22 THE MYTHOLOGY OF THE WICHITA. 
The end having arrived, some great star will return to earth and 
will pick out some man who is of a kind disposition to explain to the 
people what is about to take place. Then all the stars and the sun and 
the moon will be human beings again, as in the first days. Thereupon 
will begin a new cycle of four eras; another world will be created; an- 
other transformation period will follow, and other generations will 
live as have lived the generations of the present era. 
The belief that this period is approaching is strong among the 
Wichita, for they say they are no longer surrounded by the animals 
which they formerly made use of in so many ways. Everything seems 
to be different from what it used to be. There are no more wild flowers 
or green trees. Nothing seems to grow any more. Even the fowls of 
the air have disappeared, and they were forewarned that their dis- 
appearance would be a sign that the end was near at hand. Furthering 
this belief is the frequency with which the people in their dreams con- 
verse with stars. Another evidence that the world is getting old and 
going the other way, is the realization that the tribe is constantly grow- 
ing smaller and that, like the offspring of the pair saved out of the 
deluge, they will soon be obliged to intermarry. 
The myths of the Wichita naturally refer to the first two epochs of 
the world’s history, and are spoken of as “old” or “true” tales; while 
those which refer to the present period are spoken of as “new.” 
In relating the various myths no order, as a rule, is followed, for, 
on account of their great length, generally not more than one or two 
are told in a night. Should it seem desirable, however, on the part of 
the teller, to follow some order, he bases his scheme not only upon 
what he considers to be good chronological order, but one which in 
its relation to the happenings of events preserves the order followed by 
the sun in its course, for this was the scheme of creation. Hence the 
gods of the east take precedence over those of the south, while those 
‘of the south take precedence over those of the west and north. 
Instruction concerning the time of creation and transformation is 
considered by all Wichita parents as conferring a lasting benefit upon 
their children. Hence it is their custom to invite to their lodge some 
man, generally of advanced years, who is known throughout his life 
to have been upright, kind, and brave, to relate the deeds of the ancient 
heroes. Not only was the rehearsal of these tales looked upon as a 
form of worship, as a prayer to the gods and heroes which still exist, 
but by the relating of their acts the young men and women of the house- 
hold were led to believe that they, too, might become great and good. 
