Native American Legends
The Rabbit and the Tar Wolf
A Cherokee Legend
Once upon a time there was such a severe drought that all streams
of water and all lakes were dried up. In this emergency the beasts
assembled together to devise means to procure water.
It was proposed by one to dig a well. All agreed to do so except
the hare. She refused because it would soil her tiny paws. The rest,
however, dug their well and were fortunate enough to find water.
The hare beginning to suffer and thirst, and having no right to
the well, was thrown upon her wits to procure water.
She determined, as the easiest way, to steal from the public well.
The rest of the animals, surprised to find that the hare was so
well supplied with water, asked her where she got it. She replied
that she arose betimes in the morning and gathered the dewdrops.
However the wolf and the fox suspected her of theft and hit on the
following plan to detect her:
They made a wolf of tar and placed it near the well. On the following
night the hare came as usual after her supply of water. On seeing
the tar wolf she demanded who was there. Receiving no answer she
repeated the demand, threatening to kick the wolf if he did not
reply. She receiving no reply kicked the wolf, and by this means
adhered to the tar and was caught.
When the fox and wolf got hold of her the consulted what it was
best to do with her. One proposed cutting her head off. This the
hare protested would be useless, as it had often been tried without
hurting her. Other methods were proposed for dispatching her, all
of which she said would be useless. At last it was proposed to let
her loose to perish in a thicket. Upon this the hare affected great
uneasiness and pleaded hard for life.
Her enemies, however, refused to listen and she was accordingly
let loose. As soon, however, as she was out of reach of her enemies
she gave a whoop, and bounding away she exclaimed: 'This is where
I live.'
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