guide these horses, their mouths of fire that they breathe forth from and nostrils. Beware, my son, lest I be the donor of a fatal gift ; recall the request while yet thou canst." He admonition,and ended; but the youth rejected held to his demand. So, havingresisted as long as he might, Phoebus at last led the way to where stood the loftychariot. the axle of It was of gold,the giftof Vulcan: gold,the pole and wheels of gold,the spokes of and of chrysolites silver. Along the seat were rows of the sun. While the brightness diamonds reflecting the daring youth gazed in admiration,the Dawn threw open the purpledoors of the east,and showed with roses. The drew, the pathway strewn stars withmarshalled by the Day Star, which last of
to
all retired also.
The
father when
he
saw
the earth
to glow and beginning
the
moon
to retire, preparing
149
A ordered
led forth with
Guide
to
Mythology
up the horses.
the Hours
from the
to harness
They
loftystalls the
steeds full fed
ambrosia; and attached the reins. Then the father, smearingthe face of his son with a powerful unguent, made him capableof enduringthe brightness
the lad's the rays on told him to spare head,and,with a foreboding sigh, the whip and hold tight the reins ; not to take the
set
of
the flame.
He
road between but the five circles, straight off to the left; to keep within the limit of
zone,
to
turn
the middle
and
avoid
the northern
and
the southern
to keep in the well-worn alike;finally, ruts, and to drive neither too high nor too low, for the middle
course was
safest and
the and
best.
Forthwith stood erect

out
agile youth sprang into the chariot, graspedthe reins with delight, ing pourto
thanks
his reluctant
parent.
But
the
was
steeds
soon
that perceived
the load
a on
they drew
the
than lighter tossed without
usual ; and as hither and thither its accustomed The horses Then
were
ship without
the
sea,
ballast is
chariot,
about
as
if empty. travelled and
dashed was weight, rushed headlong and for the scorched first time with
left the Great would the

ter; wa-
road.
the
Little Bears
it
were
heat,and
if fain, and north
have plunged into possible,
the
serpent which
lies coiled
round
the
and harmless,grew warm, with warmth felt its rage revive. Bootes,they say, fled away with his plough and though encumbered unused to rapid motion. When looked down the haplessPhaeton upon
150
pole,torpid and
Animals
In
Culture
vast
Myths
beneath
terror.
in now spreading earth, and his knees grew pale, his self-command,and
extent
him, he
He
to
shook knew them when
with
not
lost draw
whether
tightthe
names
reins
or
throw But
loose; he forgotthe
he beheld the
strous mon"
of the horses. forms
scattered over
the surface of heaven his
and tail, of the the space of two signs his crooked claws over the boy beheld him, reeking with when Zodiac his courage failed, poisonand menacing with fangs, The horses, restrained, unand the reins fell from his hands. of the sky, off into unknown went regions the chariot over the stars, in among pathless hurling down almost to now places, up in high heaven,now
the
two great arms, Scorpionextending
"
the earth.
The
Moon
saw
with
astonishment
her
The running beneath her own. clouds began to smoke, the forest-clad mountains and (Eti; and Timolus Athos and Taurus burned celebrated for fountains; the Muses' Ida, once Mountain, Helicon and Hsemus; iEtna, with fires and without,and Parnassus,with his two within peaks,and Khodope, forced at last to part with his The cold climate was no protection crown. snowy Caucasus to Scythia; burned, and Ossa and Pindus, and, greater than both, Olympus, the Alps high and the Apennines crowned with clouds. in air, and felt the heat Phaeton beheld the world on fire, intolerable. Then, too, it is said, the people of called black because the blood was became Ethiopia by the heat so suddenly to the surface;and the Libyan Desert was dried up to the condition in which
brother's chariot
"
"
151
A it remains with
nor
were
Guide
to
Mythology
of the fountains, their waters,
to
day. The nymphs dishevelled hair,mourned
this
the rivers safe beneath
smoked, and Caicus,Xanthus Euphrates and Ganges, Tagus with golden Nile resort. sands, and Cayster where the swans fled away and hid his head in the desert, and there
it still remains, concealed. his waters
sea,
seven
their hanks ; Tanais and Mseander; Babylonian
Where
he
used
to
charge disthe
through seven
alone
mouths
into
dry
open
channels and
remained.
The
earth
cracked into and and
Tartarus,and
his queen. his wife
through the chinks lightbroke the king of shadows frightened

sea
The
shrank
up.
Even
Nereus
with the Nereids, their daughters, Doris, for refuge. sought the deepestcaves Thrice Neptune essayed to raise his head above the driven back by the heat. surface,and thrice he was she was as Earth, surrounded by waters, yet with head and shoulders bare, screening her face with her hand, looked up to heaven, and with husky voice prayedZeus,if it were his will that she should perish bolts, her agony at once to end by his thunderby fire, else to consider his own or heaven, how both and the poleswere smoking that sustained his palace, fall if they were that all must destroyed. with heat and thirst, could say Earth, overcome the gods to witness Then more. no Zeus, calling that all was lost unless some speedy remedy were in thundered, brandished a lightning-bolt applied, his right hand, launched it againstthe charioteer,
and
struck
him
at
the
same
moment
from
his seat
152
A this
Guide
to
Mythology
rades com-
heard that Odysseusand his dwelt, goddess were there,she quickly attired herself down
to
and
lowed, fol-
came
the beach and
with
store
her
maids
who
bringingbread
wines.
of meats
and generous
in their goddess, standing " Take food and wine, midst, spaketo them and said, and with the dawn of mornand hold a feast to-day, ing
Then
the wise
you and
not
shall sail away.

to you
I will show
you
the way,
pointout
come
all its
to any
on
harm
so that you dangers, may false counsels, through following

or on
either minds
the land of
the water." his

men were
The
fiding con-
Odysseus
and
easily
swayed by her counsels. So all that day theysat and banqueted upon the abundant meats and generous
wines.
came,
And the
crew
when
the
sun
went
down
and
darkness
ings lay down to sleepbeside the moorand Circe, of the ship, seus, takingthe hand of Odysled him apart, made him sit down, and sitting
before Then
him
made
him
tell all that he

" him, saying,
had
seen.
she addressed
Thus
far all is and

may
attend to what I say, well; now needfully it." She some deityhelp you to remember firstabout the Sirens'
to
told him cult be diffihorrible
haunt,which
and then
it would the
for him rocks where
pass,
about
dwelt, givinghim Scyllaand Charybdis these dangers;then coninstructions how tinuing to meet she said, In your you will reach voyage in pastures belonging to the Isle Trinacria, where the Sun many beeves and fatling sheep of his are
"
fed
"
seven
herds
of oxen,
and
as
many
flocks of
in each sheep,and fifty
flock and herd.

154
They
never
Animals
In
Culture
Myths
and they are tended by they never die, locks. with redundant two goddesses shepherdesses, If is named One Lampetia, the other Phaethusa. to Ithaca,your home, only your desire be to return leave these flocks and herds unharmed, and you and toils. will return, though after many all your men But if you rashlyharm them, I foretell destruction and if you should escape, to your ship and all its crew; increase and
yet
with As
your
return
will be
late and
in sorrow,
all your
comrades
lost."
she
finished
golden throne
went
her
way
her the Morning on speaking, looked forth; the gloriousgoddess and Odysseus went to into the isle, the
men
his
shipand
loose.
bade
embark
sers and cast the haw-
Straightwaythey all went on board, the benches,and smitingthe hoary duly manned Then with their oars. waters Circe,amber-haired, sent a fair of the musical voice, the mighty goddess which gaylybore wind behind the dark-prowed ship,
them
company
and
filled the
crew
sails. all that He

warns
Odysseusthen
had
told the
the Circe, them
ber-haired, am-
said to him.
of the
dangers to come, and how they may be escaped, first the Sirens,and the rocks where Scyllaand Charybdisdwelt. They escapedthese dangers,and island of the Sun, where the the pleasant approached with broad,beautiful foreheads were oxen grazing, of the god who and flocks of sheep, the fatlings While yet at sea, Odysmakes the round of heaven. seus his ship the lowing of the herds heard from and of the flocks, in the stables and the bleating
155
A when
Guide them
he
to
Mythology
immediately thoughtof the words the blind seer, Tiresias of Thebes,had said to he had often been him, and those of Circe,by whom the island of the god whose warned to shun light is sweet with a sorrowingheart he to all. Then said to his companions," My comrades,sufferers as
you are, listen to me,
he heard
and
I shall disclose the oracles
goddess to approach the not me for lightis sweet to all, there she said some great misfortune lay in wait for Now let us speed the shipand pass the isle." us. The hearts of the men broken by this speech, were and one of them, Eurylochus, bitterly replied,How austere are exceedingly you are, Odysseus. You strong and no labor tires your limbs; they must be made of iron, since by your will you deny to us, with toil and sleeplessness, the chance to overcome tread the land again,and make a generous banquet
me.
"
Tiresias and lately admonished earnestly island of the Sun, whose which
Circe gave
The
in that island amid
the waters.
You
would
have
us
swiftlycoming night, and stray far from the island, through the misty sea. By night the mighty winds spring up that make a wreck of should a ships;and how can one escape destruction,
sudden hurricane rise from the south
or
sail into
the
the hard-
blowingwest, causinga shipto founder in the dark in spite of all the sovereign gods? Let us obey the dark-browed maining Night, and take our eveningmeal, reclose beside our gallantbark, and go on board again when morning breaks, and enter the wide sea." The others all approved,and Odysseus
156
Animals knew
at
once
In
some
Culture
Myths
evil god was meditating them, and he replied, Eurylochus, against you force will since I am JSTow all of to your me only one. to me by an oath,that firmly, you, bind yourselves
"
that
if you
here
shall meet will not
herd
of beeves
or or
flock of
sheep, you
but The feed
crew
dare
on
to
a single ox slay
contented
swore as
the stores
that Circe
sheep, gave."
Odysseus asked,and when the oath was solemn taken they broughtthe galley to land and moored it in a winding creek,beside a fountain of sweet water. They then steppedfrom the deck and made ready their evening meal. They ate and drank until their thirst and hunger and then theythoughtof those whom were appeased, deck and devoured, Scyllahad snatched from the galley's and wept until sleepstole softly them over
amid their tears. Now
came
the
third part of the
when the cloud-compeller, night;the stars were sinking, Jove, sent forth a violent wind with eddying gusts,and covered both the earth and the sky with and darkness fell from heaven. When ing mornclouds, the rosy-fingered daughterof the Dawn, came, they drew the ship into a spacious bay. The home of the nymphs was the there,and there they saw where smooth fair places they danced. Then Odysseus and said to them, called a council of his men in our My friends, good shipare food and drink; lest we be made abstain from these beeves, must we for these herds and these fair flocks are to suffer, the all-beholding sacred to a dreaded god, the Sun All were Sun." and all-hearing swayed full
"
"
157
Guide
he
to
Mythology
Xow for
an
easily by what the gales blew

wind
save
said.
the south.
entire month after that

no
from and
south, and
As
east
bread
and
wine
Circe
had
long as they had given them, the

the love of life.
the
men
spared the beeves,moved

when the stores
on
by
the
But
board
they roamed the island in They snared with prey.

birds with
"
were consumed, galley their need, and sought for
baited
"
hooks
the fish and
whatever famine.
came
to hand
till they were
gaunt
the them
Meanwhile, Odysseus withdrew apart isle to supplicate the gods, hoping one As might reveal the way of his return.
into the land apart from nook washed At where
to
no
within of he
strayed
a
he found all the rest,
tered shel-
wind
came,
and dwelt But

men
prayed with
in heaven.
hands
all the
a
gods
who
last he fell into
soft slumber. the beguiling
Eurylochus,
with fatal
in the
meantime, was
my I
counsels.
"
Hear,
hateful
words
are
that
companions,sufferers as you are, the of death shall speak. All modes

race
to the wretched to meet

our
of men;
but this of
hunger,thus
Let
us
is fate,
the most
oxen
fearful. of the
who
drive apart the best of all the

to
Sun, and sacrifice them

dwell in the broad
our
the immortal And there if

we
ones,
heaven.
we our
come
ca, to Ithathe
country,
will
build
to
Sun,
But
whose and
path
is o'er
heads, a sumptuous
many and gifts all the other sake
temple,
endow
its shrine with
rare.
if it be his sink
our
will, approvedby
in anger, 158
bark
for the
of
gods,to these higli-
Animals
In
Culture
sooner
Myths
to gasp
horned
away
oxen,
I should the
choose
my
life
to
amid
billows
in this
of the
death
by
famine
deep, than pine melancholy isle."
from the approved of this,and now neighboringherd they drove the best of all the the dark-pro beeves ; for near wed ship the fair broadfronted herd with crooked horns was feeding. The stood round the victims and, offering their pecrew titions to the gods,held tender oak leaves in their hands,justpluckedfrom a tall tree,for in the good left no white barley. more ship'shold there was When they had prayed,and slain and dressed the the thighsand covered beeves, they hewed away them with double folds of skin, and laid raw slices these. over They had no wine to pour in sacrifice the burningflesh, so theypoured water instead, upon and roasted all the entrails thus. When the thighs all were thoroughlyconsumed, the entrails tasted, the rest was carved into small portions, and transfixed with spits. Just at this moment Odysseusawoke, and hurrying he perceived the to the shore and his good ship, from and sorrowthe burnt offering, fully, savory steam then, he called upon the ever-living gods: O Father Jove, and all ye blessed gods,who live 'twas a cruel sleepin which ye lulled me to forever, grievousharm. My comrades here have done a my fearful wrong." of the trailing Then Lampetia, flew in haste robes, to the Sun, who round the earth, to tell him journeys
crew
"
The
"
that the
men
had
slain his beeves.

159
A In
"
Guide
to
Mythology gods: blessed gods

upon
anger
then he thus addressed the
Father
Jove, and
all ye
who
rades com-
never
die,avenge
the wrong
I bear
the
Odysseus,who have foully whene'er I slain my beeves,in which I took delight into the starry heaven, and when rose again I sank earth. If they make heaven from to not large
amends for this great wrong,
among
of Laertes' son,
I shall go the dead."
down
to
Hades,
And
there to shine
" Zeus replied: Still shine, cloud-compelling O Sun! among the deathless gods and mortal men, the nourishing Soon will I cleave with earth. upon white thunder-bolt their galley in the midst of a a
black When
sea."
the sea,
to the ship beside Odysseus came after man, he spoke to them all sternly, man
yet he
could and
now
think of
the
no
redress.
The
gods amazed them skins moved and crawled,the roasted on lowed with the voice of oxen. the spits, Six whole days the men feasted, takingfrom the herd When Jove brought the sevthe Sun's best oxen. enth the wind fell, and they day, the tempest ceased;
dead, The with prodigies. and both raw flesh,

beeves
were
board. went on straightway They set the mast upright, the white sails, and, spreading they ventured the great wide sea again. on When no theyhad left the isle and there appeared other land,but only sea and sky, the son of Saturn o'er the galley, (Jove)caused a lurid cloud to gather and to cast its darkness on the ship. Not long the ship ran onward, ere the furious west wind rose and
160
Guide
to
Mythology
and could not bear to be thoughteven denied, a pupilof a goddess. Let Athene try her skill with mine," she said; if beaten I will pay the penalty." Athene heard this and was much suming Asdispleased. the form of an old woman, she appeared to her Arachne, and kindly advised her to challenge fellow mortals if she would;but at once giveness to ask forof the goddess. Arachne bade the old dame I am to keep her counsel for others. not afraid of the goddess. Let her try her skill if she dare venture." She comes," said Athene, and dropping her disguise stood confessed. The nymphs bent low in homage, and all the bystanders ence. paid rever-
she
"
"
"
"
Arachne color
alone
was
unterrified.
sudden
and then she grew cheeks, and rushed she stood to her resolve, on Each takes They proceedto the contest.
dyed
her
pale ;
her
but
fate.
her station the slender The
and attaches the web
to the beam.
Then
shuttle is passedin and out among reed with

its fine teeth strikes up the web.
the threads. the woof of
into its
Tyrian dye shaded off is contrasted with that of other colors, deceives another so adroitly that the joining into one And the effect is like the bow whose long the eye. arch tingesthe heavens, formed flected reby sunbeams the colors from the shower, in which, when as one, but at a littledistance from meet, they seem the pointof contact are wholly different. Athene wrought on her web the scene of her contest with Posidon. of the heavenly powers Twelve in Zeus with august gravity were sitting represented,
and compacts place,
162
Wool
Athene.
Glyptothek, Munich.
Animals the midst.
In
Culture
Myths
Posidon, the ruler of the sea, held his smitten the earth, and appeared to have just trident, horse had leapedforth. The brightfrom which a herself with helmeted head,her depicted eyed goddess when she had created as coveringher breast, a?gis
the olive tree, with But the its berries and its dark
green
astonishing example of her in a butterfly, beautiful that only a skill appeared so ing poet can describe it properly. Listen to the charmof the poet Spenser: description
most
leaves.
Amongst
Butterfly, With excellent device and wondrous slight, the olives wantonly, Fluttering among like it was That seemed to live, in sight; so The velvet nap which on his wings doth lie, with which his back is dight; The silken down His broad outstretched horns,his hairythighs, and his glistening His glorious colors, eyes.
a
these leaves she made
Which And
when
Arachne with
saw,
as
overlaid
mastered
She stood astonished

And with
workmanship so rare, long,ne aught gainsaid;

on
fast fixed eyes
her did stare.
Such
was
the central circle of Athene's

corners
were
web; and
in the four
the
incidents illustrating represented of the gods at such presumpdispleasure tuous

as
mortals These
were
had
as
dared
to
contend
with
them.
to
meant
warnings from
before
not
Athene
too
her
rival to But with
give up
Arachne
the contest did
it was
late.
yield. She filled her web ings chosen to exhibit the faildesignedly subjects well done, of the gods,wonderfully and errors
163
A
but
Guide
to
Mythology
presumption and impiety. to admire,yet was nant indigstruck the web with her
marking strongly
could
at not
her
Athene
forbear She
the
insult.
head the foreand rent it in pieces shuttle, ; then,touching her realize her guilt. of Arachne, she made than mortal could bear; and forthwith It was more Arachne hanged herself. " Live, guilty woman," but that thou mayest preserve the said Athene, of this lesson, continue to hang, both thou memory Then times." and thy descendants, to all future of aconite, the goddess her with the juices sprinkling the transformed her into a spider, forever spinning thread by which she is suspended.
"
164
CHAPTER
IV
TREE
AND
PLANT
MYTHS
TO
which
many
primitive man,
as
trees
and
and
plants seemed
there
are
as
terious mys-
animals,
descent
many
myths
tell of the
cases
of mankind
were
from
totems
trees, and
instead
who of had clared detrees
in
which
plants
various
animals.
such
a
Among
belief
may
were
Indian the from the
tribes
be mentioned descended
Miztecs, who
they
that The of
a
two
majestic
of from
stood
in
the
gorge
of
mountain
sprang
Apiola.,
the
roots
Chiapanecas thought they

silk
cotton tree.
The that
Tamaraquas
the human after round
we
of
race
South sprang
America from
age
to
have the
tradition of the
fruits
date
half
palm
way
the
Mexican the
of
water.
Passing
of
world
more
"
the
Damaras
South
Africa
to
find
still
remarkable the of
attributed qualities
"
the
was
first tree.
a
In
out
beginning," they
this
tree
came
say,
there
tree, and
Damaras,
Bushmen and zebras.

away
(the
The
wildest aras Dam-
of South lit
a
African
tribes),oxen
fire which
frightened
the wild
oxen
the
Bushmen Hence in it all and
and
the
zebras, but
Bushmen and
remained.
live the
is that
sorts
oxen
beasts but
together
Damaras
of
inaccessible the land."
places,
possess Even
in Greek
mythology,
165
the
idea
of descent
from
A
trees had not
Guide
to
Mythology
died out,for we read in the "Odyssey quite " while still in that Penelope says to Odysseus, of a beggar,so that she does not recogthe disguise nize for I pray, declare thy lineage, him, jSTow, from the old fabulous thou surely art not sprung
"
oak
nor
from oak
was
the rock."
regardedwith very great reverence by the Greeks. They declared it to be the first tree est the earth, that grew its acorns being the earliupon food of man. There is an interesting story to tween bethe effect that the Deluge was due to quarrels and Hera Zeus (Jupiter) (Juno),and when the waters subsided an oaken statue emerged supposed the king of to be a symbol of peace between gods and his consort. When the imagination begins to sprout a little how the first the savage invents a story telling more and animals made out of trees by some were men divinity.Thus Glooskap,the Algonquin divinity,
The
made
man
in this way
"
He
took his bow
and
rows ar-
the basket tree,the ash. Then and shot at trees, Indians came out of the bark of the ash trees." In
legend, according earth unthere were to which til no men on intelligent three mighty and benevolent there came gods to had no sense, nor motive the world. Men nor blood, Haemir nor goodly color. Odin gave spirit, powers, gave sense, and Lodur gave blood by bestowing it
Norse
mythology there
is
similar
upon
the senseless ashes and
elms.
one
The
worship of
trees to the
is told of in stories from

other.
166
end of the world
A
stones.
Guide
to
Mythology
and tKe "branches, of gems of the most scriptio deformed leaves are glorious in soil pure and delightfully It grows the rich verdure of grass imparts the to which even neck. This tree receives the homage tints of a peacock's of of Maya, the mother of the gods. The arm Buddha, when she stretches it forth to grasp the ning bough which bends toward her shines as the lightthis tree Buddha, illumines the sky. Beneath birth a flash of light at whose pierced through all the world,sat down with the firm resolve not to rise makuntil he had attained the knowledge which
The
root, the trunk,the
eth
free.
Then
the
tempter Mara
advanced sacred
with
tree,
his demoniacal hosts amid of demons the whirl
forces.
the Encircling with
assailed Buddha of
fierydarts,
and from the the
darkness hurricanes^
downpour
tree.
of floods of water2 to drive him
Buddha, however, maintained the demons and at length

Still another marvellous
tree
his
were
moved unposition to compelled
is that of the It is the
sians. Per-
It is called the vine of the
Ilaoma.
sacred
which produces the primal Zoroastrians, It is drink of immortality, after which it is named. in heaven the first of all trees, planted by Ormuzd in the fountain of life, xêar this tree grows another, called the which bears inviolable," impassive or life. Both these the seeds of every kind of vegetable situated in a lake and guarded by ten fish, trees are who keep a ceaseless watch upon a lizard sent by
" " "
168
Tree
and
Plant
to
Myths
sacred both
or as
the evil power,

oma.
Ahriman,
the destroy
ITathe
The
inviolable tree is also known the owl's tree. Either

one
and eagle's
the other
The
ment mo-
of these birds sits he rises from
perchedupon
the
tree
a
the top.
thousand
breaks
branches
a
shoot forth ; when
he settles
he again,
sand thou-
and causes their seed to fall. Another branches, bird,his constant companion, picksup these seeds the god Tistar draws and carries them to where
water, which
he then rains down
upon
the earth with
the seeds it contains.
YGDRASIL
THE
NORSE
WORLD
TREE
The Korse
One
chief of all the great

World
Tree,
an
ash
of the stems
of this tree
mythicaltrees is the tree called " Ygdrasil." from the central springs
of source abyss,from the subterranean primordial the earth which it supports, matter, runs up through in the and issuingout of the celestial mountain world's center, called Asgard, spreadsits branches branches These widespread the entire universe. over their leaves the the ethereal or celestial regions, are harts Four their buds or fruits the stars. clouds,
run
across are
the branches the four is
of the tree and
bite the buds. Perched

upon
These
the
cardinal winds.
an
eagleand between his eyes the air and the The eaglesymbolizes sits a hawk. A squirrel the wind-still ether. runs hawk up and strife between the down the ash,and seeks to cause which is constantly eagle and Xidhogg, a monster
top branches
169
Guide
to
Mythology
and
pents ser-
hail gnawing the roots. The squirrel signifies other atmosphericphenomena, Nidhogg and which
gnaw
the roots
are
of the tree
are
the volcanic
which agencies
the earth's foundation. the
holy Urdan-fountain
In of this fountain
to destroy seeking constantly Another stem springsfrom where the gods sit in judgment.
swim
two
swans,
are
the
genitors prosome
all the
species. These
sun
hy
Near
the thoughtto typify fountain of dwell
and
the who
moon.
the
three maidens
fix the lifetime
all men, from
called Norns.
the
water
springand
water
Every day they draw the ash with it sprinkle

may
not rot
in Ygdrasil
order
that its branches is

so
and
wither away. placedin the

within
tree
an
This
holy that everything

as
springbecomes The dew egg-shell.

men
white
as
the film the
that falls from
and it is honey-dew, The third stem of the Ygdrasil of the takes its rise in the cold and cheerless regions North the source over (theland of the Frost Giants), of the ocean, which is typified by a springcalled the earth upon the food of the bees.
call Mirmir's
Well, in
owner
which
wisdom
and
wit lie hidden. full of wisdom
Mirmir, the
of this
is spring,
because he drinks
of the waters.
In
a
this
myth
so we
the whole
see
tree,and
how
trees
early savage
great poet
powers
comes
about
as symbolized of the the simplethoughts and expand until a grow
universe is
upon
the earth and with

into
a
his larger
of
wonder
throws imagination and beautythat we can
myth so much realize what scarcely
170
Tree
a
and
Plant
Myths
mind groping
humble
a
littlebeginning it had in the
primitive savage. In Greek mythologythe woods are peopledwith and fauns satyrs, dryads and hamadryads. The first were or spirits godsof the wood and were represented the heads of men. The princias goats with pal of these was mentioned as an ample exPan, already of an animal myth. Since,however,he is a of nature of whole he partakes as a personification the qualities of a plantmyth, as do all the other godsof the wood. The dryads and hamadryads sometimes appeared of peasant girls, in the form or shepherdesses, followers of the hunt, but it was or thought that when certain trees which had been they perished and upon whose extheir abode died or were istence felled, theirs depended. The Romans, whose mythology
of
is based for the most
part upon
names
the Greek
thology, my-
except that their
for the
gods were
have some different, special plantgods of their own. Paunus was herds, worshippedas a god of fields and shepforest and the god Sylvanus presided over and ploughedfields. Then there was Plora, glades of the goddess of flowers, and Pomona, the goddess fruit trees, and Vertumnus, the husband of Pomona, the guardian of fruit trees, gardensand vegetables. this idea that stories are based upon Many lovely the plantworld is also a living world,some of which read for yourselves in this chapter. you may
171
Guide
to
Mythology
STORY
OF
THE
AINO OF
WHO A
FELL PINE
ASLEEP
TREE
AT
THE
FOOT
{Japanese)
There
was
the foot of
asleepthere
of the of
an
asleepat a pine of extraordinary height. While appeared to him in a dream the goddess This pine was the entrance tree. near
once a
young
Aino
who
fell
immense
of
cavern
at the far end
of which
is
gleam
world. who
where light, found

out to
there is
cavern
an
issue to
another
He
this
by pursuinga bear,
of the
in
turned
be
underworld,until it ground which led into

offered up thanks symbols in its honor. he
god,up a mountain took refuge in a hole

a
the
the
to
cavern.
When
he
awoke,
divine
the tree
and
set up
WUNZH,
THE
FATHER
OF
INDIAN
CORN
(North American In
many
Indian) tell how many, exactly with was living,
time
years
past
"
we a
cannot
ago
"
poor
Indian
in a beautiful part of the children, fortune country. He was not onlypoor, but he had the misin procuring ily, food for his famto be inexpert and his children were all too young to givehim
his wife
and
assistance.
Although of a lowly condition and straitened in his circumstances, he was of kind and cona man tented He was disposition. always thankful to the Great Spirit for everything he received. He even
172
Tree
and
Plant
Myths
stood in the door of his
lodgeto bless the birds that if he had flew past in the summer evenings ; although, been of a complaining pined temper, he might have rerather spread upon the that they were not table for his eveningmeal. herited inThe same was graciousand sweet disposition arrived at the by his eldest son, who had now the ceremony of the fast, to proper age to undertake would be his guide and learn what kind of a spirit guardianthroughlife. ent Wunzh, for that was his name, had been an obediand thoughtful, boy from his infancy pensive, gentle so that he was beloved by the whole family.
" "
and springappeared, of the young the delicious fragrance year began to with the help of his the air,his father, sweeten the customary built for Wunzh brothers, younger distance from little lodge, at a retired spot at some he would not be disturbed during their own, where
As
soon
as
the first buds
of
the solemn
To
rite.
himself,"Wunzh sought to clear his and to think of nothing evil thought, that was not good and beautiful and kindly. with pleasant ideas That he might store his mind self himfor the firstfew days he amused for his dreams, by walkingin the woods and over the mountains, and flowers. plants examiningthe early far and wide, through the wild As he rambled
prepare heart of every
country, he felt
and plants herbs and
strong desire
berries grew,
that 173
some
to
know
how
any
were
the aid
and
without kinds
from
man,
why
it was
good
A
to
or
Guide
to
Mythology
of possessed
eat, and that others
were
medicinal
poisonous power.
After he had
become
too
languidto walk about, he reto the lodge, and confined himself strictly called and turning them in his mind, these thoughts, of something that would he wished he could dream and to all benefit to his father and family, a prove
others
"
of his fellow-creatures.
"
Wunzh, True," thought and it is to him all things,

Could than
the Great that

we us owe
made Spirit
our our
lives.
he not
make
it easier for
and
to
get
food
by hunting animals
to
taking fish?
weak and
I must
try
and
find this out the third
in my Wunzh
visions."
On
day
became
kept his bed. Suddenly he in thus,that a brightlightcame

and
man,
ere
faint, he lay as fancied, at the lodgedoor,

handsome
and
young
he
a
was
aware
he
saw
complexionof the softest white, coming down from the sky, and
with
toward The him. beautiful
purest
advancing gayly
stranger
was
richly and
dressed, having on a great many garments of green in their deeper or and yellow colors, but differing He had a plume of waving feathers shades. lighter and his head, and all his motions were on graceful, of the deep green of the summer Wunzh reminded of the summer sky, and grass, and the clear amber Beautiful wind. the gentle blowingof the summer of the stranger was, he paused on a little mound as justbefore the door of the lodge. earth, said this celestial I am sent to you, my friend,"
"
174
A toward
Wunzh The
Guide
to
Mythology
and
the
to
goingdown of the sun, a trial of strength.

Wunzh felt that his
reehallenged
of body strength but the courless than on the day before, age was even and of his mind seemed to grow. Observingthis, the how Wunzh put his whole heart in the struggle, stranger again spoke to him in the words he used adding: before, brave
"
To-morrow
will be your is the
last trial.
Be
strong,
you
can
my
for this friend,

me
only way
in which
you
overcome
and
obtain the boon
seek."
which shone after him as he left Wunzh light was brighterthan before. On the third day he came again and renewed the struggle.Very faint in body was poor Wunzh, but The he
to
was
stronger at heart than

or
ever,
and
determined
utmost
now prevail
perish. He
a
put forth his

severe
powers,
and
after
contest
more
than
either clared de-
of the
the stranger ceased others, himself conquered. the first time and
he
his
and efforts,
For
entered Wunzh's beside the
little fasting-lodge,
down sitting
youth,he
and
to
gan be-
to
deliver his instructions to him

manner
inform vantage ad-
himin what
he
should
proceed to
take
of his
"
victory.
won
You the
have
your
desire of the Great

"
Spirit,"
wrestled
said
beautiful
stranger.
You
have
will be the seventh day of manfully. To-morrow fasting. Your father will give you food to your strengthen you, and as it is the last day of trial you and now tell you what you will prevail. I know this,
176
Tree
must
and
Plant
Myths
morrow/' people. Toand
do to benefit your familyand your " he repeated, I shall meet you

you
wrestle
vailed pre-
with
for the last time.
As
soon
as
you
have
off my garments and against me, you will strip throw me down, clean the earth of roots and weeds, it soft, and bury me make in the spot. When you leave my have done this, body in the earth,and do but come not disturb it, at times to visit the place, to I have come whether and above all be to life, see careful
grave. you
never
to let the grass

a
or me
weeds with
grow
upon
my
Once
month
cover
fresh earth.
will
If
accomplish of doinggood to your fellow-creatures by your object them the knowledgeI now teach you." teaching He then shook Wiuizh peared, by the hand and disapbut
not
follow these my
instructions you
he
was
gone
so
soon
that Wunzh
could
tell what In the
direction
he
took.
to his lodge morning, Wunzlr's father came with some refreshments, saying: slight " My son, you have fasted long enough. If the It is Great Spirit will favor you, he will do it now. seven days since you have tasted food,and you must not
sacrifice your
life.
The
Master
of Life does not
requirethat." wait till the sun Wunzh, My father," replied for extending I have a particular reason goes down.
"
"
my
"
fast to that hour."
the
Very well,"said hour arrives, and

his usual hour
the old man,

you
"
I shall wait till
shall be inclined to eat." the beautiful appearing, the trial of strength rewas
At
of
and sky-visitor returned,
177
A newed.
Guide
to
Mythology
Although he had not availed himself of his Wunzh felt that new father's offer of food, strength His heart was had heen given him. mighty within him to achieve some Courage within great purpose. of the brave Wunzh the bosom like the eagle was that spreads his wings within the treetop for a great flight. He grasped his angelchallenger with supernatural threw him down, and, mindful of his own strength, him his beautiful garments tore from instructions, and plume, and finding him dead, he immediately he buried him on the spot,using all the precautions had been told of,and very confident was Wunzh, all the time, that his friend would againcome to life. where Wunzh returned to his father's lodge, now he was warmly welcomed, for as it had been appointed to him duringthe days of his fasting to walk to see apart with Heaven, he was not permitted any human the representative face save that of his father,
to
household the little

is in Heaven.
upon
earth of the Good
Father
who
of the meal that had partook sparingly been preparedfor him, and once more mingled in for the cares and sports of the family. But he never the grave of his friend. He caremoment a fully forgot visited it throughoutthe spring,and weeded out the grass, and kept the ground in a soft and pliant the brave Wunzh state; and sometimes,when thoughtof his friend that was gone from his sight, he dropped a tear upon the earth where he lay. the earth Watching and tending,and moistening 178
Wunzh
Tree
with his tears, it was
and
not
Plant
Myths
the saw long before Wunzh tops of green plumes coming through the ground and the more faithful he was in obeyinghis instructions in keeping the ground in order, and in cherishing the memory of his departed the faster friend, He was, however,careful to conceal the they grew. chargeof the earth which he had from his father. mer Days and weeks had passedin this way; the sumwhen one was drawingtoward a close, day,after invited his father Wunzh a long absence in hunting, to follow him and lonesome spot of his to the quiet
"
former
The
fast.
littlefasting-lodge had been
removed,and
the
weeds
kept from growingon the circle where it had stood ; but in its place a tall and graceful rose plant, surmounted with noddingplumes and stately leaves and golden clusters. There was in its aspect and the deep green of the summer bearing grass, the clear amber of the summer sky,and the gentle blowingof
the
"
summer
wind. shouted
It is my friend ! " friend of all mankind. Indian
Wunzh,
"
it is the
it is
our
It is Mondawmin:
no
longerrely on hunting for as long as this gift is cherished and taken alone, care of,the ground itselfwill giveus a living." He then pulled ear. an said he, this is what I fasted See,my father," for. The Great Spirit has listened to my voice, and sent us somethingnew, and henceforth our people will not alone depend upon the chase or upon the
" "
Corn!
We
need
waters." 179
A Wunzh then
Guide
to
Mythology
to
communicated
him
his father
the
structio in-
givento
that the broad
by
must
the stranger. He be torn his how

away,
as
told him he had
husks
pulledoff the garments in he directed him done this,

before the
and having wrestling, the

ear
must
be held
"
the fire till the outer his
skin became had
brown been
as
complexion of
"
angel friend
was
tinted
by the sun grain.

