In a time long past, the fish of the Stikine and Taku rivers convened at their confluence for a monumental battle. King Salmon clashed with Steelhead, resulting in physical changes: King Salmon became thicker near the tail, while Steelhead lost ear ornaments, leaving red marks below their ears. Sucker fish were so severely beaten that their bones fragmented throughout their flesh. The battle concluded in a draw, leading to the separation of the rivers’ headwaters.
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
Transformation: The physical alterations in the fish species as a result of the battle highlight themes of change.
Origin of Things: The story portrays a struggle among natural beings, emphasizing the challenges inherent in the natural world.
Cosmic Order and Chaos: The battle and subsequent separation of the rivers reflect a movement from chaos to a reestablished order.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Tahltan people
A long time ago the waters of the Stikine and Taku met in the valley north of Telegraph Creek. The head waters of the two rivers joined south of New York Lake, near where Hyland’s horse-ranch is now situated. The remains of the shallow lake which connected the two streams may be discerned yet. The salmon and other fish from the two rivers always met and fought at this place. The Taku River fish and the Stikine River fish gathered to have a decisive battle. The two war-parties coming from opposite directions met at the head waters, and a big fight ensued. King-Salmon fought Steel-Head, and took his anklets away: therefore the king-salmon is thick around the root of the tail now, and the steel-head is thin. Steel-Head tore off King-Salmon’s ear-ornaments: therefore he has red marks now below the ears. Sucker was clubbed so badly, that his bones were all broken; and therefore his small bones are now all through his flesh. Some informants say that the result of the battle was a draw, and that it was then arranged that the head waters of the two rivers should be separated.
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