Native American Legends
A Zuni legend of Spider Tower
A Zuni Legend
In Dead Man's Canyon, a deep gorge that is lateral to the once
populated valley of the Rio De Chelly, Az., stands a stark spire
of weathered sandstone, its top rising 800 ft. above its base in
a sheer uplift. Centuries ago a hunter of one of the cave villages
was surprised by hostiles while hunting in this region. He was chased
by them into this canyon. As he ran he looked vainly from side to
side in the hope of finding a hiding place but help came from a
source that was least expected. upon approaching this enormous spire,
with his strength well nigh exhausted, he saw a silken cord hanging
from a notch at the top. Quickly knotting the end about his waist,
so that it would not fall within the reach of his pursuers, he climbed
up, setting his feet into roughness of the stone and advancing hand
over hand. When he reached the summit, he stayed drinking dew and
feeding on birds eggs until his enemies went away. After his foes
had gone, he descended by the cord and was able to reach his home.
The help came from a friendly spider who saw his plight from her
perch at the top of the spire. She weaved a web of extra thickness,
attached one end fast to a rock while the other fell within the
hunter's grasp. The spider liked the gentle cave dwellers who lived
near by and caused her no trouble where as the pursuers were without
remorse and could not be trusted.
Ever since this time and even today this spire is known as Spider
Tower.
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