A man, believing in his supernatural abilities, requests to be placed in a sack and submerged in a lake through an ice hole. He remains underwater throughout the winter, surviving until the snow melts, when he is retrieved alive. Others who attempted this feat often perished, indicating that only those with significant supernatural power could endure such trials.
Source:
The Beaver Indians
by Pliny Earle Goddard
The American Museum of Natural History – Anthropological Papers
Volume X, Part 4
New York, 1912
► Themes of the story
Magic and Enchantment: The man’s belief in his supernatural powers and his survival suggest influence beyond the natural realm.
Trials and Tribulations: Enduring an entire winter submerged in a lake represents a significant test of endurance and faith in his abilities.
Conflict with Nature: The act of immersing oneself in a frozen lake for an extended period highlights a direct confrontation with natural elements.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Dane-zaa people
A man was put in a sack which was then lowered into a lake through a hole which had been cut in the ice. The man to whom it was done had said, “Do that to me.” He thought he had supernatural power to endure that. The others kept watch while he sat in the water all winter until the snow was nearly melted. They saw he was still alive and took him out.
Some who tried to do that died and others lived. Those who were not very powerful supernaturally, died. Many who did such things to each other died. Before white people came there was no sickness. At first they died only when they were using supernatural power on each other.
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Dreamtime Whispers 