The tale is about a man known for his exceptional speed and bravery. In one instance, despite warnings from his companions about two white bears atop a hill, he confronts and defeats them single-handedly. In another episode, he outsmarts a group of Cree warriors who had set a trap using fake caribou decoys, ultimately killing all the Cree.
Source:
Chipewyan Texts
by Pliny Earle Goddard
The American Museum of Natural History – Anthropological Papers
Volume X, Part 1
New York, 1912
► Themes of the story
Hero’s Journey: The protagonist embarks on daring confrontations, showcasing his courage and strength.
Cultural Heroes: His actions and abilities highlight traits revered in Chipewyan culture, positioning him as a foundational figure.
Trials and Tribulations: The protagonist encounters and successfully navigates various challenges, including ambushes and deceptive traps.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Chipewyan people
Once when the Chipewyan were returning from an unsuccessful war party against the Cree, they were approaching the top of a hill. His-leg-trembles was far behind them. “I wonder what those two things are, sitting there ahead of us,” one of them said. When they started up the hill their blankets were blown back. His-leg-trembles came up to the party and started to climb the hill. “I want to see what they are,” he said. “Do not go up there, there are some white bears living under the top of the hill,” the others said to him. “I like to see something frightful,” he said, “I am going to look at them.” “No, do not,” the others urged him. “I am going to look,” he said. The string which held the blanket around his neck broke when it Was blown back by the wind. He ran around the two white bears who were sitting there waiting for him, making the ashes fly until nothing could be seen.
► Continue reading…
When the ashes settled, they saw the two bears lying with their heads away from each other and His-leg-trembles standing a little way from them leaning upon his little old spear. That man could run so fast that nothing could catch him. Without running very hard, he could keep along beside a young caribou.
At another time the Cree had put some willow sticks on a lake making them look like the horns of caribou. The Chipewyan thought they were caribou and hung pieces of clothing about the lake to prevent the caribou from running out and began to hunt them. While they were going to their several positions, they came where His-leg-trembles was sitting. On a point of land nearly opposite the side, they thought they heard a noise. It sounded like shouting but they were not certain. Then a big woman came near. “Niece, what has happened,” they asked. “’The Cree have put up sticks,’ Thananye told me. Then I started from there in a straight line, running sidewise that I might go faster. Over in the middle of the lake, I saw the Cree fighting. When I was about to run into them, I stopped. I slipped and fell under the Cree. ‘I will spear that mean little child,’ one of them thought to himself. They were holding their spears ready for me, but the spear points all came together behind me. Then I saw him standing there, it was so quickly done.” He had killed all the Cree.
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