The Ark On Superstition Mountain
The Superstition Mountains, a rugged and imposing range east of Phoenix, Arizona, are steeped in mystery and folklore. Among the many tales woven into the fabric of this landscape, one stands out – the legend of the ark on Superstition Mountain, a story originating from the Pima Indians, the ancestral inhabitants of the region. This narrative, recorded by Charles M. Skinner in 1896, speaks of creation, corruption, and the threat of a cataclysmic flood held back by the very mountains themselves. The tale offers a glimpse into the Pima worldview, their moral code, and their deep connection to the land.
The Pima, also known as the Akimel O’odham, meaning "River People," have a rich cultural heritage rooted in the arid lands of southern Arizona. Their existence has always been intertwined with the cycles of the desert, the flow of the rivers, and the bounty they could coax from the earth. The legend of the ark on Superstition Mountain provides valuable insight into their spiritual beliefs and understanding of the world around them.
According to the Pima, the creator of all life was Cherwit Make, often translated as Earth-Maker or Butterfly. This deity, not a singular, anthropomorphic figure but rather a force of nature, descended from the clouds to the confluence of the Verde and Salt Rivers, a location held sacred by the Pima. From his own perspiration, Cherwit Make fashioned the first people. As the population grew, so did their flaws. Selfishness, discord, and a general disregard for harmony permeated their society. Disgusted by the moral decay of his creation, Cherwit Make resolved to unleash a flood, a cleansing deluge to wash away the corruption.
Before enacting his judgment, however, Cherwit Make sought to warn the people. His message came on the winds, first from the north and then from the east, urging them to embrace honesty and peace. A prophet named Suha, a wise and respected figure within the tribe, interpreted these whispers from the wind. Initially, he was mocked and ridiculed for listening to the seemingly empty air. But the repetition of the warning, coupled with the added threat of divine punishment, began to sow seeds of doubt and fear among the people. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of moral behavior and the consequences of societal decay. The story of The Ark On Superstition Mountain highlights this belief.
However, the Pima’s problems were not solely of their own making. The legend introduces Hauk, a malevolent mountain devil who preyed upon the Pima people. Hauk terrorized the community, stealing their daughters and murdering their sons, further disrupting the fragile balance of their existence. One fateful day, while the women were diligently spinning flax and cactus fiber and the men were engaged in the vital task of gathering maize, Hauk descended upon the settlement and abducted another of Suha’s daughters.
This act proved to be the final straw. Suha, a man of peace and patience, reached the breaking point. He vowed to rid his people of this evil. He observed Hauk’s movements, meticulously tracking his path back to his lair within the Superstition Mountains. Using his knowledge of the land and its resources, Suha devised a plan. He followed Hauk discreetly and then drugged the cactus wine that his daughter was forced to serve. When the devil was incapacitated by the potent drink, Suha emerged from his hiding place and struck him down, crushing his skull and ending his reign of terror. The legend of The Ark On Superstition Mountain involves this slaying.
Even in death, Hauk’s influence lingered. The scattered remnants of his brain became the seeds for new forms of evil, a constant reminder of the ever-present struggle between good and bad. Despite this, the world was undeniably better without Hauk. Suha, now a hero, continued to guide his people. He imparted valuable skills, teaching them to build adobe houses, to cultivate the land through irrigation, to weave cloth, and to avoid the destructive path of war. His leadership brought a period of prosperity and stability to the Pima community.
But even in his wisdom, Suha recognized the cyclical nature of human behavior. On his deathbed, he prophesied that the Pima would eventually succumb to the allure of wealth and power. They would grow arrogant, coveting the lands of others and engaging in wars for personal gain. When this time arrived, Suha warned, another great flood would engulf the earth, a final and devastating judgment. This time, there would be no salvation. The wicked would be swept away, and the virtuous would ascend to the sun, leaving the earth behind. The Pima’s unwavering belief in this prophecy has profoundly shaped their relationship with the Superstition Mountains. The story of The Ark On Superstition Mountain has been passed down for generations.
The Superstition Mountains, in the Pima worldview, are not merely a geological formation but a sacred space, a repository of both danger and potential salvation. They believe that Cherwit Make resides within the mountains, patiently awaiting the culmination of human wickedness. Behind the towering peaks, a vast sea is held in check, a reservoir of destructive power poised to be unleashed upon the earth when humanity’s moral failings reach their peak. This belief is so deeply ingrained in the Pima psyche that many refuse to venture into the Superstition Mountains, fearing they might trigger the prophesied cataclysm. The legend of The Ark On Superstition Mountain dictates this fear.
The legend of the ark on Superstition Mountain is more than just a simple flood myth. It’s a complex and nuanced narrative that reflects the Pima’s spiritual beliefs, their moral code, and their deep connection to the land. It speaks of creation, corruption, redemption, and the cyclical nature of human history. The mountains themselves serve as a constant reminder of the potential for both destruction and renewal. The story of The Ark On Superstition Mountain serves as a warning.
The Pima’s relationship with the Superstition Mountains is one of reverence and respect, born out of a profound understanding of the power of nature and the consequences of human actions. While the legend may seem like a fantastical tale to some, it holds a deep and enduring significance for the Pima people, shaping their worldview and guiding their behavior. The legend of The Ark On Superstition Mountain reflects their fears and hopes.
The story of The Ark On Superstition Mountain is a testament to the enduring power of oral tradition and the ability of legends to shape cultural identity and transmit knowledge across generations. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the environment, living in harmony with nature, and striving for moral integrity. The mountains stand as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of human history, a constant reminder of the potential for both destruction and renewal. The legend serves as a powerful symbol of the Pima’s enduring connection to their ancestral lands and their unwavering belief in the power of the human spirit. The legend of The Ark On Superstition Mountain is integral to their culture.