Cherokee Legend – The First Fire

By Katharine Berry Judson in 1913

In the realm of ancient narratives, where the echoes of creation resonate through time, the Cherokee Legend – The First Fire unfolds as a testament to courage, ingenuity, and the profound connection between the natural world and its inhabitants. This tale, passed down through generations, speaks of a time when the world was shrouded in coldness, devoid of the warmth and life-sustaining properties of fire. It is a story of how the Cherokee people, through the bravery of one small creature, obtained this essential element and forever altered the course of their existence.

The narrative begins in a world blanketed by an unrelenting chill. The sun offered light, but little warmth. The very air seemed to bite with frost. In this frigid epoch, the Thunders, celestial beings residing in the lofty heights of Galun’lati, observed the plight of the earthbound creatures. Moved by compassion, they unleashed their potent lightning, striking the heart of a colossal sycamore tree. This was no ordinary tree; it possessed a cavernous hollow within its trunk, and the lightning ignited a fire deep within its woody embrace.

However, this sycamore stood upon an island, surrounded by a vast expanse of water. The animals, though aware of the fire’s presence, found themselves separated from its life-giving heat. From the top of the sycamore, smoke billowed, a tantalizing promise of warmth just beyond their reach. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the animals convened a council, a gathering of diverse species united by a common need. The question before them was simple, yet daunting: how to retrieve the fire and bring its warmth to the world?

The council buzzed with anticipation and a healthy dose of trepidation. The risks were evident. The journey was fraught with peril. Yet, the reward – the gift of fire – was immeasurable. One by one, various animals stepped forward, eager to prove their valor and secure a place in the annals of Cherokee lore.

First to volunteer was Raven, a creature of considerable size and strength. Confident in his abilities, he launched himself into the air, his powerful wings carrying him across the water towards the island. He landed gracefully upon the sycamore tree, his keen eyes scanning the scene. Yet, as he contemplated his next move, a wave of intense heat washed over him. The fire’s intensity was far greater than he had anticipated. His once-pristine black feathers began to singe and curl. Fear gripped him, and without securing any fire, Raven retreated, flying back across the water, his plumage forever marked by his encounter with the flames. Thus, the Cherokee Legend – The First Fire tells us why the raven’s feathers are black.

Next came Wa-hu-hu, the Screech Owl, a creature known for its sharp vision and silent flight. Undeterred by Raven’s failure, Wa-hu-hu took to the skies, determined to succeed where his predecessor had faltered. He reached the sycamore tree and peered into the hollow, hoping to devise a way to safely retrieve the fire. But as he gazed into the fiery abyss, a scorching blast of hot air assaulted his eyes. The intense heat caused him excruciating pain, and he was forced to retreat, his vision blurred and his eyes burning. To this day, the Screech Owl bears the mark of his courageous attempt, its eyes forever tinged with red.

Undeterred, Hooting Owl and Horned Owl followed, each hoping to overcome the challenges that had defeated their brethren. But as they approached the hollow tree, the fire raged with even greater intensity. Thick, acrid smoke filled the air, nearly blinding them. The ashes, carried aloft by the swirling winds, settled around their eyes, leaving distinctive white rings. Defeated and disheartened, they returned empty-handed, forever bearing the telltale marks of their failed mission.

With the birds’ efforts proving fruitless, the snakes offered their assistance. Uk-su-hi, the racer snake, volunteered to brave the treacherous journey. He slipped into the water and swam towards the island, his lithe body gliding effortlessly through the waves. Reaching the shore, he slithered through the tall grass, his senses alert to any danger. He found a small hole at the base of the sycamore tree and disappeared into the fiery depths. But the heat and smoke were unbearable. The ground within the tree was covered in burning embers, searing his scales. In a desperate attempt to escape, he darted back and forth, finally managing to squeeze through the hole from which he had entered. But his ordeal had taken its toll. His once-vibrant scales were now charred black. And so, the Cherokee Legend – The First Fire explains the origins of the black racer snake. To this day, the black racer darts around erratically, a testament to its harrowing experience within the burning tree.

Then came Blacksnake, "The Climber," a reptile of imposing size and strength. Confident in his ability to scale the sycamore’s exterior, he swam to the island and began his ascent. He climbed with the characteristic grace of his kind, his powerful muscles propelling him upwards. Reaching the top of the tree, he peered down into the hollow, hoping to snatch a piece of the fire. But the smoke overwhelmed him, choking him and causing him to lose his grip. He tumbled into the burning stump, his body engulfed in flames. Though he managed to escape, he was irrevocably scarred, his scales blackened by the fire’s embrace.

Discouraged and wary, the animals gathered once more. The world remained cold, and the elusive fire seemed forever out of reach. The birds, snakes, and four-footed creatures alike refused to risk another attempt. The burning sycamore had become a symbol of fear, a testament to the fire’s destructive power.

Just when all hope seemed lost, a small, unassuming voice spoke up. It was Water Spider, not the mosquito-like creature, but the other one, adorned with black downy hair and vibrant red stripes. This spider possessed a unique ability: she could run on the surface of the water or dive deep into its depths.

The other animals scoffed at her offer. "How can you bring back fire?" they asked, their voices laced with skepticism.

But Water Spider remained undeterred. She possessed a secret weapon: her ingenuity. She spun a delicate thread from her own body and wove it into a tiny tusti bowl, a miniature vessel perfectly suited for carrying a precious cargo. She fastened the bowl securely to her back and prepared for her perilous journey.

With unwavering determination, Water Spider stepped onto the water’s surface and began to run. She glided effortlessly across the waves, her small legs moving with surprising speed. Reaching the island, she scurried through the grass to the base of the sycamore tree. Carefully, she reached into the hollow and plucked a single, glowing coal of fire. She placed it gently into her tusti bowl and turned back towards the mainland.

The journey back was fraught with danger. The heat from the coal threatened to burn through her delicate vessel, and the waves threatened to capsize her tiny craft. But Water Spider persevered, her resolve fueled by the knowledge that she carried the hope of the world upon her back.

Finally, she reached the shore, exhausted but triumphant. The animals gathered around her, their eyes wide with amazement. Water Spider carefully removed the tusti bowl from her back and presented the glowing coal of fire to the assembled creatures.

And that is how the Cherokee Legend – The First Fire came to the world. The fire was carefully nurtured and spread throughout the land, bringing warmth, light, and the ability to cook food. And Water Spider, the small, unassuming creature who had dared to succeed where others had failed, was forever honored for her bravery and ingenuity. To this day, Water Spider carries the mark of her heroic deed: the tusti bowl, a reminder of her pivotal role in bringing fire to the world. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that even the smallest among us can achieve great things, and that courage and ingenuity can overcome even the most daunting challenges.