The Supernatural Person in the Lake – An Apache Legend
Within the rich tapestry of Apache folklore, passed down through generations by oral tradition, lies a captivating tale of power, consequence, and the enduring connection between humans and the supernatural. This legend, collected and documented by ethnologist Pliny Earle Goddard in 1911, offers a glimpse into the beliefs and values of the Apache people, showcasing their understanding of the natural world and the spiritual forces that govern it. The story of the supernatural person in the lake serves as a cautionary narrative, exploring themes of respect, gratitude, and the potential repercussions of defying the established order.
Goddard’s work, part of his extensive research into American Indian languages and cultures, provides invaluable insight into the Jicarilla Apache traditions. His dedication to documenting these stories ensures their preservation and allows us to connect with the wisdom and worldview of a culture deeply rooted in the American Southwest. This particular legend, "The Supernatural Person in the Lake," delves into the complexities of familial relationships, the allure of power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
The narrative begins with an old woman and her son, struggling to survive in the harsh environment of the plains. They are described as being desperately hungry, their diet limited to meager roots and wild seeds. In this time of hardship, the mother reveals a secret gift bestowed upon her son, a gift that holds the potential to transform him into a powerful medicine man. This gift, however, comes with an implied responsibility, a need for balance and respect that will ultimately be tested. The old woman approaches her son, voicing her hunger and implicitly testing his newfound abilities. His response, "Go home, and tomorrow, you will have plenty to eat," foreshadows the dramatic turn the story is about to take. The story of the supernatural person in the lake underscores the importance of oral tradition in preserving cultural values.
The following day marks a significant shift in their fortunes. The son, utilizing his gift, orchestrates a remarkable feat. He gathers the men of the community and instructs them to build a corral near the river. Through his influence, the antelope are driven into the enclosure, becoming easy prey for the hunters. The success is overwhelming; the people are able to kill a large number of antelope, providing them with an abundance of meat. This pattern continues for several days, with the antelope willingly entering the corral, almost as if summoned by the son’s power. The community thrives, enjoying a period of unprecedented prosperity. However, the old woman, sensing the imbalance and potential for excess, eventually intervenes. She tells her son, "That is enough; my wrists ache," signaling that the hunting must cease. This simple statement highlights the importance of moderation and the potential dangers of unchecked power.
The story then takes a darker turn. The old woman, perhaps realizing the extent of her son’s power and the potential consequences of its misuse, asks him to return the gift she had initially bestowed upon him. However, the son refuses, stating that he has already given it to the supernatural person in the lake. This act of defiance, of prioritizing his own ambition over his mother’s wisdom and the community’s well-being, sets in motion a chain of events that lead to his downfall. In response to his refusal, the old woman curses him, severing their bond and condemning him to a life of isolation and regret.
Following the curse, the son leaves his family and his people, venturing into unfamiliar territory. He eventually arrives at a place described as "sticks swim around," a location marked by tent poles sticking out of the water. This place, a lake, becomes his new home, but not in the way one might expect. He does not build a dwelling on its shores; instead, he descends into its depths, becoming one with the supernatural person in the lake. The people, concerned by his disappearance, attempt to find him, following his tracks to the water’s edge. They see the evidence of his passage, the tipi poles dragged into the lake, but they are unable to locate him. He has vanished, transformed into something other than human.
Two years pass, and the memory of the son fades into the background of everyday life. A large war party ventures out onto the plains, traveling far from their home in search of enemies and horses. As they settle down for the night, building a fire and sharing a pipe, they hear a voice speaking to them from the darkness. The voice identifies itself as one of their own people, immediately creating a sense of intrigue and anticipation. Suddenly, a large buffalo carcass, its head twisted back and tied, appears near their camp. The voice explains that he had been carrying the buffalo but his breath gave out, and that he now relies on his people to make smoke for him. He identifies himself as the supernatural person in the lake.
The war party, recognizing the voice and the strange circumstances, offers him a pipe, and they share a smoke together. He inquires about their purpose, and they explain that they are seeking to raid the enemy camp for horses. The supernatural being reveals that the enemy camp is nearby but unaware of their presence. He offers them guidance, instructing them to approach the camp during the day and surround the horses around noon. However, he makes a specific request: he wants them to bring him the horse that is entirely black, without a single white spot.
The supernatural being then provides them with a forequarter of the buffalo carcass, ensuring they have sustenance for their journey. Before they depart, he gives them a crucial piece of information: if they ever find themselves in need, they should make smoke for him, directing it towards TcîcnaLeLîe, near Sheep Horn Mountain. This act establishes a potential avenue for future communication and assistance, solidifying his role as a guardian spirit, albeit one with a complicated past.
Following the supernatural being’s instructions, the war party successfully infiltrates the enemy camp in broad daylight and surrounds the horses at the appointed time. Among the horses, they spot the black one with no white spots, the horse requested by the supernatural being. As they drive the horses back towards their own territory, the black horse willingly follows along with the others. Upon reaching the lake, the black horse immediately runs towards the water, disappearing beneath the surface, fulfilling the agreement between the war party and the supernatural being. The war party returns to their own country with the remaining horses, their mission accomplished.
The legend of the supernatural person in the lake serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural and supernatural realms within Apache culture. It highlights the importance of respecting the gifts one receives, honoring familial bonds, and maintaining a balance between personal ambition and the well-being of the community. The transformation of the son into a supernatural being dwelling in the lake is both a punishment and a testament to his power, a symbol of the lasting consequences of his choices. The tale continues to resonate, offering valuable lessons about the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of Apache traditions.