Il. TALES OF READY-TO-GIVE. 
The tales presented in this group are known by the Pawnee as Ready- 
to-Give tales. They correspond to the group of tales in ‘‘The Tradi- 
tions of the Skidi’’ known as hero tales. These stories, like those in the 
preceding group, are, as a rule, told during intermissions in ceremonies, 
and while some of them are considered as true and relating to events 
which actually happened, others are clearly recognized as of a fictitious 
nature. But in all the tales the hero, usually a poor boy, overcomes 
the enemy or dangers and thus benefits the tribe, or he brings the buffalo 
to the famishing village, or performs some act which is of general tribal 
benefit. Thus the hope is expressed that by the relating of the tales the 
corresponding amount of bravery and fortitude will be shown, but espe- 
cially that some similar element of good fortune may result. The tales 
are known as Ready-to-Give, because Kawaharu, the god of the north, 
_ as explained in another place, is the especial patron of the hunter, and to 
him for success the hunters always appeal. Often these stories are told 
under certain circumstances while on the march toward the hunting 
grounds, at which time a grass-lodge is erected for the priests, and the 
girls of the village are encouraged to prepare a feast, when the priests 
sing and open one of the bundles. At such a time it is appropriate that 
tales such as these should be told. Thus in general it may be said that 
these tales as a group encourage heroic thoughts on the part of young 
men, because good fortune is desired to befall the tribe, and that through 
the relating of the tales respect is shown to the gods of the heavens and 
of the earth. 
These tales fall into three natural divisions: Those numbered from 
thirty-nine to fifty are boy hero tales proper, and especially are explana- 
tory of rites or ceremonies, and they are supposed to foretell or relate to 
things which are to happen. Those in the second group, numbered fifty- 
one to sixty-six, have to do with the calling of the buffalo. They are 
especially related during ceremonies by the priests, with the direct idea 
of bringing the buffalo nearer to the camp, because it was believed that 
the buffalo liked to be shown respect and often would voluntarily offer 
themselves to be killed in order that they might be offered to the gods. 
The tales of the third group, numbered sixty-seven to seventy-six, relate to 
the minor gods or wonderful beings, especially the witch-women and the 
_spider-women. These had power over certain games. The upshot of 
the stories of this division as a whole is, that the witch-woman is trans- 
ported to the moon, and the spider-women take up their abode in the 
sides of hills and become springs. | 
TAI 
