The Kansas herald of freedom., 1855-01-13
.Miseeiiapccps.
Indian Legend-The Origin of Corn.
By MINNIE MYRTLE.

In looking over various books concern
ing Indian literature, have found two or
three legends connected with the origin
of corn and other vegetables, which will
not be likely to fall under the eye of
general readers without assistance, and
which have thought worth transcribing.
They sound very. much like the fairy
tales, to which We have all loved to listen
in childhood, and are worthy place
among the fables of any people.
MANDININ OR, THE ORIGIN OF INDIAN
CoRN.-A poor Indian was living with
his wife and children in beautiful
part of the country, His children were
too young to give him any assistance
in hunting, and he had but ill-luck him
self. But he was Thankful for all he
received from the forest although he was
very poor, he was very contented.
The eldest son inherited the same dis
position, and had been ever obedient TO
his parents He had now reached the
age at which it is proper to make the
initial fast, which the Indian la1s all
make at about fourteen or fifteen As
soon as the spring arrived, his mother
built him little fasting lodge, in retired
spot, where he would not be disturbed !:
and, when it was finished, he went in
and began his fast.
He amused himself few mornings
by rambling about in the vicinity, look
ing at the shrubs and wild flowers-for he
had taste for such things-and brought
great branches of them along in his
hands, which led him often to think OH
the goodness of the Great Spirit, in pro-
viding all kinds of fruit and herbs for
the use of man. This idea quite took
possession of his mind, and he earnestly
prayed that he might dream of something
to benefit his people; for he had too often
seen them suffering for want of food
On the third day he became too weak
and faint to walk about, and kept his bed
He fancicd, while thus lying in dreamy
state, that he saw handsome young
man, dressed in green robes, with green
waving plumes on his head, advancing
towards him.
The visitor said Liam sent to YOU
by the Great Spirit who made all things
He sees that you wish to procure bene-
tit to your people. Listen to my words.
and follow my instructions
He then told the young man to rise
and wrestle with him. Weak as he wa.
he tottered to his feet and began bul
after a long while the handsome stranger
said '' 1t is enough for once. l viii
come again" He then vanished.
On the next day the celestial visitor
re-appeared, and renewed the trial. The
young man knew that his physical
strength was even less than the day be-
fore; but as his physical strength de-
clined he felt that his mind became
stronger and clearer Pereeiving this,
the stranger in plumes again spoke to
him. "To-morrow," he said, '.wiIl be
your last trial Be strong and courage
Gus it is the only way in which you
can obtain the boon you seek" He
then departed.
On the third day, as the young faster
lay on his pallet, weak and exhausted,
the pleasing visitor returned and as he
resumed the contest he looked more
beautiful than ever. The young man
grasped him, and seemed to feel new
strength impaired to his body, while
that of his antagonist grew weaker.
At length the stranger cried out, /" 1t
is enough | am beaten. You viii win
your desire from the Great Spirit. To-
morrow will be the seventh day of your
fast, and the last of your trials. Your
father will bring You food, which will
recruit YOU. l will then visit you for
the last time, and see that you will pre-
vail. As soon aS you have thrown me
down, strip off my garments and my
waving pluraes, and bury me on this
spot. Come often to the place, and keep
the earth clean and soft. shall soon re-
appear, with all the wrappings of my gar
ments and my waving plumes. Once a
month cover my roots with fresh earth.
By following these directions your tri-
umph will be complete He then dis
appeared.
The next morning the youths father
came with food but he asked him TO set
it by, for particular reason, till the sun
went down. Meanwhile the sky-visitor
came for his final trial and though the
young man had not partaken of his IA
Tiers food, he engaged in the combat
with his visitor with feeling of super
natural strength.
He threw him down, and then stripped
off his garments and plumes. He buried
his body in the earth, carefully preparing
the ground, and removing every weed I;
and then returned to his father's lodge.
He partook sparingiy of food, and soon
recovered his perfect strength. But he
never for monet forgot the burial place
of his friend. He carefully visited il,
and would not let even a wild flower grow
there.
Soon he saw the tops of the green
plumes coming out of the ground; at first
in spiral points; then expanding into the
broad green leaves. and finally assuming
their silken fringes and yellow tassels.
The spring and summer had now
passed, when one day, towards evening,
he asked his father to visit the spot where
he had tasted. The old man stood in
aniazementl The lodge was gone. aud
in its place stood tall. graeafiii. and ma
jestic plant, waving It's taper kaycs, and
d;Sr,iariner its bri.rit-..e,lored ril1n,as and