The
while
all the milk
retained in the
and family,in high spirits, deeply Master who gave it, assisted to the Merciful .grateful in a feast on the newly grown of corn. ears So came that mighty blessing into the world,and all of those beautiful fields of healthful grain "we owe of the brave boy Wunzh. to the dream
whole
EEELLNAXJ,
THE
LOST
DAUGHTER
(North American
Indian)
Leelinau
"who lived
on
was
the the
favorite
lake
called loftyhighlands, From her
daughterof a the base shore,near Kang "Wudjoo.

she
was
hunter
of the
earliest vouth
observed
to
be
and retiring.She passed much of her thoughtful and seemed ever time in solitude, the comto prefer panionship of her own shadow of the to the society lodge circle. Whenever she could leave her father's lodge she would in the woods, flyto remote haunts and recesses sit in lonelyr every upon -or some high promontory of rock overlooking the lake. In such places she
180
Tree
and
Plant
Myths
often,with her face turned upward, linger voking inof the air,as if she were long in contemplation and beseeching her guardian spirit, him ta her sadness. lighten But amid all the leafy drew her steps none haunts, toward it so often as a forest of pines on the open It shore,called Manitowok, or the Sacred Wood. of those hallowed places which is the resort one was of the woods,and of the turtle of the littlewild men in romantic fairies which scenes. or delight spirits its green retirement was Owing to this circumstance, who feared to fall under seldom visited by Indians,
would
the influence of its mischievous And whenever inhabitants.
by stress of compelled they were this part of the coast, weather to make a landing on of tobacco, failed to leave an offering or they never other token,to show that they desired to stand some of the fairyground. well with the proprietors
To
an
this sacred spot Leelinau
had
made
her way
at
early age, gathering strange flowers and plants, which she would bringhome late to her parents, and recurred all the haps and mishaps that had octo them
in her
rambles.
visits Althoughthey discountenanced her frequent to the place, they were not able to restrain them, for' and delicate a temper that they of so gentle she was
feared to thwart
Her attachment
her.
to the
fairywood, therefore, grew to If she wished to solicither spirits with her years. dreams, or any other maiden favor, pleasant procure If her father Leelinau to the Manitowok. repaired
181
Guide
to
Mythology
later than
and it usual, feared that he had been overwhelmed was by the other mischance, Leetempest, or had met with some for safetyat the Manilinau offered up her prayers towok. It was there that she fasted, mused, and
remained
abroad
in the hunt
strolled.
She
at
lengthbecame
pines that her had evil spirit

upon
by the fairy engrossed parents began to suspect that some and had cast enticed her to its haunts,
so
her
charm
which
she had
not
the power
to
resist. This belief

was
her who had mother, unknown and invisible companmurmuring to some ion appealslike these: of the dancingleaves ! whispered LeeliSpirit heart in its sadness. hear a throbbing Spirit nau, of the foaming stream ! visit thou my nightly pillow, brook and it silver dreams of mountain over shedding lead my of the starry night! pebblyrivulet. Spirit where the to the blushing or mis-kodeed, footprints hue. shines with carmine burning passion-flower Spiritof the greenwood plume ! she concluded, turningwith passionate gaze to the beautiful young pines which stood waving their green beauty over her head, shed on me, on Leelinau the sad, thyleafy ers, unfolds from sweetest flowsuch as spring fragrance,
" '
'
when, one day, followed her,overheard secretly
confirmed
her
"
"
"
or
hearts that to each
other
show
their inmost
'
! hear,0 hear a maiden's prayer ! grief.Spirits seen Day by day these strange communings with unbeingsdrew away the heart of Leelinau more
182
Guide
"
to
Mythology
"
and
aloud in
"
at
once
the word
through the
roar.
Wa-ge-min ! and the whole field,
was
shouted
was
circle
set
The
thief is in the corn-field! '
exclaimed
the
young
man,
Iagoo by
powers
name,
and
famous
"
in the tribe
for his mirthful the old

man
of
see story-telling ;
stoopingas he enters not signs that he crouched as he crept in the you dark ? Is it not plain by this mark on the stalk that be Old man, he was heavily bent in his back? will take thee while thou art one nimble, or some taking the ear." with the action These questions Iagoo accompanied bowed with age stealthily of one field. enteringthe cornHe
"
you not See the field \
went
on:
See !
how He
he
stoops
seems
as
he
a
breaks
moment
off the
to
ear.
[Nushka
for Hooh !
tremble.
Walker,be
He
nimble
It is
plainthe
old
man
is the thief."
suddenly where she sat in the circle, the crooked ear which she held pensively regarding in her hand, and exclaimed: " the old man is thine ! " Leelinau, but Laughter rang merrilythrough the corn-field,
turned
the ground the crooked down Leelinau, casting upon of maize,walked pensively ear away. The next morning the eldest son of a neighboring chief called at her father's lodge. He was vanced quiteadin batin years; but he enjoyedsuch renown tle, in the hunt, that and his name famous so was the parents accepted him as a suitor for their daugh184
Tree
ter.
and
Plant
Myths
draw land
would They hoped that his shiningqualities from that spiritback the thoughtsof Leelinau whither she seemed to have whollydirected her
affections.
Iagoo had pictured the corn-taker, to his age, or as but,without objecting declined his giving any other reason, Leelinau firmly The parents ascribed the young daughter's proposals. and payingno further heed to maiden hesitancy fear, to her refusal, a day was fixed for the marriagevisit to the lodge. warrior nau and LeeliThe to the lodge-door, came refused to see him, informingher parents, at the same consent to the time,that she would never
It
was son
this chief's
whom
match. It had in her
been her custom
to pass many
of her hours
broadunder a place of retirement, whose leaves whispered in every toppedyoung pine, wind that blew; but most of all in that gentle mur murof the air at the eveninghour, dear to lovers, steals on. when the twilight Thither she now and, while reclining repaired, favorite
the pensively against that she heard
a
voice
than a more scarcely and she heard clear, not a Maiden, think me tree, but thine own tall and dear lover,glad to be with thee in my with the brightgreen nodding blooming strength, Thou art leaning above thee. on plume that waves Leelinau; lean forever there and be at breast, my
"
pine tree, she fancied her. At first it was addressing it grew more sigh;presently it distinctly whisper:
young
185
A peace.
Guide
men
to
Mythology
are
and cruel, for this quiet, quitthe tumult of their dustystrife, fairer will fling, Over thee I my arms shade. lonely roof. I will breathe a perfume like than the lodge's In my rest. that of flowers over thy happy evening of the skyI'll waft thee o'er the waters bark canoe blue lake. I will deck the folds of thy mantle with the sun's last rays. Come, and on the mountain free a rove fairy brightwith me ! these magical in with eager ear drank Leelinau
Fly
from
who
false and
"
words.
Her
heart
was
fixed. Xo
warrior's
son
should
claspher hand. She listened in the hope to hear the airyvoice speak more ; but it onlyrepeated, Again ! ceased. and entirely ! again linau LeeOn the eve of the day fixed for her marriage,
" "
decked
herself in
her
best
garments.
She
of her to the fashion arrangedher hair according in ornaments all of her maiden and put on tribe, herself she presented With beautiful array. a smile, before
"
her
am
parents.
" she said, going,"
to meet
my
littlelover, for waiting
the chieftain of the Green

me
Plume,
with
as
who
is
at the
Grove." Spirit
was
Her
face
radiant said
joy,and
own
the parents,
wav
taking what
she had
her
fanciful
of
her in their plans,wished expressingacquiescence good fortune in the happy meeting. her I am going,"she continued,addressing " I am mother as they left the lodge, going from one who has watched my infancyand guardedmy youth ; I was when medicine has given me who sick,and
"
186
Tree
and when
Plant I
was
Myths
well. I
am
prepared my
from
a
food
going
father who
has
the choicest skins for
with the best supplied from a lodgewhich has been my shelter from the of winter,and my shield from the heats of storms n summer. Farewell, parents, farewell ! my So saying, she sped faster than any could follow her to the margin of the fairy wood,and in a moment
was
ranged the forest to procure and kept his lodge dress, my of the chase. I am going spoil
lost to sisdit. As she had often thus withdrawn

not
herself from
the
lodge,the parents were

awaited of her return. Hour
but confidently fear, chased hour,as the clouds
in
rolled up in the west ; darkness came evening on, ened but no daughter With torches they hastreturned. to the wood, and although they lit up every dark and leafygloom, their search was in vain. recess
Leelinau in
was
nowhere
to
be
seen.
Thev
called aloud,
not.
lament,upon
Suns
rose
her name,
but she answered

in their
and
but set,
nevermore
did light
the bereaved their beloved
parents' eyes behold the child. Their daughter was

vanished
no
lost form
of
lost indeed.
.Whither she had
mortal
tongue could
of fishermen, it chanced that a company tell; although who were fish near the Spirit Grove, spearing descried something that seemed to resemble a female the shore. As the eveningwas on figure standing mild and the waters calm, they cautiously pulled their canoe toward land, but the slight of their ripple excited alarm. The but oars figurefled in haste, in the shape and dress as she they could recognize
187
Guide
to
Mythology
and they saw bank, the lost daughter, the green plumes of her fairy-lover waving over his forehead as he glided lightly throughthe forest of pines. yonng
ascended
the
BIETH
OF
THE
ARBUTUS
{Iroquois)
Many,
alone in
many
moons
ago
there lived
an
old
in
man
lodge beside a frozen great forest beyond the wide waters lakes. His locks were long and
and frost. his The fur of the bear and covered ice
were
his
stream
the
of the northern white with

age
body,but none too everywhere. Over all

The winds
came
cunningbeaver and warmly, for snow

the earth there the bleak
was
winter. sides and
down
mountain
wildly hurried through the branches of for song birds that they the trees and bushes, looking ered shivmight chill to the heart. Even the evil spirits in the desolation and soughtto dig for themselves and ice. in the deep snow caves sheltering the old man abroad in the went Lonely and halting, for the broken branches that had fallen forest, looking from the trees that he might keep alive the fire in his lodge.Few fagots and in despair could he find, he againsoughthis lodge, the over where,hovering he cried in anguish to fadingembers on his hearth, the Great Spirit that he might not perish. Then the wind moaned in the tree-tops, and circling back and blew aside the skin throughthe forests came of the great bear hangingover his lodge-door, and,lo !
a
beautiful maiden
entered.
188
Her
cheeks
were
red
Tree
and
Plant
Myths
were
like the leaves of wild
and large glowed like the eyes of the fawn at night ; her hair black as the wing of the crow, and so long that was it brushed the ground as she walked; her hands
roses
; her eyes
were
clad in willow
buds ;
was
over woven
her head with
was
crown
of flowers ; her mantle and and When

warm,
sweet
grasses
and ferns,
laced lilies, embroidered with the petals of honeysuckle. she breathed, the air of the lodge became and the cold winds rushed back in affright.
were
her moccasins
white
The
old
man
looked
in wonder
at his
itor, strange vis-
and
then
and opened his lips

to the poor
said
"
My daughter,
thou art welcome
and lodge. It is lonely has covered the fallen Spirit with
shelter of my cheerless and the Great desolate, branches

not
of the trees and
his death-cloth
that I may
find them
lightagain the
here and tell me
fire of my who
lodge.
me
Come
sit thou
thou art that thou dost wander

also of
try thy counbeauty and
like the deer in the forest. Tell
people gave thee such grace, and then I, the desolate Manito,will tell thee of my victories tillthou dost weary of my greatness." The maiden smiled, and the sunlightstreamed forth and shot its warmth throughthe roof of the ship, lodge. The desolate Manito filled his pipeof friendand when he had drawn of the fragrant bacco, tohe said : When I, the Manito, blow the
"
and
what
breath from my nostrils the waters of the river stand the great waves the lakes rest,and the muron still, murings of the streams die away in silence." Then the maiden said
"
The
Manito
is great and
189
Guide
waters
to
Mythology
the touch of his breath ;
strong and the

but when
know
I, the
springup
with Then
the flowers birds, smile, all the forest and the plains over are ered cova carpet of green."
"
loved of the
said the Manito
I shake
my
and locks,
lo ! the earth is Then air and vanishes from Then the the
wrapped in the maiden : replied

warm
death-cloth of snow."
"
I breathe and the
into the
rains
come
death-cloth
like the darkness its bed the in the
when
the great fire awakens

'
morning.'
:
"
Manito
on
said
When
walk
about,
the leaves die
the trees
and and
fall to the
the birds desert their nests lakes ; the animals earth wail
"
flyaway
and side,
ground; beyond the

the winds
bury
over
themselves
in holes in the
or
in
caves
in the mountain
the death-chant
all the land."
his
Ah, great is the Manito,"said the maiden, " and is feared by all living in the mighty name things
'
land.
Great has
is the
Manito/
savs
all the world, and
spreadamong the children of the Great till they crouch with fear and say : ' Mighty Spirit and cruel is the Manito ! Terrible is the Manito,and cruel and cunningin his tortures than the red more of His strength is greater than the strength men. for does he not rend the giant trees of the forest, them with his mighty hands \ But when I, the gentle the trees cover with many maiden, walk forth, leaves the nakedness which thou, the great Manito, hath caused ; the birds singin the branches and build again the nests from which thou drivest them ; the
'
his fame
animals
seek their mates
and
190
rear
their young;
the
A
"
Guide
to
Mythology
which he seems in to think he gathers flowers," some mysteriousland of the spirit.The idea is a very beautiful one, worthy of any poet,and certainly of the Indians had reached shows that some, at least, a high planeof poetic fancy.
SONG
AT
THE
BEGINNING
Mexican (Ancient
Indian) I
may
gather some shall I ask ? Suppose pretty,sweet flowers. Whom the emerald that I ask the brilliant humming-bird, trembler; suppose that I ask the yellow butterfly; they will tell me they know where bloom the pretty,
am
1. I
wondering where
sweet
whether flowers, woods I may where
I may dwell the
get them
here
in the
laurel
tzinitzcan
birds, or
forests gather them in the flowery There the thanquehollives. where they may be forth with dew, there they come pluckedsparkling in perfection. Perhaps there I shall see them if I shall placethem in the folds they have appeared;
whether
of my
garment, and
with
them
shall greet the
I shall make children, glad the nobles. 2. Truly as I walk along I hear the rocks as it to the sweet were replying songs of the flowers ; truly the birdthe glittering, water chattering answers; it dashes forth,it there it sings, fountain, green answers singsagain; the mocking-bird ; perhaps the birds and many sweet coyol bird answers; singing around like music. scatter their songs They bless the earth, pouringout their sweet voices.
192
Tree
3. I
and
Plant
Myths
I not
cause
said,I cried
aloud:
May
you
beloved ones, who are seated to the brilliant humming-birds come soon.
pain, ye
listen; may
Whom do
poet? I ask, I say: Where are the pretty,fragrant flowers with which I may make glad you, my noble compeers ? Soon they will sing
we
seek, O
noble
to
me:
"Here
we
will make
thee to see, thou
trulywherewith thou shalt make gladthe companions." 4. They led me within a valley to a fertile spot, a flowery spot,where the dew spread out in glittering where I saw various lovelyfragrant splendor, odorous flowers, clothed with the dew, flowers, lovely
singer, nobles, thy
glory. There they said " Pluck the flowers, to me whichever thou wishest, : be glad,and give them to mayest thou the singer that they may to the nobles, on thy friends, rejoice
the earth.'7
5. So
scattered around
in rainbow
gatheredin the folds of my garment the various fragrant delicate scented, licious, deflowers, and I said: May some of our people enter of us be here; and I thought here,may very many
I should go forth to here all of us should
announce
to
our
friends
that
in rejoice that
we we
the different
lovely,
odorous
sweet
and flowers,
should
cull the various
songs with
on
which
here
and the earth, dignity. 6. So I, the singer, gatheredall the flowers to and put to clothe them placethem upon the nobles, I lifted my voice in them in their hands,and soon
193
friends our might rejoice nobles in their grandeurand
A
a
Guide
to
Mythology
before the face
no
worthy
7. Where
song
of the Cause
the nobles glorifying of All,where there is shall one pluck them ?

And how
servitude.
Where
gather
the sweet
flowers ?
ery shall I attain the flow-
tude land,where there is no serviaffliction? If one nor purchasesit here on of it is only throughsubmission to the Cause earth, All; here on earth grieffillsmy soul as I recall the floweryspot. where saw I, the singer, I said: Truly there is no good spot here 8. And there is gladother bourne on ness earth, truly in some ; for w7hat good is this earth ? Truly there is
land,that
fertile
another the
life in the hereafter.
There
may
I go, there
sweet
those
sing,there may I learn to know licious those degood flowers,those sweet flowers, toxicate alone pleasurably, sweetly inones, which cate. alone pleasurably, which sweetly intoxibirds
FLOWER
SOITG
Mexican (Ancient
Indian)
my my
1. In
nowers
the
watch placeof tears,I, the singer, they are in my hand ; they intoxicate
my song,
as
soul and
my
I walk
alone
with
them,
with
sad soul among

2. In
them. the
herbage is like sweet and emerald, and green as the turquoise ointment the beauteous flowers I think upon my song, holding in my hand, as I walk alone with them, with my
this spot, where
sad
soul
among
them. I and emerald, turquoise 194 think
3. In this spot of
Tree upon
and
Plant
Myths
joice re-
beauteous
now,
dear
let us flowers; for life is friends and children, songs, beauteous
not
long
upon
earth.
4. I
shall hasten
songs, the sweet he! I 5. O flowers

as
forth,I shall go to the sweet dear friends and children. flowers, cried aloud; O he! I rained down
forth
I left.
us
6. Let
go
find and
we
bringforth live; listen to my 7. I, the poet, cry glorious song which

8.
shall anywhere;I, the singer, the flowers ; let us be glad while

song.
out
a
turns
placeof joy, descends to Mictlan, and there about and comes forth again. dren, I seek neither vestment O chilnor riches, of joy. but a song for a place
song
for
THE
STOHY
OF
ERISICHTHON"
(Greek) of profane person and a despiser occasion he presumed to violate the gods. On one sacred to Ceres (Demeter). with the axe a grove There stood in this grove a venerable oak, so largo wood in itself, its ancient trunk that it seemed a often whereon votive garlands were towering aloft, carved expressing the gratihung and inscriptions tude of suppliants Often to the nymph of the tree. had the dryadsdanced round it hand in hand. Its trunk measured fifteen cubits round, and it overtopped the shrubthe other trees as they overtopped bery. But for all that,Erisichthon no saw reason Erisichthon
was
a
195
Guide
to
Mythology
his servants
hesitate he
why he should
to
cut
and he ordered spare it, them he saw "When it down.

an
"
snatched
axe care
from
not
one,
and
thus
a
claimed, impiouslyex-
whether
it be
tree
beloved of
the
goddessor not. "Were it should come down, if it stood

and
the
in
goddess herself it way." So saying, my
he lifted the axe, and the oak seemed to shudder the first blow fell upon "When utter a groan. All them fatal the
tured ven-
trunk,blood flowed from the wound. and one of were horror-struck, bystanders
the
to remonstrate
a
and
hold
back
the
axe.
with Erisichthon, the reward him the weapon
scornful
of your
which
ceive said to him, " Relook, and turned against piety," had held aside from and the
cut
came
he
tree, gashed his body with

off his head.
a
Then
from
many the midst
wounds,
am a
of the oak
voice
"
I who
dwell
in this tree
by Ceres,and, dyingby your you that punishmentawaits you." He desisted not from his crime; and at last the tree, sundered by blows and drawn by ropes, fell with a crash, repeated and prostrated a great part of the grove in its fall. in dismay at the loss of their comThe dryads, panion, and at seeingthe pride of the forest laid all clad in garments of low,went in a body to Ceres, thon. mourning, and invoked punishment upon ErisichShe nodded
her assent,and
as
loved nymph, behands,forewarn
she bowed
her
head, the grainripefor harvest in the laden fields bowed also. She planneda punishmentso dire that he eonld would as one pity him, if such a culprit
be
pitied to
"
deliver him
over
to
Famine.
As Ceres
196
Tree
and
Plant
Myths
approachFamine, for the Fates have ordained that these two goddesses shall never she called on Oread from her mouncome together, tain and spoke to her in these words : " There is a place in the farthest part of ice-clad Scythia, a sad and sterile region without trees and without Cold dwells there, and Fear, and Shuddering, crops.
not
herself could
and Famine.
of the bowels subdue
away.
Go
and tell the last to take sion possesof Erisichthon. Let not Abundance
her,nor
not
Be
the power of my gifts drive her alarmed at the distance, for Famine
from
dwells very
The
far
dragons are fleet take you throughthe air in a short time." So she and she drove away and soon gave her the reins, reached Caucasus at Mount Scythia. On arriving she stoppedthe dragons and found in a Famine pullingup with teeth and claws the stony field, her eyes sunk, scanty herbage. Her hair was rough, her lipsblanched,her jaws covered her face pale, with dust,and her skin drawn to show as so tight, her afar off (forshe As Oread saw all her bones. did not dare to come mands near),she delivered the comshort a of Ceres; and though she stopped as time as possible, and kept her distance as well as she could, yet she began to feel hungry,and turned heads and drove back to Thessaly. the dragons' Famine obeyed the commands of Ceres and sped of Erisichthon, tered enthrough the air to the dwelling and found of the guilty the bed-chamber man, him asleep. She enfolded him with her wings and
197
Ceres,but take my chariot and obey the rein,and will
Guide
to
Mythology
her poisoninto infusing his veins. Having discharged her task, she hastened to leave the land of plentyand returned to her accustomed Erisichthon haunts. still slept, and in his dreams craved food,and moved his jaws as if eating. his hunger was When he awoke raging. Without a moment's delayhe would have food set before him, of whatever kind earth,sea, or air produces, and while he ate. What complained of hunger even would have sufficed for a cityor a nation was not The he ate the more he more enough for him.
breathed herself into him,
craved. His
property rapidlydiminished
demands
of his
under
the
ceasing un-
but his hunger continued appetite, unabated. At length he had spent all, and had a daughter only his daughter left, worthy of a better parent. Her, too, he sold. She scorned to be the slave of a purchaser, side, and, as she stood by the searaised her hands in prayer to Neptune. He heard her prayer, and, though her new master was and had his eyes on her a moment not far off, before, Neptune changed her form, and made her assume that of a fisherman busy at his occupation.Her master, lookingfor her and seeingher in her altered Good form, addressed her and said : fisherman, whither went the maiden whom I saw justnow, with hair dishevelled and in humble about garb,standing where you stand ? Tell me so truly, your luck may be good, and not a fish nibble at your hook and get swered, anaway." She perceivedthat her prayer was and rejoiced herself ininwardlyat hearing
"
198
A the reeds and
Guide
to
Mythology
lighted produceda plaintive melody. Pan, deof the with the music and with the novelty exclaimed, Thus, then, at least, experience, you of the reeds, of So he took some shall be mine." side by and placing them together unequallengths, side,he made an instrument and called it Syrinx, in honor of the nymph.
"
POMONA
AND
WEKTUMNtrS
(Roman) fruit over hamadryad who presided She had over trees and especially apple orchards. and scorned the offers of love made her by Pan of the woods, and also those of Verother spirits tumnus, the god of gardens and of the changing seasons. But, unwearied,he wooed her in as many Now his seasons themselves could assume. as guises as a as as haymaker,now ploughman, reaper, now as now now as now as vine-dresser, apple picker, all to no avail. now as soldier, fisherman, himself old woman At last he disguised as an and came He admired her fruit, to her. especially the the luxuriance of her grapes, and enlarged upon of the luxuriant vine, close by, upon the dependence advised Pomona, likeelm to which it was wise, clinging; the to choose some youth say, for instance,
was a
"
Pomona
young Then
Vertumnus he told the
"
about whom
to
twine
her
arms.
tale of how the worthy melancholy Iphio,spurned by Anaxarete, had hanged himself to her gate-post; and how the gods had turned
200
Tree "the hard-hearted

on
and
Plant
Myths
even
as
virginto
funeral.
stone
""
she
her
lover's
Consider
these
said the seeming old woman, child," and aside thy scorn thy delays,and accept a So may neither the vernal frosts blight lover. furious winds scatter nor thy thy young fruits, dearest
gazed things, lay

"
blossoms ! "
When
Vertumnus
had thus
spoken he droppedhis
his such
proper
and stood before Pomona in disguise, a comely youth. Pleased with person, consented and became wooing,Pomona
ardent
his wife.
""
Although the god Osiris in Egyptian Mythology identified with the sun, there is has been frequently also regarded doubt that he was as a god of vegeno tation. of him in one is a representation There of the great temples in Egypt in which the dead ing body of Osiris is shown with stalks of corn springis watering the stalks from and a priest from it, The inscripwhich he holds in his hands. tion a pitcher sets which accompanies this representation forth, This is the form of him one may not name, the refrom who springs Osiris of the Mysteries, turning is often spoken of, also, He waters." as in the The in the tree," The one one solitary to be one The Acacia." myth here related seems slain by the evil Typhon. of the death of vegetation, while the This was caused in Egypt by drought, caused by the annual was springing up of vegetation
" "
-overflow of the Nile. A
similar
myth
exists in Greece
201
in which
the
god
A of
Guide
to
Mythology
also Adonis,is mourned vegetation, by Aphrodite, called Cypris and Cytherea (Roman Venus), who loved him.
MYTH
OF
OSIRIS
AND
ISIS
(Egyptian) Osiris and

to
Isis
were
at
one
time
induced
to
scend de-
the earth to bestow Isis showed
and blessings on gifts them made the first the

use
its inhabitants.
of
wheat
of
them, as well as how to harness the ox to the plough. He then laws,the institution of marriage,a civil gave men and taught them how to worship the organization, gods. After he had thus made the valley of the host with Nile a happy country, he assembled a the rest which he went to bestow his blessings upon the nations everywhere He conquered of the world. and eloquence. His brother but only with music and sought during his absence to Typhon saw this, who held the reins of his throne. But Isis, usurp imbitgovernment, frustrated his plans. Still more ing Havresolved to kill his brother. tered,he now bers, organizeda conspiracy of seventy-two memuse
and Osiris barley, and taughtmen agriculture and
the instruments of
he
went
with
them
to
the feast which
was
He then king'sreturn. had caused a box or chest to be brought in, which clared been made and dethe size of Osiris, to fit exactly that he would give that chest of precious
celebrated in honor
of the
wood in
to whosoever
no
could get into it.

was
The
rest
tried
vain,but
sooner
Osiris in it than
Typhon
202
Tree
and
and
Plant
Myths
the flung
his
companions closed
When mourned and
the lid and
chest
into the Nile. she
Isis heard
; and
of the cruel murder
then, with her hair and beating her breast, she shorn, clothed in black, for the body of her husband. In sought diligently assisted by Anubis. the search she was They sought carried in vain for some time; for when the chest, had become to the shores of Byblos, tangled enby the waves in the reeds that grew at the edge of the water, the divine power that dwelt in the body of Osiris imparted such strength to the shrub that it in its trunk the into a mighty tree,enclosing grew coffin of the god. This tree,with its sacred deposit, and erected as a column in after felled, was shortly But at length, of the King of Phoenicia. the palace and the sacred birds,Isis by the aid of Anubis and then went to the royal ascertained these facts, city. There she offered herself at the palace as guise, a servant, and, being admitted,threw off her dissurrounded with and appeared the goddess, as with the column and lightning. Striking thunder and give up her wand, she caused it to split open and returned This she seized, the sacred coffin. with it,and concealed it in the depth of a forest; the body into and cutting but Typhon discovered it, hither and thither. fourteen scattered them pieces, After tedious search, Isis found thirteen pieces, a This the fishes of the Nile having eaten the other. of sycamore she replacedby an imitation wood,
wept
and buried the bodv
at
Philse,which
the
203
became
ever
after the
burying place of
nation,and
the spot
A
to
Guide
to
Mythology
made from all parts of were pilgrimages the country. A temple of surpassing magnificence also erected there in honor of the god, and was at every place where one of his limbs had been found minor built in commemoration temples and tombs were of the
event.
which
THE
DEATH
OF
ADONIS
(From
Low
on
Bion's
Lament
forAdonis)
lyingthe lovely Adonis,and his thighwith the boar's tusk,his white thigh with is wounded, and sorrow the boar's tusk, on Cyprishe he breathes his life away. as softly brings, To Cypris his kiss is dear,though he lives no but Adonis knew that she kissed him not longer,
whenas
he died.
woe
the hills is
Woe,
! A
the for Adonis,
Loves
join in
ment the la-
thighhath Adonis,but in her heart Cytherea bears. About a him his dear hounds are loudlybaying,and the nymphs of the wild wood wail him; but Aphrodite with unbound locks throughthe glades ing goes wanderwith feet unwith hair unbraided, wretched, and the thorns as she passes wound her sandalled, and pluck the blossom of her sacred blood. Shrill she wails as down the long woodlands she is borne, and againcalling her Assyrianlord, him lamenting and again.
on
"
cruel cruel, deeperwound
wound
his
Andrew
Lang's translation.
204
Tree
and
Plant
Myths
the lament!
Woe,
woe
the Loves joinin for Cytherea,
No lord.
more
in the oak
no
It is
fair couch
woods, Cypris,lament thy for Adonis, the lonely bed

soft
for
lets, cover-
of reeds ! Now in
lay him
a
down
all of
to
Adonis, though sad is he to look upon. Cast on him garlands and blossoms: all things have perished in his death, faded. Sprinklehim with yea, all the flowers are him with unguents of ointments of Syria,sprinkle for Adonis,who myrrh. Nay, perishall perfumes, was thy perfume,hath perished. in his raiment of He reclines, the delicate Adonis, and around him the Loves are weeping, and purple, their locks for Adonis. And aloud, clipping groaning another on his bow is treading, one upon his shafts, and one hath loosed the sandals of Adonis, and another and his own hath broken feathered quiver, in a golden vessel bears water, and another laves one the wound, and another from behind him with his wings is fanningAdonis. ment! the Loves joinin the laWoe, woe for Cytherea,
couch
in his own sleep that yearns gold,
And
woe,
woe
Psean neglecting aloud,and songs
Adonis, shrilly cry the Muses, Adonis and they lament (Apollo), they chant to him, but he does not
for
205
A heed
Guide
to
Mythology
but hear,
go.
them, not that

of Hades
he is loath to
that the
Maiden
doth not let him
from thy lamentations, frain reto-day Cytherea, Cease, from again bewail thy dirges. Thou must him, again must weep for him another year.
206
Guide
to
Mythology
and ciency for their support, changed this design, of the arrangedthat they should die. The daughter
Sun
was
the first to suffer under
this law.
She
was
bitten
by
serpent, and
men
died.
Thereupon the
At the
a
Sun
same
decreed
that
should live always.

a
time, he commissioned
and seek the of spirit
few
persons
to take return
box,
with be
his In
was
and daughter,
no
it encased
therein. the box
wise
must
the
box
opened. But
Men The
must
fled. opened. Immortality
die."
was
Sun-God
before
not
always able
as
to carry
thing everythe
Hare-God his
him, as shows,as
the story of his battle with

well the various
stories about
being ensnared and his course regulated.In the Sun of the is the husband some countries, of the is the husband Moon, in others the Moon Sun. Again the Moon will be the sister of the Sun
or
the Sun
the sister of the Moon.
THE
NAVAJO
STOET
OF
THE
AND
MAKING STAES
OF
THE
SUN,.
MOON,
At
out
the
when beginning,
the
cave
people had
in which
all crept
of the aperture in the
they had
council of wise men held to a was previously lived, discuss the propriety of introducing more light upon the earth, which at that time was very small,being lit only by a twilight, like that seen just at the time, breakingof dawn. Having deliberated some
the wise
a
men
concluded
stars
to have
sun
and moon,
and
first
of variety
placedabove
208
the earth.
They
Myths
made
old
men
of the
Sun, Moon,
to be
and
Stars
the heavens of the

was
which
done
in ; then the placed commenced a ISTavajos building sun, in a largehouse constructed for the
for them
purpose. To the other tribes
was
confided
the
they soon decided when it was and to give the sun moon had dumb who to the guidanceof the two Fluters, with some in their musicians as figured importance of former place of residence in the cave, and one had accidentally conceived the plan of leaving whom that placefor their present more agreeable quarters. These two men, who have carried the two heavenly bodies ever since, at firstwith their weight; staggered and the one who carried the sun came near burning the earth by bearing it too near, before he had reached the aperture in the mountain through which he was to pass during the night. This misfortune, however,was prevented by the old men, who puffed caused it which of their pipestoward it, the smoke
moon
the
and
stars, which
making of accomplished ;
to retire to
men
greater distance in the heavens.

to obliged
"
These
have been
man
"
do this four times since the has carried the

sun
dumb
the Fluter
in the
heavens; for the earth has grown very much larger the sun and consequently than at the beginning, in would have to be removed,or the earth and all thereand after the sun would perish in its heat. ^N"ow, commenced the people had taken their places, moon
the wise the heavens the stars upon embroidering had made, in beautiful and varied patterns men and images. Bears and fishes and all varieties of
209
Guide
to
Mythology
drawn, when in rushed being skilfully is What : a folly wolf,roughly exclaiming prairie this ? Why are you making all this fuss to make a bit of embroidery? Just stick the stars about the the action to the word, sky anywhere; and, suiting the the villanous wolf scattered a largepileall over
animals
were
" "
heavens.
among had so
Thus
it is that
there
is such
confusion
the few
images
which
the tasteful
Navajos
carefullv elaborated.
THE
STORY
OF
THE
CONQUERING
OF
THE
SUN
{North American Once

upon
a
Indian)
was
time
Ta-vwotz, the Hare-God,
in the solemn with his family by the camp-fire sitting waitingfor the return of Ta-vi, woods,anxiously the wayward Sun-God. Weary with long watching, and the Sun-God fell asleep, the Hare-God so came
near
that
he
scorched
vengeance
to
the
shoulders would
of
Ta-vwotz.
voked, pro-
the Foreseeing he Ta-vwotz
which his
cave
be thus the
fled back awoke and

in
beneath and
earth.
great wrath
mined deterspeedily
to go
After
the Sun-God. fight long journey of many

to the brink
adventures
the there
Hare-God
watched
came
of the
earth,and
the Sun-God till at last, long and patiently, in his face; but the coming out, he shot an arrow fierce heat consumed the
arrow
ere
were
it had
finished
its
one arrow
course.
Then
other
arrows
remained that
in his
but quiver;
never
failed its mark.

