More Cherokee Legends
By Katharine Berry Judson in 1913
The rich tapestry of Cherokee culture is woven with vibrant threads of oral tradition, passed down through generations in the form of legends and myths. These stories, often imbued with moral lessons and spiritual insights, offer a window into the Cherokee worldview, their relationship with nature, and their understanding of the human condition. This collection of More Cherokee Legends , originally compiled by Katharine Berry Judson, provides a glimpse into this captivating realm of Cherokee storytelling.
Origin of Strawberries
In the dawn of existence, when the world was newly formed and the bond between man and woman was fresh, a disagreement arose, fracturing their harmony. The woman, her heart heavy with discontent, turned her back on her partner and began her journey toward the Sunland, the realm of the East. The man, remorseful for his part in their discord, followed her, his spirit burdened with regret. However, the woman, her gaze fixed forward, remained resolute, refusing to acknowledge his presence.
Witnessing the man’s sorrow, Sun, the great Apportioner and giver of life, intervened. With compassion, Sun inquired, "Are you still consumed by anger towards your wife?"
The man, humbled, replied, "No."
Sun then asked, "Would you desire her return to your side?"
With heartfelt longing, the man responded, "Yes."
Moved by his sincerity, Sun devised a plan. He conjured a vast expanse of huckleberries, placing them directly in the woman’s path. Yet, she walked past the tempting berries, her mind preoccupied, her gaze unwavering. Undeterred, Sun then created a thicket of blackberry bushes, laden with ripe fruit, and positioned them before her. Still, the woman pressed onward, seemingly oblivious to the bounty that surrounded her. Next, Sun brought forth exquisite service-berry bushes, their branches adorned with delicate blossoms and sweet berries, lining the trail. But even these failed to capture her attention.
Sun, persistent in his efforts, summoned forth a variety of other fruits and berries, each more enticing than the last. However, the woman remained unmoved, her focus solely on her destination.
Finally, Sun unveiled his masterstroke: a patch of radiant, ripe strawberries, the very first of their kind to grace the earth. Their vibrant red hue and sweet aroma were irresistible. Upon beholding these exquisite berries, the woman paused, her steps faltering for the first time. She knelt to gather a handful, her fingers gently plucking the juicy fruit. As she savored their sweetness, she turned her face westward, a flicker of memory igniting within her. She remembered the man, her partner, and the shared life they had once known. A wave of longing washed over her, and she found herself unable to continue toward the Sunland. She could go no further.
Yielding to the pull of her heart, the woman gathered more strawberries and retraced her steps, turning away from the East and back toward the West. Soon, she encountered her husband, who embraced her with open arms. Together, they returned to their home, their bond renewed by the magic of the strawberries. This tale, a cherished part of More Cherokee Legends , beautifully illustrates the power of nature to heal and reconcile, and the enduring strength of love and forgiveness.
How the Pheasant Beat Corn
This legend speaks of a time when the animal world and the human world were more closely intertwined, their interactions shaping the traditions and beliefs of the Cherokee people.
One day, Pheasant observed a woman diligently beating corn in a wooden mortar outside her lodge. Intrigued by the rhythmic pounding, Pheasant boasted, "I can do that, too!"
The woman, amused by the pheasant’s audacity, challenged him, "I don’t believe you."
Undeterred, Pheasant insisted, "Yes, I can!" With a determined glint in his eye, Pheasant flew into the woods behind the lodge. He located a hollow log and began drumming upon it with his wings, creating a resounding rhythm that echoed through the forest. The sound was so convincing that the people in the village truly believed he was beating corn.
And so, the tradition of the Pheasant Dance was born. To this day, the Pheasant Dance is performed as an integral part of the Green Corn Dance, a significant ceremony in Cherokee culture. This captivating story is one of More Cherokee Legends , showcasing the resourcefulness of the pheasant and the Cherokee people’s respect for the natural world.
Why the Turkey Gobbles
This humorous tale explains the origin of a characteristic sound we often take for granted, revealing the Cherokee’s keen observation of animal behavior.
In the ancient days, Grouse possessed a melodious voice, while Turkey was voiceless. Desiring to share in Grouse’s vocal talents, Turkey approached him with a proposition: he would offer Grouse some of his own feathers in exchange for singing lessons. Grouse agreed, and so Turkey gifted him feathers for a collar.
Grouse began instructing Turkey in the art of vocalization. After much practice, Grouse declared, "Now you must try your voice. You must halloo!"
Turkey, eager to prove himself, replied, "Yes."
Grouse instructed, "I’ll stand on this hollow log, and when I tap on it, you must halloo as loudly as you can."
Grouse climbed onto the log, poised to tap. However, when he struck the log, Turkey became so overwhelmed with excitement that when he opened his mouth, all that emerged was a series of guttural sounds: "Gobble, gobble, gobble!"
From that day forward, Turkey has continued to gobble whenever he hears a noise, a constant reminder of his failed attempt to master the art of hallooing. This lighthearted legend, part of More Cherokee Legends , serves as a reminder that everyone has unique qualities, and sometimes, trying too hard can lead to unexpected results.
The Eagle’s Revenge
This story delves into the themes of respect for nature, the consequences of disrespect, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
A skilled mountain hunter, returning to his tepee one night, heard a strange noise like a rushing wind. Stepping outside, he discovered an eagle perched upon his drying pole, devouring the deer he had recently slain. Enraged by the eagle’s audacity, the hunter shot and killed the bird.
The following morning, the hunter proudly brought the deer back to the village, recounting his encounter with the eagle. Impressed by his feat, the chief ordered the men to retrieve the eagle’s body, intending to hold an Eagle Dance in its honor.
That night, as the villagers danced around the fire, a sudden whoop echoed from the darkness outside. A mysterious warrior, unfamiliar to the village, stepped into the circle. He was not of their tribe, and the people speculated that he might have come from one of the other Cherokee villages.
The stranger began to tell a story of how he had killed a man. At the end of his tale, he let out a piercing yell, "Hi!" Instantly, one of the men leading the dance, who was shaking a rattle, collapsed and died. The stranger continued, recounting another deed of violence. Again, he yelled, "Hi!" and another rattler fell dead. Fear gripped the hearts of the villagers. Undeterred, the stranger recounted yet another great deed. Once more, he yelled, "Hi!" and a third man with rattles succumbed to death. In this way, all seven men who were leading the dance with their rattles perished. The people were paralyzed with terror, unable to flee the lodge.
Then, as quickly as he had appeared, the stranger vanished into the darkness. It was only much later that the villagers learned the truth: the stranger was the brother of the eagle that the hunter had killed. He had come seeking vengeance for the death of his kin. This cautionary tale from More Cherokee Legends highlights the importance of respecting the balance of nature and the potential consequences of disrupting that balance.
Katharine Berry Judson’s collection of More Cherokee Legends , offers a valuable glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokee people. These stories, passed down through generations, provide insights into their beliefs, values, and their deep connection to the natural world. From the origin of strawberries to the eagle’s revenge, each legend carries a unique message, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships, the importance of respecting nature, and the enduring power of storytelling.
About the Author: Excerpted from the book Myths and Legends of the Great Plains, by Katharine Berry Judson, 1913. Katharine Berry Judson published several books on the myths and legends of the Native Americans in the early part of the 20th Century. Judson was a professor of history at the University of Washington.