The Strange Origin of Corn

Abenaki/Western Maine/Anonymous: A long time ago, when the Indians were first made, one lived alone, far from any others. He did not know fire, and so he lived on roots, bark, and nuts. This man became very lonely for companionship. He grew tired of digging roots, lost his appetite, and for several days lay dreaming in the sunshine. When he awoke, he saw someone standing near and, at first, he was very frightened. But when he heard the stranger's voice, his heart was glad, and he looked up. He saw a beautiful woman with long light hair! "Come to me," he whispered. But she did not and when he tried to approach her, she moved farther away. He sang to her about his loneliness, and begged her not to leave him. At last she replied, "If you do exactly what I tell you to do, I will also be with you." He promised that he would try his very best. So he she led him to a place where there was some very dry grass. "Now get two dry sticks," she told him, "and rub them together fast while you hold them in the grass." Soon a spark flew out. The grass caught fire, and as swiftly as an arrow takes flight, the ground was burned over. Then the beautiful woman spoke again: "When the sun sets, take me by the hair and drag me over the burned ground." "Oh, I don't want to do that!" the man exclaimed. "you must do what I tell you to do," she said. "Wherever you drag me, something like grass will spring up, ad you will see something like hair coming from between the leaves. Soon seed will be ready for your use." The man followed the beautiful woman's orders. And when the Indians see silk on the cornstalk, they know that the beautiful woman has not forgotten them. American Folklore Society www.afsnet.org