Identifier: birchbarklegends00owah (find matches)
Title: Birch bark legends of Niagara, founded on traditions among the Iroquois;
Year: 1884 (1880s)
Authors: Owahyah
Subjects: Iroquois Indians Wolves Legends Indians of North America
Publisher: (St. Catharines, Ont. : Journal Print. Co.)
Contributing Library: Fisher - University of Toronto
Digitizing Sponsor: University of Toronto

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he conflict w^as so long, and had, from itseven tenor, become so engrossing. One instants hesi-tation would .probably decide the contest with criticsso quick to perceive with both eye and ear the leastdeviation from their standard customs. After passingsuccessively through the exercise of war-clubs, spearsand tomahawks, to the bow and arrow was left the de-cision. Again preparing for the contest after their ownfashion, omitting no caution or form, the combat-ants brought all their warrior skill into requisition.Challenge after challenge was given and taken withequal confidence. The impression on the warriorspectators was exciting; admiration of such unex-ampled dexterity gradually increased, finally swellinginto sounds that denoted lively opposition in senti-ment, when suddenly, with an ominous flourish of hisbow, as it fell at the feet of Great Oak, Black Snake jwith a single bound stood in front of the Chiefs. This ;unexpected movement produced attention and silence Iwhile he spoke:
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BIRCII BARK LEGENDS OF NIAGARA. 33 Black Snake sends a true arrow, but the Manitouguided Grey Eagles. The Manitou whispered truthsin the ear of Great Oak and defeated the evil spirit.The Manitou says to War Eagle: I send a warrior toyour people to fill your place, and Grey Eagle, thechosen of the Manitou, will be a great warrior. All of Black Snakes former pride and exultationseemed supplanted by humility. Not the least demon-stration of jealousy or revenge was to be traced in hisartful face, while he continued : ^ Grey Eagle will lead the young braves on the war-path. Let our father send an offering to the Manitou,that he may drive the evil spirit away from BlackSnake, and he will be Grey Eagles brother and fightby his side. Black Snakes arrows are true, and thecries of our enemies will fill the forest, while everysquaw can deck her lodge with scalps. With an appealing glance at the circle of Chiefs,Black Snake modestly retired and they held their talk. According to their customs, ca

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