fkachtenberg] alsea texts and myths 57 



3. The Universal Change 



One day everybody (had) gathered at one place, (at) Ltowa'sk", in 

 order that general dancing should be indulged in by all for five 

 nights. (Then) on one night everybody began to dance. 



Afterward one pair of feathers were brought (m) in order that 

 everybody should try (them) on. The Bear put (the smaller feather) 

 on first and danced with it. And after he stopped at last, then every- 

 body told him that it did not fit him. (He was told so) because it 

 was simply feared that, should he have a horn, he would be entirely 

 too dangerous, if he should have a horn (on his head) ; (furthermore, 

 he would be dangerous) when, after having turned into a Bear, he 

 should always wear (even) the smaller (of) the (two) feathers. Then 

 it was said, ''Let that Deer try it on." So after having put it on, 

 (Deer) danced with it. And after he stopped, then everybody told 

 him. that it simply fit him beautifully. And it is for (this) reason 

 this Deer has a horn. 



Thereupon again the larger (of) the (two) feathers was tried. First 

 the Grizzly Bear tried it on. And after he had it on, he began to dance 

 with it. And after he stopped, then everybody merely told him that he 

 did not look well in it, (because it was feared) that he would become too 

 dangerous, should he have a horn after turning into a Grizzly. Then 

 finally the Elk tried it on. And after he stopped (dancing with it), 

 then everybody told him that it fitted him very well. For that reason 

 Elk has a horn. Thereupon next day all (sorts of) things were done. 

 All kinds of games were played. And when night came, then dancing 

 was indulged in once more by everybody. And when daylight 

 appeared again, then shinny playing was indulged in by everybody, 

 and also target-shooting, and also spearmg and guessmg. 



And after all (these) games came to an end, then Grizzly Bear was 

 going to be killed. So he was being watched everywhere. All (those) 

 by whom shmny was played (only) pretended (to play) in order that 

 he (should) not suspect anything. Then finally everybody became 

 engaged in a (pretended) fight because everyone was going to (take 

 part in) killing him. ' But when (Grizzly) knew himself (to be in 