210
sped,till only this was the magical Ta-vwotz, holding
Myths
of the
Sun, Moon,
to
and
Stars and
was
it in his hand, lifted the barb tized it in

and struck
a
his eye
arrow
divine
tear; then the

full in
bapH sped
face,and the shivered into a thousand which sun was fragments, fell to the earth and caused a generalconflagration. Then structio Ta-vwotz,the Hare-God, fled before the dehe had wrought; and as he fled, the burning earth consumed his feet, consumed his legs, consumed his body, his hands and arms. All were consumed but the head alone,which rolled across and over destruction from valleys mountains, fleeing the burning earth, until at last, swollen with heat, the eyes of the god burst, and the tears gushed forth in a flood which the earth and extinguished spread over the fire. The Sun-God now was conquered; and he appeared before a council of the gods to
await
sentence.
the
Sun-God
the
In that the nights, and
longcouncil
seasons
was
were
established the
with the
and years,
days and of, lengththereacross
the Sun-God
condemned
to travel
the firmament
by the
same
trail every
day.
sun
Another view of the

in the Indian
of religion
the
as
is shown
at rising, and at sunset. After the Indian hymn, we mid-day, shall find it interesting side of to go to the opposite the earth and see what a Hindoo hymn to the sun is like. It is less a prayer than the Indian hymn, and, like the other Hindoo hymns, a song of praise.
hymns
to the sun,
it is
211
Guide
to
Mythology
THE
HYMN'
TO
SUN"
(NorthAmerican
Indian) lives. Great
Great
Master
makes
! Master Spirit of things visible them visible other
Master the
from O
of every
! Spirit and invisible, and who daily and invisible. Great Spirit! spirit, good or bad, command
our
of
good to
Grand
be favorable
unto
us, and
deter the bad
the commission
of evil.
! preserve the strength and courage Spirit of our warriors, and augment their numbers, that from our they may resist oppression enemies,and of our fathers. recover our country and the rights O Grand ! preserve the lives of such of our Spirit old men inclined to givecounsel to the young. as are children and multiply their number, Preserve our and let them be the comfort and support of declining and our and let no Preserve our corn animals, age. famine desolate the land. Protect our villages, guard
our
lives !
when hidden in the west protect Spirit! from our who violate the night and do us enemies, evil when thou art not present. Good ! make Spirit known to us pleasure by sendingto us the your Let the Spiritof Dreams Spiritof Dreams. claim proand we will perform it thy will in the night, in the day ; and if it say the time of some be closed, send them, Master of Life,to the great country of and where where theymay meet their friends, souls, thou art pleasedto shine upon them with a bright, and perpetual blaze ! warm
212
Great
Myths
O of
of tlio
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
hearken to the voice Grand, 0 Great Spirit! the nations, hearken to all thy children, and remember us always,for we are descended from thee.
the Great Spirit, now Courage,nations, courage! above our heads, will make us vanquish our enemies
; he will
cover
the animals be made will make and make
of
our
fieldswith corn, and increase woods. He will see that the old
our
happy, and
the nations
that the young

prosper,
augment.
them
He
make
rejoice,
he
them
put
up
their voice to
him, while
rises and
sets in their
lightcan
The
upon wish?
thus
land,and while shine out. gloriously

must
his heat and
nations
prosper;
they have
been
looked
more can they Spirit. What Is not that happiness tires, enough? See, he redren great and content,after havingvisited his chiland universal good. with light O Grand sleepnot longerin the gloomy Spirit! and and call your peopleto light west, but return and life. and life to light life to light
by
the
Great
"
"
HYMN
TO
SUEYA,
the
THE
SUN
(From
His heralds bear him
up
"Rig Veda")
knoweth all that
the god who aloft,
lives, Surya, that all may

The
look
on
him. like
constellations pass their beams,

the
away,
thieves, togetherwith
Before
Sun. all-beholding
213
A
His herald rays
Like flames Swift and
are
Guide
seen
to
Mythology
the world of men; blaze. of the
afar
o'er refulgent and
of fire that hum
all beautiful art the radiant
thou,O Surya, maker

realm
light,
Illuming all
Thou
goest to the hosts of the gods, thou comest

be beheld.
hither to
mankind, to Hither all light
Traversing sky and wide mid-air,thou makest with thy beams our days, Sim, seeingall thingsthat have birth. Seven bay steeds harnessed to thy car bear thee, 0 thou farseeingone, with the radiant hair. God, Stirya, Surya hath yoked the pure brightseven, the daughtersof the chariot; With these, he goeth forth. self-yoked, Looking upon the loftier lightabove the darkness we have
come
To
Surya,god
among
the
that gods,the light
is most
excellent.
THE
WORSHIP
OF
THE
SUN,
AND
THE
DREAM
OF
ONAWTJTAQUTO
{North American
Indian) there his

"
On
the shores of Lake ago,

an
"
Huron and
time
an
aged Odjibwa
a long lived, wife, who had
beautiful boy whose name was a very only son These Onawutaquto, or He that catches Clouds. the proud of their son, and anticipated parents were time when they should see him a celebrated warrior. But when Onawutaquto arrived at the proper age, he was to unwillingto submit to the fast prescribed manhood, which very much disturbed youthsentering
214
A When
"
Guide
to
Mythology
he had finished he turned to his
RTemissa, my ? Do practices
commanded
from have
not
: sister, saying when will you quitthese elder sister, has that the Great Spirit you forget
Perhaps you suppose concealed Onawutaquto, effectually

of his presence. him
was
that you below ?
should not
take away
the children
that and
not
you I do
know
If you
would
to
offend
me,
send
immediately down
his
parents."
But and
^Temissa
the brother
resolved to retain the young man, desisted from urging his request.
Addressingthe youth,he said : " Come forth from and walk about and amuse self youryour concealment, ! You will become hungry if you remain there." him with a bow and arrow, and a He then presented ornamented. This was pipe of red stone elaborately of ^Temissa that he consented to the marriage a signal took place. The to Onawutaquto, which immediately which found that the lodge, now was man young situated in the most his home, was delightful part of the plain;and all things the flowers and trees
"
and The
birds
"
were ran
more more were
beautiful
than
anv
on
earth.
ver. silthe
streams
The birds
wore
animals
and gleamed like swiftly, while full of enjoyment,
colors. quto Onawutafeathers of gorgeous left in the observed that the brother regularly
his sister when in the evening, morning, returning would a portionof the depart,remaining away and, wishing to night. This aroused his curiosity, he sought solve the mystery of this singular habit,
and
one
obtained
of his
consent
to
accompany
the brother
over
in
a
daily journeys. They travelled

216
Myths
smooth
of the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
until Onawutaquto plainwithout boundaries, and very much in need of ,feltexceedingly fatigued no food,and he asked his companion if there were in that region. " Patience, swered anbrother," game my he, " we shall soon reach the spot where I eat my dinner,and you will then see in what way I am provided."After walking on a longtime, they to a place which was came spread over with very fine mats, where they sat down There was to rest. at this place a round aperture in the sky, looking through which Onawutaquto discovered the earth, with its gleaminglakes and thick forests. In some of the Indians, he could see the villages and places in others he saw a war party stealing upon the camp he saw of its enemy. In another place and feasting men were where, on the green plain, dancing, young were engagedat ball. Along the stream the women Do you apukwa for mats. employed in gathering " said the brother, that group of children playsee," ing ? Observe that beautiful and acbeside a lodge tive time darting thing someboy," said he, at the same The child immediately at him from his hand. fell upon the ground,and was carried into a lodge wutaquto Onawhere the peoplegatheredin crowds; when heard the Jossakeed, or askingthe priest, child's life in the sheshegwam, or song of entreaty." this entreaty the companion of Onawutaquto To
" "
made
"
answer
Send
me
up
the sacrifice of
white
dog." Immediatelya feast was ordered by the parents his of the child; the white killed, dog was and the and all the wise men was carcass roasted,
217
A Jossakeed
ceremony.
Guide
to
Mythology
brother because but
to
of
villageassembled to witness the " There are below," said the many Onawutaquto, whom you call Jossakeed, in the medical science, their great success
of the
"
I have their skill. When they owe with sickness, the Jossakeed of the people struck one directs them to look to me ; and when they send me hand from off them I ask,I remove the offering my The sacrifice was and they recover." now parcelled We when the master of the feast said : out in dishes, gend this to thee, great Manito, thou that dwellest And in the sun." immediately the roasted animal came taking up to the two residents of the sky. After parof this repast, they returned to the lodgeby It was another way. in this manner Onawutaquto it is to
me
"
lived for of such

a
some
time ; but
at last he
became
wearied
of his friends he had and, thinking life, of his wife to one day he asked permission left, to which, with great reluctance return to the earth, Since you she consented. and with many delays, and she said," with the cares better pleased," are life than with the illsand the poverty of your earthly of the sky, go! I give you the peaceful delights and I will guide your return; but remember, permission,
"
you
are
stillmy
husband.
I hold
chain
draw you back whenever in my hand by which I can how you venture I will. Beware, therefore, to take Should ever wife among the people below. a you do
so, it is then you
shall feel the full force of my this her eyes flashed and with
a
As she said displeasure." herself up she straightened

218
majesticair,and
Hyths
"
of the awoke
Sun, Moon,
from lain
and
Stars He
Onawutaquto
where told him
his dream.
down
to
found
his The he had
himself mother
he
had he had
fast,and
a
been
absent
year.
existence was earthly at first distasteful. He became stracted moody and abBy degrees, however, these impressions and he regained his interest in terreswore trial away, the admonition of pursuits. Now, forgetting his heavenly spouse, he married beautiful woman a of his tribe, but his bride died in four days after their marriage. Although thus reminded, Onawutaquto married soon again; when one day he left his lodge for the purpose of hunting,and from that time never was seen by mortal eyes.
ehange from the beautiful been livingto the scenes
realms of
in which
THE
WITCH
AND
THE
SUNS
SISTER
(Russian) In
a
certain
queen.
was
far-off country there And
once
lived
king and Ivan, who

he
see
was a
they had
from his
dumb
years
was
only son, Prince birth. One day, when

an
twelve
groom groom
old,he
a
went
into the stable to
who
great friend of his.

to tell him
That and
on
always used
some
tales
to
,
(skazki),
him
pecting, ex-
this occasion
to
Prince stories
Ivan
went
hear
(shazochki)but
"
that
wasn't
"
what
he heard. Ivan !"

a
Prince
soon a
said the
groom,
your
mother
will
have
will be
terrible
daughter,and you a sister. She' witch,and she will eat up her father
219
A and her
Guide
to
Mythology
subjects.So
"
mother, and
a
all their
go
and
ask your
father for the best horse he has
as
if you be
out
wanted
of
gallop
"
and
then, if
you
want
to
harm's
way,
ride away
withersoever
your
eyes
guide you."
Prince time Ivan
ran
off to his father
and,for
the first
to him. life, began speaking that he never At that the king was so delighted thoughtof askingwhat he wanted a good steed for, ordered the very best horse he had but immediately in his stud to be saddled for the prince. Prince Ivan mounted, and rode off without caring where he went Long, long did he ride. At lengthhe came old women to where two were sewing,and he begged them to let him live with But they said: them. Gladly would we do so, Prince Ivan, only we
"
in his
have have
now
but
short time to live.

of
As
soon
as
we
broken
that trunkful
and needles, instant
used
up
rive ar-
that trunkful
!" Prince Ivan
of
thread,that
into tears
will death
burst
and
rode
on.
Long,
the to where long did he ride. At lengthhe came giantYertodub was, and he besoughthim, saying: Take me to live with you." Gladly would I have taken you, Prince Ivan," the giant, but now I have very little replied longer I have pulled to live. As soon as up all these trees will come death ! by the roots, instantly my More stilldid the princeweep he rode as bitterly farther and farther on. to where By and by he came
" "
"
"
220
Myths
the
of the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
giantVertogor was, and made the same request to him, but he replied: " Gladly would I have taken you, Prince Ivan, but I myselfhave very little to live. I am set longer The moment I here,you know, to level mountains. with these you have settled matters see remaining,
"
then
will my Ivan
death
come
!" flood of bitter tears,and Long, long did he ride. At

a
Prince rode
on
burst into
stillfarther.
came
last he
dwellingof the She received him into her house,gave drink,and treated him just as if he
to
own son.
the
Sun's him had
Sister.
food been
and
her
The
no use
princenow
; he couldn't
led
an
easy life.
But
it
was
all
helpbeingmiserable. He longed what was to know so going on at home. He often went to the top of a high mountain, and in which he used to live, thence gazed at the palace all eaten away ; nothing and he could see that it was Then he would sigh but the bare walls remained!
and
weep.
Once
when
he
returned
after he
had
been thus
him:
"
and crying, the looking
Sun's Sister asked
What
?"
makes
your
eyes
so
red
Prince to-day,
Ivan
"
The
wind
same
The
the Sun's
blowingin them," said he. thinghappened the second time. Then to stop blowing. Sister ordered the wind
has been Ivan there
come was no
Again,a
a
third time did Prince face.

to
back
with
blubbered
had
This
time
help for
it; he
confess
and everything,
221
then he took
A
to
Guide
to
Mythology
his old
on
the Sun's entreating himself might satisfy

not
Sister to let him

about
go, that he home. She

treating. urgentlyen-
would
let him
go, but he went
So
away
at
last he
persuadedher,and
about the
she let him
go
to find out
his home.
But
first she provided
journey with a brush, a comb, and two youth-giving old anyone apples. However he would might be, let him eat one of these apples, again in an instant. grow young to where Well, Prince Ivan came Yertogor was. There left! He took was only justone mountain his brush and cast it down on the open plain. Immediately knows there rose out of the earth, goodness whence,high,ever so high mountains,their peaks of them was touchingthe sky. And the number
such that there
were
more
him
for
than
the eye
could seel
recommenced and blithely Vertogorrejoiced greatly

his work.
After todub
trees
time
and
Prince found
Ivan
came
to
were
where
Verthree and
where some-
was,
that there
only
remaining there. So he took the comb flungit on the open plain. Immediately from
or
other there
the
came
sound
of
trees, and
forth from
stem
each ground arose dense oak forests, lighted, more huge than the others ! Vertodub was deand set to work uprootthanked the prince, ing
and
the ancient oaks.
By
by
Prince
Ivan
an
reached
and gave
each of them
became straightway
young
apple. again. So theygave
the old women, They ate them, and

him
222
A
So and
to
Guide
to
to
Mythology
She
she set to work
clear the way.
gnawed,
gnawed,
bore
was
and
her
way
lengthcontrived hy hard work through;but by this time Prince

at
Ivan On
far ahead.
chased and chased. Just pursuit, and it would be impossible for him little more, a to escape! But Vertogor spiedthe witch, laid hold of all the mountains, pitched of the very highest another it down all of a heap on the road,and flung mountain righton top of it. While the witch was Prince Ivan rode and rode, climbingand clambering, ahead. At last the and found himself a long way witch got across set off the mountain, and once more in pursuit of her brother. By and by she caught of him and exclaimed : sight
she dashed in
"
You
sha'n't get away

now close,
from
me
this time ! '
And !
to
now
she is At
she is
justgoing to
Ivan
catch him up
that very
moment
Prince
dashed
the abode
"
of the Sun's Sun ! open Sister
Sister and window !"
cried.
Sun,
the
opened the window, and the princebounded through it,horse and all. Then the witch began to ask that her brother might be given up to her for punishment. The Sun's Sister would would she give not listen to her, nor
The Sun's
him
"
up.
Then Prince
the witch Ivan be
said:
to
see
Let
weighed against me,

then
me
which
but
is the heavier.
If I am, kill Ivan
I will eat him
if he
was
is,then
done. of the
let him Prince
!"
was
This
the first to get
into
one
then scales;
224
the witch
began
to
get
Myths
of the But
Sun, Moon, and

no
Stars
set
into the other. it than with and

up
sooner
had in the
she
foot in that
shot
Prince
Ivan
air,and
into the
such
force that lie flew
rightup
Sister.
sky,
down
into the house

as
of the Sun's
But
for the earth.
Witch-Snake,she remained
below
on
THE
MAKING
OF
THE
MIRROR
(Japanese)
Now,
into her
when
ascended Amaterasu, the Sun-Goddess, in, kingdom, she reigned there peacefully
of her beauty flooded ; and the fair light great glory the earth and Her brother
to
the heavens. ment Susa-wo, at the time of his banishbeheld her shiningand under-world,
the
said:
"
I will go and I
bid farewell to my
"
sister the Sun-
Goddess,ere
So that
! depart
to
he mounted the
heaven
with
such
sudden shook
lence vioand
rivers
and
mountains
groanedaloud,and
Amaterasu
know
me
was
every
land and
country quaked.
and said
:
"
greatlyalarmed
my
brother desires to take my So she
kingdom
from
girton her ten-span sword and her nine-span sword, and her necklace of five hundred jewelswhich she twisted round her hair and arms, and her thousand-arrow and she slung on quiver, dished she branelbow-shield. Then great high-sounding her bow and stamped her feet into the hard ground till it fell away from her like rotten snow,
!"
225
A
and
Guide
to
Mythology
of
she stood
a valiantly, uttering mighty cry
defiance.
Then
Susa-wo of
her
stood
on
the farther side of the
River Tranquil
and
"
answered
O
my
Heaven,which is the Milky Way, with fair words : softly

am
sister ! I
come
hither
with
pure
on
a
heart to hid thee farewell.

stern countenance
Why
hut
dost thou
see
put
once
Let
to
me
thee
and
speak with thee,face

let him
"ven
ere face, was
the heart of the Sun-Goddess

enter
depart." Then and she softened,

of Heaven. But his turbulent
and
cross
the River
here Susa-wo
could not rest from
ways.
wonder would wisdom, Amaterasu how hest to help and comfort mankind, and on a certain day she sent Susa-wo on a journeyto find her sister, the Food-Goddess, she had many as things the Food-Goddess looked of her. When to inquire toward her,she quickly and saw Susa-wo descending prepareda great hanquetin his honor, and hy her her mouth miraculous she produced from power
Now,
in her
boiled rice and
every
kind
of fish and
into
a
game.
But
Susa-wo, watchingher, flew

out
comes
:
"
rage
and
me
cried
what his
Thou from
art
unclean
! Dost
thou he
offer
took
thy
mouth
!"
And
out
sword When with

see
and
slew her. heard

sent
were
Amaterasu
she this,
a
was
very
wroth
to
her
and brother,
second
messenger
if the Food-Goddess he found

man
reallydead.
All and
And
when
good for
her,behold,a miracle ! were growingfrom her head

226
things body.
Myths
Millet and
of the
Sim, Moon,
and
Stars
them,
The the
grass, mulberrytrees with silkworms on rice and wheat and large and small beans.
took them them to presented and gave them rejoiced greatly the wet fields and other grains all and
messenger
who Sun-Goddess, to mankind, rice for for the dry. And she plantedthe mulberry trees on the fragrant hills of heaven,and chewed the cocoons of the and spun thread to weave silk garments silkworms, for the gods. one ]\Tow, day, while she was weaving with her maidens in the sacred hall, word was brought to her that her brother had trampled the rice fields and her storehouses. And when she soughtto polluted him he angered her yet more and excuse by his folly violence. So Amaterasu covered her face, and in her griefand anger she hid herself from the sightof all men in a rocky cave, and closed the door. When her radiance was hidden,all the world was left in deep darkness and confusion, the whole plain of heaven was and the Land of the Reedobscured, Plains darkened. Night and day were unknown, and neither in heaven nor earth was there any light voices rose and fell, at all. The sound of many like the swarming of bees, and everywhere trouble was and dismay. In the midst of the gloom the eighty myriads of in council, and their meetinggods met together the banks of the Milky Way of Heaven. was on place And the Great Wise God, wiser than his fellows, who held in his mind the thoughts and imaginings
227
Guide
to
Mythology
"
of
all men,
said
: softly
She
us
"
is show
woman,
and
surelywill
more
be curious.
Let
beautiful than
herself !
nothingfairer could be mighty mirror,forgedby the Blacksmith Yet the gods were the metals of heaven.
Heaven and his anvil
something But as in all High found, they made a

God
not
her
from
fied, satis-
commanded
from
him
to make
another.
So with
fashioned Milky Way, and bellows, from he forged a second a single deer-skin, and this last was and flawless, and yet a third, perfect in shape like the Sun. And they lit great firesoutside the cave and hung the mirror there
on
the
the branches
of the sacred Sakaki
and glittering ever-bright of fine-woven cloth. and below it some jewels, strips God took from his fellows six long the Wise Then bows them and bound and together, placed them upright in the ground and gently brushed the strings.
tree, above it
necklace of
And forth
to
the
fair
Goddess
Ame-no-Hzume
was
led
dance, her flowingsleeves bound up with the creepingplant Masaki, and her head-dress of Kadsura from the mountains trailing vine, gathered hands in her of Heavenly Fragrance, and the branches of young bamboos hung with tiny bells. These she waved rhythmicallyto and fro to the sound of her stepping, and as the humming of the the eightyMyriad Gods and fell, rose bow-strings sat around her and joyfully beat the measure. She sang of the beauty of an unknown goddess, and as her body swayed in cadence, the great assem228
Myths bly
of
of the
Sun, Moon, and
Stars
of heaven
gods laughed aloud

Sun-Goddess
and
till the vault
shook. The
wondered
said
:
"
greatlyat
How
all this
mirth
the
music, and
Plain is of
is it that while the Land of the
whole
Heaven
and
Uzume darkened, singsand frolics,, She and do laugh? the eighty Myriad Gods of the cave. out peeped inquisitive still sang of the beauty of the Unknown Uzume Goddess,and the words of the first song were these ;
Reed-Plains
"
Gods! Comes
from she
the cavern's
gloom
majestical. Shall not our hearts rejoice? Mine is the victory!

Who
can
resist my
charms?
One! Hail,Ever-Shining
And
cave
make upon
to venture wondering longing yet unwilling looked from the depthsof the Amaterasu forth, and heard the gods and listened to the strains, till, openingwider the door,she stood merry;
" "
the threshold.
held forward the mirror, and gods hastily she saw, amazed, the vision of her own exceeding Then loveliness. the first flush of dawn appeared ing suddenlyin the east,there was a stir as of awakenblushed pink, and all the mountain-tops birds, the gods held their breath. forward stillgazingentranced, She stepped softly, while broad shafts of lightshot upward in the sky, and her gloryfilledthe air with rosy radiance. As Two
229
Guide
to
Mythology beauty,the
stretched
more
she looked
on
her
ineffable
rope,
never
Wise
across
God,
the
twistinga
mouth
to
rice-straw
cave
"
it
of the
for
a
could
she desire
hide her face from

And thus with
world. sorrowing
came
the sunshine
men.
music
ing, and danc-
for the
delightof
In
Norse
mythology,the story
is told that
the
formed of the sparks from heavenly bodies were Muspelheim. The gods did not create them, but they placed them in the heavens to give lightto the world, and assignedthem a locality prescribed and and motion.
moon.
Mundilfare He had
two
was
the father
of the
sun
and a son a children, daughter,so lovely and graceful that he called the boy Maane (Moon), and the girl Sol (Sun), and Sol he gave in marriage to Glener (the Shining One). incensed much The gods,however, were at the presumptionof Mundilfare, so they took his two them in the heavens, where they children and placed let Sol drive the horses of the Sun, while Maane and its increasing and regulates guides the Moon waning aspect. akin to a god of the Sun in Norse Very closely is the favorite He mythology is Balder the Good. and nature. of all the gods and of all men So fair and dazzling is he in form and features that rays of idea of the him. Some to issue from lightseem beauty of his hair may be formed from the fact that the whitest of all plants is called Balder' s brow.
230
Guide
to
Mythology
In
"sun
ones
and
mythology there are two gods of the of the moon.1 and two The older goddesses Helios and Selene, tified idenbut they became were with the later celebrated pair, Phoebus Apollo Artemis called her, or Diana, as the Romans
Greek
the God of the Sky, and Latona. Zeus, Apollo was not only a god of the sun, who brought and the spring, but he wras the healer, the warm sun off the dangersand diseases of summer "who warded and autumn. He had a temple at Delphi,where a to give forth oracles in regard wont was priestess to the future,supposed to be revealed by Apollo. He was founder of cities, tion, a a promoter of colonizathe he was a giver of good laws,and, finally, the children of
patron of music
the the
and
poetry.
To the
him
were
sacred
ram,
wolf, the
roe, the mouse,
the he-goat,
and the swan. dolphin, An ancient hymn by Callimachus him

as
scribes (240 B.C.)de-
follows:
"How How
hath
the laurel shoot
the wThole of the shrine ! Now
Apollo heaved! ners. Afar, afar be ye, sinknock not?

at the
of
verilydoth
foot. in
a
Phoebus See
you
doors
an
with
beauteous has nodded
The
Deli
palm
fashion on a sudden, pleasant and the swan of singssweetly on the air. Now accord fall back,ye bolts of the doors, and your own For no of yourselves, longer is the god ye bars. afar off. Make ready,ye young men, for the song and the choir. Not to every one doth Apollomani1
See
Gayley's"Classic Myths
232
in
EnglishLiterature."
Apollo
with
the
Lyre.
Glyptothek,Munich.
Myths
fest
have hath
"
of the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
himself,but to only the good. Whoso seen him, great is he; small that man
not
seen
shall
who
him. O thee,
account.
We
more
shall behold of small
Fardarter Nor
! and
shall be
no
noiseless tread should

when he
the servants
sojourns among
"
them.
in honor
" "
holy
"
silence at the song

"
lyre,nor of Phoebus have, Listen and keep of Apollo.

"
silent
Golden
are
both the garment
and
his lyre,his Lyctianbow, and Apollo, for Apollo is too, his sandals; golden, and has also many possessions.
.
"
clasp of his quiver: rich in gold,

the
"
"
"
"
And
"
indeed he is
"
ever
"
ever beauteous,
"
young.
"
"
Great,too,in
To Phoebus
art
is no
one
so
much
as
as
Apollo.
as
"
the
care
of the bow
well
of song
is intrusted.
"
art
ers: him, likewise, belongdivinations and divinhave learned the and from Phoebus physicians death. of delaying To
" " " "
"
"
And
Phoebus following
For
men ever
are
wont
to
measure
out
cities.
Phoebus himself
cities and
Phoebus
in founding delights laystheir foundations."
The
the bow upon
twin sister of
Artemis,is Apollo,
Its slender
first of all
arc
Goddess
; its beams
of the Moon.
are a
is her
womenkind
her arrows, with which she sends death. She determined painless
233
Guide
to
Mythology
or
herself
never
to
fall in love
marry,
and
so
she
imposed upon the nymphs she gathered about her of perpetual maidenhood, and if any of them vows she punished them broke these vows severelyand swiftly. Graceful in form and free of movement, and surrounded equipped for the chase, by a bevy of fair companions, the swift-rushing wont was goddess and plain. She was, to scour hill, forest, valley, however, not only huntress,but guardian of wild mestic mistress of horses and kine and other dobeasts,
brutes.
She
ruled
smote
marsh
sea
and
as
mountain;
as
her
gleaming arrows Springs and woodland

them she and her
well
land. in
to
brooks
she
were
favored,for
accustomed
the meadows
a
attendants
bathe.
arable thanks.
She
blessed with
from
verdure them
and of
lands, and
When
obtained
meed
chase,she turned to music and dancing, for the lyre and flute and song dear to her. Muses, graces, nymphs, and the were themselves fair goddesses throngedthe rites of the woodland But ordinarily a chorus-leading queen. chapel or a rustic altar sufficed for her worship. laid his offering antlers, There the hunter skin,
weary
"
of the
or
edible
of portions had mistress
the deer
that
Artemis him.
of the
golden arrows
She
of
was
herself vouchsafed of the brute
youth, patron of guardianof civil right.The cypress tree was sacred her favorites were the bear, the boar, to her; and the hind. the dog,the goat, and especially A pretty pictureis given of Artemis in a hymn
234
creation, tress protectemperance in all things,
Myths
of the which child
Sun, Moon,
describes
on
and
Stars when
by Callimachus yet a blooming

thus addressed
how,
the knees
of her
sitting she sire,
him:
"
'
Grant
me,
kind
father,to
preserve
eternal may bow.

a
maidenhood,
not
and
me.
vie with
that so Phoebus names, many And and arrows give me I ask

not
a
Grant
it,sire!
the and
large bow:
arrows,
quiver of thee, nor cyclopeswill forthwith forge me

a
fashion
flexible bow.
And
I ask to
girtas far as the knee with a tunic of colored that I may border, slaywild beasts. And give me sixtyocean nymphs to form my chorus,all young
be and of the
same
age.
Give
me
likewise
as
ants attend-
nymphs, who may duly take I no of my care buskins,and, when longer am shootinglynxesand stags,may tend my fleet dogs. Give me all mountains,and assignto me any city,
whichsoever Artemis thou
twenty Amnisian
choosest.
down into
For
a
'twill be rare, when
shall go will I dwell.'

"
city. On
mountains
havingspoken,the maiden wished to touch the beard of her sire; and oft outstretched her hands until at last she might touch it. to no purpose, her father assented wTith a smile, Then and said as he fondled her: c Have, child, whatever you ask of will own choice;but other yet greater gifts your
your
Thus
sire bestow. which
Thrice
ten
cities will I present to

any
you,
shall not
learn to honor
other
god,
but thee
and alone, I will
shall be called the cities of Artemis.
And
give thee
235
many
cities to
measure
A
out
Guide
with
to
Mythology
on gods,
in
common
other
the continent and sacred

groves
islands ; in all shall be and Artemis,
altars and
of and
thou shalt he
guardianover
ways
harbors.'
"
THE
DEATH
OF
BALDER
THE
GOOD
(From the Norse
Eddas)
This
was
an
event
which
the
asas
deemed
of
having been that his tormented by terrible dreams, indicating in great peril, communicated life was them to resolved the assembled gods, who, sorrow-stricken, from him the threatened to conjure all thingsto avert danger. Then Frigg exacted an oath from iron and all other metals,as fire and water, from well as from birds, diseases, beasts, stones, earths, and of them that none creepingthings, poisons,
the
would do
any
great importance. Balder
Good
harm
to
Balder.
Still Odin
feared
He of the gods had vanished. prosperity and rode down saddled his steed Sleipner to ISTinheim, where the dog from Iiel met him; it was bloodyon the breast and barked a long time at Odin. Odin advanced ; the earth trembled beneath him, and East of the of Hel. he came to the high dwelling door he knew the grave of the vala was situated; thither he rode and sang magic songs (kvaogaldra), stood up and asked who turbed disuntil she unwillingly her peace, after she had been lyingso long that the covered with
snow
and
a
son were
wet
with
dew. and
Odin
called for the
himself whom
Yegtam,
the benches
of
Yaltam,
with
asked
strewn
ringsand
236
Guide
to
Mythology
(Loke) repliedthat they were ings. The woman throwing darts and stones at Balder without being
able to hurt
"
him. metal
an nor
Ay/' said Frigg, " neither hurt Balder, for I have exacted
them."
"
wood
can
oath from
all of
What
!"
exclaimed
the
"
"
woman,
have
all
to spare Balder ? sworn things " All things," replied Frigg, " except one little shrub that grows the eastern side of Valhal,and on is called mistletoe, and which I thought too young
and As
feeble to
soon as
crave
an
oath
from."
went
Loke
heard
this he
away,
and,
resuming his natural form, pulledup the mistletoe and repaired the gods were to the place where sembled. ashe found Hoder There standingfar to side without engagingin the sport on account one of his blindness. Loke, going up to him, said: at Balder % Why do not you also throw something I am Because blind,"answered Hoder, and ing where Balder is, and besides I have nothcannot see
" " " "
to throw
61
at him."
show and
Come, then,"said Loke, " do like the rest,and honor to Balder by throwingthis twig at him, I will direct your arm toward the placewhere
then
took
he stands."
and under the mistletoe, guidanceof Loke darted it at Balder,who, pierced through and through,fell down lifeless. Surely either among there witnessed, never was gods or
Hoder
the
men,
more
atrocious deed than this !

238
When
Balder
Myths
fell the then mind hut
of the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
godswere they looked

to
struck
at each
on
and with horror, speechless
other; and
who had
all
were
of the
one
lav
hands
him
done
deed,
out to delay their vengeance obliged of respect for the sacred place (place of peace) assembled. where They at length gave they were that vent to their griefby such loud lamentations their grief to one other. annot able to express they were most Odin, however, felt this misfortune the best how because he knew severely, great was mischief and the loss which the gods had sustained by the death of Balder. When the gods were a little wished them to composed,Frigg asked who among gain all her love and favor by ridingto the lower world to try and find Balder, and offer a ransom to Hel if she would permitBalder to return to Asthe Nimble, gard; whereupon Hermod, surnamed horse offered to undertake the journey. Odin's then led forth and preparedfor the Sleipnerwas mounted him and galloped hastily journey; Hermod
they were
away.
The carried
gods then
took the dead
body
of Balder
and
it to the sea, where lay B alder's ship, Ringof all ships. But when horn,which was the largest
they wanted
ship,in order to make unable Balder's funeral pile on to it,they were it from the place. In this predicament move they for a certain giantess sent a messenger to Jotunheim ing ridwho came named Hyrroken (the smoking fire),
to
launch
this
on
wolf and
as
had
twisted serpentsfor her reins.
As
soon
she
Odin alighted
239
ordered
four
berserks
A
to
Guide
to
Mythology
but they were to throw steed, obliged the ground before they could down the animal on it. Hyrroken then went to the prow of the manage but the ship,and with a singlepush set it afloat; the violent that fire sparkled from motion so was underlaid rollers and the whole world shook. Thor,. hold her
enraged at
have broken
the
graspedhis sight,
skull had Balder's board
mallet
not
and
would
the woman's her.
the
terceded gods in-
for
to the funeral
pileon
an
then carried body was the ship,and this ceremony Balder's broke wife with
had
such
effect upon
Nannar
daughter of Nep, that her heart and her body was laid upon the same
with
that of her husband. it with
up
a
griefr
burned
the
and pile stood
Thor
beside M
pile and
Before
kicked also
was
consecrated
his hammer dwarf
joiner.
Thor
his feet sprang him with
called Lit.
so fire,
his foot into the There

was
a
that he of
sion. proces-
burned.
kinds First of of
vast
concourse
various
peopleat
all
came
Balder's funeral
Odin, accompanied by
Then and his ravens. came Frigg, the valkyries, drawn by the boar Gullinburste Trey in his chariot, or Slidrugtanne(the sharp-toothed). (gold-brush), Heimdal rode his horse Goldtop,and Freyja drove also a in her chariot drawn by cats. There were of frost giantsand mountain giants great number the famous present. Odin cast upon the funeral pile ring Draupner, which had been made for him by the dwarfs,and possessed the property of producing ninth night eight rings of equal weight. every Balder's horse, also laid upon was fullycaparisoned,
240
Diana
or
Artemis
the
Huntress.
Versailles.
Myths
the
of the
Sun, Moon,
in the
same
and
Stars the
and consumed pile, body of his master.
flames with
Meanwhile
Of him
as
Hermod
was
on proceeding
his mission.
it is to be related that he rode nine

many
deep dark that he could not discern anything, so the until he came to the river Gjol and passed over the river Gjol),which over bridge(bridge Gjallar is covered with glittering gold. Modgud, the maiden and parwho kept the bridge, asked him his name entage, and added that the day before five fylkes had ridden over the bands) of dead men (kingdoms, " it did not shake as much bridge; but,"she said, beneath all of them togetheras it does under you and you have not the complexionof the dead \ alone, why, then,do you ride here on your way to Hel? " I ride to Hel," answered Hermod, " to seek for this him Balder; have you perchance seen pass She repliedthat Balder had ridden over way? and that the road to the abodes, the Gjallar bridge, of death (to Hel) lay downward and toward the
"
days and valleys
nightsthrough dark
and
"
"
"
north.
journeyuntil he came from Then he alighted to the barred gates of Hel. his horse,drew the girthstighter, remounted him, and clapped The horse cleared both spurs into him. it. the gate with a tremendous leapwithout touching Hermod then rode forward to the palace, alighted and went in, where he found his brother Balder seat in the hall, occupyingthe most distinguished and spent the nightin his company. The next mornhis
241
Hermod
then continued
A
ing
Guide Hel
to
Mythology
(death) to let Balder ride with him, representing which home to her the sorrow the gods. Hel replied that it prevailedamong
he entreated
should
now
he tried whether
as
Balder
was
so
sally univer-
be; if, therefore, she added, all things in the world, the livingas for him, then he shall will weep well as the lifeless, to the gods,but if anything speak against return him or refuse to weep, then Hel will keep him.
was
heloved
he
said to
After this Hermod

out
rose
up ; Balder
went
with him
ring Draupner, to ISTanna sent Frigg present as a keepsake to Odin. and to with several other gifts, a carpet, together Hermod then !Fulla she sent a gold finger-ring. that he rode back to Asgard and related everything
gave
of the hall and
him
the
had
heard and witnessed.
out throughdispatched messengers all the world to beseech everything in to weep, order that Balder might be delivered from the power of Hel. All thingsvery willingly complied with the request man, animals,the earth,stones, trees, and all metals just as we see thingsweep when air. When out of the frost into the warm they come with the conviction the messengers were returning, that their mission had been quitesuccessful, they found home their way a on giantess gygr), (ogress, who called herself Thok. They bade her also weep gods upon
" "
The
this
Balder
:
out
of the
dominion
of Hel.
But
she
swered an-
Thok With
will weep
dry tears
242
A south and of the
Guide
to
Mythology
north,of the west and of the east, tered have fastened chains upon him, and they have fethim with fetters; the god Rekes hath overthrown him and the god Hertit hath put him in Ra setteth, Ra is strong at his chains. Ra setteth, Apep, the enemy of Ra, setting.Apep hath fallen; departeth. Greater is the punishment which hath which is the Scorpion been inflictedon thee than the sting hath she,whose and mightily course goddess, is everlasting, and with deadly worked in upon thee, shalt never of love, effect. Thou enjoy the delights O Apep, thou fulfil thy desire, thou shalt never He maketh thee to go back, 0 Enemy of Ra! thou who art hateful to Ra; he looketh upon thee, He pierceth thy head, he cutteth get thee back! throughthy face,he divideth thy head at the two
and it is crushed in his land ; sides of the ways, are thy bones are smashed in pieces, thy members
thee,and the god Aker hath condemned thee,O Apep, thou Enemy of Ra! Thy mariners those who keep the reckoning for thee,O Ra are
hacked
off
as
thou
advancest
and
thou
to thee.
resteth As House.
there
within
are
as
the thou
made offerings advancest
thou
advancest,
not
anv me against Set, who
toward
the
Let
baleful obstacle
proceedfrom thy mouth

on
when
thou
workest
my
behalf.
and
am
let loose the storm-clouds horizon of heaven.
the thunder
in
the
244
Myths
THE
of the
Sun, Moon, and Stars
STORY
OF
PHCEBUS
APOLLO
{Greek)
Soon
among
after his birth the Sun

the where Hyperboreans,
year
God
spent
and
year
for six continuous
spring, of herbs and flowers, and soft climate,profusion the very ecstasy of life. During this delay the Delphianssang paeans hymns of praise to Apollo, threeand danced in chorus about the tripod, or of Apollo where the expectant priestess leggedstool, when the year was At last, had taken her seat. the god in his chariot drawn came by swans warm, and of nightingales heralded by songs of springtide, fount of Then the crystal and crickets. swallows overflowed their Castalia and the stream Cephissus made grateful to the bounds,and mankind offerings peaceful. god. But his advent was not altogether An enormous serpent (Python) had crept forth from the earth was the slime with which, after the flood, of Mount Parnassus this covered;and in the caves Him of the peoplelurked. tered, terror Apollo encounmonths of the there
" " " -
is sunshine
and
after fearful combat
slew with
arrows,
not
which the god of the silver bow had weapons before used against any but feeble animals.
In
commemoration
of this conquest, he
instituted the
of
Pythian games, in swiftness strength,

should be crowned
In
which
of
the
in feats victor,
foot,or
a
in the chariot race,
with
wreath
of beach
of
leaves.
his conflict with
another monster
his
darkness,
Apollo
had
the
assistance of
245
sister Artemis
Guide
to
Mythology
darts they subdued fiery (Diana). By their unerring, who not only had obstructed the giantTityus, the peaceful to the oracle of Delphi,but had ways
ventured
Another
to insult the event
mother
of the twin
deities.
in
the
life of
fierydarts Hyacinthus. The god of the silver bow was in the forth he went habit of going with Hyacinthus when or his hunting and expeditions, on fishing upon One day they decided tramps in the mountains. of quoits to play a game together.Apollo,heaving aloft the discus with strengthmingled with skill,
fatal effect of his
sent
Apollo shows the friend, a upon young
it
high and
eager
far.
to
excited Hyacinthus,
make his
with
the
sport and
to
throw,
He
ran
forward
the earth
seize the struck The
missile;but
him
it bounded
from
and fell.
in the forehead.
fainted
him
and and
raised god, as pale as himself,

to
tried all his art

the
staunch in
a
the
wound As when
and
one
retain has
but life, flitting the

stem
vain.
broken its head head lell said
of
lilyin
the
to
garden it hangs
the
and
turns
its flowers if too

"
of the
over
dying boy, as
his shoulder.
"
earth, so the heavy for his neck,
on
Phcebus, robbed
of
Hyacinth," diest, Would thy life by me.

