Native American Legends
The Strange Origin of Corn
An Abenaki Legend
A long time ago, when the Indians were first made, one man lived
alone, far from any others. He did not know fire, and so he lived
on roots, bark, and nuts. This man became very lonely for companionship.
He grew tired of digging roots, lost his appetite, and for several
days lay dreaming in the sunshine. When he awoke, he saw someone
standing near and, at first, was very frightened.
But when he heard the stranger's voice, his heart was glad, and
he looked up. He saw a beautiful woman with long light hair! "Come
to me," he whispered. But she did not, and when he tried to
approach her, she moved farther away. He sang to her about his loneliness,
and begged her not to leave him.
At last she replied, "If you will do exactly what I tell you
to do, I will also be with you."
He promised that he would try his very best. So she led him to
a place where there was some very dry grass. "Now get two dry
sticks," she told him, "and rub them together fast while
you hold them in the grass."
Soon a spark flew out. The grass caught fire, and as swiftly as
an arrow takes flight, the ground was burned over. Then the beautiful
woman spoke again: "When the sun sets, take me by the hair
and drag me over the burned ground."
"Oh, I don't want to do that!" the man exclaimed.
"You must do what I tell you to do," said she. "Wherever
you drag me, something like grass will spring up, and you will see
something like hair coming from between the leaves. Soon seeds will
be ready for your use."
The man followed the beautiful woman's orders. And when the Indians
see silk on the cornstalk, they know that the beautiful woman has
not forgotten them.
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