Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1915-01-31
PRETTY MYTH TOLD
OF BALLS ORIGIN
Animals and Birds Lined
Up for a Contest; Bats
and Squirrels Winged.
Fowls Winners by Reason
Of Wings and Legs of
Hairy Beasts.
BY E. A. MacMILLAN).

BY Il. A. MacMlLLAN).
Special 10 The World,
ADA, Okla, Jan. 30.-The ball
game has been a sport among the
aboriglnees since prehistoric time,
and today is played among many
tribes-even among the five civilized
tribes. It's origin is shrouded in mys-
terry as even the oldest eXtant--even
the Walam Olum of the Delewares
lays stress on the sport.
The myths of several tribes quite
accurately describe the game, in
cluding the Chckasaws, Creeks,
Cherokee, Sioux and Caddos and 1t Is
surprising how strikingly similar they
are.
1t is related that many many
wears ago, before the removal OF
the Indians to Oklahoma, the animals
challenged the birds TO a game. All
arrangements relative to the rules
that should govern were made. The
game was to be played at the tribal
dance ground--the animals to occupy
a grassy strip along the river ana
the birds the treetOps. The animals
were under the leadership Of the
Bear, whose strength was such that
he was held invincible. The Terrapin
was with the animals--not the Terra
pin so common, but the great Terra
pin. He was chosen on account OF
his hard shell, because heavy blows
would not affect him. The Deer was
also chosen because he could outrun
all other animals The plans and ar
rangements We're so complete that
success for the animals seemed as
sured.
Eagle Chosen Leader.
The leader Of the birds was the
Eagle chosen for his strength and
swiftness of flight The dance was
held, and while awaiting the flnal
arrangements two strange animals
appeared who asked to join the BIRDS
in the game. They stated that as
they had been made the butt OF rid
icule by the animals, and they de-
sired to Join the birds for revenge.
Neither had wings, so a council OF
the birds was held relative to permit
ting them TO participate, and it was
agreed that wings should be supplied
them. Strips were cut from the
dance drum and wings were made
and fastened with cane splints TO the
forelegs Of the smaller animal, and
he was renamed the bat. Not having
time to prepare the other, the SKIN
along the side Of the body was
pulled out by the Eagle and the
Hawk and stretched from the fore
front TO the hind foot and he was
renamed the Flying Squirrel. Both
former animals proved expert IN the
catching and carrying the ball.
While these preparations were go
ing on the various animals had
gathered along the river bank ana
set up a great howl of derision' all
confident of the successful result OF
the game. The birds gathered from
miles around to watch the sport, but
none possessed the confidence that
the animals exhibited.
Birds are Nictors.
When all was in readiness the
signal for play was given ana tne
strange and curious game began. Inc
FLYING Squirrel succeeded in secur-
inc the ball at the first toss and car
ried It to the birds, who were in the
trees Accidentally the ball was
dropped before the birds were able
10 carry it between the two posts
The Martin, seeing the ball about to
he lost to the birds, daTted after 1t
and threw 1t to the Bat, who was
flying close to the ground, and who
by his doubling and lodging was
able to keep it from the Deer the
fleetest of all animals. At last the
Bat succeeded in carrying It between
the posts and the game was won
by the birds.
AS reward for the splendid work
Of the martin a gourd was grown, so
that ever after he would have
place for his nest The bat ever
since has had wings and has had
place among the birds The Flying
Souirrel has ever since been loved
and helped by the birds.
The myth is often related and held
I'm highest veneration by several
tribes.