Thou
that I could
die for thee!
But
since that may
not
be, my lyre shall celebrate thee,my song shall tell thy fate,and thou shalt become a flower inscribed with my regret."While the goldengod spoke,the blood which had flowed on the ground and stained the herbage ceased to be blood, and a flower of hue more beautiful than Tyrian purple sprang up,
246
Myths
of the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
fer resemblingin shape the lily. Phoebus then,to conthe petals with his still greater honor, marked them. The inscribing Ai ! ai ! sorrow, upon flower bears the name of Hyacinthus,and with returning of his fate. spring revives the memory also a perfectmagician in music. Apollo was He helped Neptune, the God of the Sea, to build the walls of the ancient and far-famed cityof Troy his lyre. on simply by playing
" "
It is said that
upon
one
occasion
Pan
had
the
his music with that of Apollo? to compare temerity and to challenge the God of the Lyre to a trial of skill. The challengewas accepted,and Tmolus, the Mountain God, was chosen umpire. The Senior took
ears
his seat, and

to listen.
cleared
a
away
the trees
from
on
his his
At his
pipes,and
to
with
Pan given signal, rustic melody gave
blew
faction great satis-
himself
and be the
his faithful follower Tmolus
Midas,
turned
trees
who his
happened to
head
toward him. with
present. Then
Sun
God,
and
all his
Apollo rose, his brow wreathed with Parnassian while his robe of Tyrian laurel, purple swept the ground. In his left hand he held the lyre, and with his right hand struck the strings. Tmolus awarded the victoryto the lyric at once in the judgment. god, and all but Midas acquiesced He and dissented, questionedthe justiceof the praved award, and Apollo promptly transformed his depair of ears into those of an ass.
turned
247
Guide
to
Mythology
AND
THE
STORY
OF
ARTEMIS
ORION
{Greek)
a giant and a Orion, the son of Neptune, was and manly favor mighty hunter, whose prowess of Artemis. It is gained for him the rare good-will related that he loved Merope, the daughter of riage. "Enopion,king of Chios, and sought her in marcleared the island of wild beasts, and He brought the spoilsof the chase as presents to his beloved; but as (Enopion constantlydeferred his of the consent, Orion attempted to gain possession incensed maiden at this by violence. Her father, conduct,made Orion drunk, deprived him of his The sight,and cast him out on the seashore. blinded hero, instructed by an oracle to seek the the sound of a Cyclop's rays of morning, followed hammer till he reached Lemnos, where Vulcan, taking pityon him, gave him Cedalion,one of his ing Placmen, to be his guide to the abode of the sun. Cedalion Orion his shoulders, on proceeded to the east, and there meeting the Sun stored reGod, was to sight by his beam. After this he used to go hunting with Artemis, much of Apollo, to the displeasure who did not like
^
his sister to
make
such
friend
of
Orion.
One
Orion as he walked through day,therefore, observing the sea, with his head just above water, Apollo pointedout the black object and mainto his sister, tained that she could not hit it. The archer goddess
a shaft discharged
with
fatal aim ; the

248
waves
rolled
Diana
or
Artemis.
Correggio.
A in Greece is that
Guide
once
a
to
Mythology
of the train nymph, Callisto, of Artemis, who fell in love, was changed into a One day long after she saw bear by Juno. a youth ( him as her own She son. hunting,and recognized stoppedand wanted to embrace him, but her son, not her in her bear form, was the point on recognizing of transfixing her when Zeus arrested the crime, and, snatchingaway both of them, placed them in the heavens The has
as
the Great
Bear
and
the Little Bear.

a
story of Orion's translation into
constellation of stars this

seems
alreadybeen given. Around

cluster many
one
the group
called the Pleiades

group of
seven
legends. Of
dim that
stars
is
so
it
to disappear.A entirely
South
a
Australian
queen
legend
her six
tells that attendants. who foimd
the
Pleiades Crow be
were
and
The
to
fell in love with The
the queen,
refused
his wife. and her
Crow, however,
were
that the queen
six maidens
in
the habit of
huntingfor white,edible grubs in the bark of trees. Crow The at once changed himself into a grub and hid in the bark of a tree. The six maidens sought to pick him out with their wooden hooks, but he broke the pointsof all the
hooks. Then he
came
the queen be drawn
with
her
pretty bone
hook;
of
a
let himself
out, took the shape
and ran with her. Ever since there giant, away have only been six stars and six maidens in the Pleiades. to a Greek myth, the Pleiades, According who still fly before Orion in the heavens,were daughtersof Atlas and nymphs of the train of One day they were Artemis. pursuedby the giant
250
Myths of
hunter
the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
Orion, and, being very much they prayed to the gods to change their
heard their prayers,
frightened,
form.
Zeus
and changedthem into pigeons, ber placedthem among the stars. Though their numfor was now visible, seven, only six stars are it is said Electra left her placethat she might not had been founded behold the ruin of Troy, which The sight had such an effect by her son Dardanus. her sisters that they blanched,and have been on Her pale ever since. But Electra became a comet. she stillranges inconsolably the hair floating wildly, expanse The of heaven. notion prettiest in
regardto
a
the stars is that
they are the souls of the dead. example,they thoughtthat when

made The of star
a new
In
Germany, for child died,God
star.
Xorth
American
Indians
are
fond particularly
ing charmmyths, and they have invented some star stories. According to them, stars might down after the talk to men, It came story is given below. where
to find game.
come
one
and
manner
of
and
whose
a
down
told
hunter
Some
are
the stars constellations among evidently metamorphosedtotems, for there is a that
of the animal
widespreadbelief
were
these star
animals
or
men
the ancestors
been
of the
and people,
they had
of
"
lifted up to heaven. is described by the Indians sometimes

and spirits road of birds
that ages ago The Milky Way

as
the
"
path
the
the road of
sometimes souls,"
as
alongwhich the souls of the good go like birds, to dwell at last in heaven in peace." flitting
251
Guide
to
Mythology
STORY
OF
THE
CHILD
AND
THE
STAR
(IowaIndian)
Many
a
years
star
ago
when child,
in the heavens
served obyoung, that attracted him more

very
than any
attachment
on
others.
As the child grew to manhood his His thoughtsdwelt continincreased. ually
beauty of the night. One day, while hunting,as he sat down, travel-worn and weary with his ill-success, his beloved star appearedto him him with encouraging and comforted words,and then he found conducted him to a placewhere a great From this time the plentyand varietyof game. showed man a wonderful improvement in the young and soon became celebrated in this art of hunting, pursuit.
this
OSSEO,
THE
SON
OF
THE
EVENING
STAR
(North American
Indian)
in the north up
There
ten
once
lived
an
Indian whom their

was
who
had
all of daughters, noted for They were
grew
to womanhood.
nee, the way
youngest, who
Oweebeauty, especially in her very independent
of
a mantic thinking. She was great admirer of roand spent much of her time with the places,
flowers
and
winds
and
clouds
in
the
open
air.
"
Though the flower were homely,if it was fragrant thoughthe wind were rough,if it was healthful and though the cloud were dark, if it embosomed the fruitful rain, she knew how, in spite of appear"
252
Myths
ances,
to
of the
from
many
the
concealed acknowledgethe good qualities She paid very littleattention to the eye.
young
men
handsome
who
came
to her
father's
lodge for
Her
"one
her. of seeing the purpose in all sought elder sisters were
and marriage,
dwell
was
after the
other
of their lodges of the kind. all proposals who old man called Osseo, and who
w7as
they went husbands; but

At
was
off to Oweenee
in
the
deaf to
an
last she married
too
poor
to
able to walk, scarcely have thingslike others.
only property he owned in the world was the which he carried in his hand. Though walking-staff devout and good thus poor and homely,Osseo was a and obedient in all faithful in all his duties, man; they jeered thingsto the Good Spirit. Of course but she seemed all sides, and laughed at Oweenee on said to them, " It is my to be quitehappy, and
The
choice
and
you
will
see
in the end
who
has acted
the wisest."
of the walking-staff, mock special hour in the day passedthat they did reference to it. Among some not make disparaging themselves they spoke of Osseo of the walking-staff, of the big woods, or the the owner in derision, as
They made and scarcely an
great timber-man.
"
True/' said Oweenee,

as
"
it is but
my
but
more
it supports the
steps of
than
simplestick ; husband,it is
forests of the
preciousto
A time
came
me
all the
north."
when
were
the
and sisters,
their
a
husbands,
As
and
their parents
all invited to
253
feast.
A the distance
was
Guide
to
Mythology
considerable, they doubted whether would be able to undertake Osseo,so aged and feeble, the journey; but in spiteof their friendly he joined them, and set out with a good doubts,
As
heart.
they walked along the path they could not help pityingtheir young and handsome sister who had such an unsuitable mate. She, however,smiled Osseo,and kept with him by the way the same upon if he had been the comeliest bridegroom in all as the company. Osseo often stoppedand gazed upward; but they could perceive tion nothingin the direcin which he looked,unless it was the faint glimmering of the evening star. They heard him muttering to himself as they went along,and one of the elder sisters caught the words, Pity me, my
"
father ! "
to his man/' said she ; he is talking father. What a pity it is that he would not fall and break his neck, that our sister might have a
"
Poor
old
"
young
husband."
as Presently,
they
used
came
to
great rock
his
where
morning and his evening prayer, the star emitted a brighter ray, which in his face. shone directly Osseo,with a the to the earth,where sharp cry, fell trembling others would have left him ; but his good wife raised him forward the path, and on up, and he sprang with steps lightas the reindeer he led the party, and infirm, but a beautiful young no longerdecrepit On turning around to look for his wife,beman.
had been
to
Osseo
breathe
254
Myths
hold!
she
into
of the
hecome
Sun, Moon, and
Stars the
same ment, mo-
had
an
changed,at
feeble woman,
and double, aside.
aged and walkingwith
bent
almost
cast
the staff which
he had
immediatelyjoinedher, and with looks of bestowed on her and the tenderest regard, fondness addressed and constantly every endearingattention, sweetheart. her by the term of ne-ne-moosh-a, or my not As they walked they were along,whenever gazing fondly in each other's face,they bent their if of far-off stars, looks on as heaven, and a light,
Osseo
was
in
their eyes.
of the hunter with whom at the lodge arriving to feast, they found the banquet ready, they were
On and
as soon
"
as
their
entertainer had
his
finished
his
harangue
in
in
which the
he told them
Evening or Woman's dealt began to partakeof the portion of the guests. The to each one to age and character, all happy and they were food was delicious, very looked at his wife,and then gazed but Osseo,who upward, as if he was lookinginto the substance of the sky. Sounds soon were heard, as if from farand off voices in the air,and they became plainer of the till he could clearly some distinguish plainer,
honor of
"
was feasting Star they out, according
words.
"
your you
My son, my son,"said the voice, I and pityyour wants. afflictions,

away
"
I have
come
seen
to call
from
scene
that is stained with blood and

sorrows.
tears.
The
earth is full of of
Wicked
spirits,
the enemies
and mankind, walk abroad,

255
lie in wait
A
to
ensnare
Guide
to
Mythology
the
sky. Every night their voices to the Power of Evilr they are lifting and every day they make themselves busy in casting have long been mischief in the hunter's path. You but you shall be their victim no more. their victim, under is broken. Your evil The spellyou were I have cast him down geniusis overcome. by my and it is this strength I now exert superior strength, for your happiness. Ascend, my ascend into son; and partakeof the feast I have prepared the skies, for you in the stars,and bring with you those you
love.
"
the children
of
The
not
food set before you

to
is enchanted
and blessed.
Fear
partakeof it. It is endowed with magic and to change to giveimmortality to mortals, power bowls and kettles shall no to spirits.Your men longer be wood and earth. The one shall become silver and the other pure gold. They shall shine like fire, and glisten like the most beautiful scarlet. Every female shall also change her state and looks,. and no longer be doomed to laborious tasks. She shall put on the beauty of the starlight, and become a shining bird of the air. She shall dance, and She shall sing,and not cry. not work. " " shine faintly My beams," continued the voice, it but they have power to transform on your lodge, into the lightness of the skies, and decorate it with the colors of the clouds. Come, Osseo, son, and my dwell no on longeron earth. Think strongly my beams. at my words, and look steadfastly My power is now It is at its height. Doubt not, delaynot.
256
A
"
Guide
to
Mythology
"
My son,"said
you
birds which
at
the
door, and
have
hang that cage of have brought along in your hand I will inform why you and you
sent
the old man,
your
wife
been
for."
obeyed,and then took his seat in the lodge. Pity was shown to you," resumed the King of of the contempt of your the Star, on account wife's sisters, who laughed at her ill fortune, and
Osseo
"
"
ridiculed you while you that wicked spirit whom That

lives spirit
were
under
overcame
the
power
of
you
at the
rock.
lodge, being the small the left of mine, and he has always star you see on felt envious of my family because we had greater because we had committed to us power, and especially
in the next the
care
of the female
to
world.
He
failed in many
attempts
but
destroy your
at last in
brothers and
sisters-in-law,
transformingyourselfand You be wife into decrepit old persons. must your fall on careful and not let the lightof his beams while you are here,for therein lies the power you is the bow and of his enchantment. A ray of light
succeeded
arrow
he uses." lived
Osseo
happy
up
and
contented
in the
parental
with likeness
lodge,and
a
in due
grew
time
his wife
him presented
in the very
son, who
and rapidly, He
was
of Osseo
himself.
very
that was learningeverything dominions,but he wished also to learn the heard that this was a art of hunting,for he had favorite pursuitbelow. To gratify him, his father
quick and ready in in his granddone father's
made
him
bow
and
arrows, 258
and
he
then
let the
Myths
of the
Sun, Moon,
and
Stars
in shooting. birds out of the cage that he might practise In this pastime he soon became expert, and the very he
went
first day he
to
broughtdown
up,
to
bird ; but when

it
was a
pick it
It
was
his amazement the

arrow
beautiful young
her breast.
moment
woman,
one
with
in sticking
aunts.
of his younger fell upon
The
her blood
the surface of
that pure
like
solved. disthe charm was spotless planet, The boy immediately found himself sinking, althoughhe was partlyupheldby something wings until he passedthrough the lower clouds, he then
and
suddenlydropped upon a high,breezy island in a largelake. He was on pleased, looking him in up, to see all his aunts and uncles following discovered the silver and he soon the form of birds, with his father and mother, descending, with lodge, like so many insects' its waving tassels fluttering gilded wings. It rested on the loftiest cliffsof the and there they fixed their residence. They island, minished dibut they were all resumed their natural shapes, homage
failed
season
on
and
of the size of fairies ; and as a mark to the King of the Evening Star, theynever
to
every
duringthe evening pleasant

and
were
summer
to
join hands
rocks
dance
upon
the top of the
quicklyobserved by the with a Indians to be covered, in moonlight evenings, called little men, and were sort of Ininces, or larger and the Little Spirits, or Mish-in-e-mok-in-ok-ong, island is named from them to this day. Their shining lodge can be seen in the summer when the moon beams the pinon evenings, strongly
rocks.
These
259
A nacles of the
Guide
to
Mythology
rocks;and the fishermen who go near those high cliffsat night have even heard the voices And of the happy little dancers. Osseo and his wife, as fondly attached to each other as ever, alwavs
lead the dance.
THE
WANDERING
STAR
(A Chippewa Legend)
A them
quarrel arose
was
among
the stars, when

in the
one
of
driven from
to the earth.
was
its home
descended
to
It wandered
and heavens, from one path
another,and
all
fires when
Among
be found
was
a
hoveringover the campthe people were preparing to sleep. could the peoplein the world,only one
seen was
who
not
a
afraid
of this star, and She

was
this
daughterof
in the
Chippewa.
and
she
not
afraid she
of the awoke
star
star, hut admired
loved it.
When
night
always beheld it,for the

In
loved the maiden.
midsummer for
the
young her
on girl,
going into
a
the woods
arose.
lost berries,
rescue
way,
when
storm
Her
cries for
were
frogs. A lonelynight came, when she looked for her star in vain; the storm the sky, and at lengthcaught her in its overcast Many seasons passed, fury and bore her away. and wandering, during which the star was seen, dimmed appeared. in the sky. At length, one autumn, it dissmall light hunter saw Then a a ing hanganswered
only by
the
over
the water
within
He
the marshland
to
in which
he
was
hunting.
returned
260
announce
the
Myths
of the
"
That," said the old wise man, u was the star driven from heaven, now wandering in search of our lost maiden, our beautiful child of the Chippewas."
strange sight.
THE
DAUGHTERS
OF
THE
STARS
(North American
Indian)
Waupee,
day
or
the White
Hawk,
animals
lived in
abounded.
remote
where part of the forest, he returned

was one
from
the
for he
of the most His form
of his tribe. fire of
Every chase with a largespoil, skilful and lucky hunters like the cedar; the was
from his eye; there was no youth beamed forest too gloomy for him to penetrate,and no track made by bird or beast of any kind which he could not readilyfollow. One day he had gone beyond any pointwhich he had ever before visited. He travelled through an tance. wood, which enabled him to see a great disopen At lengthhe beheld a light breakingthrough the foliageof the distant trees, which him made
sure
was
that he
a
was
on
the
borders
with
of
prairie.It
long blue grass, and enamelled with flowers of a thousand lovelytints. without time After walking for some a path, musing upon the open country, and enjoyingthe to a ring worn breeze,he suddenly came fragrant if it had been the grass and the flowers, as among round and round. made moving lightly by footsteps
wide
covered plain,
But
it
was
strange
"
so
strange as
261
to
cause
the White
Guide and
was
to
Mythology
Hawk
to pause
"
gaze
no
ground
circle. broken
there There
long and fixedly upon the path which led to this flowery
even a
was
not
crushed
leaf
nor
twig, nor the least trace of a footstep, proaching apHe thought he to be found. or retiring, if would hide himself and lie in wait to discover^ he could, what this strange circle meant. Presentlyhe heard the faint sounds of music in the air. He looked up in the direction they came from, and as the magic notes died away he saw a small object, like a little summer cloud that approaches the earth,floating from down above. At first it was small,and seemed as if it could very have been blown away by the first breeze that came and along;but it rapidlygrew as he gazed upon it,
the
music
every
moment
came
clearer the
and
more
sweetly to
as
his
a
ear.
As
it neared
basket,and it was of the most sisters, lovely forms beauty.

As
soon
earth it peared apfilled with twelve

and
enchanting
ground they to dance, in the leapedout, and began straightway around ing, the magic ring,strikmost joyousmanner, which uttered the as they did so, a shiningball, most ravishingmelodies,and kept time as they
as
the
basket
touched
the
danced.
tranced, concealment,enforms and movements. gazed upon their graceful He admired them most all,but he was pleasedwith the youngest. He longed to be at her side, to embrace her, to call her his own; and
The
White
Hawk,
from
his
262
Myths
of the
Sun, Moon,
silent
and
Stars
admirer,he rushed out and endeavored to seize this twelfth beautywho enchanted him. with the quickBut the sisters, so ness of birds, the moment they descried the form of a man, leaped back into the basket,and were drawn up into the sky. Lamenting his ill-luck, Waupee gazed longingly the fairy basket as it ascended and bore the upon " lovelysisters from his new. They are gone,"he said," and I shall see them no more."
unable to remain
longera
solitary lodge,but he found walked He relief to his mind. no abroad,but to look at the sky,which had withdrawn from his sight the only being he had ever loved,was painfulto
He returned
to
his
him
now.
The
Hawk
near
the same day,selecting hour,the White and took his station back to the prairie, went the ring; in order to deceive the sisters, he
next
assumed the grass the cud.
the form
as
of
were
an
opossum,
and
sat
among
if he
had
there
waited
He
not
engaged in chewing long when he saw the
sweet cloudy basket descend,and heard the same music He before. as falling crept slowlytoward the ring; but the instant the sisters caught sight of him they were and sprang into their car. startled,
It
rose
short distance when
one
of the elder sisters
spoke. " she said, it has come to show us how Perhaps," the game is played by mortals." Oh, no ! the youngest replied. Quick, let
' " " "
us
ascend."
263
A
And all
Guide
to
Mythology
chant, they
rose
joiningin
out
of
sight. off his disguise, walked sorrowfully Waupee, casting back to his lodge but, ah! the night seemed His whole soul long to lonelyWhite Hawk. very filled with the thought of the beautiful sister. was
"
Betimes, the
next
dav, he returned
to the
haunted
and spot, hoping and fearing,

very
soul would
leave his the
as though his sighing body in its anguish. He
reflected upon
success.
plan
be
he
should
failed Xear
follow twice:
to to
secure
He time
had
alreadv
fatal.
fail
an
third
would
by
he
found
old stump, much in had

use as
covered
with of
a
moss,
and
just then
the residence
on a
number
of mice, who
relatives to some pilgrimage The White Hawk the other side of the prairie. on with their tidy little forms that he was so pleased as they thoughthe, too,would be a mouse, especially formidable to look at, and would were by no means be at all likely alarm. not to create He accordingly, having first brought the stump further notice and the ring, without set it near and peeped and sported became a mouse, about,and kept his sharp little eyes busy with the others;but the sky, he did not forget to keep one eye up toward there stopped and It
one
was ear
wide
open
in the the
same
direction. their customary
not
long before
at sisters,
"
their sport. and resumed down hour, came " that stump But see," cried the younger sister,
not
was
there before."
ran
She
toward off, frightened,

264
the basket.
Her
Guide
to
Mythology
In the the
ket, which
she
she
kept concealed.
rarities from
meantime
as
collected such
earth
she
well as the most as thoughtwould pleaseher father, dainty kinds of food. and all was One day when Waupee was absent, she went in readiness, to the charmed out ring, As they entered the taking with her her littleson. she commenced her magicalsong, and the basket car The song was ful rose. sad,and of a lowlyand mournand as it was wafted far away by the cadence, It was voice a wind, it caught her husband's ear. which he well knew, and he instantly to the ran he could prairie.Though he made breathless speed, reach the ring before his wife and child had not He lifted up his voice ascended beyond his reach. but they were in loud appeals, unavailing. The basket
a
stillwent
small
He watched it till it became up. it vanished in the sky. speck,and finally down
to the
He
then bent his head
ground,and
was
miserable.
long winter but bewailed his loss, had come beautiful spirit Through
a
see
and
long summer
no
pee WauThe
he found
and
gone,
relief.
and
he
should
it He
no
more
! his wife's loss but sorely, his son's
mourned
still more and In
; for the
the father's
boy had both strength.

his wife had in the blissful almost
the mother's
beauty
home her had he
the meantime
reached
her
in the stars,and fathers house
she had
upon
employments of that she forgotten

But her son,
as
left
husband
the earth.
266
Myths
grew
every
scene
of the

more
up,
resembled
he
was
and
more
his
and father,
to
day
of
restless and
His
anxious
visit the
to
his
birth.
said grandfather
his
one day: daughter, down and take your son to his Go, my child, and ask him to come father, up and live with us. But tell him to bringalonga specimen of each kind
"
of bird and
She
animal
he kills in the chase." the

ever
The
took accordingly White Hawk, who was
boy
near came
and
descended.
the enchanted down
spot, heard
His
and his
her
voice
as
she
the
sky.
heart beat with that of his son,

arms.
impatienceas he saw her form in and they were soon clasped

of the
Star,and he began that he might with the greatest activity, to hunt collect the presents with all dispatch. He spent well as days, in searching for every whole nights, as and bird. He curious and beautiful animal only a preserveda foot, wing, or a tail of each. all was When ready,Waupee visited once more each favorite spot the hill-top whence he had been where he had used to see the rising sun; the stream sad and as a boy ; the old lodge, now sported looking to sit in no solemn, which he was and, last more; of all, he gazed widely coming to the magic circle, around him with tearful eyes, and, taking his wife and child by the hand, they entered the car and drawn into a country far beyond the flight were up of birds, the power of mortal eye to pierce. or Great joy was manifested upon their arrival at the
He heard the message
" "
267
Guide
to
Mythologyinvited all his
starryplains.The
to
a
Star Chief
people
feast;and
aloud
an
when
they
one
had
that each
was,
inhabitant
of his
own
he proassembled, claimed might continue as he select or dominions,
such as he liked best. A very earthly gifts but strange confusion immediatelyarose; not one forward. Some chose a foot, a some wing, sprang and some claw. Those who selected a some a tail, tails or claws were changed into animals,and ran and flew off;the others assumed the form of birds, Waupee chose a white hawk's feather. His away. followed his example,and each one wife and son became He white hawk. a spreadhis wings,and, followed by his wife and son, descended with the other birds to the earth,where he is still to be in of the starry plains found, with the brightness his eye and the freedom of the heavenlybreezes in his wings. of the
268
CHAPTER
MYTHS
OF THE SKY
VI
AND AIR
rTIHE
*
sky and the air are identified with the of divinity reached in the highestconceptions
cultured races. The myths either of savage or more Indians American Great Spiritof the North was merciful the god of the sky. Varuna, the all-seeing, the god of the vault of god of the Hindoos, was heaven. god of the Greeks,was Zeus, the supreme the sky god; also Odin, the great god in Norse a mysterious, mythology (althoughabove him was in Persian unnamable god), Ormuzd mythology,
in Japan the Invisible Lord Polynesian, Heaven. of the Middle Closelyrelated in power the gods of wind or storm. to the gods of the sky are Sometimes the god of the sky is himself the wielder of the thunder,as in the case of Zeus, and sometimes there is a special god of storm or thunder, as the
Rangi
in
Indra
of the Hindoos
or
the Thor
of the Norsemen.
der the thun-
In Indian and
myths,Manabozho
often wielded
and he has contests with another lightning, the wind, a persongod of the air, Paup-puk-keewis, age full of mischief, as wind gods are apt to be, like the Greek Hermes. The personification of wind and thunder as birds is very common, and many a quaint
269
Guide
this
to
Mythology
mythicalidea. The Sioux in the Indians believed in a god, Wah-keen-yan, of a large bird,whose form flapping wings made lived in the far, far west, on a He the thunder. mound risingfrom a mountain top. To his tent in which there are nels sentithere are four openings,
tale results from clothed in red
at the west
a
down.
At
the east
is at the
is
fly, butter-
bear; a fawn
He
south,and
the first
reindeer is at the north.

and
fashioned
tomahawk, and attemptedto kill the of Oan-tay-hee, If his bitter enemy. offspring the surface of the earth, then near came Oan-tay-he Wah-keen-yan would fire a hot thunderbolt at him. the god Another of his enemies was Ckaho-ter'dah, It was of the forest said that the god of thunder often came at a tree, lightning racing hurling along, to kill the forest god, who, having been warned, Then had taken refugein the water. Chaho-ter'dah would ascend a tree and hurl his lightning at his down to submission. to bring him adversary believed in by Another thunder bird is Sootooch, He is a mighty the natives of Vancouver's Island. of whose aloft and far away, the flap bird,dwelling wings makes the thunder,and his tongue is the four of these forked once lightning.There were whales. But birds in the land, and they fed on into a whale, the great deityQuawteaht,entering
spear
enticed
down
one
thunder seize him
bird
after
another Then
to
swoop
and
with its talons.

of the
sea
he would
plunge to
the bottom
and drown
one
it. Thus
three of them
but perished,
the last
spreadhis
270
"
Cb
C3 O
"
A and Odin
has
Guide the
ravens
to
Mythology
Hugin
whole
and
Munin, who
and
flyevery
him
on
day
over
the what
world
report
to
Besides, there is a Norse a giant who god of the winds sits in the northern extremityof heaven,clad in he spreadsout his wings for plumes. When eagle's the winds arise from under them. flight The thunder,however,like the wind, even among in the as as personified men, savages, is sometimes Algonquin stories: following
their return
seen.
"
they have
HOW
HUNTER DWELL
VISITED IN
THE MOUNT
THUNDER KATAHDIN
SPIRITS
WHO
(Passamaquoddy)
N'karnayoo.
went east
Of
old
times, he
Once
an
Indian the head
forth hranch another
to
hunt.
And
departedfrom
came
of the branch
and Penobscot,
that leads
even
to the
of and
into the east

to
branch,
Mount
this he
followed
the
foot of
a
Katahdin. and found

met
And
none,
there he hunted till

one
many
in
day alone,
he
to
morning
midwinter he returned
it
the
track but
of snowshoes.
So he
met
again ever wherin a far-distant place. And thus it was that, he went, this track came to him every day. lowed Then notingthis, he fola as sign to be observed, Katahdin, it,and it went up the mountain the great mountain," means which, being interpreted,
"
his camp;
the next
day
with
until at last it road made
was
lost in
hard
snowshoe
was
by
many
travellers.
And
since it
272
Myths
hard
and
even,
of the
Sky
off his
on
and
Air
he took
went
ever
and snowshoes, and it

was a
agahmook (P.),or and up with the road;

strange was
its ending,
strange path and
like an stoppedjustbefore a high ledge, immense there at its foot. And wall,on a platform were signsthere,as of many people, yet he many And he stayed it seemed to grow saw no one. as
for it
stranger and stranger. At last he heard

of
sound
as
when lo ! footsteps coming, yet within the wall, a girlsteppeddirectly out of the precipice upon the beautiful beyond platform. But though she was And he was afraid. to his every belief, thought in words, and she answered that so sweetlyand that he was without fear, soon kindly and cleverly though he saw that she had powerfulm'Uoulin,or And pleased they being soon great magic power. with the other,and one wanting each other,she rectly bade him accompany her, and that by walking diHave no fear,"said she, through the rock. " So he obeyed, ! but advance and lo ! the boldly and it gave way the air, rock was he went on. as as And as ever they went the maiden talked to him, that he spoke not aloud. so answering his thoughts, And far within, to a great cavern anon they came and there was old man seated by a fire, and the an old man And he was welcomed him. very kindly treated by the strange pairall day : in all his life he had never been so happy. Now the nightdrew as said to his daughter, Can you near, the old man hear aught of your brothers ? she went Then out Then to the terrace,and, returning, said, No."
" " " " "
273
A
anon
Guide
to
Mythology
and she,going and returning again, as before, replied, Now I hear them coming." when lo! there came, as at the Then they listened, door without,a crash of thunder with a flash of and out of the lightsteppedtwo young lightning, of great beauty, but like giants, and men stupendous of awful mien. their eyeAnd, like their father, brows he asked her
"
were
of stone,while their cheeks

was
were
as
rocks.
And
the hunter
went
told
they
forth,which
:
"
father said to them

for you friends.
to
by their sister that when was every few days,their Sons, arise ! it is time now
the world
and
save
go
forth
too
over near
our see
Go
not
the trees,but
we
if you
aught that is harmful

and spare
on
" not !
to those whom
Then
when
they went
and
strike, love, forth they

it is that
flew
high,among
and
the clouds:
thus
is in the whose home Lightning, der And when the thunmighty Katahdin, are made. the brothers are shooting at the enemies strikes,
the Thunder
of their friends. Now

to
when
the and
day
was
done
there
the hunter
found
returned
had from been
his
home,
when
he
gone
seven
years.
are
All this I have
heard
the
old
peoplewho
dead
and
gone.
THE
THUNDER
AND
LIGHTNING
MEN
(Passamaquoddy)
This Once wind:
an
is
trulyan
Indian
was
old
Indian
story of old time.

up
whirled
up
he
was
taken
in
by the roaring and set thunder-storm,
274
Myths
down
of the
Sky and
the
as arrows
Air Thunders. In
again in
he
the
of village
after times
described
them
and
very
like human
beings:they used bows and had wings. But these wings can
use.
(tah-bokque)
,
be laid
And
from
time
to
to
and kept for aside, these time their chief gives

on,
Thunders where
to
orders
He
put them
and
tells them
to go.
also tells them
them be gone, and warns death for them to it is sure of

a
long they are not to go too low, for be caughtin the crotch
how
tree.
The
great chief of the Thunders,hearingof the

received him do well to become
for him, and sent arrival, stranger's and told him that he would very kindly,
one
of them.
soon
To which
the
man
the chief
see
after called all his
beingwilling, to peopletogether
the ceremony of thunder Then they bade him go

while
if ying the Indian. into a square thing, or

senses a
box, and
a
in it he lost his
and
became
Thunder.
Then
him theybrought
on.
pairof wings,
like the
rest
and
he put them
So he flew about
of the
Thunders; he became
all their ways. n'
quitelike them,
he said that
and
followed
And
always flew toward the sou*

that the
roar
snook,or
was
they south,and
the sound
is to
and
crash of the thunder
of their
at ball
wings.
the
Their
great
amusement
play
fully sky. When they return they caretheir wings for their next put away flight. There is a big bird in the south, and this they are but never succeed in doing so. to kill, always trying and always took him They made long journeys, across
275
Guide
to
Mythology
for
"with them.
came
So it went
on
to
pass
that the Indian Then he
long time,but it began to tire of his

a
strange friends.
wished
to
see
told
the
chief that he
the sagamore he called
his
and familyon earth,

was
listened to him
all his from
to
and
very
kind.
Then
and peopletogether,
was
said that their brother and lonesome,

sorry
the other world
very
wished
return.
They
because
way,
were
all very him
indeed to lose
him have
him, but
his
So
own
they loved
they let
and
bidding him
The Indians
decided to carry him back till he should close his eves

him
a
again.
be
on
earth, they carried

saw
down.
great thunder-storm
drawing
near;
knew they heard such thunder as they never and then somethingin the shape of a human before, then they ran being coming down with lightning; their long-lost he sat, and it was to the spot where had been gone seven who brother, years. He had he been in the Thunder-world. He the
a
told them
Thunderreal Thunder
how
had how
been
playingball
with
boys; yes,
he had been
turned into
himself.
HOW
GLOOSKAP
BOUND
AND MADE
WUCHOWSEN,
ALL
THE
THE WATERS
GREAT
IN
WIND-BIRD,
ALL THE
WORLD
STAGNANT
(Passamaquoddy) The Indians believe in

or a
great bird called by them
Wochowsen
or Wuchowsen, meaning Wind-Blow the Wind-Blower, who lives far to the North, and
276
Myths
sits upon
blows
a
of the
at
Sky
and
Air
great rock
whenever
the end of the

moves
it is because
he
his him
men
arrows
sky. And wings the wind

that.
he
they of old times called When Glooskap was among

in his At
canoe one
often
to
went
sea-
out
with
bow
was
and
every
kill
fowl.
it grew
time
at
it
day
a
very
n
windy;
he
worse; go
out
last it blew
Then done
was
tempest, and
said
:
could not
sen,
at all.
he
Wuchow-
the
Great
to
Bird, has
found
this ! "
He
went
find him ; it
his abode.
He
long ere he on a high rock sitting

