  The Indians of long ago had no books and no schools; but each tribe had its story-tellers, who went from one wigwam to another. Everywhere they were welcomed by old and young and begged to return. The stories were told and retold by their hearers until learned. Indian mothers quieted their fretful little ones by stories and songs just as other mothers have always done. The Indian stories are strange, and some are very beautiful. There are wonderful tales of the sun, moon, and stars; of animals and birds and trees; of the thunder and the lightning and the winds. Through stories the children learned the strange beliefs of their parents. They were taught to call the sun their father and the moon their mother, and all the animals and birds their brothers. They thought that animals and birds could talk, and that they listened to everything which was said in the wigwams. Tales of fearless hunters and brave warriors made the boys wish to become as brave as their fathers. Tales of the men that had brought great good to their people led the children to hope that they, too, might sometime bring blessings to their tribe. The children learned that their fathers worshiped the Great Spirit, and that no warrior ever went on the warpath without offering many prayers. They were taught that many of their dances were thank offerings to the Great Spirit, and that the war dance was for success in battle. In winter evenings the Indians gathered around the wigwam fire. This was their only Night after night the boys were drilled in repeating the stories they had heard. The whole family listened attentively, helping Special training was given to the boys of the tribe who showed the most talent. They were carefully prepared to take the places of the older story-tellers, for the tribal tales must never be lost nor forgotten. The Indian belief that animals can talk is shown in many of their best stories. Here is one about the birds. |
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