A hunter and his dog pursue a young goat down a steep cliff. After scolding the goat, it leaps onto a rock, which then rises into a tall pillar, trapping all three atop. The hunter warns his people to respect animals, predicting his transformation into stone. Over generations, his figure, along with the dog and goat, gradually petrifies, serving as a lasting reminder.
Source:
Tahltan Tales
by James A. Teit
The American Folklore Society
Journal of American Folklore
Vol.32, No.124, pp.198-250
April-June, 1917
Vol.34, No.133, pp.223-253
July-September, 1921
Vol.34, No.134, pp.335-356
October-December, 1921
► Themes of the story
Divine Punishment: The hunter is punished for his mistreatment of the goat, leading to his entrapment and eventual petrification.
Transformation: The transformation of the hunter, his dog, and the goat into stone figures atop the pillar.
Sacred Spaces: The rock pillar becomes a sacred landmark, embodying the tale’s moral and serving as a warning to others.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Tahltan people
A long time ago a man went hunting goats on Spatsi’z River [a stream forming one of the southern head waters of the Stikine River. The name is said to mean “goats painted,” because the goats get their hair stained by the rocks in this vicinity]. He carried a spear, and was accompanied by his dog. The dog ran down the goats; and when he brought them to bay, the hunter speared them. The man saw a young goat, and chased it. The goat ran down a steep and dangerous cliff; and the man and dog followed it, but they could not overtake it. When they reached the bottom of the cliff, the man was angry. He scolded the goat, and told him to go back to his father’s house. The goat then jumped up on a little rock and stood there. The man and dog jumped up also to attack him. Immediately the rock grew up into the air in the shape of a tall pillar, steep and smooth on all sides. As neither the man, nor the dog, nor the goat, could descend, they all stood there together on the summit.
► Continue reading…
As the man did not return, the people looked for him, and found him standing on the top of the tall rock. He called to them and told them his story. He said, “I am punished for abusing the goats. Never do as I have done. The animals will take revenge. Now I am here. I cannot get down, and you are powerless to aid me. I must stay here with my dog and the goat. I shall die and be turned into stone. When I see people approaching, I shall shout at them. They will look at me and remember my fate, and it will be a warning for them to treat the goats properly. After a while, when I become older and more feeble, I shall whistle; and still later, when I am almost completely petrified, I shall no longer be able to utter a sound, and you will know I am really dead.” The figures of the man, dog, and goat may still be seen on the top of this rock-pillar. Formerly the man held a spear, but this has now disappeared. Formerly both his legs were visible, as if he stood with legs apart; but now they are the same as if one. Formerly he shouted at people. This was about six generations ago. Later, in our grandparents’ days, he only whistled. Now people say he is really dead, and makes no sound. The name of the man or rock is Tenqalati’ya [said to mean “walked on arrow” (as if one met or walked against an arrow-point which pierced the body)].
Running and expanding this site requires resources: from maintaining our digital platform to sourcing and curating new content. With your help, we can grow our collection, improve accessibility, and bring these incredible narratives to an even wider audience. Your sponsorship enables us to keep the world’s stories alive and thriving. ♦ Visit our Support page
Dreamtime Whispers 