"
reached
a
large
white
"
Bird.
said Glooskap, you take no comGrandfather/' passion on You your Koosesek, your grandchildren.
caused
have
this wind
your
and
storm; it is
" "
too
much.
Be
easier with
The
ancient
Giant
Bird
wings! I : replied
have been
here since
days,ere aught else the first spoke, I first moved my wings; mine was voice and I will ever move wings as I will." my Then Glooskaprose in his might; he rose to the Wuchowsen clouds;he took the Great Bird-giant as a though he were duck, and tied both his wings, and threw him down into a chasm between deep and left him lying there. rocks,
"
times; in
the earliest
The
Indians
could
now
a
go
out
in their
canoes
all weeks
day long,for
and months.
there
And
was
dead
calm
for many
with
were so
that all the waters thick he that
became
stagnant. They
not
paddle his Bird, and went
canoe.
Then
see
Glooskapcould of the Great thought
to
him. 277
A
"
Guide
to
Mythology
him, for Wuchowsen
As lie had left him
he found
is immortal. rock
So, raising him, he put him on his and untied one of his wings. Since then again,
have
never
the winds time.

i
been
so
terrible
as
in the old
THE
WONDEEFUL
EXPLOITS
OF
PATJP-PUK"KEEWISS
largestature found himself standing He thought to himself : " How alone on a prairie. Are I here ? there no came beingson this earth walk travel and see. I must but myself? I must
A
man
of
till I find the abodes So knew

soon
of men."
was
as
his mind
made
up
he set out, he
in search of habitations. He was whither, and no difficulties could turn him resolute fellow, a neither prairies, from his purpose: woods, rivers,
not storms
nor
had back.
the
effect to daunt
his courage
or
turn
came
him
to
a
After
of
wood, in trees,as if they had

no
a travelling long time he which he saw decayed stumps
been
cut
in ancient
times,
but
other
more came
trace
of
men.
Pursuing his journey,

of the
traces
same
he found this he
recent
marks fresh
kind ; after
upon
of human
and then the wood footsteps, felled, lying in heaps. Pushing on, he and beheld at a distoward dusk from the forest, tance of high lodgesstandingon a largevillage ground. rising I am tired of this dog-trot," he said to himself.
first their
beings; they had emerged
"
"
I will arrive there
on
run."
278
Guide
to
Mythology
proposed to himself a short stroll in the When morning, he was at once miles out of town. he entered a lodge,if he happened for a moment he walked to forget himself, through the straight or wooden, or earthen walls as if he had leathern, been merely passing througha bush. At his meals down he broke in pieces all the dishes, set them he would; and, puttinga leg out of as as lightly he rose, it was bed when a common thing for him to push off the top of the lodge. He wanted more elbow-room,and after a short go of his stay, in which, by the accidental letting the whole place, he had nearlylaid waste strength, and filled it with demolished lodgesand broken pottery
keewiss
and
go
one-armed
men,
he him
a
made young
up
man
his mind who
to
taking with farther,

a
had
him, and who might for Paup-puk-keewiss his pipe-bearer; him as serve a was huge smoker, and vast clouds followed him wherever he went, so that peoplecould say, Pauppuk-keewissis comingS " by the mighty smoke he
formed
strong attachment
for
"
raised.
his companion and when They set out together, would with walking, was Paup-puk-keewiss fatigued put him forward on his journey a mile or two by
givinghim a cast soft place among water-pond, among
in the air and the the
him lighting
a
in
trees, or
in
cool spot in
sedgesand water-lilies. At other times he would lightenthe way by showing of? a few tricks, such as leapingover trees, and turninground on one leg till he made the dust fly;
280
Myths
at
of the
Sky
and
Air
though alwas pipe-bearer mightilypleased, it sometimes happened that the character of these gambols frightened him. For wiss Paup-puk-keetention, would, without the least hint of such an injump into the air far ahead, and it would half a day's hard travel cost the little pipe-bearer to come up with him; and then the dust Paup-pukoften so thick and heavy as comkeewiss raised was pletely little pipe-bearer, and comto bury the poor pel and with to dig diligently Paup-puk-keewiss might and main to get him out alive. One day they came where to a very largevillage, After staying well received. in it some they were of which time (in the course in Paup-puk-keewiss, walked a fitof abstraction, straight throughthe sides of three lodges without stoppingto look for the informed of a number of wicked door),they were who lived at a distance, and who made it spirits, tempts to kill all who to their lodge. Ata came practice had been made to destroythem, but they had always proved more than a match for such as had come out againstthem. determined to pay them a visit, Paup-puk-keewiss
The advised not to do so. strongly chief of the village warned him of the great danger he would resolved, incur,but findingPaup-puk-keewiss
which
the
althoughhe
was
he
"
said:
you
Well, if
will go,
to
serve
twenty warriors
beingmy you."
guest I will send
though althanked him for the offer, Paup-puk-keewiss that he thought he could get he suggested
281
Guide
to
Mythology
along without them, at which the little pipe-bearer shown in that grinned,for his master had never what he could do, and the chief thoughtthat village would be likely to need twenty he,Paup-puk-keewiss, the wicked spirits to encounter at the least, warriors, of success. chance with men Twenty young any made their appearance. They set forward,and after about a day's journey they descried the lodgeof the
Manitoes.
placedhis friend,Pipe-bearer, Paup-puk-keewiss and the warriors near enough to see all that passed, alone to the lodge. while he went five horridAs he entered, saw Paup-puk-keewiss lookingManitoes in the act of eating. It was the hideous father and his four sons. really They were Their eyes were to look upon. swimming low in their heads, and they glaredabout as if they were half starved. They offered Paup-puk-keewiss something for he had he politely to eat, which refused, of a that it was the thigh-bone a strong suspicion
man.
"
What
have
you
come
for ? "
said the old
one.
"
"
"
Nothing,"answered Paup-puk-keewiss. They all stared at him. Do you not wish to wrestle ? " they all asked. Paup-puk-keewiss,I don't mind Yes," replied
"
if I do take
turn."
who stood near Pipe-bearer, the conversation, grinnedfrom A hideous caught this remark.
enough
ear
to
overhear
when
over
to
ear
he the
smile
came
faces of the Manitoes.

282
Myths
"You
of the
Sky
and
Air
go/'they said to the eldest brother. and Paup-pukThe two got ready the Manito and they were clinched in each other's keewiss soon knew for a deadly throw. arms Paup-puk-keewiss their object his death; they wanted a taste of his determined they should have it, body, and he was tended. from that they inperhaps in a different sense
" " "
"
Haw
! haw ! "
and theycried,
as
soon
the dust and
dry leaves
The
flew about
was
if driven
Manito
strong, but
by a strong wind. Paup-puk-keewiss
him; and all at once, thought he could master was giving him a sly trip as the wicked spirit tryingto finish his breakfast with a pieceout of headforemost his shoulder, he sent the Manito aloud to the three againsta stone, and, calling and take the body away. he bade them come others, The brothers now sion, stepped forth in quick succesbut Paup-puk-keewiss, having got his blood soon dispatched up and limbered himself by exercise, the three sending one this way, another that,and into the air so high that he the third straight up down never came again. It was time for the old Manito to be frightened, for his he got, and ran and dreadfully frightened the very worst which was thinghe could have life, of all his giftsof done; for Paup-puk-keewiss, noted for his speed of foot. The most was strength, sake Paupold Manito and for mere set off, sport's fore beSometimes he was puk-keewisspursued him. old spirit, sometimes the wicked he was flying
"
283
A
over
Guide
to
Mythology
head, and then he would keep along at a till he had blown all steady trot just at his heels, the breath out of the old knave's body. Meantime his friend, and the twenty Pipe-bearer,
young
"
his
warriors
cried
out:
is Ha, ha, ah ! ha, ha, ah ! Paup-puk-keewiss drivinghim before him ! The Manito and then only turned his head now At length, when he was tired of the to look back. with a sport, to be rid of him, Paup-puk-keewiss, of his foot,sent the wicked old gentleapplication Manito in which he whirlingaway throughthe air,
"
made in
great number
of the most
curious
turnovers
it so when to alight, world, till he came happened that he fell astride of an old bull buffalo, grazing in a distant pasture, who straightwayset off with him and the old Manito at a long gallop, has not been heard of to this day. and The warriors Pipe-bearer and Paup-pukand burned keewiss set to work down the lodge of and then when the wicked to spirits, they came look about,they saw that the ground was strewn on all sides with human bones bleachingin the sun; these were the unhappy victims of the Manitoes. then took three arrows from his Paup-puk-keewiss to and, after having performed a ceremony girdle, the Great he shot one into the air, crySpirit, ing You : are lyingdown ; rise up or you will be the
"
hit ! "
The
second
bones
arrow,
all moved
to
one same
the repeating
284
place. He shot the words, when each
Myths
bone drew
toward
to
of the
Sky
and
Air
arrow
the third its fellow-bone; life the whole multitude

of
brought forth
who had been
killed
by the
crowd
Manitoes.
to
people Paup-pukof the
keewiss
conducted
had
the
the
chief
who village,
proved his friend,and

The he
chief
was
into his hands.

to whom
"
gave them there with his counsellors,
Who
is
more
"
spoke apart. worthy," said the

you
chief to alone
Paupcan
puk-keewiss,to
tbem."
rule than
You
fend de-
thanked him, and Paup-puk-keewiss he

some
was
told him
"
that
done fully, boast-
in search of
more
adventures.
I have
said Paup-puk-keewiss, rather things,"

"
and chief
I think still
can
do
some
more."
to urged him, but he was eager take his to tarry and go, and, naming Pipe-bearer he set out again on his travels, promisingthat place,
The
he
would
some
time
or
other
come
back
and
see
them.
"
Ho
! ho ! ho ! "
"
they all cried.
"
Come
back
his promise that He renewed again and see us ! he would, and then set out alone. time he came to a great After travelling some lake,and on lookingabout he discovered a very largeotter on an island. He thoughtto himself: " fine pouch." And His skin will make he a me immediatelydrew up at long shots and drove an into the lake, and into his side. He waded arrow with some and up a difficulty dragged him ashore, the lake. hill overlooking As soon as Paup-puk-keewiss got the otter into
285
A
the and the
a
Guide
it
to
Mythology
warm,
sunshine
threw
where
carcass
was some
he
skinned him,
the
distance
and
off,thinking
have for the
would war-eagle
to
secure
come,
that he should
as
chance
his feathers
ornaments
head; for Paup-puk-keewiss began to be proud,and himself. to display was disposed He soon heard a rushing noise as of a loud wind, but could see nothing. Presentlya large eagle cass. dropped,as if from the air,upon the otter's carhis bow, and the drew Paup-puk-keewiss arrow passed throughunder both of his wings. The bird made convulsive flight a upward, with such force that the cumbrous body was borne up several feet from the ground; but, with its claws deeply back to the the heavy otter broughtthe eagle fixed, himself of a earth. possessed Paup-puk-keewiss crowned handful of the prime feathers, his head and set off in high spirits the with the trophy, on lookout for somethingnew. he came After walking awhile, to a body of water
which lake made raised dam
to
see
flooded the trees
on
its banks
"
it
was
by
beavers. the
where
any
Taking his station on the he watched stream escaped,

show
whether
A
of the beavers would
selves, them-
head
it
was
peeped out presently

that disturbed
of the water
to
see
"
who
them.
in his most said Paup-puk-keewiss, My friend," could you not by obligeme persuasive manner, turningme into a beaver like yourself. ^Nothing would please much to make me so as ance, your acquaintI can was assure you," for Paup-puk-keewiss
"
286
A
iii every my
Guide
"
to
Mythologyany my of yon ; in
company.
present size
"
Larger than it's hardly worth
while
to
go
into the water."
Yes,
" yes !
said
they.
"
By
and
by, when
we
get
into the
it lodge,
shall be done."
and in passing They all dived into the lake, great heaps of limbs and logsat the bottom,he asked the ter's of them. use They answered, It is for our winprovisions." When they all got into the lodge their number The lodgewas about one hundred. was large and
"
warm.
"
Now
we
will make
you
said they. large,"
"
Will
that do ? "
"
Yes,"
You
he
answered
; for
he found
that he
was
ten
"
times the size of the need

not
will
our
"
bring you
chief."
food
largest. go out," said the and into the lodge,
others ; you
"
we
will be
answered. He Very well,"Paup-puk-keewiss thought, I will stay here and grow fat at their into the lodge, one ran after, expense." But, soon out of breath, cryingout, " We are visited by the
"
Indians All
!"
in great fear. The water together began to lower,for the hunters had broken down the dam, and they soon heard them the roof on of the lodge,breaking it up. Out jumped all the beavers into the water, -and so escaped. tried to follow them, but, unfortunately, Paup-puk-keewiss his ambition they had made to gratify
huddled
288
Myths
him
He
so
of the
Sky
and
creep
Air
out at
largethat
would much
not
he could not
the holenot
tried to call them

or so
back, but
to
either
they did
to
hear
attend
him;
a
he worried door
self him-
in
for searching like

sun,
a
let him
out
that he looked
swollen great bladder, the sweat stood out
and
upon
in the blistering
and
his forehead
in knobs
and
huge
bubbles.
word Although he heard and understood every of their expresthat the hunters spoke and some sions terrible ideas he could not turn suggested
" "
himself
back
into
man.
He
must
had be.
a
chosen
to
be
lock dangling single one over eye, put his head in at the top of the lodge. " Tut ty-au! Me-shau-mik Ty-au! " cried he. is in." Whereupon the whole king of beavers crowd of hunters began upon him with their clubs,
"
" "
and a beaver he beaver, a pryinglittle man,
One
of the hunters,
with
and than
knocked
a
his skull about in the
until it of
as
was
no
harder'
morass
middle well
summer. ever
thought as puk-keewiss
he
a
he
Paupthough did, alwas
rather
beaver; and he felt that he the carcass foolish scrape, inhabiting

was
a
in of
a
beaver.
or eightof the hunters hoisted Presently seven home and marched his body upon long poles, away ner: As they went, he reflected in this manwith him. of me? will become "What My ghost or
shadow
will
not
die
after
they get
me
to
their
lodges."
Invitations but feast;
as were
soon
immediatelysent out for a grand his body got cold,his soulr as

289
Guide
to
Mythology
bouse without
being uncomfortable
off.
in
heat,flew
shape,Pau.p-pukhimself keewiss found a standing near prairie. he saw herd After walking a distance, of elk a joyment feeding. He admired their apparent ease and enof life, and thoughtthere could be nothing than the liberty of running about and more pleasant feeding on the prairies.He had been a water he wished to become land animal, a animal, and now to learn what passed in an elk's head as he roved about. He asked them if they could not turn
him
"
Having
reassumed
his mortal
into
one
of themselves.
after
a
"
Yes," they answered,

on
pause.
Get
down He
your
hands
and
feet." forthwith found
obeved
their directions, and

an
himself to be
"
elk.
said he ; "I wish big horns,big feet," for all the conceit and vainglory to be very large," had not been knocked out of Paup-puk-keewiss, even by the sturdy thwacks of the hunters' clubs. There," exerting Yes, yes,"they answered. " their power, are you big enough? will do," he replied, That for, lookinginto a lake hard by, Paup-puk-keewiss that he was saw very large. They spent their time in grazingand running to and fro; but what astonished Paup-pukkeewiss,although he often lifted up his head and I want
" " " "
directed his eyes that way, he could stars, which he had so admired as a
never
see
the
Being rather
cold
one
being. went day, Paup-puk-keewiss
human
290
Myths
into
a
of the for
Sky
and
Air
whither he was lowed folshelter, They had not been by most of the herd. elks from behind passedthe long there when some others like a strong wind, calling out:
thick wood
"
The
hunters the
are
after
ns
!"
All
took
alarm, and
on
off
they ran, Paup-puk-
keewiss with
"
the rest. the
they said. But it plains," for they had too late to profit was by this advice, in the thick woods. already got entangled Paupscented the hunters, who were puk-keewisssoon his trail, for they had left all the closely following others and were making after him in full cry. He dashed through the underwood, jumped furiously, in his and broke whole down groves of saplings it the harder for him to But this only made flight. he by his get on, such a huge and lusty elk was
Keep
out
own
request.
as Presently,
he
in
dashed
past
a
an
open
space,
not
he well
felt miss
He
an
arrow
his side. wide

under
They
the
could
to
so it,he presented
mark
the shot.
the
bounded
over
trees
smart, but
shafts clattered thicker and

at
and thicker at his ribs,
last one heard
entered his heart. the
whoop of hunters. On coming up, and with their hands with astonishment, up to their mouths, exclaimed: Ty-au! ty-au!y had about sixty in the party, who There were out on a come hunt, as one of their number special had, the day before,observed his large tracks on
"
and
ground, triumph sounded by the cass they looked on the carHe
fell to the
291
A the
grew
Guide
to
Mythology
plains. When
cold and
body, and human shape,with a how and arrows. for adventure was not yet cooled ; But his passion for,on coming to a large lake with a sandy "beach, he saw a largeflock of hrant,and speakingto them them in the hrant language,he requested to make
dead
a
they had skinned him his flesh from the took its flight his spirit found himself in Paup-puk-keewiss
brant
"
of him.
at once, for the hrant is a Yes," they replied hird of a very obliging disposition. u he said. There But I want to be very large," of Paup-puk-keewiss. end to the ambition no was found Very well,"they answered ; and he soon himself a largebrant,all the others standing gazing
"
in
"
astonishment You
must
at
his great size.

"
"
fly as leader," they said. No," answered Paup-puk-keewiss ;

the brant. Very well," rejoined
"
will
fly
behind."
" u
thing Brother have to say to you Paup-pukwe more " keewiss (for he had told them his name) ; you in flying, be careful, not to look down, for must somethingmay happen to you." Well, it is so,"said he ; and soon the flock rose bound north. for they were They np into the air, One flew very fast he behind. day, while going with a strong wind, and as swift as their wings the could flap, as they passedover a largevillage Indians raised a great shout on seeingthem, particularly on Paup-puk-keewiss's account, for his
"
"
One
292
Myths
of the
Sky
and
Air
broader than The two large mats. wings were noise that he people made such a frightful village down. what had been told him about looking forgot now scuddingalong as swift as arrows, They were he broughthis neck in and stretched and as soon as his huge tail was it down to look at the shouters, caughtby the wind, and over and over he was blown. but without success, for tried to righthimself, He he had no sooner got out of one heavy air-current than he fell into another, which treated him even more rudelythan that he had escapedfrom. Down, down he went, making more than he wished turns for,from a heightof several miles. The firstmoment he had to look about him, Paupin the shape of a big brant, aware was puk-keewiss, To that he was hollow tree. jammed into a large, forward was out of the question, or get backward in spiteof himself, and there, was Paup-puk-keeended by wiss forced to tarry till his brant life was he was when, his spirit being at liberty, starvation, human a more once being. in search of further adventures, As he journeyedon to a lodge in which came Paup-puk-keewiss
were
two
old men,
were
with heads
fine old and
men
white
from
extreme
age.
was
They
such
very
to look at.
There
sweetness
innocence have he the the
in their features
that
very
would Paup-puk-keewiss much at their lodge if than such faces

as
enjoyedhimself
had
no
had
other
entertainment
serene
gazing upon
two
the old
and
happy
heads
of
innocent
men,
with
white
from
293
extreme
age, afforded.
Guide
to
Mythology
well,and he made known to them that he was his going back to his village, friends and people, whereupon the two white-headed wished him old men a good journey very heartily of comfort in seeing his friends once and abundance infirm more. as They even they arose, old and with exceeding to the difficulty were, and, tottering at great pains to point out to him the door, were he should take; and they called his exact course
They
treated him
attention
shorter
to
the
more
circumstance direct than

merry
that he
it
was
much taken
and
Ah
would
were
have
himself. old
men
! what
very
deceivers heads.
these two
with
white
with blessings showered on him Paup-puk-keewiss, until he was out of sight, set forth with good fairly heart. He thoughthe heard loud laughter ing resoundafter him in the direction of the lodge of the old men; but it could not have been the two old for they were too old to laugh. certainly men,
two
brisklyall day, and at night he had the satisfaction of reaching a lodge in all respects like that which he had left in the morning. There
He walked
were
two
every
and his treatment in fine old men, was down the same, even to the ing particular partthe that laughter
and blessing
followed
him
as
he went After
his way.
walking the third day, and coming to a satisfied from the he was as before, lodgethe same he had taken that he had bearingsof the course been journeying and by a notch which in a circle, he had cut in the door-post the same that these were
294
A
not. water
saw
Guide
a
to
Mythology
and sailed forth.
"
He
was
then made
very
canoe,
a
The
he cate deli-
clear
"
transparent blue
fish of
a
and and
that it abounded
with
rare
complexion. This
with his
a
circumstance
to
wish
to
return
his
inspiredhim and to bring village,
this beautiful lake. people to live near Toward he evening, coming to a woody island, and they encamped and ate the fish he had speared, to the stomach as they proved to be as comforting The next day Paup-pukto the eye. were pleasing keewiss returned to the mainland, and as he wandered along the shore he espied at a distance the celebrated giant, Manabozho, who is a bitter enemy of Paup-puk-keewiss, and loses no opportunityto and to thwart his plans. stop him on his journeyings At first it occurred to Paup-puk-keewiss to have but on second thoughts a trial of wits with the giant, in a hurry now he said to himself : 4" I am ; I will
see
him With
another
no
time."
mischief than
further
raisinga great
to
whirlwind
of dust,which
caused
Manabozho
rub
his eyes
out
of
slipped severely, Paup-puk-keewiss quietly and he made the way; good speed withal,
less time than winter
you
for
in much
could
count
half
the stars in the
sky of
he night,
had
reached
home. His
return
was
welcomed
with
great hubbub
of
and songs; and he had scarcely set foot in feasting the village invitations to take potbefore he had luck at different lodges, which would have lasted who him the rest of his natural life. Pipe-bearer,
296
Myths
had and
some
of the
Sky
and
the
Air
cares
time before
upon
given up
his native
of
ruler,
danced place, fairly with joy at the sightof Paup-puk-keewiss, who, not in his him to be outdone, dandled affectionately arms by castinghim up and down in the air half had no mile or so, till little Pipe-bearer breath a left in his body to say that he was happy to see home again. Paup-puk-keewiss folks a lively Paup-puk-keewiss gave the village of his adventures, he came and when to the account he dwelt upon their blue lake and the abundant fish, with one charms with such effect that, they agreed, voice,that it must be a gloriousplace to live in, the way and if he would show them they would
shift camp He
not
fallen back
and
settle there
at
once.
only showed them the way, but,bringing and speed of foot to bear, his wonderful strength the whole in less than half a day he had transported with its children, ments village, tents,and implewomen,
of war,
to
a
the
new
water-side.
appeared to time,Paup-puk-keewiss for him be content, until one came day a message in the shape of a bear, who said that their king wished to see him immediately at his village. Paupwas and,mounting ready in an instant, puk-keewiss Toward the messenger's back, off he ran. upon evening they climbed a high mountain, and came He the bear-kinglived. where to a cave a was with fat and a sense very largeperson, and, puffing he made of his own Paup-puk-keewiss importance, him into his lodge. welcome by inviting
Here,
007
for
Guide
was
to
Mythology
spoke,and said hearing that he was large party toward
he
i
As he
soon
as
it
proper,
on a
that the his
had
sent
was
for
him
chief
who
moving
know,"
"
hunting-grounds.
"
You
must
said
the
no
terrible I wish
or
growl,
that you
have
bear-kingwith a rightthere,and
your
you
would
leave the country with
party,
force will take else the strongest
Take possession.
notice."
Very well," replied Paup-puk-keewiss,going that the king of toward the door, for he suspected " the bears was preparingto give him a hug, so
be it." He for he
were
"
wished
had
to
gain time
as
and
to consult
his
people,
of the
seen,
he
came
along,that
on
the bears
gatheringin great
He would also made
go
force
known
the
to
side
mountain. that he
back
that
might be put
behest. The
in immediate
bear-king night,that his people of his royal possession
the
bear-kingreplied that Paup-puk-keewiss of his young but that one might do as he pleased, at his command; was men and, jumping nimbly on rode home. his back,Paup-puk-keewiss and ordered the bear's the people, assembled He that the head off, to be hung outside of the village, who were lurking in the neighborhood, bear-spies, to their chief. might see it and carry the news The next morning, by break of day, Paup-pukkeewiss and had all of his young for
a
warriors
under
arms
ready
fight. About
298
the middle
of
the
Myths
afternoon
on
of the
Sky and
came
Air in
a
the
bear
war-party
led sight,
tremendous
by
a
the
pursy
king, and
on
making
their
noise.
made
They
very
advanced
hind-legs,and
their teeth and
imposing displayof
came
eyeballs.
forward,and, with of his righthand, said that he did a majestic wave not wish to shed the blood of the young warriors, but that if Paup-puk-keewiss, who appearedto be of the war-party, consented,they two the head
The
bear-chief himself
would
have
race,
and
the winner
men
should should
kill the be
ants serv-
and losingchief,
to the other.
all his young
little how Paup-puk-keewiss agreed,of course who stood by, grinnedas they came to Pipe-bearer, ! and they started to run before the whole terms of warriors, who ing, stood in a circle lookcompany
" "
on.
At
first there would be
was
wiss prospect that Paup-puk-kee-
badly beaten; for,althoughhe kept crowding the great fat bear-king till the sweat his shaggy ears, he never trickled from seemed to be able to push past him. By and by, Paup-pukof the most traordinary exkeewiss,going through a number in the world, raised about maneuvers the great fat bear-king such eddies and whirlwinds with the sand,and so danced about before and after and cried him, that he at last got fairly bewildered,
out
for them
to
come
and
take
him
off.
Out
of
sight before him in reaching the goal,Paup-pukkeewiss only waited for the bear-king to come up,
299
A
-when
Guide
an
to
Mythology
and it
he drove
them
ordered
to
ready for
He
to
supper,
straight throughhim take the body away and make he was as getting hungry.
arrow
then
directed all of the

the had
other
bears
to
fall of
and
help prepare
thev
wry
for feast, become
in fulfilment
servants.
the
many
agreement
With
bears,although bound to act to the becomingly in their new character, according served up the body of their late royal master; forfeit, and in doing this they fell, either by accident into many curious mistakes. or design, the feast came and they When to be served up summoned of them, to be in attendance, were one fellow of an of turn a sprightly inquisitive young found the roof of the lodge,with mind, was upon down with a view his head half way the smoke-hole, for dinner. other, Anto have to learn what they were bear with very long arms, who a middle-aged was put in charge of the children in the character three or four of the most of nurse, squeezed ising promwhile the mothers to death, young pappooses outside to look after the preparations; and were another,wThen he should have been waiting at the back of his master, had climbed a shady tree and was indulgingin his afternoon nap. And when, at the dinner wras ready to be served, they came last, heels over head, one tumbling in with the dishes, half of the feast was after the other, so that one ited spreadupon the ground and the other half deposthe other side of the lodge. out of doors, on and After a while,however, by strict discipline
300
faces the
Myths
to threatening servants
were
of the
Sky
and
Air
cut
off their
the bearprovisions,
brought into tolerable control. Yet Paup-puk-keewiss, with his ever-restless disposition, was and, having done so many uneasy; he resolved upon ough thorwonderful a strict and things, in all the affairs of the village. To reform he determined to adopt new prevent future difficulty between the bears and their masters. regulations this view, he issued an With forward edict that henceand the bears should eat at the first table,
that the Indians all
were
to
wait
upon
them
; that
in
of an honorable character the publicprocessions bears should go first; and that when fighting any should have the privto be done, the Indians was ilege the first shots. A special reserved of receiving exemptionwas made in behalf of Paup-puk-keewiss's favorite and confidential adviser, Pipe-bearer (who had been busy in privaterecommending the very who order of things), to sit to be allowed was new and to stay at home with at the head of the feast,
the old
women
in the event
of battle.
and the Having seen his orders strictly enforced, lished, estabrightsof the bears over the Indians fairly ther furfixed his mind Paup-puk-keewiss upon
adventures.
a
He
determined
to
go
abroad
for
time,and having an old score to settle with Manain with bozho,he set out with a hope of soon falling blood that famous was a giant. Paup-puk-keewiss relation of Dais Imid, or He of the Little Shell, and had heard of what had passed between that giant and his kinsman.
301
Guide
to
Mythology
to the lodge wanderinga long time he came He absent. of Manabozho, who was thought he and so he turned everything must play him a trick, and killed his birds, of in the lodgeupside down
After
which
there
was
an
extraordinary of the fowls
attendance, for
of the them the
Manabozho this
and
was was
is master the
air,and
to
pay
a
appointedmorning for their court to him. Among

accounted
the meanest of
up
call
number
raven,
killed Paup-puk-keewiss
to insult him.
and
hung
came
which birds, by the neck,
He
then
went
on
till he
to
very
high
the far
as
point of
as
rocks
running out
he could reach.
see
into the
lake,from
top of which
the eye
the country back
could
While
Manathere, sitting and
bozho's mountain
in great numbers.
chickens flew round Out

of
mere
past him
ter, spiteto their masshot them by the score, for Paup-puk-keewiss
his
arrows
were
very
sure
and
the
birds
very
and plenty,
birds down
he the
amused
rocks.
himself At
by throwing the
a
length
wary
bird
cried out:
"
is killing us Paup-puk-keewiss
; go
and tell our
father."
of the birds which were Away sped a delegation made his of wing, and Manabozho the quickest soon the plainbelow. on Paup-puk-keewiss, appearance who when he is in the wrong his escape had in two
on or
is the three
out:
no
match
bozho, for Manabozho, Manathe
made
who
other side.
strides reached
top of the mountain, cried

302
A keewiss
a
Guide
to
Mythology
ing hack, and, strik-
threw
himself
off the elk's

near
path, he hroke and scattered the grainsin a thousand it into pieces, directions ; for this was nearly his last hope of
escape.
great sandstone rock
the
Manahozho he had
was
so
close upon
him
at
this
placethat
"
almost
caught him;
but the foundation
of the rock
cried out:
Haye
Will
has spoiled ê-me-sho, Paup-puk-keewiss

you
not restore
me
me.
"
to
life ? "
Manahozho. He re-established the Yes/7 replied rock in all its strength. in pursuit, and had got so then pushed on He his arm to put out to to Paup-puk-keewiss as near seize him ; but Paup-puk-keewiss dodged him and, as raised such a dust and his last chance,he immediately made the trees break commotion as by whirlwinds and the sand and leaves dance in the air. Again and stretched his arm, but he escaped again Manahozho him at every turn, and kept up such a tumult of dust been that he blown dashed
into
hollow
tree
which
had
down, changed himself into a snake, his and crept out at the roots just in time to save Manahozho, who had the life;for at that moment it was strewn of lightning, struck it, and power about in little pieces. in human was shape, Again Paup-puk-keewiss tance and Manahozho was pressinghim hard. At a disout he saw a very high bluff of rocks jutting into a lake, for the foot of the precijnce, and he ran which was abrupt and elevated. As he came near, of the the Manito and great relief, to his surprise
304
Myths
rock
come
of the and
no
Sky
told
sooner
and
Air
opened his
in. The knocked. it ! '
door
was
to Paup-puk-keewiss
door
closed than
Mana-
bozho
"
Open
was
he
Manito
afraid
"
with a cried, of him, but taken
loud he
you
voice.
to
The
said
as
Paupguest,
louder
: puk-keewiss
Since I have
die with Manabozho
you
my
I would
u
sooner
than
open
the door."
a
Open
it ! "
in again cried,
voice than The
before.
kept silent. I give you till Very well,"said Manabozho ; morning to live." for he thought his Paup-puk-keewiss trembled,
"
Manito
"
last hour When and
had the
come.
on night came black,and as they were
the
torn
clouds
open
were
were
thick
by
never
the
ning, lightheard
such
as
discharges The
of thunder clouds with
bellowed forth.
earth cloak.
advanced
slowlyand
shadows clouds the
wrapped the in a huge as

and
about All
their vast
the
nightlong the and lightningflashed,

all could
upon very
ered, gath-
thunder
roared, and above muttering vengeance

"
be
heard
Manabozho
poor
You
have
led
foolish
Paup-puk-keewiss. kind of life, PaupManito.
said his puk-keewiss,"

"
friend it ! "
the
I know
it
"
I know
answered. Paup-puk-keewiss
"
You
had
awarded great giftsof strength

of
to
you," said
"
the Manito.
aware
"
it,"replied Paup-puk-keewiss. Instead of employingit for useful purposes, and

am
305
A
for the
Guide
to
Mythology
good of your fellow-creatures, you have done but raise whirlwinds nothing since you became a man break whatever the highways,leapover on trees, and in pieces, met perform a thousand you idle pranks." confessed with great penitence, Paup-puk-keewiss, Then that his friend the Manito spokebut too truly. in a of Lightning, Manabozho as Animiki,the Spirit the bluff of floated over cloud of heavy blackness, The threatening rocks that protected Paup-puk-keewiss. heard rendingthe air, of his voice was roar with his companion, the and Paup-puk-keewiss, Manito of the Pocks,trembled with fear. Mighty of fire darted through the air from Manaarrows themselves gave way; bozho's bow; the mountains the solid rocks were apart, broken, and, tottering into and the Manito fell, Paup-puk-keewiss crushing perienced exfragments. For the firsttime Paup-puk-keewiss of entering for he was by incapable death, will a new his own form, as he was in the human
form
when
crushed
between
the rocks of the
tain. moun-
The in
a
!NTorse god of the
sky,1Odin, was
depicted
He is said to look fashion. picturesque like an old,tall, one-eyedman, with a long beard, ors, colcloak of many broad-brimmed a hat,a striped
most
and the
spear
in his hand.
On
his
arm
he
wears
gold ring Draupner and carries a spear called sit on his shoulders, two wolves Gungner; two ravens
1
See Anderson's
"Norse
Mythology."
306
Myths
lie at his He
of the
Sky
and
Air
over
and a huge chariot feet, and sits upon a high throne

or
rolls looks
his head.
upon
out
the horse
world,
he
rides is
on
a
the
winds
upon
his
expression deep speculative the Odin's hat symbolizes his countenance. upon arched vault of heaven, and his blue or variegated cloak is the blue sky or atmosphere. His horse with the eight learned before, as we legs, symbolizes eight winds of heaven, and his ring the fruitfulness of His spear producesviolent tremblingor nature. spirit shaking. He is regardedas the all-pervading of the world, and produceslife and spirit, though Sleipner.
There
he did not
work
comes
create
the world.
In
whatever
All
creative
he does he is helpedby others. from

even
knowledge
the arts
He
him
"
the arts
was
of
war
and
of
is
peace; the may
by him. ruler over all things, and, althoughother and obey have power, they all serve
poetry
invented
deities
him
as
children do their father. One of the most appearedto men. frequently of these revelations of himself is told in interesting the Norse the "" Volsung Saga." epic,
He
THE
STOEY
OF
ODIn's
SWOED
AND
SIGMUND
for an entertainment. King Volsung had made preparations Blazing fires burned along the hall, and in the middle of the hall stood a largetree, whose green and fair foliage covered the roof. King it there, and it was called Odin's Volsunghad placed tree. Now, as the guests sat around the fire in 307
A
the
Guide
to
Mythology
entered the hall whose countenance evening,a man He a wore variegated they did not know. of linen, his breeches were barefooted, cloak,was his face. hat hung down and a wide-brimmed over looked old,and was He was one-eyed.He very tall,
had
a
sword
in his hand. his sword
The
man
went
so
to
the
tree, and
a
struck
into it with
powerful
ISTo one He who shall
"
blow
that it sunk
into it even
man.
to the hilt.
dared
draws have that
greet this
this sword
it he
as never man a
Then
said he
out
of the trunk
me,
a
of the tree
gift from
wielded
out
or
and
shall find it true Then

no one
better sword."
went
the old who draw
of the hall whither
again,and
not
knew
he
was
he went.
]STow all tried to

move
the sword
out, but it would
before
it seemed
Volsung's son, Sigmund, came; to be quiteloose.

