A magician cuts his throat with impunity

Source: 
The Beaver Indians
by Pliny Earle Goddard
The American Museum of Natural History – Anthropological Papers
Volume X, Part 4
New York, 1912

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► Themes of the story

Supernatural Beings: The protagonists possess supernatural abilities, allowing them to survive otherwise fatal injuries.

Trials and Tribulations: The men undergo a dangerous test to prove their powers, facing life-threatening challenges.

Cunning and Deception: The story involves elements of testing and outwitting death through supernatural means.

► From the same Region or People

• North America
  • Sub-Arctic Region
    • Dane-zaa Lore

Learn more about the Dane-zaa people

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There was a man who had great supernatural power. The man with whom he shared a wife said to himself, “I, too, am just the same sort.” Thinking they would test their power they decided to cut off each other’s heads. The first man had his head cut off but he did not die. Then his companion cut his throat. He tried in vain to fix it again. He drew his hand across his throat twice but it made no difference. He was unable to restore himself. He went to his companion and said, “I thought I was the same kind as you but I am not.” Then his partner called him to him and put his hand on his throat. After that he got well. They lived all right. They were only testing themselves. At first before there were any white people, the Indians were powerful men. They secured their livings by means of supernatural power. That was when they used to wear leather.