The Enchanted Moccasins and Other Native American Legends by Henry R. Schoolcraft

Author:Henry R. Schoolcraft
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780486121734
Publisher: Dover Publications
Published: 2012-10-06T00:00:00+00:00

IX

THE ORIGIN OF THE ROBIN

An old man had an only son, named Iadilla, who had come to that age when it is thought to be time for a boy to make the long and final fast which is to secure through life a guardian genius or spirit. The father was ambitious that his son should surpass all others in whatever was deemed wisest and greatest among his people. He thought it necessary that the young Iadilla, to do this, should fast a much longer time than any of those renowned for their power or wisdom. The father therefore directed his son to prepare with great ceremony for the important event. First he was to go several times to the sweating-lodge and bath, which were to prepare and purify him for communion with his good spirit. Then he was to lie down upon a clean mat in a little lodge expressly provided for him. He was especially enjoined, at the same time, to endure his fast like a man, and promised that at the end of twelve days he should receive food and the blessing of his father.

The lad carefully observed these commands, and lay with his face covered, calmly awaiting the approach of the spirit which was to decide his good or evil fortune for all the days of his life.

Every morning his father came to the door of the little lodge and encouraged him to persevere, dwelling at length on the vast honor and renown that must ever attend him, should he accomplish the full term of trial allotted to him.

To these glowing words of promise and glory the boy never replied, but he lay without the least sign of discontent or murmuring until the ninth day, when he addressed his father as follows:

“My father, my dreams forbode evil. May I break my fast now, and at a more favorable time make a new fast?”

The father answered:

“My son, you know not what you ask. If you get up now, all your glory will depart. Wait patiently a little longer. You have but three days more, and your term will be completed. You know it is for your own good, and I encourage you to persevere. Shall not your aged father live to see you a star among the chieftains and the beloved of battle?”

The son assented; and covering himself more closely, that he might shut out the light which prompted him to complain, he lay till the eleventh day, when he repeated his request.

The father addressed Iadilla as he had the day before, and promised that he would himself prepare his first meal and bring it to him by the dawn of the next morning.

The son moaned, and the father added:

“Will you bring shame upon your father when his sun is falling in the west?”

“I will not shame you, my father,” replied Iadilla; and he lay so still and motionless that you could only know that he was living by the gentle heaving of his breast.

At the spring of

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