CH. X MYTHOLOGY OF THE MINAHASSSES 249 



heavens. In those days the gods frequently turned their 

 steps earthward to walk amongst mortals, and rich blessings 

 ever followed in their footsteps. 



' " I wonder what it is like above there in the dwell- 

 ings of the immortals ? " said the proud and inquisitive 

 Warereh. 



' His curiosity gained the mastery over his prudence, 

 and he went to the Lokon to see. Higher and higher he 

 climbed over the rocky and difficult ground, until at last he 

 reached the top and gazed on the noble mansions of the 

 heavenly choir. Prouder than ever he returned to earth 

 and boasted of all he had seen. But he always wished to 

 make the ascent again and gaze once more on the pleasant 

 places of the gods. At last he was discovered and the 

 immortals swore to be avenged. But Warereh fled and hid 

 himself in the mountains for a long time. Eventually he 

 felt a superhuman strength in his limbs and dared to 

 venture forth to meet the angry gods. 



' Armed with a terribly long sword he hastened to the 

 mountain, and with one lusty stroke the top of the Lokon 

 was cut off. Taking it up on his shoulders he carried it 

 beyond the Tonsea and set it up as the mountain which is 

 now called Klabat. Not satisfied with this exploit, he tried 

 another stroke, and the portion he cut off he threw into 

 the sea near Wenang (the modern Manado), and there it 

 remains to this day as the Manado tuwa Island. 



' The punishment for his misdeeds, however, speedily 

 followed. Shunned and hated by all men, he had to pass 

 the remainder of his days in soHtude. 



' Ever since the time of the bold and wicked Warereh 

 the immortals have Hved their lives apart from mortals, and 

 the blessings which followed on their footsteps are sought 

 by men in vain.' 



According to another legend (89), it was the Klabat 



