Why We Die

I found the following today on a page by Alan Taylor and is his interpretation of a Pacific Northwest Native legend.

Why We Die

Once, many many years ago, before Humans walked in the world, Raven flew through the sky. He looked down upon The Earth that he created, The Seas he had made. Raven was lonely, so he created the animals, Beaver, Fox, and Killer Whale. Eagle, Salmon, and Deer. Soon the entire world was full of animals, and they would dance and sing with Raven. But Raven was still lonely.

He flew around, wondering why, he could dance and sing all the time, why would he feel lonely? He decided that he needed someone to tell his stories to, someone who would laugh when he told them about the days when Caribou had Fangs. Raven Decided to create Human Beings.

Always one for a good game, Raven also decided to make it a contest. He flew out of the skies to a narrow place on the sea. between two hillsides. Waters foamed and rushed back and forth below the hills. On top of one shoreline hill was a huge stone, as big as a Humpback Whale, on the other side was a large group of Elderberry Bushes.

Raven called out "Stone, Elderberry Bush, I have a challenge for you."

Stone and Elderberry Bush looked up at Raven, wary because Raven might be up to some trickery. "What is your challenge, Raven?" they said.

Raven spoke, "I wish for you to create a Human Being for me." He explained what a Human Being was to be, all the qualities and appearances it should have. "Whichever one of you two can create a Human being first, your offspring will live all over the world."

Stone said "I accept." Elderberry Bush also said "I accept."

Raven said "Then it is a game...You will begin tonight as the sun goes beneath the sea." And he flew back home.

The next morning Raven flew back to see how the game was going. He laughed as he heard Stone and Elderberry Bush exchanging insults.

"Your Human Being will be far too small, as your berries are too small!" cried Stone.

"Your Human Being will be dull and heavy, as you are Stone!" yelled Elderberry Bush.

Raven asked "How does the competition go?" landing on a nearby tree.

Both Stone and Elderberry Bush cried out "I am nearly done!" at the same time. Raven could see the top of Stone shake about as he tried to push out a Human Being. Raven could also see as Elderberry Bush wrapped his branches around a budding young Human Being.

"I will return tomorrow." cried Raven, and flew off to his village again. As he flew away, Stone and Elderberry Bush returned to their insults, yelling loudly across the waters. He laughed again, happy with himself for starting the game.

On the next morning, Raven returned and both Stone and Elderberry Bush were silent. He landed in the same tree and noticed they both looked very tired. Elderberry Bush had made a huge hill of branches and was busy building. Stone quivered from top to bottom, and on the top, a Human Being looked as if it were ready to step away from the Stone, only being attached at the ankles. It seemed as if Stone were ready to win.

"Very nice, Stone." said Raven, "Your Human Being Looks almost ready. He shall be a fine Human Being, and shall have your strength. He shall never have sickness, and shall never die. He will be a fine companion."

Just then Elderberry Bush cried out "I am done! I win!" and a Human Being stepped out of the small hill of branches. Raven and Stone looked up at the fine Human Being. He was beautiful to see. He had long hair the color of Raven's feathers and wonderful eyes the color of the sea.

Raven looked back at Stone again. Stone was so exhausted that when Elderberry Bush had finished, He quit creating as well. The Human Being coming out of the top of Stone slowly knelt down on one knee, and became as still and steadfast as the rest of Stone.

Raven flew over to the Human Being in the middle of Elderberry Bush, and landed next to him.

"Elderberry Bush, your Human Being is much more beautiful than Stone's, he has warm skin and a wonderful face. But because he is your offspring, he shall live as you do. He shall be born, grow, sometimes get sick, and die, as you do. It is sad he must die, but he shall be able to make more as you do." Raven clasped his hand to that of the first Human Being.

"I thank you for the challenge Raven." said Elderberry Bush, softly.

Raven flew off to his village to show the animals to the Human Being. It is from this day forth that Humans live and die like the Elderberry Bush, and as a reward to Elderberry Bush, Raven made his berries poisonous, so Bear would not smash him every summer.

Stone's Human can still be seen, kneeling on top of him, looking down on the Waters near Prince Rupert.