Mythology & Folklore

Raven Meet the Young Boy One day, after Raven had shaped many animals out of the clay and made hills and trees for the earth plain, he chose to take a rest. He walked slowly along the shore near Man’s home and came upon Man’s young son playing in the grass outside the house. The young boy skipped and spun around playing by himself. Raven watched as the young boy picked up a stick from brandished it at the air, mimicking the hunters like his father. And Raven smiled at the boy. On and on the boy played an Raven delighted in watching his games. Raven decided he would make the boy laugh. As Raven approached, the young boy was startled from his imaginary game. In fear he shrunk away from Raven’s massive black form. Raven was surprised at the boy’s fear. He raised his beak, like a mask, and shed his Raven form so that we would look like the boy and his father. Then the boy was no afraid. But he did not smile. Raven wanted to make the boy laugh and he did not want his Raven form...

I love the Raven. I love how peaceful and helpful the Eskimo creator is. He shapes animals and landscape and always looks back to see if it pleased the man. I'm not real thrilled with the man who cursed the mosquitos to "eat man" over some measly deer fat! I feel like my story might center on that guy and his uberselfishness! I did notice men grew from pods and women needed to be shaped. I suppose it beats having a women eat the forbidden apple and curse all of mankind, but it still strikes me as odd. Although it also seems to indicate that woman was shaped specific to compliment men. Perhaps it is a celebration of the symmetry of man/woman. Perfect compliments. Just random thoughts. I think that would be a controversial story if I try to retell it. I might stick with the animals and the stupid mosquitos. Really happy that Raven made the bear specifically to keep Man from getting too cocky! More thoughts later. Kodiak Bear. Source: Public Domain Reading S...