When Odin
went
for him
he was battle, dent resplenand a goldenhelmet; with him were in armor warlike maids the Valkyries giant, his messengers, of Odin, brought the home who, when in Valhalla, but in time in the drink and waited upon the table, field, battleto every of battle were sent forth by Odin forth to
"
carryingthe message of death to the brave him home to Odin's hall, sage mesa hero,and inviting he received with joy and gladness. To bear
away
to
heaven
a
the souls of the dead
is often
of
an
office of
wind
god,
can
and
be
in
this
case
wind the
for goddesses, Valkyries had
there
some
little doubt
that
of the
308
attributes of the wind.
Myths
The
Thor.
of the in
Sky
and
Air
ISTorse god next

He
wears a
is
a
girdedwith
in
two
importanceto Odin was red beard. He has a fiery ture, naand swings a belt of strength,
He
hammer
his hand.
rides in
hoofs
chariot teeth
drawn
by
goats, from
whose
and
and the scarlet cloud reflects sparks of fire flash, his fiery Over his head he wears of crown a eyes. stars,under his feet rests the earth,and it shows the f ootprints of his mighty steps. He is enormously
strong, and
very
terrible when
angry,
which
is not
supposedto be often,for he has, on the whole, a The good-natured disposition. regionin which he Bilskilives is called Thrudvaug and his mansion and forty halls. ner, in which there are Hve hundred His hammer, his belt, and his gauntlet all posare sessed of remarkable The first is called qualities. M joiner, and woe be to the frost or mountain giant Thor hurls it. His iron gauntlet he whom against he is layingabout him with his hammer, when wears his and when he puts on his belt of strength This mighty god has many and power is redoubled.
wonderful There
adventures.
is
no
better
to be found
than of
in his
"
Tales
of the god Thor description that by our own poet Longfellow, a : Wayside Inn
"
I It I I
am am am
god Thor, the war god,

the Thunderer! in my
the
Here
My fastness Reign I forever!

309
Northland, and fortress,
Guide
Here Rule amid I
to
Mythology
icebergs the nations;

hammer,
sorcerers
This is my M
the mighty joiner, and
Giants
Cannot
withstand
it!
These
are
the
gauntlets
Wherewith And
I wield it
hurl it afar
This is my
off; girdle ;
Whenever
I brace it
Strengthis redoubled!
The thou beholdest light Stream through the heavens;
In flashes of Is but my Blown
crimson,
red beard
by the nightwind, the nations. Affrighting

Jove Mine The is my
eyes
brother; the lightning; are

of my chariot
wheels
Roll in the The blows
thunder;
Ring
of my hammer ! "" in the earthquake
HOW
THOR
CONQUERED
THE
STONE
GIANT
HRXJNGNER
Thor Odin land

ner.
had
on
once
gone
eastward
to
but crush trolls,
who
Sleipnerto Jotunheim, the and came of giants, to a giantby name Hrungthat was, Then he asked Hrungner what man with a helmet of goldrode throughthe air and
rode his horse
310
A and
that that
Guide
under
to
Mythology
protection. Thor
rue
he
was
his
said
Hrungner should
he
came
come
to
that invitation before that kill it
out; but
he
the
giant answered
to
would
be
but
as
little honor
was
Thor
a
to
him,
his
unarmed,
of his
; it would
be
better
at
proofof
me
valor if he dared
contend
"
with him
the boundaries
to
territory.
weapons
It
at
was
foolish, indeed,of
Had would I my
now we
leave my
my
home.
shield and
flint stone
with
me^
a
try
kill
a me
duel.
armed." un-
But
I declare you Thor
to be
coward
excuse
if you himself
would
not
from
such
the like of which no one had ever offered challenge him before. his way and hastened went Hrungner now home. This journeyof Hrungner was much and especially talked of by the giants, did his challenge of Thor their interest, awaken and it was of great importance to them which of the two should out from the combat victorious. For if Hrungcome ner, who the most was powerful among the giants, should be conquered, they might look for nothingbut made evil from Thor. of man a They, therefore, clay,nine miles high and three miles broad between the shoulders. sponding They could not find a heart correto his size and
therefore
took
one
out
of Thor
mare;
came.
but
this fluttered and
trembled
when
Hrungner had a heart of hard stone, sharp and three-cornered; his head was also of stone, and likewise his shield, broad and thick, which and was this shield he held before him when he stood waiting
for Thor. His
weapon
was a
flint stone, which

was no
he
.swung
over
his
so shoulders,
that it
trifleto
312
Myths
of the
Sky
and
Air
joinin combat with him. By his side stood the clay who was so extremelyterrified that the sweat giant, pouredfrom off him. Thor went to the duel together he had got from a with Thjalfe, a servant, whom to the placewhere ran Thjalfe peasant by the sea. You stand and said to him: Hrungner was standing, giant;you hold the shield before you, unguarded,
"
but Thor beneath
has
seen
you; and
he
comes
with violence
from
the earth
attacks
you."
Then
ner Hrung-
hastily put the shield beneath his feet and stood but he seized his flint stone with both hands. it, upon and heard loud flashes of lightning he saw Presently Thor in his might rushing and then he saw crashings, forward with impetuous speed, swinginghis hammer and throwing it from the distance against Hrungner.
The latter lifted the flint stone it with all his with both his hands
and threw
the two
two met
the hammer; might against the flint stone broke into
in the air and
piece of which fell on the ground while the other flew flint mountains), the head of Thor that he fell with such force against hit M joiner forward to the ground; but the hammer
one pieces, (and hence the
Hrungner rightin the head and crushed his skull into he himself falling small pieces, over Thor, so that his could only be Thor Thor's neck. foot lay across foot by his own son released from the giant's Magne and to this day the flint stone sticks fast (strength),
in Thor's forehead.
calls Thor the Longfellow is,however,only like Thor

313
brother
of Zeus.
Zeus
in his character
of the
Guide
to
Mythology
he is
thunderer.
like Odin.
As
the All-father of the Greeks
he was called by the Romans, as Zeus,or Jupiter,1 ruler of the universe. was regarded as the supreme Then Sometimes he was as a god of war. pictured he rode in his thunder the thunderbolt car, hurling his enemies with a scourge of lightning. or lashing He wore shield of storm-cloud like a or breastplate the skin of
a
gray
goat fearful
to behold
and
made
the was by the God of Fire. His special messenger eagle. In his peaceful he sat throned in the high guise, There he was clear heavens. the gathererof clouds and snows, the dispenser of gentlerains and winds, He of light and heat and the seasons. the moderator was worshippedwith various rites in different places, but everywhere the loftiest trees and the highest sacred to him. mountain peaks were
HOW
ZEUS
CAME
TO
BE
KING
OF
GODS
always been the supreme god. Before him reignedhis Cronus, and before Cronus his grandfather, father, Uranus. Cronus deposedUranus, and having heard that he was destined to be deposed by one of his own ing he indulged in the queer habit of swallowchildren, Zeus them all. His wife,Ehea, however, when born thoughtof the happy expedientof giving was Cronus a stone to swallow, which he, unsuspecting,
The
story told of Zeus
is that he had
not
Gayley's" Classic Myths

314
in
EnglishLiterature."
Myths
did.
The
of the
was
Sky
and
Air in the and

a
little Zeus he
was
hidden
island
of
Crete,where
up
on
tended
When
by nymphs
he became
milk. goat's made
brought full-grown
he .god,
his father
he had
swallowed
"
"
and Neptune Pluto, his cruel father. of
ters the brothers and sisdisgorge namely, Yesta, Ceres,Juno, and then went to war against
war
This
is
battle of the powers
Cronus is the powers of darkness. against light helpedby his brothers the Titans,and Zeus is helped and the Hecatonone-eyedgiants, by the Cyclopes, who had been conhundred-handed monsters fined chires, for ages in Tartarus. Mount
Zeus and his hosts held
wavered in the Olympus. For ages victory until by the advice of Rhea, Zeus released balance, the Cyclopes and the Hecatonchires. they Instantly the Cyclopes of Thessaly, hastened to the battle-field and lightnings, to support Zeus with their thunders
the hundred-handed
monsters
with such
the shock
of the
earthquake. Provided
shaking artillery, earth and sea, Zeus issued to the onslaught. With the Titans were the gleam of the lightning blinded, by the earthquaketheywere laid low, with the flames and fettered consumed ; overpowered they were well-nigh they were by the hands of the Hecatonchires, In the consignedto the yawning cave of Tartarus. council of the gods following this great battle Zeus He delegated chosen Sovereign of the World. was to his brother Posidon or Neptune the kingdom of
with the
sea
and
all the waters, to his brother
Hades
or
Pluto the government

seen,
of the
the 315
where mysterious,
underworld,dark, uu of the dead should spirits
Guide
to
Mythology
prison of
retained the
dwell,and
Titans. earth. His
of Tartarus himself
the Zeus
subdued and
For
heaven
gods was on the called Olympus. The summit of an ideal mountain but all when gods all had their separate dwellings, assembled in the palaceof Zeus, there to summoned
feast upon in
and dwelling
that of the
ambrosia
and
nectar.
Their
duties
sisted con-
and earth, the affairs of heaven discussing while for amusement lo's they had the melodies of ApolThere a was lyre,and the songs of the muses. desses, gate of clouds to this heavenlycitykept by godthe Hours these gates or Seasons,and through bent upon the celestials passedwhen any errand to
earth.
personification of Zeus, and, of the wind and the messenger he had the office of conducting like the Valkyries, His summoning the souls of the dead to Hades. described in of the souls of the dead is beautifully from the Odyssey,translated by the this passage poet Bryant:
Hermes
(Roman
name,
Mercury) was
the
"
In his hand
he bore
at will
The He
beautiful
goldenwand,
or
with which
opens
shuts the eyes of men, From sleep. With this he
them
guided on their way The ghostly uttering rout; they followed, A shrilly As when a flock of bats, wail. Deep in a dismal cavern, flyabout And squeak,if one have fallen from the place to each other and the rock, Where, clinging forth that crowd of ghostswent so They rested,
With
shrill and cries. plaintive Before them
moved
316
The
Flying Mercury
or
Hermes.
Giovanni
di
Bologna.
A
Whole
Guide
to
Mythology
earth, When she, the daughter of a mighty sire, the Olympian heights Is angered. From she plunged
And
...
of phalanxes
heroes to
stood among In her hand seemed
the
men
of Ithaca.
And
she bore the spear, the stranger Mentes." to
When
"
Pallas
like seized
returned
an
heaven
she
Passed Were
eagleout of sightand all with deep amazement as they saw."

Pallas
appears
to
Another
in Ulysses
"
time the
young
Odysseus
or
shape
delicately formed, shepherd,
sons
Of As
are
the
of
kings.
in rich
:
mantle
lay
feet she bore
Upon
Shone A
her shoulder
her folds,
in their sandals
in her hand
javelin. As Ulyssessaw, his heart Was glad within him, and he hastened on And thus accosted her with winged words, I have Fair youth, who art the firstwhom and hope I bid thee hail, Upon this shore,
1
met
Thou
meetest
me
with
no
unkind
intent. me;
Protect I make And

come
what
my
thou
beholdest
as
here and
a
suit to thee
to
to
god,
thy
dear knees.'"
After
littletalk with
"
Odysseus
And
touched
A beautiful Such
as are
smiled Pallas, blue-eyedgoddess, She seemed the chief caressingly. and stately woman now,
the skilled in works of
rare
device."
She
"
advises
Hither Wise
am
Odysseus and
I
come
says to him:
for thee the stores
to frame
and counsels,
to hide away
318
Myths
Given At
of the
Sky
and
Air
chiefs tell the roof
by the opulentPhseacian thy departure. I shall also

thou
own
What
must
yet endure
beneath
palace, by the will of fate. Yet bear it bravely, since thou must, nor speak To any man of thyself or woman but submit And of thy wandering hither, To many thingsthat grieve thee,silently, And bear indignities from violent men."
Of thine
Tims
this beneficent in their
Dawn
Goddess
mankind
so
and troubles,
came
ing alwayshelpabroad scattering
is
much
wisdom
that she Goddess

and the
to be called in Greek
mythology the
The Indian
of Wisdom.
Japanese stories following show other fancies about gods of the sky and air. The Lover's Vision of the Happy Land givesa in the sky. pictureof the home of departedspirits The Message-Bearers is related to the idea that the wind is a messenger of the gods,but it is the wind in the form of the repeatedsounds in echoes.
41 " " "
The
Indians
were
in the
habit
of
frequenting
with be
cipitous pre-
rivers wuth
wooded high,
banks,or
ravines could
sides where
for
reverberations
heard
until they would die away in the distance. miles, There and listening they would stand for hours shouting to the echoing shouts as they leaped from shore to shore, from hill to mountain, and from or and on into silence; mountain to valley on always that the words were called from one firmly believing of the faithful spirits to another until they reached
"
See Canfield's
''Legendsof the Iroquois."

319
Guide
to
Mythology
and
the
ears
of their loved ones,
the finally
Great
himself. Spirit " The Way infinite sky as
of the Gods the
"
describes all
beginningof
god things.
a
of the
HYMN"
TO
THE
"
DAWIT
(From
The radiant Dawns have
the
Rig
Veda
") glory,in
their White
and rich hath travel, shown herself, benign and friendly. We see that thou art good : far shines thy lustre ; thy beams, have flown up to heaven. thy splendors bare thy bosom, shining in thou makest Decking thyself, majesty,thou goddessMorning. She
live the waves splendor maketh paths all easy,
risen up for of waters. fair to
Red
are
the kine and
luminous
that bear distance.
her,the blessed
one
who The
spreadeththrough the
like
a
foes she chaseth she
valiant
like a archer,
swift warrior
darkness. repelleth
are
Thy
ways
easy
on
the hills: thou
passestin windless calm;
through waters. So loftygoddess with thine ample pathway, daughter of Heaven, bring wealth to give us courage. wealth : untroubled,with thine oxen thou Dawn, bring me bearest riches at thy will and pleasure ; child of Heaven, hast shown thee lovely Thou who, a goddess, through bounty when we called thee early. with men so As the birds flyforth from their resting-places, store of food rise at thy dawning. Yea, to the liberal mortal who remaineth at home, 0 goddess Dawn, much good thou bringest.
self-luminous!
320
Athene:
Branclisher
of
the
Spear.
Capitol, Rome.
Myths
THE
of the
Sky
THE
and
Air
LOVEB?S
was
VISION
OF
HAPPY
ISLAND
tiful beaumore girl, of her tribe, who than all the Indian maidens some died suddenly, the eve of her marriage to a handon brave, young chief ; and, althoughher lover was his loss. He mourned his heart was not proofagainst without hope. After her burial he sat near as one her remains without the spot where were deposited, musing and dreaming of her he had lost. speaking, and hunting had no charms for him. He pushed War There
once
a
very
beautiful
aside his bow

within there him.
was a
and He
arrows,
for his heart the old
was
dead
had
heard
path that
led to the it. With
peoplesay that and Land of Souls,

this resolution he
he determined
to follow
beloved,and, after making for the journey, set out at an early some preparation hour of the morning. which direction to take, At first he hardlyknew for he was guidedonly by the tradition that he must
left the remains
of his
go
southward.
For
while
he
could
discover
no
of the country; forests, change in the appearance familiar look had the same and streams hills, valleys, There was around his native home. that they wore he set out; the ground, however, when snow upon in thick mats sometimes and it was seen clinging the trees and bushes,but at lengthit began to upon he travelled swiftly along, as diminish,and finally, when disappeared, totally
the forest assumed

trees
more
cheerful appearance.
The
and forth their leaves,

321
appeared to be putting suddenly,as if by en-
Guide
to
Mythology
chantment, as surrounded by
onward, he found himself the budding flowers of spring; the air instead seemed his cheek,while overhead, warm upon the sky was and his ears were of wintryclouds, clear,
he walked saluted with The
songs
of birds.
for at these changes, quickly he was in the rightpath, as appearances he knew agreedwith the traditions of his tribe. As he sped which he followed, along,he discovered a footpath, and was led through a dark grove, then up a long precipitous he summit of which the extreme on ridge, to a lodge. In the doorway of this lodge stood came lover's heart beat
an
old man,
whose
hair
was
white
as
snow,
and whose
liancy. brilthough deeplysunken, had a wonderful He had a long robe of skins thrown loosely The and a staff in his hand. around his shoulders, lover accosted him and began to tell his story, young him by saying:"I the old man when interrupted come. risen to bid you welhave expected you, and had just, She whom you seek passedhere a few days for therein she rested, since. Enter my lodge, being and and I will answer all your inquiries, fatigued, giveyou direction for your journey from this point." cording Having entered and rested within the lodge,acthe young lover, to the old man's invitation, issued forth from the lodgeof delay, soon impatient
eyes, You door, accompaniedby the venerable chief. " see yonder gulf,"said the chief, and the wideof blue plainsbeyond. It is the Land stretching and my lodge is its borders, stand upon Souls. You take your body its gate of entrance; but you cannot 322
"
Guide
to
Mythology
the counterpart of
tions his;who, having imitated his moand making prepain gathering rations up the paddles for embarking,followed him as he pushedoff
from The
shore.
waves
and, at began to rise, in their looked ready to submerge them a distance, their white watery embrace ; but yet, on approaching mous as these enorStill, theyseemed to melt away. edges, followed each other in quick succession, waves tainty it kept them in continual fear ; for they felt no cerof them but that some one might break upon and bring them to destruction; their canoes while, added to this perpetual fear,the water of the lake so clear that it disclosed to their affrighted was gaze beingswho had perished largeheaps of bones of human before. And, as theymoved on, theysaw many Old and sinkingin the waves. persons struggling and maidens,were and young and women, men men
of the lake
soon
there ; and alone
but few
were seen
were
able to pass
over.
The
dren chil-
ever, without fear. Howon glide and the young man their terror, notwithstanding unharmed moved maiden along,for their deeds in and the Master of Life life had been free from evil, had decreed their safety; they leaped and,at length, the placeof the shore of the Happy Island, out upon the and wandered their destination, togetherover light formed to deblissful fields, where was everything The air itself was the ear. the eye and please them. and like food, and nourished strengthened
to
There
want
were
no
tempests. No
clothes. No
324
one
one
shivered for the
of
warm
suffered from
hunger.
Myths
No
one
of the
Sky
and
Air
saw no no
mourned heard of
no
for the dead.

wars.
They
was
graves.
They
There
young
huntingof
have
mained re-
animals.
Gladly the
forever with
not
lover
would
his beloved
in this beautiful
but land,
not
see
this
was
the Master which the
permitted; for,althoughhe did of Life,he heard his voice in a

commanded
to the land
soft breeze
his from
return:
"
Go
you is
are
back,"said
came.
" voice,
whence
your
Your
time
has not
yet
come;
work you
not not
and finished, completed.
the duties for which Return

a
I made
all the duties of
your brave man.
to
people and
You
plish accom-
will be the
messenger
ruler of your
at
tribe for many
years.
My
the gate shall instruct you he surrenders your
in your
future
work,
when you
now
here her
body. Listen to him, and shall afterwards rejoin which you must the spirit leave behind. She is accepted, and will dwell and as happy as when I called as young forever,
from the Land of Snows."
And
with
this the
lover's vision closed.
THE
MESSAGE-BEARERS
When
the
the
never
from Spirit broughtthe Redmen Happy Hunting Grounds and left them upon filled with fear lest they could earth, they were make his
ears
the Great
him when
hear
their wants, and

to tell went
could
not
reach
they desired
The sachems
him
of their
joys and
and said
:
sorrows.
"
before him
tell thee of
Father, how will thy children the deeds they have performedthat will
our
325
Guide
to
Mythology-
How thine ear? will they ask thee to their please drive away the bad spirits; and homes to help them how will they invite thee to their feasts and dances ? O our Father,thou canst not at all times be awake and they will not know and watching thy children, when thou art sleeping.Thy children do not know the trail to the Happy Hunting Grounds by which
to
send
their wise
men
and
sachems
to
talk with
thee,for thou hast covered it with thy hands and thy children cannot discover it. How will the words of thy children reach thee, O our Father,the Maniwill what they say come to ; how to thine ears ? created for each one of the Then the Great Spirit in Kedmen second self, he gave a home to whom a the air. He provided these beingswith wings and swift feet, so they could move very rapidly. To them he impartedthe secrets of the entrance to his home, and made them guidesto his children whom he had called on the long journey,so that they should not lose the paths leadingto their future the Great Spirittold these creahome. tures Finally, of the air that they should be message-bearers and convey their words for his children, exactlyas spoken from one pointto another until they reached in the big wigwam by the the ears of his sachems lost its light. side of the council-fire that never the They must be ready at all times to answer of their words calls of the Redmen, so that none might be lost. Messages to the loved ones who had left the earth and gone to the Happy Hunting
'
Grounds
must
be transmitted
326
with
the
same
watch-
Myths
ful
care as
were
of the
Sky
and
Air
ears
those intended
for his
alone*
If any
of his children
words,they,too,must might know whether to the grand council-fire. he had finished his instructions, When the Great told the sachems that he would to his return Spirit home, and that they could go with his children to the bank of a beautiful river near which they dwelt,
and
spoke idle and untruthful that their father he repeated, mitted worthy to be adthey were
there talk to him. sachem

of
up
Slowly and with a loud voice the chief bank the opposite began to speak. From river the waiting message-bearer caught sachem's words as spoken, and they were
strong voice shouted them
to another
the
the
a
with
dweller of the
who crouched in the tree-tops far down ,the river, air, ready and alert to do the Great Spirit's bidding. On and on, rolling along the ravines and valleys, mountainside from and to leaping from hill-top mountainside the forests at to lake,striding over bound fainter and yet fainter, until lost in the a blue distance of the plain the message of thankfulness and love was borne from the lipsof the gratefulsachem until it reached the ears of theand loving and was told to the father, ever-listening chiefs who sat in the light of the council-fire that
" "
never
grows
dim.
327
Guide
to
Mythology
THE
THE
WAY
OF
GODS
(Japanese)
Listen, my
When Sun in
nor
to children,
the true
ginning story of the Be-
of the World.
there
was
neither Heaven
nor
Earth, nor
Moon, nor anythingthat is,there existed Infinite Space the Invisible Lord of the Middle
With him
were
Heaven.
two
a
other
Gods.
By
cannot
their miraculous
be described
came
power,
Thing whose
a
shape
into existence in the midst like
of
Space, in
from
appearance
as
Forth
it sprang,
it were,
water
"
sprout, rising from

and
"
the
Floating Cloud. Rusha Flowering translucent, pure,
bright which grew and grew and widened and all things and till it spreadover widened infinitely, Then downward the Canopy of Heaven. became from the Hnder-region the Floating Cloud grew is the Root-region of Night which of the Realm and the abode of Departed Spirits. the World the center of the Floating And Cloud became the and formless and without Earth,which was stillliquid
" "
life.
After this of
were
born
in Heaven
most
seven
generations
Gods, and the last Izanagiand Izanami.

were
and
of these were perfect Now, Izanagi and Izanami and all that is in
the Parents
it
of the World
it. And
happened in
of Heaven
this wise: the Gods
of the
High
"
Plain
Descend
a
ocean
firm
Izanagiand Izanami : mud and make of this drifting and and beautiful Land, and fill it with
328
said to
Myths
of the
Sky
and
Air
And in their hands the Gods placed living tilings." a mystic jewelledSpear. in these days the heavens were to the near ISJow, earth, and the space between was spanned by a Heavenly Floating Bridge. So they set forth bravelyon their journey,and, lookingdown into the space beneath them, they saw in the depthsthe gether plain of the Sea. They held counsel togreen and said, Is there not a country beneath ? And Izanagipushedthe jewelled Spear down from the Floating Bridge and stirred the green sea round and round, and some say that is why the earth round and round to this day. Then the brine turns and they drew up the Spear, and went curdle-curdle, the brine that fell from the end of the Speardropped
" "
down
and
became
is
an
island. of the
This
island
was
called of
Onogoro,and
the Land
of
one
Islands Everlasting
of the Land of Fertile EeedSunrise, which is Japan. plains, down and to the Earth, on !Now,the Gods stepped it was and they shivered, and strange and desolate, felt lonelyand afraid. Suddenly sounded a whirringof wings; two tiny Sekirei wagtails swept by and fluttered to the the livingair ground. It was earlyspringtime; thrilled warm little pecks and and sweet. With full of busy pride, the pair sought twige cheeps, and and wove them deftlyinto a downy grasses nest. ered Quiveringwith rapture, the lover-bird hovround his mate, and sang of love and joy and iiappydays to come.
" "
329
Guide
Gods
to
Mythology
watched,a warmth crept and in Izanami's eyes round the heart of Izanagi, She whisperedsoftly, Let mist of tears. a was Then house to dwell in ! a Izanagi us, too, make plunged his spear into the ground,and round them and the Spear was a great and rose glorious Palace, And hidden thereof. the Heart-Pillar they were and Earth. of Heaven from the sight they met and Then, moving round this Pillar, The with charmed another gazed on one eyes. " I Behold ! cried joyfully of Mankind Mother : And with have met a lovely Youth ! Izanagi with a lovely Behold ! I have met cried back :
While the Great
" " " "
Maiden
!"
So the Sekirei
first taughtthe Gods
the ways
of
Love, and are honored and cherished in Japan to this day. had been how Izanami But Izanagiremembered said wraththe first to speak,and in his displeasure " I am a : Man, and should by right have fully spoken first!
When
"
the first child born

a
to
them
was
deformed,they put him in wood, and he sailed away

God
men
boat made
to
sea
of
ugly and camphorthe the
and
are
became
of the fisherfolk.
who
His
children
live in
some
of the islands
of
hairy Japan to
this
day.
the Gods
passedround the Pillar a second time, and Izanagi spoke first. So his anger was content. appeased,and they lived greatly Togetherthey made the eightislands of Japan,
Then
330
Guide Gate of
to
Mythology-
length to Kingdom
He
"
the
of
Everlasting Night, to the

of the Under
Yomi,
at
the Ruler
World.
knocked
O
my
the Gate
and
come
cried aloud: back to

me
beloved Sister ! him:
!"
And
she answered
"
beloved Elder
I have Let
me me
Brother ! gladly would of Yomi's

and
I come,
am
but, alas !
bewitched.
do
not
eaten
return
cookingand speak to him,
but
thou
follow
!"
till, without, Izanagi waited anxiously growing he broke a tooth at her long delay, impatient off his comb, lighting it as a torch,and so dared to enter those terrible shades. Through dark and dreadful ways he wandered, and his heart quailed
So within him.
But
and
Yomi
was
wroth
so
with
him he
for
his
daring,
her she
at
smote
as one
Izanami
that when
found
lay
upon
altered in and
her
with Eight Witches death,

Then
a
her head
feet.
great horror
fell
fled swiftly, and the Izanagi ; he turned and and pursued him. On he rose Eight Ugly Women through winding ways where icy blasts fly ran, and the Witches shrieking; swept after him and would have caught him, but he seized the wreath from his head and flung it down, and it was changed
into
bunches
of
grapes.
When
the
Witches
saw
these
they stopped and greedilydevoured them ; then, gatheringup their robes,rose and pursued again. Izanagifelt the chill of their coming, and drew out a many-toothedcomb from the rightbimch of
332
Myths
his hair and touched
young the bamboo threw
of the
Sky
and
Air
it behind
him.
Behold !
up
a
as
it
of
ground, there
shoots
across
sprang
hedge
path. The Witches and ate swooped down, pulledup the young shoots, them then again gave chase. to the last one; Now, Izanami, too, was angered against him, for
she had
been
the
put
from
to
shame
; and
she sent
him.
dred five hun-
warriors rush and
Yomi
to pursue
When
the
sheathed tramping drew nearer, Izanagi unhis ten-span sword,and in his despair his breath failed as at the approach of Death. Then suddenlyappeared before him the Gate of the Pass of Yomi; and hastily pluckingsome peacheswhich by the gate, he threw them, and scattered grew his pursuers, and himself passed through into the the light. And he rolled a mighty stone across mouth of the opening, that none hereafter coidd so move
the
it.
The
"
peachesthat had saved him he named Their Augustnessthe Great Divine Fruit,and they are honored in some parts of Japan to this day. back into the world again, Now, when he came Izanagifelt very weary, and searched for a clear
stream to
wash
away
the
foulness
of
the
Lower
Regions which
he had found clung to him. When he bathed therein, and of this washing many one the Gods evil gods were them were born; among ing Seeof Crookedness, who love to plaguemankind. this evil, he made the Gods of Straightening, to make crooked thingsstraight. his Now, when he had rested and accomplished
333
Guide
to
Mythology
he created purification,
in this wise:
the greatest of his children into the clear stream, he forth

sprang
Descending
bathed his
once
more
left eye, and the great Sun Goddess.
Amaterasu,
the waters
Sparklingwith
as was
she light,
the
rose
from
and her
the Sun
rises in
East,
brightness
and
wonderful, and shone through Heaven such radiant glory. was seen Earth; never and said," There Izanagi rejoiced greatly,
like this Miraculous Child ! " he put jewels,
over
is
none
Taking
neck
and Heaven
necklace
of
it round
of
her
" Rule said,

"
Thou
the Plain
High
Thus
Amaterasu
became
the
source
of all life and
and comhas warmed forted light ; the gloryof her shining all mankind, and she is worshippedby them this day. unto Then he bathed his righteye, and there appeared God. her brother, the Moon Izanagisaid : " Thy dor beauty and radiance are next to the Sun in splenof Night ! " the Dominion ; rule thou over had departed, When the two beautiful ones a third He was whose name God came Susa-wo. was forth, and could never be at a god with a strange destiny, hills and valleys over peace, sweeping ceaselessly behind him. with his long beard floating Izanagi
gave
him he
dominion
was
over
the
sea.
But
not
content
over
and
roaming restlessly
green mountains
his kingdom, neglected the earth,so that the
withered
334
and
the rivers dried up.
Myths
The
of the
Sky
and woke
Air with his

ing moan-
murmuring
was as
of
he spirits
the sound
of innumerable
bees.
Izanagi in his wrath banished him to the his work, [Nether Regions,and, having accomplished into an Island Cave, and abode there till withdrew
So the End.
335
CHAPTEK
tfOTHER-MYTHS
AND
VII
CHILD-MYTHS
f" N
"*"
h\\ the
has been
myths we
have
learned
about
so
far there element love for
very little of the of affection, yet it is true that

the mother of all
purely human
reverence
one
and
things was
of
of the
as
stincts earliest inwell

as
in the mind and

even reverence
primitive man,
as we a
love
for children. mother find
The and
idea of the earth

one,
is
very
simple
that the
natural has
and
so
everywhere
mother. America
earth
been the
a
Among
Mother Peruvians Earth. said it is
a as personified primitive peopleof
the EarthThe
personage
of much
as
importance.
or an was
worshipped her The Caribs, when

their Mother
to dance
Mama-Pacha
Mother
there
Earth
earthquake
was
dancing and signifying

merry
to them
and
make
which likewise,
they did. Among the ^Torth American accordingly call on the earth as their Indians,the Comanches their as mother, while they regard the Great Spirit
father.
In
the
mythology of
is
a
the
Einns, Lapps
and
Esths,
the Earth-Mother
One of the most
honored divinely personage. forms of the Earth-Mother primitive
is that of the Zulus.
She is described
336
as
very
little
Mother-Myths and Child-Myths

animal with about
as
largeas
and
little white
of her that she is not said that

men primitive ever
the present time
and is marked pole-cat, black stripes.The Zulus say We hear it commonly seen. knew her. No one existing at of this fact, her. In spite saw
a
however,theyseem
appearance,
to
for upon
have very definite ideas of her side of this littleblack and one
and a forest, reeds, about followed by a large resemble her, and in whose
a name
white
grass.
animal She
there grow
bed of
always goes
a
troop of children which

welfare she takes
great interest. The
of this
goddessis Inkosa-za-na. gods in Polynesianmythology is a mother-goddess called Yari. She is the in the abyss. She is celebrated very beginning of things the source of all from whom all beings as claim descent. She sheltered the Earth-Mother, who in Polynesianmythology is called Papa, whose husband How these two came was Rangi,the Heaven. is told in the story of the Children to be separated
"
The
oldest of all their
of Heaven
and from
Earth."
this
myth of Yari that the earth is not the onlymother-goddess. The very beginnings of things in nightand chaos mother were as frequently goddesses. represented For was example, the Egyptian Mother-goddess of night. She is celebrated as the Neith,the goddess Only One." " Glory to thee! Thou art mightier souls which than the Gods! The forms of the living in their places are give gloryto the terrors of thee, She is repretheir mother; thou art their origin."
see
"
We
337
.
A sented
as
Guide
to
Mythology
" I am all that was and is and self-existing. hath lifted my mortal veil." In the is to be; no Public Library in Boston the artist Sargent has black figureof this goddess the the vague, made givinga symbolicrepresenbackgroundin his fresco, tation The face of ISTeithshows of Egyptian religion. inscrutable calm, and she wears the conas a necklace stellations of the Zodiac, and on her head the winged She was said also to have been the globe of the sun.
mother The
of the
sun.
of the gods,seems mother to Hindoo, Aditi, kind. of the same She is said to have been a goddess unbounded and is the mother infinity, represent free, called Adityas. of twelve heavenlybeings sun-gods, is shown Her kinshipwith other mother-goddesses by the fact that she was invoked as the bestower of children and cattle. on blessings little myth of the Malayan In the naive and poetical the sun and moon both Peninsula given later, as mother-goddesses. figure the anThe worship of mother-goddesses cient among scriptiv Indians was Mexican prominent. Hymns deThe first is to the of two are given here. of the Gods." She Mother Teteoinan,the goddess also called Soci, Our Mother," and also by another was which name signified The Heart of the Earth." This last name was given to her because of earthquakes.She she was believed to be the cause and animal world and her the vegetable over presided of the most chief temple at Tepeyacac was nowned reone The other goddess, Mexico. in ancient
"
"
"
"
338
A
vests.
Guide
to
Mythology
Hlyn is the protectresswho delivers people from peril.Guaa is the messenger who runs errands of marriage, Lofu of love, for Frigg. Var has charge and Syn of justice. The counterpart of Frigg in Greek (Roman name, Ceres), mythologyis Demeter Rhea. Like the daughter of another earth-goddess, she representsthe bountiful life-giving Frigg, aspects of nature. She is best described in the hymn written and in in her honor by Callimachus given later, which you will recognize another version of the story of Erysichthon.
MALAYAN
STORY
OF
THE
SUN
AND
MOON
The
stars
Moon
are
is
woman,
and
the
Sun
also.
The
the
as
Moon's
olden
times could
not
and the Sun had in children, kind however,that manFearing, many. and heat, bear so much brightness
to
they agreed each

