A Duci’ne man abducts a woman and takes her to his homeland through a perilous canyon. She bears two children who later return to her people, sharing knowledge of the Duci’ne. Following this union, the Duci’ne cease killing intruders, instead turning them away to protect their territory.
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
Forbidden Love: The union between the woman and the Duci’ne man represents a romantic connection defying societal or cultural boundaries.
Cultural Heroes: The children, born from this union, act as foundational figures by bridging two cultures, sharing knowledge, and fostering peace between their mother’s people and the Duci’ne.
Transformation: The narrative showcases a transformation in the Duci’ne’s behavior—from hostile protectors of their territory to a more tolerant group—indicating a significant change in their societal norms.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about Tahltan people
A Duci’ne man stole a woman, and took her to his country. After travelling many days, they came to a canyon, through which they passed. The Duci’ne people had their home at the other end. No strangers ever went through this canyon and returned, for the Duci’ne killed them.
The woman bore two children. Both of them came to live among the people, whom they told all about the country and habits of their father’s people. Their mother never returned from the Duci’ne country.
After this marriage, the Duci’ne did not kill any more people; and any who travelled into the canyon near their country were turned back, and not killed. The Duci’ne kept watchers at the canyon to prevent people going through.
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