Myths and Legends of California and the Old Southwest by Unknown
page 65 of 123 (52%)
page 65 of 123 (52%)
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But after a long time, the boys wished to see their mother again. Then
Cloud made them some bows and arrows differing from any they had ever seen, and sent them to their mother. He told them he would watch over them as they travelled but they must speak to no one they met on their way. So the boys travelled to the setting sun. First they met Raven. They remembered their father's command and turned aside so as not to meet him. Then they met Roadrunner, and turned aside to avoid him. Next came Hawk and Eagle. Eagle said, "Let's scare those boys." So he swooped down over their heads until they cried from fright. "We were just teasing you," said Eagle. "We will not do you any harm." Then Eagle flew on. Next they met Coyote. They tried to avoid him, but Coyote ran around and put himself in their way. Cloud was watching and he sent down thunder and lightning. And the boys sent out their magic thunder and lightning also, until Coyote was frightened and ran away. Now this happened on the mountain top, and one boy was standing on each side of the trail. After Coyote ran away, they were changed into mescal - the very largest mescal ever known. The place was near Tucson. This is the reason why mescal grows on the mountains, and why thunder and lightning go from place to place - because the children did. That is why it rains when we gather mescal. |
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