Reading Notes: Cherokee Myths, Part A

 The First Fire

Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney

(Image Source: Pixabay)

Plot Points

• In the beginning of the world, it was cold and there was no fire
• The Thunders sent down fire into a sycamore tree on an island
• The animals knew the fire was there, but they knew not how to get to it
• Three birds volunteered to go and retrieve fire for all animals, but they failed one after another; each suffering deformities which haunt them to this day
• After the birds, two snakes volunteered, yet they suffered the same fate as the birds
• At their failures, no other birds, snake, or four-footed animal would volunteer to retrieve the fire
• When none else would volunteer, the Water Spider did
• She ran across the surface fo the water to the island and, once there, she plucked the smallest of embers and carried it back to the other animals
• From this one ember came all fire which men use to this day