According to an Eastern Cherokee legend, man once lived in harmony with the animals. At this time, natural rules governed man’s use of his environment. Man was allowed to stalk and kill his animal brother only as a means of survival. To honor the spirit of the slain animal, man was expected to give thanks through an offering of tso-la—tobacco. Strict adherence to this rule assured a natural balance. However, man began to move away from his traditional responsibilities and soon misused his animal brothers. Hunting to excess, he would soon forget to offer tso-la as a sign of thanks. The smaller animals were ignored and abused at will. Insulted by man’s ingratitude, the animals took action.
Parliaments of Nature
At the heart of most traditional native beliefs is the coming together of various animal spirits in a council, or “talking circle”. In response to man’s encroachment, the animals formed their own secret councils. The first to meet were yo-nv (bears), who gathered deep in the woods to discuss a solution to problems presented by man. At the start of the convocation, Old White Bear Chief insisted that each bear be afforded equal opportunity to present his point of view. To avoid overlapping conversation, a stick was passed around. The bear in possession of this “talking stick” was free to express his opinion while others were expected to remain silent. Once finished, the stick was passed to the next bear. This simple rule was adopted so that each bear at the council would have an equal opportunity to speak.
The Problems Presented by Man
Man’s hunting ability was unparalleled, even among the fastest and strongest of the bears. The bow was man’s weapon of choice—a powerful long-range device that enabled the user to deliver a killing blow over a safe distance. Possession of this device allowed man an advantage in stalking and killing his animal brothers. Not only were the bears a target of this device, but their own food supply was at risk of being depleted by man’s excess. After much discussion, the council reached a decision. In order to survive, the bears realized that they would need to become cunning hunters in their own right. The bears constructed their own bow.
The First Arms Race
Modeling their device after the one possessed by man, the bears completed their bow in record time. Sadly, despite their prowess at invention, the council overlooked one detail. The device they created was perfect for man, but not suited for the long arms and sharp claws of the bear. In response, it was suggested that the bears remove their long claws. This way, they would be able to effectively utilize the bow. Dismayed, Old White Bear Chief urged his fellow bears not to take such a drastic step. While man was a fierce hunter with his bow and arrow, the powerful reach and sharp claw of the bear was unmatched. The council agreed and the bears disbursed.
A-wi: The Deer
The next group to convene in secret session was a-wi (the deer). Long a target of man’s prowess with the bow, a-wi desperately sought a means of preservation. Leading the discussion was Little Deer, their Chief. After much debate, the council agreed to curse man with painful rheumatism should he kill without first asking permission from the deer and then offering thanks to the spirit of the slain deer. This message was quickly dispatched the nearest settlement. Little Deer himself served as the principal enforcer of this new policy. To the spirit of every deer slain, Little Deer asked if the hunter followed the natural law of asking permission and offering thanks. If the spirit of the deer answered that the hunter had indeed followed the rule, Little Deer would move on. If the spirit of the deer indicated that the hunter had not asked permission and had failed to offer thanks, Little Deer would proceed to the hunter’s village and strike him with the painful ailment. Pleased with the result of their deliberations, the council of deer dispersed.
The Fish and Frogs Find Common Ground
Wishing to obtain their own assurances against errant hunting, the fish and frogs elected to hold their own joint council. Being among the smaller creatures, it was necessary for these two groups to convene together. The a-tsa-di (fish) and wa-la-si (frogs) debated the best way to protect themselves from man. Pursuing a psychological course of action, the joint council decided to curse mankind with terrible dreams of malodorous i-na-dv (snakes). A tumultuous night would befall any who mistreated the fish and frogs. Satisfied, the council adjourned.
Birds and Insects Provoke Debate
Tsi-squa (birds) and the tsv-sgo-yi (insects) did not wish to be left out of the cosmic discourse and gathered into their own council to discuss a solution to the problems posed by man. Tsv-sgo-yi were the first to express their anger at the treatment they had received from man. Stepped upon and forgotten, they were motivated to punish man for his excesses. Their debates were so intense as to cause all the other animals to reconsider their separate actions and convene a new, full assembly of animals. The word went forth and the first Council of Animals was convened.
Sources:
English/Cherokee Dictionary Online. http://www.wehali.com/tsalagi
Michael Garrett. Walking on the Wind. (Rochester: Bear and Company Publishing, 1998).
Ruth Bradley Holmes and Betty Sharp Smith. Beginning Cherokee. (Norman; University of Oklahoma Press, 1977).
Thomas E Mails, The Cherokee People: The Story of the Cherokees from Earliest Origins to Contemporary Times. (New York: Marlowe and Company, 1996).
Carl Waldman. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2006).
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