Moon
devour
her
children.
But
the
instead of
the Sun's
up
from eating up her stars hid them them all devoured, ate who, believing sight,
; no
sooner
her
own
had
she done
it than the Moon
"When broughther familyout of their hiding-place. the Sun saw them, filled with rage, she chased the
Moon
to
kill her.
The
chase has lasted

even an
ever
since,
and sometimes
bite the
men
the Sun and
comes
Moon,
that is
may
see, stilldevours
her
enough to eclipse.The Sun, as stars at dawn, and the

near
Moon
hides hers all

out
them onlybrings
away.
day while the Sun is near, and when her pursuer is far at night
340
Demeter
or
Ceres.
The
Vatican.
HYMN
TO
THE
MOTHER
OF
THE
GODS
(Mexican Indian)
Hail to
our
mother,
scattered
who
caused
the
yellowflowers
as
som, to bloscame
she who forth from Hail

to
the seeds of the maguey,
she
Paradise.
our
mother, who
scattered
poured forth
the seeds
white
flowers in
as
abundance, who
came
of the maguey,
she
forth from
to
Paradise.
goddess who shines in the thorn-bush like a brightbutterfly. Ho! she is our mother, goddess of the earth;she supplies and causes them to live. food in the desert to the wild beasts,
Hail
the
Thus, thus,
toward liberality And
as
you
see
her
to
be
an
ever-fresh
model
of
all flesh.
see
you
the
goddess of
the earth
do to the wild
so beasts,
also does she toward
the green
herbs and the fishes.
HYMN
TO
CTHUACOATL,
THE
MOTHER
OF
MORTALS
(Mexican Indian)
with the crest of Quilaztli, plumed with eagle feathers, with her hoe, blood, comes paintedwith serpents' eagles, beatingher drum, from Colhuacan. She alone,who is our flesh, goddessof the fields and shrubs, is strong to support
With the hands
us. us.
with the hoe, hoe, with the hoe, with hands full, the goddess of full, the fields is strong to support
with
With
broom
in her hands
the
of goddess
the fieldsstrongly
supports us.
Our
mother is
as
twelve
goddess of drum-beating, eagles,

maguey war,
the fieldsof tzioac and filling
like our
our
lord Mixcoatl.
a
She is our
mother,
goddessof
341
mother,
goddess
A
of war,
She
an
Guide
a
to
Mythology
from the home of
our
example and
she forth,
war
companion
ancestors.
comes us
in
that from
we
appears when shall not be of

our
waged, she protects an destroyed, example

war
is
and
companion
comes
the home
ancestors.
manner
She
adorned
in the ancient
manner
with
the
eagle
crest,in the ancient
with
the
eaglecrest.
THE
CHILDREN
OF
HEAVEN
AND
EARTH
(Polynesian)
Men
sprang
had but
from
one
ancestors; they pairof primitive

Heaven that exists above
us.
the vast
us,
and
from
to the
the Earth
which
our
lies beneath
race,
ing Accord-
traditions of
Pangi
and
Heaven the
and
Earth, were
the
source
from
Papa, or which, in
then Darkness all things originated. beginning, and upon the Earth, and the Heaven rested upon for they had not yet they stillboth clave together, been
rent
apart, and their children

what
were
ever
ing think-
themselves among between darkness and
At
worn last,
out
might be the difference light. the by the continued darkness,

and
Earth
us now
children
of Heaven
"
consulted determine
amongst
what
we
: themselves, saying
Let and
should
do with
Rangi
better to
slaythem or to spoke Tu-Matauenga,the

and Earth:
"
Papa, whether it would be rend them apart." Then

fiercest of the children of
Heaven
Then of all
let us slaythem." well, spoke Tane-Mahuta, the father of forests and structed things that inhabit them, or that are confrom trees: Nay, not so. It is better to It is
"
342

rend above them
apart, and
the Earth
a our
to
let the
Heaven
our
stand far
Let the remain
us, and
as
as
lie under
feet.
Sky
become
us
stranger to
us, but the Earth
close to The the
nursingmother."
all consented
to this
brothers
with proposal,
the father of winds of Tawhiri-ma-tea, exception and storms, and he, fearingthat his kingdom was about be overthrown, grieved greatlyat the to thought of his parents being torn apart. to an agreement as however, having come Finally, the god and father to their plans, lo,Rongo-matane, of the cultivated food rend of man,
rises up
he
that he may
but he struggles, rend them cannot apart. Lo, next, Tangawa, the rises up, that he god and father of fish and reptiles, and Earth; he also struggles, rend apart Heaven may but he cannot rend them apart. Lo, next, Haumiawhich the god and father of the food of man tikitiki, rises up and struggles, springswithout cultivation, but ineffectually. Lo, then,Tu-Matauenga, the god and father of fierce human rises up and strugbeings, gles, but he, too, fails in his efforts. Then, at last, slowlyuprisesTane-Mahuta, the god and father of of birds, and of insects, and he struggles with forests,
apart Heaven
and
Earth;
his parents; in vain he strives to rend them his hands and

arms.
apart with
is
now
Lo, he
his mother
pauses;
his head
firmlyplantedon
Earth, his feet he his father the Heaven, he raises up and rests against strains his back and limbs with mighty effort. Now rent apart Rangi and Papa, and with cries and are they shriek aloud: " Wherefore slay groans of woe
the
343
A
you
Guide
to
Mythology
commit
to
thus your
a
crime But
parents?Why to slay us, as as

Tane-Mahuta
you
your
so
ful dread-
rend
parents
apart?'
not
pauses
not; he regards
their shrieks and down the Earth
presses up
far beneath him he cries; far, far above him he thrusts ; far,
Sky. there Then, also, ma-tea, the god and
the
arose
in the breast of Tawhiriof winds his and
father
storms,
fierce desire to wage with war they had rent apart their common
because brothers,
parents.
dreads also that
fair and
so beautiful, realms above,and
The
god
of hurricanes and should become

too
storms
the world
he
follows rises,
to
his father to the sheltered
hurries
the
hollows
in
the
boundless
there he hides and clings, and nestling in this skies; placeof rest he consults long with his parent, and as the vast
Heaven listens to the
hiri-ma-tea, thoughtsand and Tawhiri-ma-tea breast,

must
of Tawsuggestions plans are formed in his also understands what he
do. sends forth fierce
dense squalls, whirlwinds, clouds, massy clouds,dark clouds,gloomy thick clouds which precedehurricanes, clouds, clouds, fiery clouds of fiery black,clouds reflecting glowing red clouds wildlydrifting from all quarters and light, clouds of thunder-storms, and clouds wildly bursting, In the midst of these Tawhiri-mahurriedly flying. himself sweeps tea Alas! Alas! then wildly on. and whilst Tane-Mahuta rages the fierce hurricane; and his gigantic forests still stand, unconscious and the blast of the breath of the mouth of unsuspecting,
344
He
A unshaken
now
Guide
to
Mythology
upon
the breast of his Mother
at
lengththe
became
of storms
Earth; and hearts of Heaven and of the god and their passions were tranquil,
has still ever the Earth.
"
assuaged. Up to this time the vast Heaven separatedfrom his spouse

their mutual her love still continues stillever
mained re-
Yet
warm
the
soft
to
sighsof
lovingbosom
the
rise up
him,
and valleys, woody mountains and men call these mists;and the vast Heaven, as he mourns through the long nights his separation from his beloved,drops frequent tears upon her them term bosom, and men dewdrops. seeingthese,
ascendingfrom
STORY
OF
DEMETEK
{Greek:From
the
Hymn
was
of Callimachus) the
first to
cut
sings how wheat, straw, and

He
oxen
Demeter handfuls the

are
corn.
off
of ears, and He
introduced
she
to
tread
out
tells also how
to her guiltyof disrespect the son of Triopus pitiable She made by power. the Pelasgiansinhabiting hunger. Not yet were the Cnidian land, but sacred Dotium; but to thyself had raised a beautiful enclosure, thickly grown would have penetrated with trees; scarce an arrow it. In it was the pine, in it tall elms, and pearand beautiful, trees also, sweet apples,whilst the burstingforth from water, like as amber, was springs. Then the son of Triopus hastened forth with twenty servants,all in their prime, all giant
punishesthose
who
346

men,
having
armed
axes,
so
them
in
both
respects with
without shame
hatchets and
into the grove Kow there
they rushed
of Demeter.
was a
to tree reaching a large poplar, port wont to disheaven,and under it the nymphs were themselves in the noontide, which, stricken first, came beDemeter sounded an evil melody for the rest. in danger, that her sacred grove was aware tiful beauWho is hewing down and said in anger, my
" " trees ?
'
whom ISTicippe, and her public the state had appointed as priestess, and she graspedin her hand the filletsand poppies said she, kept her key on her shoulders. Then " the sad and shameless man : My son who soothing Forthwith she likened herself to fellest the sacred trees which
are
consecrated to
gods,
much beloved by thy parents, child, lest anywiseour forbear and turn away thy servants, Lady Demeter be wroth with thee;Demeter, whose thou art pillaging." holy precinct than At her then,looking askance more fiercely
stay, my
son,
lioness
with
savage
axe
brood
"
Give
way,
lest I
fasten this great
thy flesh. These trees thou well-roofed house,wherein I shall shalt behold my hold pleasant and anon ever banquets to my heart's content with my companions." So spakethe youth, and Nemesis recorded the wicked speech. and Demeter wroth in an unspeakable was degree, the goddess. Her she became steps, indeed,trod the ground,but her head touched Olympus. Then were they half dead, I wot, when they had seen
in
347
A the awful
Guide
to
Mythology
a
and goddess,
on
sudden
rushed
away,
the oaks. The rest she having left the axe among for by constraint they followed beneath left alone, to the king that their lord's hands, but she replied thou dog,thou vexed her : " So, so ; build thy hall, for frequent dog, wherein thou mayst hold banquets,
festivals thou
sent
shalt have
a
hereafter."
Forthwith
she
fierce hunger,burning grievous, his appetite that he and violent. So terrible was his mother ate up had, causingher to everything call on Neptune:
upon
him
"
Either
remove
thou and
from
him
his sad disorder
him, for my tables and my stalls have fallen short. Eeft are my folds, cooks have void of beasts ; and at length my now declined the task. Nay, more, they have unyoked from the great wains, and he ate the the mules for Vesta,and heifer which his mother was feeding and the cat steed and war the prize-gaining horse,
or
take thyself
maintain
which
O
lesser animals
dread." he be
no
Demeter, may hated by you. jointhe acclaim.

. .
friend to
me
who
is
and ye Sing ye virgins, All hail, Demeter,many

And the
as
mothers
ing nurtur-
of
many
measures.
the
four
white-
maned
steeds
carry
goddess,wide fair summer, winter and autumn, and shall spring, keep them for us to another year. and preserve this cityin harmony Hail, goddess, and prosperity, and bringall things home ripefrom
the fields. Feed
our
basket,so shall the great ruling,come, bringingto us fair
cattle; support
348
our
fruit trees ;
Mother-Myths and Child-Myths bringforth

also nurse producethe harvest; may reap. peace; that he who has sowed, that same O thou, Be propitious at my thrice-prayedbidding, for,widelyruling goddesses. among
the ear,
THE
STORY
OF
DEMETER
AND
PERSEPHONE
{Greek)
had all been giants imprisoned by Zeus under Mount iEtna,Pluto,the the lower regions, ruler over or Hades, became very alarmed lest the shock of their fall might exmuch pose his kingdom to the light of day. Under this his chariot, he mounted drawn apprehension, by and made black horses, to a journeyof inspection himself of the extent of the damage. While satisfy he was thus engaged, he was espied by the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite (Venus), who on was sitting Mount Eryx, playing with her little boy Eros (Cupid). He is one of the children in mythologywho never
upon
a
Once
time, when
the
grows about
up
and
never
grows
any
wiser.
He
carries
always a bow and a quiverfull of he shoots right into the hearts of which arrows, peopleand fills them with a love so overwhelming that they will even for some one they have seen this his or her will, as carry that person off against As as soon Aphrodite saw present story shows. Pluto, she exclaimed : " My son, take thy darts Zeus himself, and send one which subdue all, even into the breast of yonder dark monarch, who rules
with him
349
Guide Tartarus.
some
to
Mythology
Dost
thou
not
see
the
even
realm
of
that
in heaven
despiseour
us;
power
Athene
daughter of Demeter, who threatens to follow their example. interest or mine, thine own Xow, if thou regardest est join these two in one." The hoy selected his sharpto the heart and truest arrow, and sped it right
and
Artemis
defy
and
there
is that
of Pluto.
Iôw
in the vale of Enna
is
lake emhowered
in
woods, where Spring reignsperpetual.Here Per-* with her sephone (Roman, Proserpina)was playing lilies and violets, the when companions,gathering loved her,and, god Pluto saw her. He immediately she returned without waitingto find out whether his love or not, he caught her up and carried her and her for help to her mother off. She screamed distanced companions,hut Pluto urged on his steeds and outhe reached the river Cypursuit.When whereupon he struck ane, it opposed his passage; and the earth opened and the bank with his trident,
gave
him
passage
to
Tartarus.
with grief, sought Demeter, overwhelmed world. her daughter through the whole Brightshe came forth in the mornhaired Aurora, when ing, he led out the stars in and Hesperus, when her still busy in the search. the evening,found and At length,weary sad, she sat down upon a in stone, and remained nine days and nine nights, and and moonlight the open air, under the sunlight where the cityof Eleusis showers. It was falling named old man of an the home now near stands, Then
350

Celeus.
His
"
little Mother
pitying the girl,

"
"
old
was
woman, sweet
said to her
to
and
"
"
the
name
the
ears
of
Demeter
why
old
sittest thou
man
here
begged her He into his cottage. She declined. urged to come " and he happy she replied, Go in peace/' her. But their in thy daughter; I have lost mine." from rose prevailed.Demeter compassionfinally As they walked, with them. and went the stone Celeus said that his only son lay sick of a fever. The poppies. goddess stooped and gathered some in distress Then, enteringthe cottage where all was seemed past recovfor the boy, Triptolemus, ery
alone
upon
the rocks?"
The
"
"
"
she restored In
the child to life and
health
with
the familyspreadthe happiness grateful and and put upon it curds and cream, apples, table, While they ate, Demeter honey in the comb. in the milk of the boy. When mingled poppy juice boy, nightcame, she arose and, takingthe sleeping his limbs with her hands,and uttered over moulded him three times a solemn charm, then went and His mother,who had been laid him in the ashes. watchingwhat her guest was doing, sprang forward
a
kiss.
with Then
crv
and
snatched
her
the
own
child
from
the
fire.
form, and a divine While shone all around. come overthey were splendor with astonishment,she said : Mother, thou have hast been cruel in thy fondness;for I would he shall be made Nevertheless, thy son immortal.
Demeter
assumed
"
great and
the
useful.
He
shall teach
which
men
the
use
of
win
plough,and
the rewards 351
labor
can
A
from
Guide
So
to
Mythology
saying,she wrapped a cloud about her,and, mounting her chariot, rode away. her search for her daughter, continued Demeter until at last she returned to Sicily, whence she had of the river at first set out, and stood by the banks Cyane. The river nymph would have told the goddess but dared not for fear of all she had witnessed, Pluto; so she ventured merely to take up the girdle which and Persephone had dropped in her flight, float it to the feet of her mother. Demeter, seeing laid her curse this, upon the innocent earth in which her daughter had disappeared. Then succeeded until at last drought and famine, flood and plague,
the
the land. fountain Por Arethusa made intercession for the she had
soil."
observed that it had
opened all
unwillinglyto the might of Pluto, and she had in her flight from Alpheus through the lower also, of the earth, beheld the missingPersephone. regions that the daughterof Demeter seemed She reported sad,but no longershowed alarm in her countenance.
Her of look
was
such
as
became
queen-
"
the
queen
Erebus, the powerfulbride of the

of the dead. Demeter heard she When
monarch
of
the realm
this she stood
while like
implored Zeus to interfere the restitution of her daughter. Zeus to procure consented condition that Persephoneshould not, on duringher stay in the lower world,have taken any cordingly food ; otherwise, the Fates forbade her release. AcHermes was by Spring, sent, accompanied of Pluto. The wily monarch to demand Persephone
one
stupefied ; then
352
A tells how
Guide
to
Mythology-
to worship children. Once some they came mothers river with their children. a were crossing the children were magical means By some changed of into such ugly and mischievous shapesthat many fall into the let them the mothers,in their fright, of them Some held fast to their children, water. and these were restored to their natural shapeson but those who had lost the other side of the river, their children grieveddeeply,and nothing could comfort them. Thereupon,two littletwin brothers, downward who were called Sons of the Sun, went of a lake to the dwelling of the beneath the waters the twins inquired who soon as as children, they saw it fared with their mothers. how lovingly of Their visitors told them of the grief and sorrow Tell their parents, whereupon the children said : mothers we not dead,but live and sing in our are for them this beautiful place, which is the home when they sleep. One day they will wake here and be happy always. And here to intercede we are with the Sun, our that he may father, give to our and all that peoplerain and the fruits of the earth, is good for them." Ever since these children have been worshippedas ancestral gods. had a little story in which We the have already
"
stars
appear
as
the children of the
sun
and
moon.
In
another
one, of the Indians

we see
on
of British
Columbia,
are
the dark
spots which
a
the
moon
posed sup-
to be to
child and her little basket.
According
were
this
one legend,
night a
354
child of the chief class

Its
awoke
and
cried for water.
cries
very
Mother-Myths and Child-Myths affecting Mother, give

"
"
me
drink ! "
was
"
but
the
touched,and the came down, entered the house,and approached " Here is water from heaven ; drink. " : child, saying child eagerlytook hold of the jar and drank The
mother
not.
heeded
The
Moon
the water, and the benefactor, passage and then

moon
was
then
enticed to go
away
with
its
until
They took an underground they got quite clear of the village,

Moon.
to
ascended
heaven.
And
still we
see
in
the
the
little round
to
that very child, the carrying it went basket it had in its hand when of figure
sleep.
The Indians of
Mt.
Shasta
have
little wind
who also became the ancestress of the grizzlychild, terrific storm bear people. They tell how a once
came
up
"
from
the
sea
and
"
shook
to
its base
the
Mt. lived the Shasta itself in which wigwam Great Spirit and his family. Then the Great Spirit fant, inthan an commanded little more his daughter, and command the wind to be still; to go up but he cautioned her at the same time, in a tender, and not put her head to be sure fatherly manner, but to thrust out her little red out into the blast, and make arm a sage. sign before she delivered her mesBut she could not withstand the temptation the world,and of course, being to look out upon such a littlething, she was caughtup by the storm and
blown
down
the mountain She

of
a
into the land

one
of the
grizzly-bear people.
became
the
married
new
of
of
men.
them, and
When
the ancestress
heard Spirit
race
Great
that his
355
daughter stilllived,
Guide
to
Mythology
for
he
ran
down
out
the mountain
joy,"but
when
he
had married of the one daughter he was so people, grizzly-bear angry that he cursed the grizzly peopleand turned them into the present
found
that his
race
of hears
of that
race
name.
Then
out
he
drove
them
and
to
the the
new
of
men
of their
to
door, and passed away with him his daughter carrying

has since
seen.
wigwam, shut his mountains,

her
or
; and
him
no
eye
important mythicalbeing in Polynesian mythology is a littleboy called Maui-tikitiki-o-TaranSun is told in the story ga, and how he caughtthe of him in this chapter. itself a child when The Egyptians called the sun of this Child-Sun was it was rising. The name sometimes regardedas the god Horus, and he was his finger a child with of silence and represented as children in Greek held up to his lip. The principal myths are Heracles and Hermes, who, althoughthey fullstories after they had become in many figure when both very remarkable they gods,were grown of Strength, the God Heracles babies. was were
A
very
but
cosmic that there are some probable of this god. His struggle elements in the conception with the serpents in his babyhood resembles very the sun other battles in mythology between closely and of darkness, Ra and the powers Anapef or Apollo and the Python. Hermes, who is a roguish little imp, is full of such tricks as the wind plays,
it is very and
he has become
the model
of many
mediaeval
tale of
thieves tricksy
and wonder-workers.
356

Other
how
stories to
be
given in
this
chapter show
were
children important little human people so important in one primitive

"
among story that and
all the
to
save
animals
two
in the
world
went
assembled
sound
tried
asleep upon rock that gradually a rose higherand higheruntil and so important in their faces touched the moon; another that even the great god of the Algonquins, was Glooskaphimself, conqueredby the baby; and in still another Indian myth so importantthat if
it had
a
littleboys who
not
been
for the wishes would he

a
never
of the little son been

son
of
;
Manito, there
if last,
have
but this was,
were really
the
any of
summer a
Manito,.
of course,
littlemore
than
human.
LEGEND
OF
TTJ-TOK-A-NU-LA
{Indians of the There

were
Yosemite
Valley)
once
two
little
boys livingin the
who went down to the river to swim. After valley, about to their hearts' content, paddlingand splashing they went on shore and crept upon a huge bowlder that stood beside the water, on which they sunshine to dry themselves. lay down in the warm and slept so Very soon they fell asleep, soundlythat wakened and more. they never Through moons winter and on. they slumbered snows, summer, the great rock whereon Meantime they sleptwas little by little, treacherously day and night, rising until it soon lifted them up beyond the sight of their who friends, sought them everywhere,weeping.
357
A Thus
Guide borne
to
Mythology
at last
they were
up
beyond
up
all human into the faces
help or reach of human blue heavens, far up,

touched
the
moon;
voice; lifted
far
up,
until
their
and
still
they
slumbered
and
the clouds. slept, year after year, safe among gether Then, upon a time, all the animals assembled tothe little boys from the top to bring down of the great rock. Every animal made a springup the face of the wall as far as he could leap. The little mouse could only jump up a hand-breadth ; the raccoon, a littlefarther; the rat,two hand-breadths; and so on the grizzly bear making a mighty back like all the leap far up the wall,but falling others. and he jumped Last of all the lion tried, up farther than any other animal,but he, too, fell
"
down Then
flat
on
his back.
insignificant measuringwhich even the mouse could have crushed by worm, treadingon it, and began to creep up the rock. his Step by step, a little at a time, he measured above the lion's was way up, until he presently jump, then pretty soon out of sight. So he crawled for about one whole sleeps, up and up, throughmany
came
along
an
snow,
and
at last he
reached
came
the top.
as
Then
he took
up,
the little boys and

so
downward
he went
bringingthem
And the rock
to ground. safely is called the measuring-worm

"
Tu-
tokanula.
358

NEZHIK-E-WA-WA-SUN
; OR,
THE
LONE
LIGHTNING?
(Odjibwa) A littleorphan hoy, who

was
once
had
no
one
to
care
for
with his uncle,who treated living him hadly, making him do hard thingsand very givinghim very little to eat; so that the hoy pined he never much, and became, through away, grew hard usage, very thin and light.At last the uncle
him,
felt ashamed
make amends
of this treatment, and for it
determined
to
him up, but his by fattening real object He told to kill him by over-feeding. was his wife to give the boy plenty of bear's meat, and let him have the fat,which is thought to be the best part. They were both very assiduous in cramming near him, and one day came chokinghim to death by forcing the fat down his throat. The boy escapedand fled from the lodge. He knew not where about. When to go, but wandered night came on,
he
was
afraid
up
the wild beasts would

a
eat
him;
so
he
climbed there he
aupoway, A
into the forks of
fell
or
asleepin
the
huge pine tree,and branches,and had an
ominous
dream.
person
and bad led
said
usage
me
"
appeared to him from the upper sky My poor littlelad,I pityyou, and the
you
have
received from follow me,
your
uncle
has
my
to
visit you;
and
step in
Immediately his sleepleft him, and he rose mounting up higher up and followed his guide, and higherinto the air, until he reached the upper were sky. Here twelve arrows put into his handsy
359
tracks."
A and
toes
Guide
to
Mythology
were
a
he
was
told that there
great many
Manimust
in the northern
to war,
and try to he went

to
arrow
whom he sky, against waylay and shoot them. that part of the sky, and after
arrow
go
ingly, Accordat
long
pended ex-
intervals
shot
until
he had
eleven,in
At
vain
attempts to kill the Manitoes.
of each arrow there was a flight long and in the sky then all was streak of lightning solitary clear again,and not a cloud or spot could be seen. The twelfth arrow he held a longtime in his hands, and looked around keenlyon every side to spy the
the
"
Manitoes very
he
was
after.
But
these Manitoes
were
cunning,and could change their form in a the boy'sarrows, for All they feared was moment. these were magic arrows, which had been given to and had power him by a good spirit, to kill them if aimed aright. At lengththe boy drew up his last arrowT, settled in his aim, and let fly,as he into the very heart of the chief of the thought, reached Manitoes; but before the arrow him, the Manito changed himself into a rock. Into this rock the head of the arrow sank deep and stuck fast. Now all expended,"cried the enare raged your gifts Manito, and I will make an example of your bow audacityand pride of heart for lifting your And he transformed the so againstme." saying, Lone Lightning, or boy into the Nezhik-e-wa-wa-sun, which may be observed in the northern sky to this day.
" "
300
Guide
to
Mythology
again, but did not budge. the Master And spake sweetlyand made his voice but it was of no avail, like that of the summer bird, for Wasis sat still and sucked his maple-sugar. and spoke terribly, and Then the Master frowned ordered Wasis to come to him crawling immediately. but did And Baby burst out into crying and yelling,
not
move
Then
Baby
smiled
for all that. since he could

recourse
Then,
Master awful
do but
one
thingmore,
used which Wasis
to find
the
had
to
magic.
the
He
his most raise the

sat
and spells,
and
on
sang
songs
dead looked
scare
the
devils.
And
and
and admiringly,
but all the
same
seemed he
in
never
it very
an
terestin in-
moved
inch.
So
on
Glooskap gave
it up
the floor in the
and Wasis, sitting despair, went sunshine, goo!goo! and
crowed.
day when you see a babe well going goo!goo!and crowing,and no one that it is because he remembers tell why, know
And
to
this
tented, concan
the
quered con-
time
when
he
overcame
the For
Master of
who
had
all the have the

ever
world.
been
since the
one.
beings that Baby is alone beginning,
all the
only invincible
OJEEG
AMUNG
; OK,
THE
SUMMER-MAKER
{North American
Indian) hunter
on
There
lived
celebrated
the southern
a
shores of Lake ito
by some,
considered who was Superior, for there was nothingbut what

3G2
Man-
he could
Mother-Myths and Child-Myths accomplish.He place,with

were
lived off the

a a
wife whom
son,
some path,in a wild,lonehe loved,and they
blessed with
year.
who
name
had attained
was
teenth his thir-
The
hunter's
name
Fisher, which
littleanimal
is the
common
to the
Ojeeg,or the of an expert, sprightly cessful region. He was so sucreturned without
in the chase
that he seldom
son a
bringinghis
son, supplyof veniplentiful As hunting other dainties of the woods. or formed his son began early his constant occupation, his father in the same to emulate employment, and wife and would
take his bow
and
arrows,
and
exert
his skillin
to trying
kill birds and he met with
The squirrels.
was
pediment greatestim-
the coldness and
severity
home, his little benumbed with cold,and crying with vexation fingers and at his disappointment.Days and months depth perpetual away, but stillthe same years passed
of the climate.
He
often returned
of
a
snow
was
seen,
all the country covering
as
with
white cloak.
day, after a fruitlesstrial of his forest skill, homeward with a heavy the littleboy was returning when he saw a small red squirrel gnawing the heart, He had approached within a top of a pine bur. when the squirrel sat up on proper distance to shoot, its hind legsand thus addressed him: " My grandchild, put up your arrows, and listen to rather what I have to tell you." The boy complied continued : when the squirrel My son, reluctantly, numbed with your I see you pass frequently, fingersbewith vexation for not and crying with cold,
One
"
363
Guide birds.
see
to
Mythology
if you will follow my
havingkilled any
advice wishes. will have
we
Xow,
will If you
if you cannot will strictly pursue
accomplishyour we advice, my
and you will then have perpetual summer, birds as you please; of killing as the pleasure many to eat,as I am now and I will also have something myselfon the pointof starvation.
"
Listen to
me.
As
soon
commence
crying. You
in discontent. is the matter, you
you get home throw away must

as
you must your bow asks you
and
what
arrows
If your
must not
mother
answer
her, but
continue
thing cryingand sobbing. If she offers you anymust to eat, you push it away with apparent and continue crying. In the evening, discontent, quire from hunting,he will inwhen your father returns of your She would will
not
answer
so
mother
what is the
came
matter
with
you.
that you
as
home the
cause
and crying,
to
much
mention
not
t
her.
All
this while your
you must father will say
leave off
son,
My
sobbing. At last sary why is this unnecesI

am
know You grief? Tell me the cause. for me and that nothing is impossible spirit,
'
to perform.
You
to
must
see
then
the
snow
answer
him, and
say that you
the ground, on continually it to melt, so that and ask him if he could not cause summer. cating we Say it in a supplimight have perpetual of your grief. way and tell him this is the cause ' It is very hard to accomYour father will reply plish : but for your sake,and on account your request,
are
sorry
of my He
love for you, I will use my will tell you to be still, and
364
utmost
cease
endeavors.
'
crying. He

-willtry to
must
then
bringsummer be quiet, and
with all its loveliness. Yon

eat that which
is set before
you."
ceased. The boy promised obedience squirrel and departed. "When he reached home, to his advice, he did as he had been instructed, and all was exactly it had been predicted as fulfilled, by the squirrel. Ojeeg told him that it was a great undertaking. He must first make and invite some of his a feast, friends to accompany him on a journey. Next day
he had
a
The
bear roasted
came
whole.
All who
had
been
vited in-
to the feast
There
were
Wolverine.
themselves
to the appointment. punctually the Otter,Beaver, Lynx, Badger, and After the feast, it among theyarranged to set out on the contemplated journeyin
three davs.
When
the time
arrived,the Fisher took
leave of his wife and son, as he foresaw that it was for the last time. He and his companions travelled
but day after day,meetingwith nothing incidents. On the twentieth day they the ordinary arrived at the foot of a high mountain, where they who had recently the tracks of some saw person which they knew killed an animal, by the blood that in company
marked
the way.
The
Fisher
told his friends that
and see if they could they ought to follow the track, not procure somethingto eat. They followed it for which had time ; at last they arrived at a lodge, some in the their view by a hollow been hidden from mountain. Ojeeg told his friends to be very sedate, The first object and not to laugh on any account. that they saw at the door of the a man was standing
365
A but of lodge, make possibly

be.
queer
so
Guide deformed
to
Mythology
shape that they could
sort of
a man
not
out who
was
or
what
it could
His head
set of
enormouslylarge ; he had such a and no arms. teeth, They wondered how

But
the secret
was soon vealed. rewas a
he
could
kill animals. He
pass the
to night,
He invited great Manito. which they consented. in

a
them
to
He
boiled and
his meat
it out
hollow
vessel made
some
of
wood,
way
took
unknown
to his
kettle in singular guests. He carefully gave made

not
so
of this
each
ments move-
their
portionto eat, but

for he is the
many
odd
that the Otter could
refrain from
is
ing, laughof
as a
only
a
one
who
at
spoken
with
a
jester.The
look,and
Manito
looked
him
terrible
at him, and got on him spring mals. anito smother him, for that was his mode of killing But the Otter, when he felt him on his neck, his head back and made for the door,which slipped of he passedin safety; but went out with the curse and they The others passedthe night, the Manito. The Manito told the conversed on different subjects. but that his object, Fisher that he would accomplish it would probablycost him his life. He gave them directed them how his advice, to act, and described certain road which a they must follow,and they would thereby be led to the placeof action. They set off in the morning, and met their friend, with cold; but Ojeeg had taken the Otter, shivering of the meat that had been to bring alongsome care to his friend. They given him, which he presented pursued their way, and travelled twenty days more
then made
366

place of which the Manito had told thein. It was mountain. a most lofty They rested on its highest fresh peak to filltheir pipes and reBefore themselves. smoking, they made the pointingto the heavens,the customary ceremony, four winds,the earth, and the zenith;in the meantime, speaking in a loud voice,they addressed the Great Spirit, complished. hoping that their objectwould be acThey then commenced smoking. tonishment, They gazed on the sky in silent admiration and asfor they were on so elevated a pointthat it appeared to be only a short distance above their After they had finished smoking, they preheads. pared themselves. Ojeeg told the Otter to make the first attempt to try and make a hole in the sky. He consented with a grin. He made fell a leap,but down and the hill stunned by the force of his fall; the snow his back, he on being moist, and falling slid with velocity down the side of the mountain. When he found himself at the bottom, he thoughtto
before
they got
to
the
himself:
"
It is the last time I will make the
I shall attempt such

way
jump,
Then
so
best of my
home." made the the
it
was
the turn
of the
attempt, but fell down

and
"
Beaver, who then of senseless;

"
Lynx
Badger,who had no better success. Now," says Fisher to the Wolverine, try your ity, celebrated for their activwere skill; your ancestors hardihood,and perseverance, and I depend on Now make the attempt." He did you for success. He leapedthe second success. so, but also without time,but now they could see that the sky was giving
367
Guide
to
Mythology
attempts. Musteringstrength, way to their repeated and went the third leap, in. The Fisher he made
nimbly followed him. They found themselves

as
in
beautiful
tending explain,
far
a
as
the eye
flowers of Here
and
thousand
were
there
reach,covered with different hues and fragrance. clusters of tall, shady trees,
could
streams
separatedby
water, which
innumerable wound around
of
courses
the
purest
the
their
under
coolingshades,and filled the plain with countless and bosom whose banks beautiful lakes, ered covwere with water-fowl, in the basking and sporting
sim.
The
trees
were
alive with
sweet
birds of different
plumage, warblingtheir with perpetual spring.

