A war party sought enemies but found none. They sang war songs, which revealed the presence of the Cree. After testing their strength by uprooting large stones—leaving handprints still visible—they attacked at dawn, annihilating their foes. This story underscores the believed power of war songs and rituals in summoning adversaries and ensuring victory.
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
War and Peace: The central focus is on the planned attack and ensuing battle between the two groups.
Magic and Enchantment: The act of singing to summon or locate the enemy suggests a belief in the magical power of war songs.
Sacred Objects: The large stones, which retained the handprints of the warriors, may hold symbolic or mystical significance.
► From the same Region or People
Learn more about the Dane-zaa people
This was told in response to a question about a stone that used to be by the ford at Haliska, west of Vermilion. It is the common belief that if this stone is moved from its place it’ returns of itself. The informant said a half-breed once threw it into the creek, but when he next passed it was back in its place. When the informant was asked where it is now, he said it was near Peace River where a half-breed had carried it. He gave as his opinion that the stone had been so long unused that no life was now in it.
Once when breechcloths of skin were still worn, a party of Indians went to war. They failed to find the enemy they were after and therefore could not accomplish their purpose.
► Continue reading…
They began to sing for the Cree and then they saw them. They started for the place where the Cree were, but when they came near, decided to postpone the attack until the next morning. While they were waiting they tried their power by lifting out large stones. [Two stones were pulled out of the ground by the competing men. The stronger (in magic) pulled out the larger.] The prints of their hands can still be seen where they took hold of the rock. They made the attack and killed them all, leaving not one of them living.
Running and expanding this site requires resources: from maintaining our digital platform to sourcing and curating new content. With your help, we can grow our collection, improve accessibility, and bring these incredible narratives to an even wider audience. Your sponsorship enables us to keep the world’s stories alive and thriving. ♦ Visit our Support page
Dreamtime Whispers 