Man Who Helped the Eagles – Apache Myth
(By Pliny Earle Goddard in 1911)
The tapestry of Native American mythology is rich with stories that illuminate the relationship between humanity, nature, and the spiritual realm. Among these tales, the Apache tradition offers a compelling narrative centered around resilience, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of all beings. One such story, documented by ethnologist Pliny Earle Goddard in 1911, recounts the experiences of a poor Apache man and his unexpected alliance with the majestic eagles. This captivating myth, titled Man Who Helped the Eagles, provides a glimpse into the Apache worldview, where acts of kindness and courage can lead to extraordinary transformations.
This particular story, Man Who Helped the Eagles, comes from Goddard’s collection of Jicarilla Apache texts, part of The Anthropological Papers of the American Museum of Natural History. Goddard, a dedicated scholar of American Indian languages and cultures, meticulously recorded and preserved these oral traditions, providing valuable insights into the beliefs and customs of the Apache people. Through his work, we can access narratives like this one, which offer a window into the Apache understanding of the world and their place within it.
The story begins with a stark portrayal of poverty. An Apache man, destitute and struggling to survive, finds himself relying on the discarded scraps of the Pueblo Indians. This paints a picture of hardship and dependence, highlighting the man’s vulnerable position within the social landscape. His sustenance comes not from his own labor or resources but from the generosity, or perhaps indifference, of others. This initial depiction sets the stage for the man’s subsequent journey, a journey that will ultimately elevate him beyond his humble beginnings. The Man Who Helped the Eagles, therefore, becomes a symbol of potential, a testament to the idea that even in the direst of circumstances, transformation is possible.
The narrative shifts when the Pueblo Indians embark on a mission to reach an eagle’s nest perched atop a towering cliff. The eagles, revered creatures in many Native American cultures, hold a significant place in the Apache worldview as well. They are often associated with strength, courage, and a connection to the spiritual realm. The Pueblo Indians, seeking access to the young eagles, employ a rather precarious method: they lower the poor Apache man down the cliff face using a rope.
This act is fraught with ambiguity. While it appears to be an act of assistance, it also carries a hint of exploitation. The Apache man, desperate for food and perhaps seeking favor, agrees to the task. However, once he reaches the nest, the Pueblo Indians abandon him, leaving him stranded with the eaglets. Their intentions remain unclear – were they testing him, did they underestimate the difficulty of the task, or did they simply lack the means to retrieve him? Regardless of their motives, the man’s isolation sets the stage for his extraordinary encounter.
Abandoned and alone, the Apache man faces a daunting predicament. Thirst becomes his immediate concern, driving him to the brink of despair. In his moment of need, he experiences a miraculous intervention. He hears laughter, and upon investigating, he encounters a mysterious figure who offers him a small piece of ice. The man, initially skeptical that such a small offering could quench his thirst, drinks it and finds himself completely satisfied. This miraculous provision suggests the presence of benevolent spiritual forces at play, intervening to assist the man in his time of need. It marks a turning point in the story, signaling his entry into a realm of extraordinary events.
The arrival of the eagles’ father further solidifies this transition. The eagle, recognizing the man’s presence and his care for his offspring, addresses him respectfully as "DagônadeL," expressing gratitude for his assistance. This acknowledgment marks a profound shift in the man’s status. He is no longer a nameless, impoverished figure but a respected guest, recognized and valued by a powerful being. The eagle then invites him into his home, a dwelling hidden behind solid rock, further emphasizing the entrance into a realm beyond the ordinary.
Inside the eagle’s home, the man is offered food in a small clay dish. Again, he initially doubts that the offering will be sufficient, but the eagle’s subsequent actions reveal a deeper meaning. The eagle sheds his coat, transforming into a man, and entrusts the care of his children to the Apache man. He then demonstrates his extraordinary strength and agility, flying across vast distances with ease. This display of power underscores the eagle’s true nature and the extraordinary opportunity that has been presented to the man. He is invited to participate in the eagle’s world, a world of strength, freedom, and connection to the sky.
The narrative then takes a dramatic turn, as the man is summoned to the center of the sky. He is met by a multitude of beings, some eager to help him fly, others hesitant or unwilling. Through their combined efforts, wings are attached to him, and he begins his ascent into the heavens. The eagles support him from below, carrying him upward. When he falters from exhaustion, others rush to his aid. Finally, Panther lowers his tail through a sky hole, allowing the man to grasp it and be pulled into the celestial realm. This sequence of events is filled with symbolism, representing the challenges and support systems one encounters on a journey of transformation.
In this celestial realm, the man discovers that Panther and his people are engaged in a conflict with the hornets, their enemies. The hornets, divided into black and yellow factions, represent a force of chaos and aggression. Panther provides the man with a protective buckskin shirt, equipped with eyeholes, preparing him for battle. Armed with a quirt, a type of whip, the man joins the eagles in confronting the enemy. He fights bravely, striking down the hornets and stringing their bodies onto sticks as trophies.
The man’s bravery and effectiveness in battle are initially doubted by some, who mistakenly believe him to have been killed. However, Panther defends him, recognizing his courage and anticipating his triumphant return. When the man returns victorious, the community erupts in celebration, dancing in a circle to honor his achievements. Even Meadowlark, initially critical, is silenced and told to leave. This triumphant return marks the culmination of the man’s transformation. He has risen from poverty and obscurity to become a hero, a respected warrior who has defended his allies against a formidable enemy.
The Man Who Helped the Eagles ultimately serves as a powerful allegory for personal transformation and the importance of courage, gratitude, and connection. The poor Apache man, initially defined by his poverty and dependence, undergoes a profound journey that leads him to discover his inner strength and find his place within a larger cosmic order. The story highlights the interconnectedness of all beings, emphasizing the importance of respecting and assisting one another, regardless of their status or origin. Through his willingness to help the eagles, the man earns their gratitude and receives the opportunity to transcend his limitations. He learns to fly, both literally and metaphorically, achieving a level of strength, freedom, and recognition that was previously unimaginable.