This is the Cherokee Indian's story explaining how fire was first discovered or achieved. The Thunders placed fire on the cold earth within a hollow tree. Several animals tried to get close to the fire to discover it but were unable due to the fierce heat coming out of the top of the tree and the water that surrounded the tree. The Indians use those the outcome of each animals attempt to possess the fire as a way to explain why the animals have red eyes or why they are black. Eventually a water spider was sent to try and possess the fire. The spider put a burning coal in its bowl and we have had fire ever since.
My thoughts: this was a cute way to explain how animals and fire developed and could make an interesting story for week tens writing assignment. I could use any animals I wanted and maybe even change the element the animals are seeking out.
Bibliography: Cherokee "First Fire" Myths of the Cherokee written by James Mooney (1900)
Cherokee: First Fire
Fire
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