by Cherokee Artist, Joe Guthrie
In the beginning, there was no fire, and the world
was cold. The Thunders sent their lighting, and put fire into the bottom of a hollow
sycamore tree, which grew on an island. The animals knew it was there, but couldn’t
get to it because of the water, so they held a council to decide what to do.
Birds, snakes, and the four footed animals all had
some excuse for not going. They were afraid to venture near the burning sycamore.
The Water Spider said that she would
go. She can run atop the water or dive to the bottom, so getting to the island would be no
trouble. The question was, how would she bring back the fire? "I’ll manage
that," said the Water Spider. She spun a thread from her body and wove it into a
bowl, which she fastened on her back. Then she crossed over to the island and through the
grass to where the fire was still burning. She put one little coal of fire into her bowl,
and came back with it. Ever since, we have had fire, and the Water Spider still keeps her
bowl.
Spider and the Fire
$25 + $10 shipping
