In a time of scarcity, an elderly woman was left behind by her tribe due to her frailty. Resourcefully, she crafted snares from sinew and caught numerous rabbits, providing herself with ample food and warm clothing. When scouts returned to check on her, they found her thriving. Upon the tribe’s return, she greeted them, dancing and singing about her survival and newfound prosperity.
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
Conflict with Nature: The woman faces the challenges of surviving alone in the wilderness, utilizing her skills to procure food and shelter.
Cunning and Deception: She cleverly uses available resources to create snares, ensuring her sustenance and survival.
Community and Isolation: Initially isolated from her tribe, she demonstrates self-reliance, ultimately leading to a reintegration with her community under changed circumstances.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Tahltan people
A long time ago an old woman was deserted by her people, who were short of food, and had to leave to look for game. As she was too weak to keep up with them, they left her behind in the old camp, with a fire.
After the people had gone, she hunted around and found some scraps of sinew, with which she made a string for a rabbit-snare. Many rabbits came to the deserted camp, as they love to do, and she caught some with her snare. She made many snares of the rabbit sinews. She caught many rabbits, and had plenty of food.
She also made rabbit-skin robes to wear and to sleep in. The people did not find much game where they had gone. After some time they sent two girls back to see if the old woman was alive and if there were signs of game near the old camp.
► Continue reading…
They found the old woman with plenty of food, and well clad. They returned and told the people, who now moved back. As they approached, the old woman went out to meet them dressed in a large rabbit-skin robe, and danced, and sang:
You thought I would starve.
What did you think I would eat?
I am dancing now.
I wear a rabbit-skin robe.
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