The Voyager Of Whulge

By Charles M. Skinner in 1896.

The indigenous people of the Pacific Northwest, particularly the Siwash tribes, held a deeply spiritual worldview, imbuing the natural world with sentience and purpose. Much like the ancient Greeks with their pantheon of gods, the Siwash perceived a vibrant, unseen realm populated by spiritual beings. Every towering tree possessed a soul, and the vast, ancient forests teemed with both benevolent and malevolent spirits. These spirits, or "genie," as they were sometimes called, played a significant role in their daily lives and belief systems. The Siwash, according to historical accounts, directed their veneration and offerings towards the darker entities through elaborate "devil-dances," believing it more prudent to appease those with malicious intent rather than those already inclined towards goodness.

The majestic mountains that defined the landscape were considered the dwelling places of powerful "tamanouses," or guardian spirits. These spirits were not always in harmony, and tales were told of epic battles fought between them. A particularly vivid legend describes the clash between the spirits of Mount Tacoma (now Mount Rainier) and Mount Hood. The intensity of their conflict was said to have manifested in volcanic eruptions, with fire and molten rock spewing from their peaks, and their roars echoing across the land. According to the legend, some of the rocks hurled by Mount Tacoma fell short of their target, creating a formidable obstruction in the Columbia River near The Dalles. These ancient beliefs paint a picture of a people deeply connected to their environment, where the natural world was not merely a backdrop, but a living, breathing entity imbued with spiritual power.

Overlaying these ancient indigenous beliefs are echoes of later teachings, a testament to the cultural exchange that occurred with the arrival of European colonizers. These new doctrines became intertwined with existing native legends, blurring the lines between the old and the new. It is often difficult to discern where one tradition ends and the other begins. A prime example of this cultural fusion is the story of The Voyager Of Whulge. This figure, shrouded in mystery and imbued with profound significance, is a central figure in the lore of the Puget Sound region.

The Voyager Of Whulge legend speaks of a mysterious stranger who arrived upon the waters of the Whulge, the Siwash name for what is now known as Puget Sound, named in honor of one of Captain Vancouver’s officers. He appeared in a canoe crafted from gleaming copper, its surface reflecting the radiant light of the morning sun. This extraordinary vessel was a spectacle, its very appearance suggesting the extraordinary nature of its occupant.

After landing on the shores of the Whulge, The Voyager Of Whulge summoned the Siwash people from far and wide. When the red men gathered, he addressed them, presenting a doctrine that was met with disbelief and even contempt. His message was one of radical love, a concept that was foreign and unsettling to a culture often defined by warfare and competition.

He implored them to abandon their ways of conflict and theft, urging them instead to share their possessions with those in need and to forgive their enemies. Such ideas were incomprehensible to them, flying in the face of their established social order and values. The Voyager Of Whulge promised those who embraced righteousness an eternal life in a paradise of seas and hills far surpassing the beauty of the earthly realm. However, his words fell on deaf ears. The Siwash could not comprehend the concept of unconditional love and forgiveness.

Growing weary of his seemingly absurd pronouncements, the Siwash turned on The Voyager Of Whulge. They seized him and dragged him to a tree, where they cruelly nailed him to it, driving pegs through his hands and feet. They then mocked and taunted him, dancing around him in a manner reminiscent of their devil-dances, reveling in his suffering until his head slumped onto his chest and his life ebbed away.

But the story of The Voyager Of Whulge does not end with his death. As the Siwash celebrated their victory, a cataclysmic storm erupted, unleashing thunder and earthquakes that shook the very foundations of the land. Overwhelmed by fear and awe, they took down the body of the Voyager, intending to bury him. However, as the sun burst through the storm clouds, the Voyager miraculously arose to his feet. He resumed his preaching, his voice resonating with newfound power and authority.

This time, the Siwash listened. They finally accepted the truth of The Voyager Of Whulge‘s words and vowed to never harm him again. As the years passed, they gradually abandoned their warlike ways and became known as one of the most peaceful of all the Indian tribes. The influence of The Voyager Of Whulge transformed their society, replacing violence with compassion and fostering a culture of harmony.

The legend of The Voyager Of Whulge serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of love and forgiveness. It speaks to the enduring human capacity for change and the profound impact that a single individual can have on the course of history. The story also reflects the complex interplay between indigenous beliefs and the influences of later cultures, creating a rich tapestry of legends and traditions that continue to resonate in the Pacific Northwest today.

Compiled and edited by Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated March 2025. About the Author: Charles M. Skinner (1852-1907) authored the complete nine-volume set of Myths and Legends of Our Own Land in 1896. This tale is excerpted from these excellent works, which are now in the public domain.

Also See:

Historic People of Washington

Legends, Ghosts, Myths & Mysteries

Native American Legends & Tales

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