Raven's Return

Day 69: A very long time ago, there was only darkness on the Earth. It was cold as well, and the Animals and People could not see to hunt and were shivering. The Animals who were the Peoples' protectors convened to see if they could find a solution. They decided that someone would have to steal Fire from the Sun, but which among them would be brave enough or smart enough? Coyote was known to be a trickster and clever, but he was afraid to approach the Sun. Seeing that his age-old rival was a coward, Raven boasted that he alone had both the cunning and the bravery for the deed.

Now, in those days, Raven was a white bird. He flew for many days toward the Sun, feeling his feathers get hotter and hotter, but his reputation was on the line. He could not go back to the People or face Coyote until he had achieved his goal. On and on he flew, and came at last to the Sun. One quick grab, and he had a piece of Fire in his beak and was streaking back to the Earth as fast as his smoldering wings would carry him. Today, Raven is black because his feathers were charred. He was successful in his task. He gave Fire to the People and the other Animals, and with it, the warmth and light they needed to survive.

When you see figures of Raven or Crow carrying a star, this is the story you must remember. Today we celebrate the Solstice, and a refreshing of the light which warms the Earth.