The Fisher and
notes, and delighted
his friend beheld very
longlodges,
amusing themselves at a the beauty and Words cannot distance. express habitant of the place. The lodges charm were empty of inof them lined with mocules, but they saw filled with birds and fowls of different different sizes, plumage. Ojeegthoughtof his son, and immediately out commenced cutting open the mocules and letting in whole flocks through the who descended the birds, air of The warm opening which they had made. also rushed down throughthe opening, those regions influence over the north. and spreadits genial
and the celestialinhabitants
When the
celestial inhabitants
saw
the
birds let
and the warm loose, they raised a gales descending, and ran for their lodges. But it shout like thunder, had gone; and autumn too late. Spring, was summer,
368
A
cost
me
Guide
to
Mythology
my
life ; but I die satisfied in the idea that

so
I have
my
good,not only for him, hut I will be a sign to Hereafter fellow-beings.

done much below
name
for the
erate ven-
inhabitants
my
for ages for
to
come,
who
in
will
from have varying seasons. without snow." eightto ten moons dead next morning, but they left found He was in him sticking as they found him, with the arrow it can be plainly his tail, as seen, at this time,in the the heavens.
THE LEGEND
OF
having succeeded They will now
procuring
MAUI
(Polynesian)
Once
when of
his relations
were
all
dancing in the
great House
For and
Assembly they found out who he was. little Maui, the infant,crept into the house, and hid of his brothers, and sat behind one went
counted her children their mother when so himself, that they might stand up ready for the dance, she said: "One, that's Maui-taha; two, that's Mauiroto; three, that's Maui-pae; four, that's Mauiwaho"; and then she saw another, and cried out: Then from 3 Hollo, where did this fifth come answered: little Maui, the infant, Ah, I'm your
a " "
Then too." child, again, and said : four Then time ranks of you;
now
the mother
"
counted there
them
to
seen
all
over
Oh,
no,
ought
I've stood
be
for the first time and his mother
little Maui
for
only you." a long

of the
about disputing
this in the very
middle
of all the dancers. 370

At last she got angry, be off now,
child of
out
and cried out: house

at
"
Come,
you
are
you,,
no
of the
once;
else." Then one mine, you belongto some and said : " Very littleMaui spoke out quiteboldly, I'd better be off, well, then,for I suppose, as you say other person; but it,I must be the child of some indeed I did think I
because and
was was
vour
child when
bv
i"
I said so,
sea,
7
I knew
was
born
the side of the

of the
thrown
had
after you
by you wrapped me
cut
into the foam

up
surf,
the
its
sea
in
longtress
as,
of your then
hair,which
seaweed
you
off for the purpose;
formed
and
fashioned
me,
caughtin
of from the
the long tangles,
ever-heaving surges
as
rolled me,
from soft
folded
was
in and
them,
side to
side; at lengththe breezes
which blew squalls drifted me the ocean shore again,and the on of the long, selves jelly-fish sandy beaches rolled themround me then again myriads to protect me;
of flies buzzed
round
me
about me,
me
and flocks of birds collected

but pieces,
at
to tear
to my
that moment
appearedthere also and he saw te-Rangi,

clusters and
within
great ancestor, Tama-nui-kithe flies and

the
birds collected in
flocks above
there
lay a
human
to his up and carried me in the roof that I might feel the
and behold, jelly-fish, being;then he caught me house,and he hung me up

warm
smoke
and
the heat of the
so fire,
man.
was
saved alive
ness by the kind-
of that old
heard of
of the fame
It
last I grew, and then I of the dancing of this great House

was can
At
Assembly.
ever
that which
remember
brought me
I have
here.
But
since I
heard
the
371
A
names
Guide
to
Mythology
of these your
"been I
them calling again heard you

now
as children, you have until this very night, when over them. In proofof this repeating
names
first-born
I will You
recite your
to
you,
my
brothers.
Maui-taha, and you are Maui-roto, and are Maui-pae,and you are Maui-waho, arid as you and here I am ting sitfor me, I'm little Maui-the-baby, before you." she When his mother, Taranga, heard ail this, dear little child, indeed cried out : " You are you tell you your therefore I now name last-born, my and he was called shall be Maui-tiki-tiki-o-Taranga," by that name. It was now night; but early in the morning of in a moment Taranga rose up, and suddenly, dren the house where her chiltime, she was gone from As soon as were. they woke up they looked all about to no purpose, as they could not see her; she had left them, and the elder brothers knew accustomed to it; but the little child was ceedingly exwere vexed ; yet he thought cannot : "I see her,'tis true, but perhaps she has only gone to prepare food for us." she was !Xo-no some far, off,
are
"
far away. their mother came when back !Now, at nightfall to them, her children were as dancingand singing As soon usual. she called to as they had finished, her last-born, Come let us sleep here,my child, as day together ; so they slept together ; but as soon The littlefellow now felt dawned, she disappeared. the at such strange proceedings on quitesuspicious
" "
372
Mother-Myths and
part of his mother
every
Child-Myths
at
lengthy another night, he crept out of bed in the nightand stole his mothers her belt, and clothes, and apron, hid them; then he went and stopped ice up every crevin the wooden window, and in the doorway,so that the light of the dawn might not shine into the house,and make his mother hurry to get up. But
after he had
anxious and done this his littleheart still felt lest his mother
verv
morning. So,
uneasy,
should,in
her
rise in the darkness,and defeat his impatience, plans. But the night draggedits slow lengthalong without his mother the moving; at last there came of earlymorn, faint light but his mother still slept
on
; then
the
sun
rose
up, and
mounted
far up
above
the
gan moved, and bekind of night can to think to herself, What this be, to last so long? and havingthoughtthus, she dropped asleepagain. Again she awoke, and but could not tell that it began to think to herself, broad daylight the window and every as was outside, chink in the house were stoppedup closely. out herself withAt last up she jumped ; and finding
" "
horizon;now
at last his mother
her clothes
or
her belt
or
pulledout
chinks in
the
thingswith
were
her apron, she ran the windows which
and
and
whilst
the doors
stopped up,
and
doing so, oh, dear ! oh, dear ! there she saw the sun high up in the heavens; then she snatched up, as with which the door the old flax cloak, she ran off, of the house had been stoppedup, and carried it off outside the at last, her only covering;getting, as house, she hurried away, and ran crying at the
373
Guide
to
Mythology
badly treated by her
own
thoughtof havingbeen
children.
so
As Maui
soon
as
his mother
got outside the house, little
his hands and jumped up, and kneeling upon knees peeped after her through the doorway into the brightlight. Whilst he was watchingher, she it reached down to a clump of rushes, and snatching up from the ground,droppedinto a hole underneath the rushes into the hole again as it,and clapping If it were its covering, little Then so disappeared. Maui jumped on his feet, and, as hard as he could of the house, pulledup the clump of out go, ran rushes,and peeping down, discovered a beautiful runningquitedeep into the earth. "open cave He covered up the hole again and returned to the still house, and waking up his brothers who were said: Come, come, my brothers, rouse sleeping, up, long enough; come, get up; here we you have slept Then his brothers are againcajoled by our mother."
"
made
haste and got up ; alas ! alas ! the

in the heavens.
now
sun
was
quite high up
The
"
little Maui do you
asked the
his brothers
again,
placeis where our father and dwell ? mother and they answered : u How should we seen know, we have never it; although and Maui-roto, and and Maui-pae, we are Maui-taha, the place; and do seen Maui-waho, we have never think you can find that placewhich you are so you anxious to see ? What does it signify not to you % Cando we care you stop quietlywith us ? What about our about our mother ? Did she or father,
"
Where
think
374

feed
a ns
with it.
food
till we
grew
up
to be
men?
not
Why, without doubt, Rangi, or the who kindlysent his offspring Heaven, is our father, down to us: to cool Hau-whenna, or gentlebreezes, and Hau-ma-ringiringi, the earth and young plants; to moisten or or them; and Hau-ma-roto-roto, mists, fine weather,to make them and Tonarangi, grow; or dews, or rain, to water them ; and Tomairangi, He gave these his offspring to cause to nourish them. the food to grow, and then Papa-tu-a-nuku, or our Earth, made her seeds to spring,and grow forth,, for her children in this longand provide sustenance world." continuing
bit of Little Maui then answered but
me sea
"
What
you
say
is
trulyquite correct;
would better become
of bubbles would
such than I
was
thoughts and sayings

you,
ing for in the foamand
the
nursed
fed:
over
it
me please
better if you when could

you
not
would
were
think nursed
been
and
your
remember
the time
at
mother's
you you
breast;it
have
;
as
have
until after milk that
had
ceased to be
eaten
nourished the kinds
by
her
could
mentioned
for me, oh ! my partaken either of her milk
you I have brothers,
of food
have
never
or
of her
alone
"
food; yet
that she wish
to know
I is
love
my
her, for
mother
this
singlereason
I love
my
; and
because she and
her,I
the
placewhere
father dwell."
and pleased with surprised quite their littlebrother when they heard him talk in this and when, after a little time, they had recovered way, from their amazement, they told him to try and His brothers felt
375
Guide
to
Mythology
So he said he would
find their father and

go.
mother.
It
was
long time
when of
first
for labor,
ago that he had finished his tives he first appearedto his relaand dancing,he singing himself had
in their house
on
that occasion transformed

of all
manner
ness into the like-
of every bird in the "birds, form that he then assumed world,and yet no single when but now he showed his brothers; had pleased of into the semblance himself to them, transformed Ah ! now his brothers said : indeed,oh, "a pigeon, of
"
do look very brother, you much very beautiful,
well
more
indeed, very
ful, beautiyou
beautiful than
looked in any of the other forms you assumed,when What made to us." first discovered yourself you
him look
so
beautiful
now
were
the belt and

The
apron
white shining black feathers the glossy her belt, upon his breast was Then the fastening to the belt, at his throat, off he flew until he came to the clump of rushes, his into which closingthe opening of the cave into he went down mother had disappeared.Then with the rushes so the cave, shutting up its mouth to hide the entrance. as Away he flew,very fast indeed,and twice he dipped his wing, because the tom he reached nearlyto the botnarrow cave was ; soon cause of the cave, and flew along it; and again,behe dipped first one the cave so was narrow, widened, wing and then the other,but the cave now and he dashed straight on. At last he saw a party of peoplecoming along kiud of under a grove of trees ; they were a special he had stolen from his mother. 376
A tipon his left and fluttering

ran
Guide
to
Mythology
to catch
man.
and as he lay leg,and down he fell, the ground,they all struggling upon him, but lo ! the pigeon had turned into
Then
all those
who
saw
him
were
were
his fierce glaring eyes, which

with red
red
"
at frightened if painted as
wonder
he been but
no Oh, it is now ochre,and they said: that he so long sat stillup in the tree; had have flown off long before, a bird he would a
he is
man."
a
"
And
some
of them
said: "No.
and
rather indeed,
god
justlook
never
at his form
seen
pearance; ap-
the like has
been
before
since
torn were apart." Then Eangi and Papa-tu-a-nuku looked like who I used to see one Taranga said: this person night when I went to visit my every I see I saw then excelled what but what children, Then she told the story of justlisten to me." now;
"
Maui
as
he had
self. told it to her and his brothers him-
Then
Taranga asked Maui,

Where do you
"
who
was
near sitting
her,
and
"
come
from
"
? from the
the west
%'
he
answered,
"No."
"
No."
From
north-east,
then?"
"
then?"
"
"From
the
south-east
"
No."
From
the south
blows
me
then % " upon When

me
"
No." the
Was
it the wind
which here to mouth
wind
that
broughtyou opened his

cried out, " she
"
%"
she asked
"
he this, And
"
and
answered,
Maui-taha?
you
Yes."
sho
; and
Oh,
Are
this then is indeed my

"
child
He
said,
"
"
you
answered,
she cried
No."
Then and
said he
xanga?
she, " Are answered,"

378
Maui-tiki-tiki-o-TaAnd
Yes."

child. is,indeed, By the winds my and wave-uplifting ioned fashand storms galeshe was and became a human being;welcome, oh, my welcome! child, By you shall hereafter be climbed
aloud:
"
This
the
threshold
of
the
house
and death Hine-nui-te-po, man." This prophecy,however, was not power over for when the time came for him to encounter fulfilled, he was himself killed. Hine-nui-te-po, returned to his brothers Maui, after these things,
to
great ancestor your shall thenceforth have no
of
tell them
that he had
found
his parents, and
to
where theydwelt. explain The young hero,Maui, had
not
been
longat
home
began to think that it after the rising of the sun that it became too soon was nightagain,and that the sun againsank down below the horizon, every day;in the same every clay, the days appearedtoo short to him. So at manner last one day he said to his brothers, Let us now catch the sun in a noose, so that we may compel him in order that mankind to move more slowly, may have long days to labor in to procure subsistence for themselves him, Why, no ; but they answered could approach it on of its warmth, account man
" " "
with his brothers
when
he
and
the fierceness of its heat

"
"
; but
seen
said to them:
Have
you
not
hero the young the multitude of I not
thingsI
small
assume
or
have
transform
alreadyachieved ? myself into every

did
a
Did
bird in the
grees by deworld,
great; and
the form it of
I not As
after all this for
man?
by enchantments, and
379
again I acthat feat, complished I will by the
A
same means
Guide
to
Mythology
this other
also accomplish When
I have
in niind."
his brothers
thing which heard this they

sun.
consented to aid him

Then
in his conquest of the

to
spin and twist ropes to form to catch the sun in, and in doing this they a noose flax into stout, of plaiting discovered the mode of plaiting the manner square-shaped ropes, and flat ropes, and of spinninground ropes; at last they finished making all the ropes they required.Then they began
Maui took
up
his enchanted
weapon,
and
he
took
they carried their provisions, in their ropes, and other thingswith them and as soon hands. as day They travelled all night, and hid themselves broke, they halted in the desert, that they might not be seen by the sun ; and at night and before dawn they they renewed their journey, halted and hid themselves again;at length they got and came to the very far to the eastward, very far, rises. out of which the sun very edge of the place Then they set to work and built on each side of with huts of this place a long high wall of clay, boughs of trees at each end to hide themselves in; of the these were when finished, they made the loops then lay in wait on noose, and the brothers of Maui the sun side of the place out of which rises, one himself lay in wait upon and Maui the other side.
his brothers with
him,
and
The
young
hero
the
held
in
his his
hand
his
enchanted
said
weapon,
to
jaw-bone of
"
ancestress,and
foolishlv to
; but wait
his brothers
do
not
go
Mind
now,
hid, keep yourselves

the
pa-
and
sun
showing vourselves
will 380
; if you
do, you
him frighten
Mother-Myths and
until tiently his head and
Child-Myths
have got well fore-legs into the snare, then I will shout;you haul away as hard as you can the ropes on both sides, and then on I'll rush out and attack him, but do you keep your for a good long time, until he is nearly ropes tight dead, when we will let him go; but mind now, my do not let him move brothers, you to pity with his shrieks and At screams."
sun
last the
a
came
rising up
wide
up,
out
over
of his the head
place,
tains moun-
like
fire
and
far and spreading forests;he rises
his
passes
and more of throughthe noose, and it takes in more his body,until his fore-paws then the pass through; and the monster are pulledtight, begins to ropes struggle and roll himself about,whilst the snare jerksbackward and forward as he struggles.Ah!
is he not
Then
held fast in the ropes forth rushes

*
of his enemies!
that bold
hero, Maui-tiki-tiki-
with his enchanted Alas! the o-Taranga, weapon. strikes him sun screams aloud; he roars; Maui with many blows ; they hold him for a long fiercely time; at last they let him go, and then weak from Then wounds the sun creeps slowlyalongits course.
men
learned the second

the
sun
name
of the sun,
"
for in its
agony
screamed
out:
Why
am
ten I thus smit-
by you ! oh, man ! do you know what you are doing? Why should you wish to kill Tama-nui-teEa ? " At last they let him go. Oh, then, Tamaand feeblyon his course. nui-te-Ra went very slowly
381
Guide
to
Mythology
HERACLES
THE
INFANT
(Greek)
a (Roman, Hercules)was very than ten months not more wee old,he perchild, formed marvellous feat which was a a ple worthy samof the vast labors he was to accomplishduring his life. His mother, Alcmena, took him and his brother, Iphicles, younger gave them both their bath and their evening feast of milk, and then tucked which was in their cradle, them safely not an away but a magnificent ordinary one by any means, bronze shield which their father, Amphitryon, had
When
Heracles
taken
from
his fallen enemy,
Pterelaus.
Then
the
mother
to
stroked her little children's

:
heads,and said
them
"
Sleep,my little ones, a lightdelicious sleep ; babes unharmed; soul of mine, two brothers, sleep, and blessed may blessed be your sleep, to ye come
the dawn."
And
as
spokeshe rocked and soon and forth, they both But when just at midnight,
she the Great
Bear wheeled round his of Orion
the
fell
huge shield back asleep.

of
the constellation
the constellation toward
that shows
sent
Hera mighty shoulder,

two
(Roman, Juno)
two
forth
horrible
monsters,
she
snakes
with
coils bristling
of
azure
"
urged
them
the broad threshold of the house door, against that they should devour the young child intending Heracles. Then the serpents crawled, writhing
1
Andrew
Lang's translation.
382

along the ground,and ever from their eyes shone baleful fire as they came, and they spat out their a their flickering when with But deadly venom. then drawing near the children, tongues they were Alcmena's dear babes wakened, by the will of Zeus and there was all things, that knows a brightlight
in the
chamber.
one
Then
of the
children, straightway Iphicles,

he beheld
saw
screamed
above and
out, when
the hideous
their
monsters
the hollow
and shield,
pitiless fangs,
eager to flee from them he kicked off the woollen coverlet with his feet. But Heracles set his force
againstthem, and grasped them with his hands, holdingthem as in a bond, having got them by the lies the evil venom, detested even wherein throat, by the gods,of baleful snakes. Then the serpents,
in their turn, wound their
coils about
the
young
child,the child unweaned, who never wept in his nursling days; but again they relaxed their spines issue of the pain,and strove to find some account on ing hearawoke from the grasp of iron. Alcmena first,
the cry.
Arise,Amphitryon,for numbing fear layshold of me : arise, nor stay to put on thy shoes ! Dost thou child is wailing? and loud the younger not hear how the walls are all plain though it is the depth of night,
"
to
see
as
in the clear dawn?
I know
there is
some
strange thingwithin the house,my

Thus
she
dearest lord ! '
tryon spoke,and at his wife's biddingAmphimaking steppeddown out of his bed of cedar, sword which he always ornamented for his richly
383
Guide
a
to
Mythology
bed.
kepthangingon reachingout for
pin above his

new woven
Just
as
he
was
and lifting with belt, his other hand the mighty sheath of lotus wood, lol filled again with night. Then the wide chamber was he called aloud to his servants, who were sleeping ! Bring lights as quickas may be soundly. " Lights the hearth, from servants, and thrust back the my stout strong bolts of the doors. Arise,serving-men, calls you." Your of heart. master with burning the serving-men Then came quickly When the whole house. theysaw the filling torches, the two snakes in hischild Heracles clutching young tender grasp, they all cried out and smote their hands, the creeping But Heracles displayed things together. to his father, Amphitryon, and leapedon high in his childish glee,and laughing,at his father's feet he fallen on the laid them down, the dread monsters took Iphicles, drysleep of death. Then Alcmena with fear,and laid him in her own eyed and wan neath bosom; but Amphitryon placedthe other child belamb's wool coverlet, and betook himself a his
againto
The
his rest.
barelysung their third welcome to Alcmena called forth the the earliest dawn, when and told him of the who cannot seer lie, Tiresias, declare what new things. portent, and bade him
should
"
cocks had
come
to pass.
not
Nay, even if the gods devise some in pity conceal it from me; let me
thou well
do mischief, remind
not
thee
escape
what
knowest, that
384
mortals her
may
the doom
that Fate
from speeds
spindle."
Mother-Myths and
Tims
"
Child-Myths
and he answered: spoke, Be of good cheer, woman daughterof Perseus, that hast borne the noblest of children. For by the sweet lightthat long hath left mine eyes, I swear that
many
the Queen
Achaean their
name,
women,
as
wool
about
knees, shall
and thou Such
a
they card the soft sing at eventide of

among
even
Alcmena's
the
women
shalt be honorable
man,
thy son, shall mount to the starryfirmanent, the hero,broad of breast, the master of all wild beasts, and of all mankind. Twelve labors is he fated to accomplish,
and thereafter
to
of
Argos.
this
dwell in the house
of Zeus."
THE
STORY
OF
THE
CHILD
HERMES
(Greek)
The
peep
littlechild-god Hermes
of
was
born
at
the first
day
in
rocky cavern
overshadowed
He
was so
by
beautiful grove
a
of ancient trees.
able remark-
beganplayingon the lyreat noon, and the very same evening he stole away the herds of Phoebus Apollo. He sprang from the arms of his mother,Maia, nor could she keep him in his sacred from creeping forth to seek the herds of nor cradle, Apollo. Wandering forth from the loftycavern, he found !" fore Beand cried out, " What a treasure a tortoise, the portal, the the little beast was depasturing flowery moving his feet in a herbageat his leisure, deliberate measure the turf. Hermes, eyeing over him and laughing, exclaimed : You useful a are
"
child that he
385
Guide
to
Mythology
godsendindeed to me, king of the dance,companion in all your nature! of the feast, Welcome, lovely mountain excellent plaything! Where, sweet you shell? Thus much did you get that speckled beast, with me home and be my I know, you must come guest; you will givejoy to me, and I will do all that
is in my than
power to honor
come
you.
Better
me,
to be
at home
so out-of-doors;
with
and
has been said that when

power,
alive you
defend
though it from magic

you
are
I know
dead."
singsweetlywhen this quaint infant Having spoken,

you
will
lifted the
tortoise up from and
the grass upon
it tightly in his grasping then He off his treasured prize into the cavern. out all the inside of the tortoise, only leaving scooped the shell. Then, through the shell he bored small and fastened within,the holes at proper distances, which he of reeds,and a bridge, cut stems over stretched the strings. he tried he had made this lovely When instrument, He and broughtforth beautiful music. the chords, hit the strings called the plecwith a littleinstrument trum, and
a
feeding, hold,carried delighted

which
it was
lo ! up
sweet
from
beneath
his hand
there went
tumult
a
of
he sent wild and

on
strain
wanton
a
"
mighty sounds and from his lips of unpremeditated wit, joyousand

such
as
you
may
hear
among
ellers rev-
holiday.He sang a lovelysong in honor he was of his mother Maia, but while he was singing, fancy. So he deposited suddenlyseized with a new and from the sweet in his sacred crib the hollow lyre, rushed with great leapsup to the mountain's cavern
386

subtle feat of head, revolvingin his mind some such as a swindler might devise in the thievish craft, lone season of dim night. The great Sun had driven
his steeds and
chariot under
over
the ocean's bed.

the Pierian
while Mean-
the child strode clothed in
mountains
of the shadows,where the immortal oxen God are pastured in the flowering unmown meadows, and safely stalled in a remote abode elate and proud he drove fifty from the herd, lowingaloud. He drove them wanderingover the sandy way, but beingof a he drove them backward and forward crafty disposition,
"
astray,so that the tracks which

were
seemed into the
before
ocean
aft; then
he
threw
his sandals
wrought a kind of raft of and tamarisk-like sprigs, and bound them in tamarisk, a lump with withy twigs. And on his feet he tied these sandals light, so that the trail of the wide leaves might confuse his tracks;and then, a self-sufficing distant way, on some wight,like a man hastening he from Piera's mountain bent his flight ; but an old the infant pass down man perceived green Onchestus heaped like beds with grass. The old man stood, his sunny vine : " Halloo ! old fellow with dressing the crooked shoulder ! You grub those stumps ? Before must they will bear wine methinks even you I pray, to this advice of grow a little older: attend, mine if you would escape something which might and hearing, not see appalla bolder man. Seeing, hear not stand." and if you have understanding underSo saying, Hermes roused the oxen vast; and over shadowy mountain and resoundingdell,
spray,
" " " "
and for each foot he
387
Guide
to
Mythology
flower-paven plains, passed;till the great Hermes which "black night divine, favoringfell around his the world steps, grew gray, and morning fast wakened her sea-strewn the sublime to work, and from cell, Morn had justbegun to climb into her watch-tower. Xow foreheaded to Alpheus he drove all the broad of the Sun. unwearied oxen to the lofty They came stall and to the water-troughs which ever run through
the
fresh fields
"
and
when
everyone
had
been
tured pas-
with
lotus tall, rush-grass drove them
and all sweet
herbage,
the great God
into the stall.
heaped a mighty pileof wood, and him how to producefire. He took then bethought smooth laurel branches, off the bark and two stripped rubbed them in his palms. Suddenly the burning high,which the divine child vapor leapedforth on And fine dry logsand numerous with delight. saw in a delve upon the ground and roots he gathered of the kindled them, and instantaneously the strength breathed around, and while the fierce flames was fire thus wrapped the great pile might of the glorious and roaring with glare sound,Hermes draggedforth close to the fire such might two heifers, lowingloud, in the God, He threw them on their backs upon was
"
Hermes
then
the earth
and
rolled them Then

on
over
and
up
over
and
bored
flesh
their lives out. and
he cut
of spits
the fat and

before this the
was
the two placed their flesh toasting
wood
fire,
ing be-
and
ribs,and
while
over a
done he stretched their hides This

was a
burnt
craggy stone. but the savor to the gods, offering
of the roasted meat
tempted him
388
sorely though im-

but he repressed the mortal, morsel into his not a single Then he removed desire to taste it and
put
mouth.
of the fresh
all to have vanished so cooking, throughthe sky. He burned the hoofs and horns and head and hair;the insatiate fire devoured them hungrily. And when he saw that everything was clear, he quenched the coals and trampled the black dust, and tossed into the stream his bloody sandals. All night he worked in the serene moonshine,but when the light of day was spread abroad,he soughthis his long wandering, natal mountain-peaks. On neither man nor god had met him, since he killed barked at kine,nor had a single Apollo's house-dog ISTow he passedobliquely him on his road. through like a thin mist or an the keyhole, autumnal blast. Right through the temple of the spaciouscave he with soft light if his tread fell not on went as feet, Then he crept quicklyto his cradle and earth. spread the swaddling clothes about him; and the of the bed,with with the covering knave lay playing about his knees and the right hand his left hand his beloved tortoise-lyre tight.There he lay,, holding innocent as a new-born as child, gossips say. his fair But though he was a god, the goddess, all that he and knew not deceived, mother, was had
"
and
every trace that it seemed
butchery
been
doing while
come
away.
So
she
said to him:
have
Whence
you
and
what
wild adventures
had, you cunning rogue. Where have you been night long, clothed in your impudence? What hence \ Apollowill have you done since you departed
you all
389
A
soon
Guide
to
Mythology
tender
pass within
a
this gate and bind your
body
unless tightand fast as fate, inextricably delude the god again. A pretty torment are you can the sly Dear for gods and men." mother,'' you " Hermes why scold and bother as if I were replied, like other babes of my age, and understood nothing. in my subtle brain which, I have hatched a scheme will while the sacred stars round heaven are rolled,
in chain
"
profit you
and
me,
nor
shall
our
lot be
as
you
sel, coun-
or food,to spend our lives in this gifts will leave this shadow-peopled We obscure abode. and pass each day in the gods, and live among cave high communion, sharingtheir great wealth, and which Jove gave to Phoebus I will from the portion
without
snatch
my
share away, him
and
if he should
find
me
out
by a deeperplan. I'll pierce the Pythiantemplewalls, though stout,and sack the I can cauldrons and tripods, fane of everything each golden cup and every brazen pan, all the and the gay garments." So they wrought tapestries talked together. the Day, ethereal-born, of Meanwhile out arose the flood of flowing Ocean, bearing lightto men. Apollo passedtoward the sacred wood, which from the inmost depths of its green glen echoes the voice of Neptune, and there stood on the same
I'll countermine
"
spot in
green
Onchestus
was
that
same
old
man,
the
yard employed hedging his vinethere. Latona's glorious son began: Pray tell ancient hedger of Onchestus a me, green, whether drove of kine has passedthis way, all heifers with who vine-dresser,
"
390
Guide
to
Mythology
not
toward
their fields of
or
tracks of beast the

or dell, man or
asphodel ; but these ! are bird, gray wolf or bear,or

Centaur. thus ! Sand
was
never
the
lion of stirred with
maned
woman
by
unwearied
enormous
feet
ever
"
could
! Inexplicable impressthe sand
Who
with such
vestiges? sought Having spoken thus,Phoebus impetuously forest-cinctured hill,and the deep high Cyllene's of Hermes. the home where dark shadows cavern lie, odor from the dew all about. A was delightful And Phoebus stoopedunder the craggy roof arched Maia's child perceived from the dark cavern. over
afar been and that he stolen.
came
angry
about
the
cows
that him
had
Then
Hermes
piledover
his fine
he lay like clothes. There swaddling fragrant a burning spark covered, beneath the ashes cold had sucked his fill and and dark, an infant who now was newly washed and put to bed, awake but in a courtingsleepwith weary will. And gathered and his beloved lump, hands, feet and head,he lay, tortoise still he graspedand held under his shoulder blade. Phoebus the lovelymountain knew goddess, not less her subtle, baby,who lay swathed swindling He looked in his sly wiles. sharp round every he crook of the ample cavern for his kine,and when them not he took the glittering saw key and opened three great hollow
a
recesses
in the
nook
was
filled with
sweet
rock,where many food immortals swallow,

of
and
mighty heaps of
"
silver and
gold were
piled
within
all robes,
behold,and white and silver with cunning workmanship. overwrought

to
wonder
392

gods there can be naught in the wide world to be compared with it. Latona's offspring, after havingsoughthis herds in every corner, " thus greetedgreat Hermes Little cradled rogue, : tell me about my illustrious heifers, where are they? or a Speak quickly, quarrelbetween us must rise,
and the event
Except among
the
will be that I shall haul you

dwell mother
mal into dis-
in fiery Tartarus, gloom to shall your that black father

nor
Nor eternally.
your
loose the bars of
shall be cast out dungeon. Utterly you from the light of day, unblest as they to rule the of men." Hermes ghosts slylyanswered : " Son of great Latona,what a speechis this ! Why come you
here
oxen nor
to
ask
me
what
you
has
been
done
with
the wild
seen
which from
it seems
any
one
miss ?
I have not
a
them,
reward should
have I heard
should
more.
word
of the whole
business. I could not
If you
promise an
A I
am
immense
oxen
a
tell you
stealer of but think
be both tall and
strong, and
at
little newborn of
thing who, yet My business wrong.

the cradle
hear asleep, in water
nothing is to suck and sleepand fling clothes about me all day long; or half and to be washed sweet mother sing, my
warm,
can least,
clean and from
and hushed
and kissed and
keptsecure
be heard
you for
harm.
of,for the a telling story so

I
was
ever Oh, let not this quarrel astounded gods would laugh at
absurd
as
that
new-born
a age sav-
infant could fare forth out of his home

herd. born
after
yesterday. My small feet are too tender for the roads so hard and rough,and if you think that this is not enough,I swear a great oath that
393
A I stole not your who
Guide
cows,
to
Mythology
of
no
and that I know
one
else
cows might or could or did. Whatever things I do not know, for I have only heard the name." are This said,he winked fast as could be, and his as brow was all wrinkled, and he gave a loud whistle like one who hears some strange absurdity.Apollo gentlysmiled and said : Ay, ay, you cunning little rich man's house,and a rascal, you will bore many before his your array of thieves will lay their siege in night, and many a door,silent as night, day in the wild glens that you will deplore rough shepherds with their cattle. met or yours, having an appetite, And this among the gods shall be your gift, to be
"
the lord of those who
steal and
swindle."
Apolloseized
do with me, you about these cows
of
cows were even
him
then. God?
tease
"
What
"
do you
I wish
mean
"
to
unkind
you
said Hermes. so?
Is it
race
me
the
do not
may
perished.I did not know what things cows

came
steal your cows, I Alas ! I well are. of

woe
sigh that since I

ever
into this world
I
and
planation. ex-
should
have
heard of one." talked without

continued
to
Thus
Phoebus
to
an
the vagrant Hermes
coming
no
Hermes
with he
try and cheat Apollo

evasion
lies and
roguery,
but when
served,
them. to appealto Jove to judgebetween proposed Hermes paced first over the sandy ground and he of the silver bow and from Jove's equal followed, balance they did requirea judgment in the cause wherein As they came odorous over they strove. a Olympus and its snows murmuring tumult arose. from the folded depthsof the great hill, And while
394

Hermes and
Apollo reverent
stood
before
Jove's
the indestructible immortals throne, and while their seats multitude, filled the loftyThunderer in a Phoebus
this said
"
rushed in
in order careless
mighty due they

mood
to
Whence
drive
you
this sweet
prey,
"
born but yesterday? A most important herald-baby, this to laybefore the Gods ! trifler, subject, " When the Nay, father, nay. you have understood I fond of prey. business, say not that I alone am found this littleboy in a recess in Cyllene's tains mounfar away and most apparent thief, a manifest his a saw beyond all belief. I never scandal-monger like either in heaven or earth for knavery or craft. Out of the field yester-even, by the low shore on which the loud sea laughed, he had driven my cattle right
"
down
to the river ford.
The
cattle's track if
came
on
the
black dust is
the
as fullyevident, place from which they
they went
"
toward
that
asphodel
child's
not
meadow
in which
most
I feed my
many
herds.
The
steps were
I
can
I know incomprehensible.
how
describe in words
gone have
those tracks. his feet

or
He
could not
He
on.
have
must
either upon
had
some
his hands. of
strange mode
moving
them
on
Those
immense
as vestiges,
I traced
the
sandy road, seemed

but thence
like the trail of oak
toppings,
the hard
where denoting
an
old in
man
saw
ground gave no mark or track they trod;but,working at his fence him as he passed to Pylos with the
haste. I found that in the dark he had fiery had and before light quietlysacrificed some cows, about the road ; then, thrown the ashes all dispersedly
cows
395
A
still as
Guide
to
Mythology
he crept into his cradle, bing rubgloomy night, trick. No either eye and cogitating some new eaglecould have seen him as he lay hid in his cavern. when he declared most I taxed him with the fact, in any manner that he had neither seen nor solemnly be ; nor heard of my lost cows, whatever things cows could he tell, though offered a reward of any one who
could tell
Phcebus Lord
me
about
sat down
them."
and Hermes
Then
addressed the
"
Supreme
you
of Gods
and
Men.
Great
know
am
well beforehand
that all I shall say untruth.
Father, is truth,
At
rise sun-
for I
with unacquainted totally

came,
Phcebus him
but with
no
band
in great wrath witness,
to my
gods to bear abode, seekinghis

show him
of
heifers there
where
and
that declaring
I must
they are or he would hurl me down the dark abyss. I know that every limb of Apollo is clothed bank as a green with speedand might and manliness, born yesterday, but unlike him I was with flowers^
and
you
he indulged this well when guess he knew of bullying littlenew-born the whim a poor may
never
thing that sleptand

Am I like
a
thought of cow-driving.
steals kine ? I have
never
strong fellow who

of mine.
reverence even
This driving
of herds is none
across
wandered and
my
threshold ! I
you, and I am know these
the divine Sun for this hard

as
the who I
godsand
must
care
as
accuser,
swear
by
most
they or you. wrought portals gloriously

innocent
through which the multitude of the Immortals pass schemes and repass forever, devising day and night, and that I am for the affairs of mortals, guiltless,"
396

Hermes
was silenced, adversary and Jove, according to his wont, laughedheartily to hear the snbtle-witted infant give such a plausible But he remitted judgment for the time account. as now
winked
if
his
and
was
sent
them
forth to seek the stolen
cows.
Hermes
and show where he to lead the way truthfully had hidden the mighty heifers. Then they hastened to Pylos and the wide pastures stalls by the Alphean ford,where and lofty wealth with silent growth. in the mute night is multiplied While Hermes Phoebus drove the herd
out
of the stony
ern, cav-
the hides of those the littlebabe spied stretched high upon the precipice. How had slain, then Phoebus it possible," was asked, that you, a little child born yesterday, mother's milk a thingon and kisses fed,could have slain these two prodigious
" "
heifers ? prowess,
Ever when
I
you
may
well
dread
hereafter tall."
your
grow
strong and
He
spoke,and bound
wrists. He
stiff withy bands
around
the infant's
might as well have bound the wild The oxen. withy bands,though starklyinterknit, loosened by fell at the feet of the immortal child, Phoebus device of his quick wit. was again some and stared while Hermes hole, soughtsome deceived, as though where lookingaskance and winking fast, But suddenlyhe changed his he might hide himself. and with strange skill subdued Apollo by the plans, held the His left hand might of winning music. the plectrumstruck the chords ; and in his right lyre, hands in circling unconquerable, up from beneath his
music the gathering flight rose, and
sweet
as
Love
397
Guide
to
Mythology
"
did live and move within the notes penetrating heart of great Apollo. He listened with all his soul and laughed for pleasure.The unabashed boy stood and to the measure close to his side harpingfearlessly, of the sweet lyre there followed loud and free his for he unlocked the treasure of his deep voice, joyous the birth of the bright gods and the song illustrating dark desert Earth, and how to the Immortals every of all that is;but chief assigned one, a portionwas did clothe Maia's son of his Mnemosyne in the light and as each god was gun loud melodies, born or had behe in their order due and fit degreessang of his birth and being, and did move able Apolloto unutterwords These he spoke: You heiferlove. oxen schemer,well do you deserve that fifty stealing should requite such minstrelsies as I have heard even little contriving Comrade of feasts, now. one wight, of your secrets I would gladlyknow the whether show forth was folded up now glorious power you within you at your birth, whether mortal taught or And Hermes God inspired or your skill in song ? : Wisely hast thou enquiredof my skill. replied Jove has givento thee also divinest gifts.By thee the depths of his far voice are understood, by thee the mystery of all oracular fates. Even I, a child, thy might and majesty. Thou canst seek perceive all that wit can find or teach, out and compass yet if thou wilt, take the lyre be mine the glory come givingit. Strike the sweet chords and sing aloud, and wake thy joyouspleasure out of many a fit of tranced sound." The shell he proffered Apollotook,
"
"
the
"
"
"
398

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A TO

City PAGE J9r3

lishers Co., the pubthe

nelius Schoolcraft," by Cor-

tions: following English publica-

thology MyZoological Hero Myths,"

Mythology for younggive them solid knowledge on

the material that

those versions of the mvths and

the primitive attractive, provided and customs were fullyemphasized.

Mill's and R. the

snail, became Emerson).

Bryant's "Odyssey"). The story of Athene and Arachne (Greek,Gayley-Bulfinch).

asleep at the foot

American Birth field's the of

"Legends of the beginning (Ancient Mexican, Brinton's

Schoolcraft). W. B. Can(Iroquois, Iroquois"). Song at

sun's sister (Russian, Ralston

's "Russian mirror

maquoddy, Leland). The

Sigmund (Norse,AndersonThor conquered the stone giant

field). The M. Pasteur).

Canmessage-bearers (Iroquois, of the gods (Japanese, Violet way

(Mexican Indian, Brinchildren of heaven and earth (Sir

George Grey, "Polynesian Mythology").

the lone the

learned much the

and footsteps three

things. For later,Aristotle

attempt of the world

of real persons when he

littlestory. Once following about after sailing travels,

lived in the Indian of islands the most chaia. The

Ocean, where he found a important of which was

inhabitants of this island their

language of India, the often very that they were

they must still older language.

collected in the old books

in Sanskrit made who

that the ancient

within spirits of trees The

animals. that and

and people, the worshipof

blind to all that others Eow

giveyou this glimpseat of myths proposedfrom the explanations

preparedto find out will be satisfactory.

take the top off the castle in which

imagined the myths

the trees there

and plants that

of these trees and

stand for all the

will look exceed-

shall also die

them, as I die and dying live.'

saying, Go and dying live,

started with overtaken errand had he