FEWKEs] RELIGION 75 



name varies so greatly in different writings that at times it is almost 

 impossible to recognize it. 



A MODERN LEGEND 



There is a rich tield for research in both Santo Domingo and Porto 

 Rico in the study of survivals of Indian folklore among the so-called 

 Gibaros. Senor Federico Vail y Spinosa has published one of these 

 modern legends: " 



The Sierra Luquillo mountains lie along the northeastern coast of Porto Eico. 

 Among them, higher than the rest, standing out proudly and serenely, stands El 

 Yunque, the loftiest peak in the land over which Boriquen ruled many years ago. 

 These mountains are thickh\wooded, containing the few forests left to the island, 

 and these are slowly disappearing under the woodman's axe. It is now only a 

 question of time when Porto Bico shall consist of one clump of lieautiful, but bare 

 mountains. 



Standing face to face with El Yunque and raising its head almost to a level with this 

 majestic peak, another one, called Cacique, is prominent in the Sierra. The top of 

 this peak consists of a large rock which has a small inclination, causing an indenture 

 on one side, which is commonly termed the cave. It is with this rock that my 

 legend is concerned. 



As is the case in all mountain regions, around this height many legends exi;-t and 

 are handed down from generation to generation by the peasants dwelling near. Dur- 

 ing a short stay among them it was my good fortune to listen to a number of tliem, 

 and I give this one as taken from my notebook : 



"King Cacique was a good and powerful monarch, who ruled over the northern 

 coast of Porto Rico in the days of yore, when spirits were supposed to wander on 

 mother earth. 



"El Enemigo, as my fair story-teller called him, or the devil, as the Bible says, 

 used then to wander in disguise amongst the mortals, trying to dissuade the true 

 ones from their career. Cacique was one of those whom the Evil Spirit worked hard- 

 est and longest to win over, but, seemingly, without success. His strong will over- 

 came all obstacles and temptations thrown in his path for a long time; l:)ut the Evil 

 One was not satisfied to he daunted or depri\ed of his prey. 



"He worked incessantly and spared not a chance to tempt. Finally, one day, 

 when Cacique had returned from his work, tired and weary, and the Evil Sjiirit had 

 commenced his taunts again, in a rash moment of despair he turned on his tempter 

 and said: 



" 'If you can take me to j-on mountain,' pointing to El Yunque, 'without getting 

 my feet wet, I will do as you will.' 



" It was a sad hour for Cacique when he uttered these words, for no sooner had 

 they left his mouth than the Evil One took him through the air, over rivers, hills, 

 and mountains, to El Yunque. Once there, the Evil One told liim who he was, and 

 said that he was his prisoner. 



"Then and there el Enemigo pronounced his sentence: 'You shall lie shut up for 

 the rest of your days in yonder mountain,' and he pointed to the peak where Cacique 

 rock stands to-day, and to make sure ni him he covered the ojjening with this rock. 

 Before being locked up Cacique by implorations obtained from the Evil One per- 

 mission to haj-e with him his wife and daughtei', whom he had left in the plains. 

 This request granted, his wife, accompanied by her daughter, a young and charming 

 princess, shared his quarters of captivity. This young princess, having barely 



a A Legend of King Ciicique, .fan Juan yews, Dec. 26, 1901. 



