A lynx abducts a woman. Her husband tracks them to their first camp while the lynx is hunting rabbits. The husband instructs his wife to claim he is her father. Initially suspicious, the lynx eventually believes her. That night, the husband kills the lynx, transforming it into a real lynx with a short, round nose.
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 lynx undergoes a physical change, turning into its animal form after being clubbed by the husband.
Love and Betrayal: The narrative centers on the husband’s efforts to reclaim his wife after her abduction, highlighting themes of love and loyalty.
Cunning and Deception: The husband’s strategy involves deceiving the lynx by pretending to be the woman’s father, showcasing the use of wit to achieve his goal.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Tahltan people
Once upon a time Lynx stole a woman. Her husband overtook them at their first camp, while Lynx was out hunting rabbits. The man instructed his wife to tell Lynx that he was her father. When Lynx came back, he wanted to shoot the man, but the woman called out that he was her father. Lynx sang as he came into the camp:
I do not know what makes me feel thus.
If he is your father, cook for him some good rabbit.
At first Lynx would not believe her; but finally he was persuaded, and went to bed with the woman. During the night the man clubbed him, and he turned into a real lynx. That is why the lynx has such a short round nose now.
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